Business View Magazine - July 2023

170 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 10, ISSUE 7 At its core, Wallkill Valley’s profoundly ingrained philosophy of caring about people over transactions reflects its ethos as a true community bank. The bank’s priority is ensuring customers are positioned for successful homeownership. “We care about the people. We don’t like to take homes back. We don’t like having to make collection phone calls. So, we try to make sure that everybody we deal with is best positioned to be successful in homeownership,” Horodyski says. Forging Authentic Community Connections: The Relationship Business of Wallkill Valley For Wallkill Valley, banking is about far more than transactions and balance sheets – it’s about fostering genuine relationships with its community. This approach is paramount in community banking and has proven to be a valuable asset, particularly during uncertain times in the banking sector. Horodyski stresses, “Certainly, for us at the community bank level, it’s all about relationships.” This emphasis on personal connections enabled Wallkill Valley to navigate a recent banking crisis effectively. Customers had direct access to senior management, including Horodyski, to address their concerns and find ways to mitigate them, thus reinforcing the bank’s reliability and commitment to its community. But the bank’s involvement doesn’t stop at financial services; giving back to the community forms an integral part of its culture. Horodyski, his board, and his employees are encouraged to contribute to their community actively. Many Wallkill Valley employees are involved in local not-for-profit organizations. Horodyski leads by example, serving as the board of Trustee chair at a local college and working with an organization providing group homes and programming for mentally disabled individuals. “These actions aren’t directly banking related, Better Benefits Cost Savings Ensure HR Compliance Reduce Liabilities Grateful to Wallkill Valley Federal Savings & Loan for our Endearing Partnership HR Solutions for Hudson Valley Businesses Contact Us Today! 845-471-1200 | www.eapeo.com