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

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.

“We also help people with their Social Security and other things when they’re coming over from another bank,” says Theresa Scholl, teller manager at the Village Square branch. “We’ll call Social Security and help them set up direct deposit or transfer it over here. We just try to make the transition a little easier for them.”

The Social Security Administration “strongly encourages” direct deposits for all its payment recipients. And last May, the Treasury Department issued an advisory that also urged direct deposits. While the advisory was directed toward those in hurricane-prone areas, the statement could apply more generally:

“[A]bout 12 million people continue to receive their federal benefit payments by paper check—putting them at risk in the event of a natural disaster or a major life change,” it said.

Cedar Crest’s new Lakeland Bank branch is located right at beginning of the climate-controlled walkway that leads from the Woodland Commons Clubhouse to the new Walden Place residence building. (Jackie Schatell)

To Learn More About Cedar Crest, Click Here!