Operating a community-focused model while meeting the needs of local businesses is a defining characteristic of Westfield Bank.
“We offer the same level of expertise and attentive detail to all customers, whether it’s a new business opening their first account or a large and mature company looking for growth financing,” says Jim Hagan, President and CEO. “We have the experience and capital to handle the lending and day-to-day banking needs of the business community with a focus on providing the high-level service that our customers want and deserve.”
Westfield Bank has grown and changed with the times throughout its 170-year history, but a commitment to innovation and a positive customer experience has always been a priority.
“We are proud to offer a suite of innovative banking products and technologies to meet the daily banking needs of our clients, with individual personal support whenever issues or questions arise,” says Jamie Garcia, Senior Vice President, Commercial & Industrial Division Team Lead. “On the lending side, we have an easy loan approval process, resulting in quick decisions that are made locally. Combined with a personable commercial lending team that strives to build long-lasting relationships, customers can expect a seamless experience.”
Many of the values Westfield Bank operates on today have existed since its founding in 1853. However, it wasn’t until the mid-1990s that the bank significantly grew its commercial lending presence. In 1994, then-Senior Loan Officer Jim Hagan was tasked with increasing the commercial loan portfolio to meet the growing needs of local businesses in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
The commercial loan team expanded to meet these needs, including hiring experienced lender Al Miles in 1998. Many of the relationships that began during those years are still maintained by the bank today, including loans to colleges and universities, machinery and equipment operations, and medical facilities, among other industries.
Today, Hagan, now President and CEO, and Miles, Executive Vice President and Senior Lender, continue to lead expansion in the commercial sector.
Key hires to further the growth of the commercial lending team have occurred in recent years, including the addition of Jamie Garcia at the bank’s financial services center in West Hartford, a location that hosts both a branch and various business banking personnel. In addition to the West Hartford location, Westfield Bank serves Connecticut customers at offices in Granby, Enfield and Bloomfield.
“Our customers can be assured that the banker who visits their business is the same one who will pick up the phone to answer a question or provide any other type of assistance,” says Miles. “We’re prepared to listen to the needs of our business customers and tailor loans and services to meet those needs.”
Westfield Bank is proud to give back to the communities it serves through its Future Fund, which has provided millions in funding to local nonprofits throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Westfield Bank, Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #439933
To learn more about business banking with Westfield Bank, visit www.westfieldbank.com/business/business
