By Jeff Ostroth
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

With people rapidly moving into Cedar Crest’s final neighborhood, one of the amenities in the new Woodland Commons Clubhouse that’s getting a lot of use these days is the new banking facility.

Operated by Lakeland Bank, a community-oriented bank headquartered in Oak Ridge, N.J., the facility is their second bank branch at Cedar Crest. The other is located in the Village Square Clubhouse, and both branches can be used by everyone who lives or works at the community.

On-Campus Convenience
As people settle in to their new Cedar Crest homes, one of the first things many of them do is transfer their bank accounts. Being able to do all their banking in the secure, gated community where they live, without having to drive, is a compelling benefit for most people.

“I have my money here because it’s so convenient,” says Arlene Bezem, a semiretired financial planner who still works part-time from her home at Cedar Crest. “The people [who work at the bank] are accommodating and try to assist residents with any of their problems.”

Connie Katsakos, who was interviewed  as she entered the Village Square Clubhouse branch, says she actually doesn’t go into it very often. “I do most of my banking on my computer,” she says. But right now it’s acting up on me so that’s why I’m here.” Online banking is another convenience offered by Lakeland Bank.

Full Banking Services
According to Tony Rose, Lakeland’s director of marketing, about 80 percent of the people living at Cedar Crest have on-campus accounts. A full range of banking services are offered, including checking, savings accounts, safe deposit boxes, CDs, loans, annuities, and an ATM at the Village Square.