Business View Magazine l October 2022

100 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 9, ISSUE 10 it’s just a sign of the times. With COVID, there were so many merchants that were closed and you were having to order online, so the environment changed people’s mindset about doing things online versus in person.” Craven points out that one of the main reasons people preferred in-person banking was the friendly first name service and genuine relationships that happen in the branch. He suggests, “I would say that everybody was a little hesitant going to a mobile application because they love coming in our offices. And COVID did show them that it was okay to use that mobile application and still come back into the branch and see the people that they know and trust to do business with.” In a constantly changing world, there are some things that Fidelity Bank is determined to keep the same. “When it comes down to what we do, people bank with people. People want someone they can talk to, someone they trust, a true partner for them. We are a small business bank, and we truly strive to be there for our customers to help them achieve their long-term goals. I don’t think that will ever change at all,” Willis maintains. As for what the future might hold, she suggests that continued expansion across North Carolina and into South Carolina is part of the long-term plan, offering, “I do think that, over time, as we are able to service customers in so many online facets, you’ll continue to see the number of branches decrease, but the Bank will continue to grow.” In summary Craven concludes, “People doing business with people is what we’re all about. We’ve been built on a foundation for over 100 years, and I don’t see the landscape changing. I think that we will continue to invest in technology that embraces the bank’s philosophy behind that.” Laurel LaBonte, Chief Human Resources Officer Dave Craven, Market Executive