News Room
ASB Coverage Links
3-26-08: www.mountainx.com
6-13-08: www.CITIZEN-TIMES.com
7-1-08: www.CITIZEN-TIMES.com
Asheville Savings Bank Promotes Vikki Bailey to Market Executive
Contact: Alicia Hammonds, Publicis
317-639-5135, alicia.hammonds@publicis-usa.com
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (October 20, 2008)—Asheville Savings Bank (ASB) is proud to announce the promotion of Vikki Bailey to fill the newly created market executive position at the Hendersonville branch location. Bailey has served in numerous executive roles and brings more than 30 years of experience at ASB to her new position.
As market executive, Bailey will be responsible for market growth and development in all Henderson County branches and all office regulations and procedures. She will also be ASB’s representative in various community business and civic organizations. With Bailey’s extensive experience in customer service and management, she will be the main contact for community business development.
“Over the years Vikki has had great success in every position she was charged. We are confident her skills and superior customer service will continue the bank’s growth and be a huge asset to the Hendersonville location,” said John Dietrich, Executive Vice President and Director of MarketPlace Banking and Marketing for ASB.
Originally from Arden, Bailey currently lives in Mills River with her husband.
About Asheville Savings Bank
Asheville Savings Bank, chartered in 1936, has 13 offices with 180 employees in the counties of Buncombe, Henderson, McDowell, Madison and Transylvania in western North Carolina. It is the oldest, locally managed, independent financial institution in Buncombe County. On August 30th, 2008, the bank had assets of $677 million.
Asheville Savings Bank Launches Stability Themed Advertising Campaign
Contact: Alicia Hammonds, Publicis
317-639-5135, alicia.hammonds@publicis-usa.com
ASHEVILLE, N.C.(October 14, 2008)—In the midst of a global financial crisis, many consumers and business owners are left with concerns about the safety of their money and the ability to acquire future loans. With 13 banks failing since May, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Asheville Savings Bank (ASB) is taking steps to ease the minds of area clients with a declaration of stability themed advertising campaign.
The campaign launched Oct. 13 and includes radio, print, and television spots with a clear message that ASB is secure and safe with the capital to continue its responsible and fair lending practices. The campaign offers information on the bank’s initiatives to give a safe place for customer deposits, such as the increase of FDIC coverage to $250,000 and providing Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (CDARS) which protects CDs up to $50 million with FDIC insurance.
“ASB has a 73-year history of making sound financial decisions and providing a secure place for people to bank. The purpose of this campaign is to inform the community that ASB is still dedicated to the same goals and high standards,” Suzanne DeFerie, ASB President and CEO, said.
For more information on ASB please visit www.ashevillesavingsbank.com.
About Asheville Savings Bank
Asheville Savings Bank, chartered in 1936, has 13 offices with 180 employees in the counties of Buncombe, Henderson, McDowell, Madison and Transylvania in western North Carolina. It is the oldest, locally managed, independent financial institution in Buncombe County. On August 30th, 2008, the bank had assets of $677 million.
Jarrod Perkins Joins Asheville Savings Bank as MarketPlace Manager
Contact: Alicia Hammonds, Publicis
317-639-5135, alicia.hammonds@publicis-usa.com
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (September 16, 2008)— Jarrod Perkins has been announced as the new MarketPlace Manager for Asheville Savings Bank (ASB) downtown location on Church Street. In his new position, Perkins will serve as the community and customer liaison.
Perkins has over eight years of experience in the banking industry as a loan officer, assistant manager, personal banker, teller and bank manger. His skills in the financial industry are an asset to ASB.
As a MarketPlace Manager, Perkins will be responsible for counseling new and existing customers to find the perfect product or account. Perkins will take an active role in cultivating customer relationships and overseeing the branch’s policies and procedures.
“Asheville Savings Bank is looking forward to the continued success and additional growth that Jarrod will bring to the downtown branch,” said John Dietrich, Executive Vice President and Director of MarketPlace Banking and Marketing for ASB. “We are confident that Perkins’ background has sufficiently prepared him to take on the role of MarketPlace manager.”
About Asheville Savings Bank
Asheville Savings Bank, chartered in 1936, has 13 offices with 180 employees in the counties of Buncombe, Henderson, McDowell, Madison and Transylvania in western North Carolina. It is the oldest, locally managed, independent financial institution in Buncombe County. On August 30th, 2008, the bank had assets of $677 million.
