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Washington Financial Bank —
Where Community Banking is Different
When you think of banks , you don ’ t usually think of reclaimed Brazilian lumber and mid-century modern decor . Then again , Washington Financial is not your typical bank .
Founded in Washington County over a century ago , Washington Financial Bank is a mutual savings bank , meaning it is not beholden to shareholders — it ’ s beholden to you . And the staff takes that commitment very seriously .
“ We ’ re more community-driven ,” said Michael L . Chaido , Senior Vice President / COO . “ We ’ re owned by the depositors and we put our profits into our employees , the bank and our communities , with all three being of equal importance to us .”
The result of that philosophy is a workforce that is deeply embedded in the community , as volunteerism is expected at Washington Financial . All of the employees live in the community . In fact , the Branch Manager , Stacie Riley is the new mayor of Carnegie . In addition , Washington Financial has a robust scholarship program and is a strong supporter of local charities and causes in the communities where there are branch locations . Each year , Washington Financial commits to giving away several hundred thousand dollars to local charities and community organizations through its foundation , The Washington Financial Charitable Foundation . Since the inception of its Community Contributions program , Washington Financial has reinvested close to $ 10 million back into the communities it serves .
The newest location in South Fayette Township , its first in Allegheny County , not only promises similar benefits to the surrounding communities , but also pays homage to the community ’ s past through the look and feel of the offices .
“ None of our branches looks the same . We custom design them to reflect the community we ’ re in ,” Chaido said . “ In the case of South Fayette , we ’ re on the site of the old St . Anthony ’ s Church and across
the way from where Mulach Steel once stood , so both of those will be recognized in both design and in historical photos from South Fayette Historical Society . We fashioned the interior decor and aesthetics to mirror the history of the site . We have rusted metal paneling and all of the brick is recycled , and all of the wood is reclaimed lumber . It ’ s open , inviting and reminiscent of what you would see in the offices of a steel mill in the 1950s . Even the office furniture reflects the midcentury modern era .”
Aside from the decor , Washington Financial also excels at banking and making banking convenient . From setting up an account , to getting approved for a loan , to wealth management services , Washington Financial does it all .
“ We put a lot into our technology and product development because that ’ s what our customers want ,” Chaido said . “ To be honest , banking can be pretty ‘ vanilla ’ when it comes to the products you offer . Customers know what a bank offers . What they want is access to those services to be more convenient , easier and with more robust capabilities . So we strive to exceed their expectations in that arena .”
For more information on Washington Financial , including all of the available services , current rates and locations , visit their website at mywashingtonfinancial . com . You can also call directly at 412.221.1026 . The new South Fayette office is located at 179 Millers Run Road , Bridgeville , right next to the Dunkin Donuts , and is now open for business .
NMLS # 486073
SOUTH FAYETTE ❘ SPRING 2018 25