2015 Vol. 99 No. 4

25 Hoosier Banker April 2015 Is the ITM the right fit for you and the culture your community bank is trying to create? Deanna Liter, vice president of data services for River Valley Financial Bank, Madison, Indiana, reports that the interactive teller machine that it installed in its new Jeffersonville branch last summer is slowly increasing in transaction volume. “We are optimistic that the use of the ITM technology will grow as the branch grows,” she says. Liter continues: “We think that a possible reason for the slower adoption rate of the ITM is a result of having it in addition to the drivethrough pneumatic tube system option. People are creatures of habit and will use the tube system and bypass new technology, if given the choice to stay in their comfort zone. I think branches considering ITMs would have more success locating them in a drive-through without the pneumatic tubes, so that people wishing to use the convenience of the drive-through will feel more compelled to try this innovative new technology.” In summary, the ITM offers a new opportunity for the banking community. According to a report by USA Today, “As rural populations decline, it becomes more difficult to maintain a brick and mortar facility in their communities, and with the new technology, those facilities can improve their reach. In urban markets, it allows for a more 24/7 concept, and in both urban and rural, eliminates traditional ‘bankers hours.’” It will take careful evaluation to decide if ITMs are the right solution for your institution. There is no “onesize-fits-all” answer to bank branch facilities. Many branches value the personal touch of a teller staff and, in some areas, the branch serves as a place of social interaction for customers. Finding the right mix of technology and personal interaction depends on your specific regional market and your institution’s commitment to the needs of your customers. t TODD ANDRITSCH tandritsch@equiasalliance.com 11416 Forest Knoll Circle Fishers, IN 46037 Tel: 317.517.5000 www.equiasalliance.com Equias Alliance helps banks in Indiana, and across the country, meet their financial goals, manage benefit liabilities and enhance shareholder value with a custom designed BOLI program. Todd and the team at Equias Alliance want to be your source for strategic benefit and BOLI solutions. In Indiana, The Checkered Flag for BOLI is Todd Andritsch! The American Bankers Association (through its subsidiary, the Corporation for American Banking) has endorsed services provided by Equias Alliance. Todd Andritsch is a registered representative of and securities are offered through ProEquities, Inc., a Registered Broker/Dealer, and member FINRA and SIPC Equias Alliance LLC is independent of ProEquities, Inc. ©2015 Equias Alliance EA-Ad-03-2015-Indiana-HP-03ab.indd 1 3/6/15 2:00 PM Ralph L. Widmer has retired as chief operating officer of Alliance Bank, Francesville, after 17 years of service. He additionally is a past president of the bank. Bonnie R. Kopka has retired as vice president, loan operations of Alliance Bank, Francesville, after 33 years of service.t taking it easy

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