Banking plus: Banks offer more than financial services to meet the needs of customers By Carrie Bartholomew

With the pace of life constantly increasing, many local banks are expanding their services to make the financial institution a place where many types of business can be conducted.

First State Community Bank in Cape Girardeau not only offers accounts and loans, but their William Street location also features a post office and insurance policies for customers.

"Having 'other' services at our financial institution is so important in today's world. With our post office, insurance agency, etc., we are able to assist and provide those services to not only our current FSCB customers, but to nonbank customers, as well. We are able to provide all customers the convenience of a 'one-stop' shop. This saves the customer a great amount of time -- time where they can focus on things that are important to them," Tara Conner, customer service representative at First State Community Bank, said.

Conner said attracting customers to the bank for nonfinancial matters can often lead to establishing a future banking relationship.

"From a financial institution's standpoint, we are able to attract the noncustomer with these additional services, which may lead, attract them to our bank for their banking needs. These extra services only benefit our institution by getting our name out into the community. Both current and potential customers take notice that not only can you mail your packages from FSCB, but you can also visit with your insurance agency about your health, homeowners insurance, etc., and you can make your bank deposits... all at the same location," she said.

Montgomery Bank also offers several service-oriented features. Debbie Simmons, the bank's regional retail manager for the Cape Girardeau market, said offering these services is part of doing business according to their owner's three rules of banking.

"Always make it easy for our customers to do business. Think of our customers as family. Let our customers know we appreciate their business," she said.

In addition to a Kid's Club, fraud seminars and other special services, Montgomery Bank offers a Seniors Club to its customers age 55 and over. Members of the Seniors Club go on trips throughout the region and beyond. Members also have access to special in-branch events and free checks.

Simmons said Montgomery Bank never forgets that banking is not as much about money as it is about people and their needs. Providing some of those non-traditional banking services is just part of that commitment to customers.