Asheville Savings Bank Welcomes Melissa Phelan as Marketing Manager
Contact: Alicia Hammonds, Publicis
317-639-5135, alicia.hammonds@publicis-usa.com
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (September 16, 2008)—Asheville Savings Bank (ASB) welcomes Melissa Phelan as Marketing Manager. Phelan brings with her a 12-year career in the banking and finance industries, working through several positions and earning promotions in her career.
As a marketing manager, Phelan will be responsible for seeking new ways to maximize sales opportunities, enhancing and designing innovative ways to meet customer expectations, and managing the overall execution of banking marketing tasks.
As a previous manager of personal and business banking, Phelan’s experience and industry knowledge serve to expand the expertise of ASB.
As a North Carolina resident, Phelan has volunteered with several community focused organizations such as the American Red Cross, the YMCA of Western North Carolina and Mission St. Josephs Healthcare Foundation. Phelan has also worked with the Greater Asheville Chamber of Commerce, which continues the efforts of ASB to participate in community awareness.
About Asheville Savings Bank
Asheville Savings Bank, chartered in 1936, has 13 offices with 180 employees in the counties of Buncombe, Henderson, McDowell, Madison and Transylvania in western North Carolina. It is the oldest, locally managed, independent financial institution in Buncombe County. On August 30th, 2008, the bank had assets of $677 million.
Asheville Savings Bank Plants Seeds for Growth in the Community
Contact: Claire Chappell, Publicis
317-644-8101, claire.chappell@publicis-usa.com
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (July 7, 2008) - In an effort last weekend to increase environmental awareness, Asheville Savings Bank (ASB) distributed flyers with seed paper to fans at the Tourists games, Asheville’s minor league baseball team. The flyer contained special offers for new customers including a $50 refund for opening “The Best Checking” account and a $250 discount on closing costs for a mortgage.
ASB has been at the forefront of community leadership in Asheville. Their concern for local assistance ranges from children services to healthy environmental awareness. The plantable seed paper will give an eco-friendly boost to the community and provide Asheville residents with the means to play their part in the “green” movement.
“We’ve always put ourselves out there to be a leader in our community,” said John Dietrich, senior Executive Vice President and Director of MarketPlace Banking and Marketing for ASB. “Hopefully the people of Asheville will grow to recognize that and become more apt to making healthy changes — whether it’s toward the environment or for their financial lifestyles.”
If you missed out and want to join in on planting seeds across Asheville, ASB representatives will also be passing out the flyers at the North Carolina Apple Festival during Labor Day weekend.
About Asheville Savings Bank
Asheville Savings Bank, chartered in 1936, has 13 offices with 165 employees in the counties of Buncombe, Henderson, McDowell, Madison and Transylvania in western North Carolina. Asheville Savings is an independent and locally managed bank that is committed to treating each customer with a high level of superior customer service. On April 30, 2007, the bank had assets of $620 million.
Asheville Savings Bank Lights Up the Night at McCormick Field
Contact: Claire Chappell, Publicis
317-644-8101, claire.chappell@publicis-usa.com
Asheville, N.C. (July 1, 2008)—Asheville Savings Bank (ASB) recently partnered with the city of Asheville’s minor league baseball team, the Tourists. This partnership brings together two high-profile community organizations that have an invested interest in the community. On Friday, July 4 ASB will co-sponsor the fireworks show at McCormick Field, home of the Tourists, and will exclusively sponsor another fireworks show on Saturday, July 5.
ASB has been recognized for its community involvement with groups such as the YMCA of Western North Carolina, Asheville Red Cross, United Way of Asheville and the Y.W.C.A.
“We’re thrilled to partner with such a high caliber athletic team,” said John Dietrich, Executive Vice President and Director of MarketPlace Banking and Marketing for ASB. “The Asheville Tourists share our passion and commitment to the community, and joining them in the holiday celebration is something our organization is really looking forward to.”
The Asheville Tourists, field team for the Colorado Rockies, was acquired by Palace Sports & Entertainment in June of 2005. Since then, the Tourists have started groups such as the Kid’s Club and Baseball Buddies to provide fans with opportunities to get to know and learn from positive role models.
“Due to Ted E. Tourist, from whom the team was named after, and his great passion for the community, we offer sponsorship opportunities in order to maintain our leadership role as a service provider within the Asheville area,” said Larry Hawkins, General Manager for the Asheville Tourists. “The fireworks displays are only a smaller portion of what this partnership will provide for Asheville.”
For information or to purchase tickets to the game, call (828) 258-0428 or visit www.theashevilletourists.com. For more information about ASB and its long-standing history in the Asheville community, visit www.ashevillesavingsbank.com.
