Before founding Traditions Bank, Mike Kochenour began his 45-year career with National Central Bank and successors—Hamilton, CoreStates, and First Union—as well as Drovers Bank. His experience in numerous senior leadership positions equipped him to become Founder and Chairman of Traditions Bank and serve as President until 2015 and CEO through 2016.
What changes have you seen in your 17 years of leading the Traditions Bank Board?
There has been a myriad of changes in the financial services industry since the founding of Traditions Bank in 2002. The number of U.S. Banks insured by the FDIC has decreased by 40%. Digital banking options have transformed service delivery. And regulatory requirements have become increasingly complex.
Among all of this change, Traditions Bank has experienced tremendous growth. Earlier this year, we reached another milestone in financial performance by exceeding $500 million in total assets. We have steadily increased our branch network and the number of local jobs provided. And we continue to build solid relationships with more and more individuals and businesses in our neighborhoods.
To what do you attribute the organization’s success?
I believe that our success is rooted not in what has changed, but in what has remained constant – unyielding commitment to our Core Values and vision to serve our local community.
Our dedicated Board has championed our growth. Each member is a demonstrated leader in their field of business and in our community, committed to our values and vision. The recent addition of Robert Lambert to this team will further strengthen us with his talent, insight, and perspective as we grow into the future.
Solid leadership and amazing financial performance are crucial, but our vision is only realized through our associates who are INVESTED in serving our customers.
One amazing example of living the INVESTED principles was our dear charter associate, Rebecca Amspacher. Becky, who was the bank’s first teller, played a vital role in our early success. She knew that in order to serve her customers, she needed to truly understand them. She defined exquisite service by how she made others feel. The impact she had on her customers and coworkers is something we all strive to emulate every day.
What’s next in your strategic vision for the bank?
What’s next? Endless opportunities and exciting possibilities! Our long-term vision always incorporated a York City presence, and establishing that hub in the center of our hometown is an example of the fulfillment of our vision. But we’ve only just begun! We will continue to connect to more diverse segments of our geography.
Traditions Bank is committed to remaining a thriving independent organization delivering value to our shareholders and truly earning the privilege to be the bank of choice across our market.
In remembrance of Rebecca Amspacher
When interviewed on the occasion of Traditions Bank’s 10th anniversary, Becky Amspacher, one of our 13 charter associates, reminisced, “There were a lot of challenges because everything was new. But we all worked together. This was going to be a local York County bank, and we were going to provide the best possible exquisite service around – a place where you acknowledged customers by name.”
Indeed, Becky knew everyone’s name and set the standard for exquisite service as she served her St. Charles Way customers for a dozen years in her role as Client Care Expert. She was the bank’s first official retiree in January 2014.
In July 2019, Becky bid the world goodbye. She will be sorely missed, and her legacy of service will never be forgotten.