Bank Advisor

The Long Interview

2008 Community Connect Awards

By John Sullivan | Published November 1, 2008

The market's down, but not out. Community involvement and a positive brand are key to a trusted client-advisor relationship, which is critical now more than ever. Who's going above and beyond to serve more than just their customer's business needs? What unique and creative ideas are banks developing to make an impact in their surrounding community? We spotlight the best of the best.

Passion isn't a term typically associated with the bank channel, but it's apropos of Janet Lowe's community involvement; one that stems from Colorado-based Vectra Banks's corporate culture. It's a culture that goes far beyond simple time and treasure with an expected ROI of positive press. Rather, employees are encouraged to roll up their sleeves and get actively involved -- whether it's sitting on charitable boards, taking an active role in the organizations' operations or even going so far as to start their own.

"It's always the charities of our choice and ones we have a passion for," says Lowe, our 2008 CommunityConnect Advisor of the Year. "But we obviously do try to align our individual community involvement goals with those of the bank."

Lowe, who came to Vectra from US Bank five years ago, has close to 20 years in the industry. She now heads the private banking platform with a team of eight.

Among other endeavors, Lowe's particularly proud of her involvement with the board of the Women's Vision organization.

Discuss this Interview »

Top 10's