About Asheville Savings Bank
Asheville Savings Bank, chartered in 1936, has 13 offices with 165 employees in the counties of Buncombe, Henderson, McDowell, Madison and Transylvania in western North Carolina. It is the oldest, locally managed, independent financial institution in Buncombe County. On April 30, 2007, the bank had assets of $620 million.
Asheville Savings Bank Promotes Darlene Beach to Customer Service Manager at Black Mountain Marketplace
Contact: Claire Chappell. Publicis
317-639-5135, claire.chappell@publicis-usa.com
BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. (June 2, 2008) Darlene Beach has been promoted by Asheville Savings Bank to customer service manager (CSM). She joined the bank in 2003, and currently works at the Black Mountain office.
As a veteran CSM, Beach handles work in consumer lending, deposit accounts, service recovery, and assists in office operations. With ten years of experience under her belt, she is highly qualified for such a position.
With her vast knowledge of the industry, she is an integral part of the operations at Asheville Savings Bank.
A native of North Carolina, Beach says her greatest accomplishment is raising her two sons. She has been married for 30 years, and currently resides in Old Fort. She was a co-chair of the Alzheimer’s Walk, as well as a volunteer for the United Way Day of Caring.
About Asheville Savings Bank
Asheville Savings Bank, chartered in 1936, has 12 offices with 165 employees in the counties of Buncombe, Henderson, McDowell, Madison and Transylvania in western North Carolina. It is the oldest, locally managed, independent financial institution in Buncombe County. On April 30, 2007, the bank had assets of $620 million.
Asheville Savings Bank Adds Executive Management to Better Serve the Greater Asheville Community
Contact: Jen Whaley, Publicis
317-644-8112, jennifer.whaley@publicis-usa.com
Community banking values meet tenured experience
ASHEVILLE, NC. (May 6, 2008) Asheville Savings Bank names four new executives that will enable the company to better serve the greater Asheville area by providing advancements in the areas of leadership, lending, market place banking, small business banking and technology.
The new executives include:
Richard Duff, executive vice president and chief lending officer
Duff came to Asheville Savings Bank from Dadeland Bank where he served as senior vice president and senior lending officer. He has more than 35 years of commercial lending and loans experience.
Fred A. Martin, senior vice president and chief information officer
Martin previously served as a technical consultant specializing in the financial industry at Wachovia and other financial institutions. He has 15 years of experience as a technical consultant.
John Dietrich, senior vice president and marketing director
Dietrich previously served as the Senior Vice President and Marketing Director for First Indiana Bank in Indianapolis. He has 17 years of financial marketing experience.
“I am thrilled to welcome Richard, Fred and John to our team here at Asheville Savings Bank,” said Suzanne DeFerie, president and CEO of Asheville Savings Bank. “Each person brings years of experience and the unique dedication to support and build successful communities.”
About Asheville Savings Bank
The first branch of Asheville Federal was opened in May of 1960. A merger occurred in the 1980’s with McDowell Savings and Loan Association in Marion which is now their Marion office. The banks name officially changed to the present Asheville Savings Bank in 1993. Asheville Savings is an independent and locally managed bank that is committed to treating each customer with a high level of superior customer service. Asheville Savings Bank has 13 branches and services the Asheville community and neighboring cities.
North Carolina Bank Hires Indianapolis-Based Publicis and Optimedia as Agency of Record
Contact: Joshua Hall, Publicis
317-644-8116, Joshua.hall@publicis-usa.com
Asheville Savings Bank new business win marks string of new clients for one of the city’s largest advertising, public relations and media buying firms
INDIANAPOLIS (February 18, 2008) Asheville Savings Bank of North Carolina has chosen the Indianapolis offices of Publicis and Optimedia as its full-service advertising agency of record. Together, Publicis and Optimedia will provide strategic, research-based solutions for advertising, creative, public relations, and media planning and buying.
In recent months, Publicis and Optimedia have won new business with the Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever, Indiana University Kelley School of Business at Indianapolis, Reston, Va.-based national consulting firm O'Meara, Ferguson, Whelan and Conway (dba. RSI Catholic Services), and Symphony Bank. The agency also announced that it will continue to represent the former First Indiana Bank, which is now M&I Bank.
John Dietrich, the former director of marketing for First Indiana Bank, informed Publicis and Optimedia that he wanted to hire the agency to assist him with his new role as senior vice president and marketing director for Asheville Savings Bank shortly after accepting the position. He cited the “big agency” resources and nimble, entrepreneurial spirit as keys to what he looks for in an agency.
“I move fast and I need an agency that can keep up,” Dietrich said. “Publicis and Optimedia have the speed to take advantage of can’t-miss opportunities, but more importantly, they are strategic thinkers who deliver results.”
