WOOSTER – The Commercial & Savings Bank (CSB) has been recognized for its commitment to the communities it serves and the workers it employs. That’s just part of the reason the 142-year-old financial institution is the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 Business of the Year.
“This award from the Wooster Chamber of Commerce took us by surprise,” said CSB President and CEO Eddie Steiner. “It’s humbling and very important to us. There are so many great members in the manufacturing, industrial, service and retail sectors…to being selected this year was an affirmation of our efforts to continually contribute to commerce in Wooster and Wayne County.
Since 1998, CSB has helped commerce here since opening its first Wayne County banking center in Shreve. While its history in Wayne County dates back nearly a quarter century, CSB’s roots date back to 1874 when two businessmen, John Koch and Robert Long, formed the Bank of Millersburg. In 1879, she was chartered under her new name: The Commercial & Savings Bank of Millersburg, Ohio.
In 2005, CSB moved to downtown Wooster when the community bank opened a commercial trust and loan office in Liberty Commons.
CSB continued to expand its footprint in Wayne County by opening a banking center in Orrville in 2007 and the second in 2009. In 2017 the two offices were combined into a new banking center on High Street.
The trust and commercial loan operations in downtown Wooster continued to be successful, occupying three offices at Liberty Commons. But CSB customers had no place to take their deposits to Wooster.
That would change in 2011 when Steiner announced that CSB would acquire Premier Bank & Trust (formerly Ohio Legacy Bank) two Wooster branches: one on West Liberty Street and the other on Milltown Road.
When the lease expired at West Liberty, CSB moved east…leasing a building at 405 E. Liberty St. near Muddy’s Restaurant. The move bought time until the bank could construct a building on land it purchased just across the street.
CSB opened its new downtown Wooster Banking Center at 350 E. Liberty St. in June 2019. The design of the building intentionally incorporated some of the industrial look of its neighbors, like Muddy’s, JAFB Brewery, and Minglewood Distillery. The two-story banking center features open spaces, exposed beams and ductwork, lots of glass in the front, and a patio on the second floor. The nearly 7,000 square foot banking center includes two drive-thru lanes and another to serve those using the ATM or making night deposits.
CSB employs 190 people and today operates 16 banking centres, including its head office. Offices are located in Holmes (seven), Wayne (four), Tuscarawas (four), and Stark (one) counties.
“The bank has grown a bit and Wooster has been very supportive,” Steiner said. “Wooster has been a very strong growth market for us, and we are delighted to be here.
The feeling is mutual.
“Commercial & Savings Bank’s commitment to the local market has not only been unwavering, but has grown in recent history. Strong and committed leadership with a focus on community engagement has led to a positive reputation and a highly recognized brand,” said Chamber Speaker Samira Zimmerly. “While the CSB team is focused on its core service in the financial industry, it is hard to find a company that values its community-active employees more than CSB. Wooster is fortunate to have CSB in the community .
Commercial Savings Bank received the board award five years ago from Wooster Chamber
This is not the first time the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce has recognized the efforts of the Commercial & Savings Bank. Five years ago, he received the award from the board of directors.
Part of being grateful then, as now, is not only contributing to the economic well-being of the Wooster/Wayne County market, but also getting involved in the community and with non-profit organizations. lucrative.
For a community bank to be successful, it must serve the communities where it does business, Steiner said. CSB team members have long been very active in their communities, serving as volunteers, serving on committees and contributing their expertise to the boards of non-profit organizations.
Recognized as one of NorthCoast’s 99 Best Places to Work
While CSB has been good for the communities it serves, it has also been good for the employees who work there. For the fifth consecutive year, the bank has been recognized as one of NorthCoast’s 99 Best Places to Work for Top Talent. Some of the criteria relate to the recruitment and retention of staff, training and the commitment to developing talent.
CSB has helped businesses, independent contractors, and freelancers apply for federal Paycheck Protection Program funding. Steiner estimated staff helped with more than 1,300 PPP loans over a few months, which generated about $130 million in financial assistance.
“Many business owners have told us this is the difference between being able to operate and keeping their employees paid, even though their businesses are being shut down by government order,” Steiner said. “It was a very busy time for the staff. They were working very long hours. Almost all of these loans were canceled by the government.”
Other recent accolades CSB has received include Community Investment of the Year from the North Canton Chamber of Commerce and Associate of the Year from the Building Industry Association of Stark and East. Central Ohio.
While rewards and recognition are nice, “We don’t live for rewards, we live for communities,” Steiner said.
