Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 3/21/2023
SPRINGFIELD — JPMorgan Chase and Co. recognized the opening of the first Chase bank in Western Massachusetts with a March 15 ribbon cutting ceremony at its new downtown Springfield location on 1391 Main St. The banking provider plans to entrench itself as a dedicated component of the community while opening the door for future expansions across the region.
Mayor Domenic Sarno, state Rep. Carlos González, Ward 2 City Councilor Michael Fenton, American International College President Hubert Benitez and other community leaders joined the Chase team inside the sleek, open-face layout of the new location.
JPMorgan Chase Regional Director Roxann Cooke shared that the organization eyed Springfield as a potential destination since entering the New England region in 2018. In that five-year period, JPMorgan Chase has opened 63 locations across the Northeast.
“This was in the making … When we launched five years ago, we circled Springfield as an area and location that we made sure we were building a brick-and-mortar [location in] and a relationship in the community,” said Cooke.
Cooke championed Chase as a resource to Springfield. She highlighted how the organization’s “relationship-driven” approach to banking will help residents with a variety of financial needs.
“This is all about community … We have the tools, the resources, the people and we’re passionate and committed,” said Cooke.
The new Chase location employs seven full-time and three part-time workers — each residing in local communities. Cooke said the location’s hiring practices is an extension of their desire to work collaboratively with the community.
“In order to make any type of sustainable change, we all have to work together,” said Cooke.
Chase has already formed a philanthropic partnership with Springfield’s Habitat for Humanity branch. The bank’s staff helped assist the organization in their construction of new houses during the Thanksgiving holiday.
JPMorgan Chase Banking Marketing Director Ali Zaidi highlighted how the location is “decked out with the latest technology,” including advanced ATMs that allow users to do more than straightforward banking transactions. He promoted how the bank’s open-room concept helps instill a greater “sense of community.”
“We want to play our part in being great neighbors and driving inclusive economic growth in this area,” said Zaidi.
In his remarks, Sarno expressed enthusiasm for the continued economic development in downtown Springfield. He stressed that the city “will always roll out the red carpet for economic development.”
Sarno considered JPMorgan Chase to be a “well-respected institution” in banking. He also referenced emerging developments continuing to occur in the downtown, including a new Big Y supermarket.
“This all adds to the vibrancy of the city of Springfield,” said Sarno.
González applauded Chase for their focus on local and diverse hiring practices.
“You are keeping it local and that’s where it starts … Diversity is our strength in the city of Springfield, and having a diverse staff here is so critical,” said González.
Cooke teased that the debut of Chase in Springfield will likely be the first of many new Western Massachusetts locations. She said the organization is working to add a brick-and-mortar branch in Northampton along with additional expansions in Springfield.
After the ribbon cutting ceremony, Bank Manager Oumkar Tobaran spoke to Reminder Publishing about his vision for shaping Chase into a positive communal space.
“My passion is being able to help folks succeed … When Springfield popped up as an opportunity, I knew that this was a great time to being involved in giving back to the community,” said Tobaran.
Tobaran highlighted what makes Chase a unique banking service. He said several convenience tools, like the financing tool Credit Journey and the home financing program MyChase Home, help customers receive accessible services.
“We want to embrace technology as we help customers through their needs,” said Tobaran.
Additionally, Tobaran expects Chase to be active in working to provide business loans as Springfield’s economic activity continues to grow.