On the Local Level
Celebrating 90 years in 2024, CNB Bank is a hometown bank with big ambitions.
With a rich history dating back to 1934, CNB Bank first began as a financial institution serving the Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, community. Over time, it expanded its services to encompass a broader range of constituents and markets, cementing its place as one of the few remaining community banks in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia and western Maryland.
While the bank’s clientele has expanded, including the addition of a diverse range of rural customers and commuters who travel up to 70 miles to reach major metropolitan areas, its customer journey remains the same. Whether its lending, deposits, or investment expertise, Mark Harrell, president and CEO, says, “Our ethos is firmly grounded in our esteemed relationship model, which emphasizes a culture of learning and a commitment to the economic growth of our community.”
A Familiar Face
At CNB Bank, more than 100 experienced professionals, many of them local, provide reliable advice without trying to sell products. Instead, the bank offers solutions and establishes enduring partnerships founded on prudent financial guidance. With a desire to foster prosperity in the community, team members support local endeavors by sponsoring youth sports teams, serving on local nonprofit boards, attending local events, and much more. They’re eager to both interact within the community and assist with account-related queries.
In addition to its trust and regional knowledge, CNB Bank is known for its modern capabilities and innovative services. In September 2023, the bank concluded the most significant technological upgrade in its history, affecting every customer and employee touchpoint. According to Harrell, the staff was further called upon to come together and teach customers about how fluid banking can be. “For a hometown bank, our systems are exceptionally modern,” iterates Harrell.
Karen Richards, SVP of marketing highlights the bank’s local mentality and advanced systems, which appeal to clients and bankers who prioritize personalized services. “It used to be common to choose a bank based on where you live and work, but now, because of our advanced technology and relationship model, we don’t have to be right around the corner,” she says. “Clients can bank from anywhere and have high confidence in our capabilities and security.”
No matter how customers choose to access their accounts, whether through mobile devices, internet banking, ATMs, or physical offices, they can expect consistent familiarity and reliability. To round out services, CNB Bank’s newest location on Virginia Avenue in Hagerstown brings the number of branches to nine. The branch is set to open in early 2024 and will include advisors equipped to assist customers with any banking need.
After more than a decade at CNB Bank, Harrell continues to prioritize the customer journey, and there is nowhere else he’d rather be. “Not only are we here today, but for many years to come,” he concludes.