Jay Schemanske, director of Optimedia, said his agency has the tools and proprietary research needed to maximize media planning and buying in any city, regardless of geography.
“We couldn’t be happier to be working with Asheville Savings Bank and John Dietrich,” Schemanske said. “Asheville is a competitive banking market and we have the ability to truly differentiate Asheville Savings Bank, not only through excellent creative and public relations, but through media planning that extends the effectiveness of campaigns well beyond the actual budgets.”
Publicis and Optimedia will launch their first campaign for Asheville Savings Bank with advertising and promotions for “The Best Checking,” a checking account product that offers free ATM transactions, no minimum balance, and a 5% APY interest rate.
About Asheville Savings Bank
The first branch of Asheville Federal was opened in May of 1960. A merger occurred in the 1980’s with McDowell Savings and Loan Association in Marion which is now their Marion office. The banks name officially changed to the present Asheville Savings Bank in 1993. Asheville Savings is an independent and locally managed bank that is committed to treating each customer with a high level of superior customer service. Asheville Savings Bank has 13 branches and services the Asheville community and neighboring cities.
About Publicis
As part of Publicis Groupe, one of the world's largest advertising and media services companies, Publicis Indianapolis provides a wide range of corporate communication and media services, including creative advertising, media and campaign planning, marketing, and public relations.
Suzanne DeFerie Selected As President of Asheville Savings Bank
DeFerie Becomes the First Female Bank President of an Asheville-based bank
ASHEVILLE, NC (February 28, 2008) Asheville Savings Bank has promoted Suzanne S. DeFerie from her position as executive vice president and chief financial officer to president and chief executive officer. DeFerie will make history as first female bank president of an Asheville-based bank.
DeFerie will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of Asheville Savings Bank. DeFerie will be an integral leader in the development and expansion of the bank’s team and overall business plan.
"The Board is excited to have chosen Suzanne DeFerie as president and chief executive officer of Asheville Savings Bank," said John Cross, chairman of the bank’s board of directors. "Suzanne has been with Asheville Savings Bank for more than 15 years, and we are confident she will only build on our successes with additional growth and a continued passion to bring more products and services to our customers."
DeFerie has held numerous executive and management-level positions within Asheville Savings Bank and the international accounting and consulting firm, Deloitte & Touche. She is a native of North Carolina and is extremely passionate about the community she serves.
“I am very proud to have been associated with Asheville Savings Bank for many years,” said DeFerie. “I am invested in this organization and in the people who make it a success. I am eager to expand the bank and our offerings to assist our customers with their economic growth and prosperity.”
DeFerie is involved with the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross and was a nominee in 2007 for the YWCA Women of Influence Award and a 2007 Diamond Award winner for the Western Carolina Business Journal. She has also served as president of the Asheville Breakfast Rotary. DeFerie graduated from Appalachian State University.
About Asheville Savings Bank
The first branch of Asheville Federal was opened in May of 1960. A merger occurred in the 1980’s with McDowell Savings and Loan Association in Marion which is now their Marion office. The banks name officially changed to the present Asheville Savings Bank in 1993. Asheville Savings is an independent and locally managed bank that is committed to treating each customer with a high level of superior customer service. Asheville Savings Bank has 13 branches and services the Asheville community and neighboring cities.
Amy Marshall Joins Asheville Savings Bank as Market Place Manager, Assistant Vice President
Contact: Jen Whaley, Publicis
317-644-8112, jennifer.whaley@publicis-usa.com
FLETCHER, N.C. (February 22, 2007) Amy Marshall has joined Asheville Savings Bank as market place manager, assistant vice president at the new Fletcher office, which opened for business on February 6.
Marshall is responsible for the cultivation of client relationships at the Fletcher office as well as the acquisition of new business accounts and small business loans. She also handles customer questions and strives to offer the best solutions to customers needs.
“Asheville Savings Bank is expanding and our customers will benefit through new leadership, more products and convenient services,” said Marshall. “I am extremely excited to join local charity organizations and to build relationships with local community members.”
Marshall has 15 years of experience in management, sales and customer service. She has held management positions for Nationwide Security’s Mortgage and Total Mortgage Solutions.
About Asheville Savings Bank
Asheville Savings Bank, chartered in 1936, has 12 offices with 165 employees in the counties of Buncombe, Henderson, McDowell, Madison and Transylvania in western North Carolina. It is the oldest, locally managed, independent financial institution in Buncombe County. On April 30, 2007, the bank had assets of $620 million.
