As manager of two branches in Lawrence, Rachel Concepcion leads the personal touch in banking and feels optimistic about where her beloved city is headed.
Eastern Bank is the primary partner and supporter of “Viva Lawrence”, a unique partnership between El Mundo Newspaper and the Mayor of Lawrence Dan Rivera.
This partnership’s goal is to forge an unprecedented collaboration aimed at raising the collective spirit and image of a community via a series of consistent positive news coverage and heartfelt feel-good stories chronicling the inspiring lives of the area’s hard working citizens.
In this edition, we present the third in a series of “Viva Lawrence” profiles on Eastern Bank employees who are optimistic about the future of Lawrence.
This week, El Mundo’s Tim Estiloz profiles Rachel Concepcion, AVP Branch Manager at Eastern Bank in Lawrence.
By Tim Estiloz.-
How do you describe what you do at Eastern Bank ?
I do a little bit of everything with the main focus being on small business lending and making sure our branches are operating correctly. Often times it ranges from customer service to daily operations, so I really have to be well rounded in the branch environment.
What do you enjoy the most about your job?
The people! I love working with the public. I get to meet new people all the time, like the small business owners. It’s great building a rapport with my customers and having them know that I have their best interests in mind. At the end of the day, it’s all about making sure they receive what they need.
How have people responded to the branch in downtown Lawrence ?
At first, it took awhile for people to know that we were there. However, once they did know, they were very eager to come in and do business with a true community bank. In Lawrence our main focus is customer service. Here, we greet our customers by their first name, we ask the how their day is going. We really get to know our customers and our customers feel at home. We have coffee here for them, and if they want to just come and sit and chat… come on down and chat. That’s what it’s all about.
Why is it important for eastern bank to be so involved in the lawrence community ?
If Eastern goes into a community, it’s because the bank believes in that community. Here in Lawrence, Eastern Bank wants to see the city thrive. As a resident of Lawrence myself, I really appreciate that and I think others do too. Not only do I work in Lawrence, I grew up in Lawrence and I went to the Lawrence public schools and it feels good to know that a company like Eastern Bank is coming in that really cares about our community. When Eastern Bank shows that it’s involved in the Lawrence community, it shows other businesses that it’s OK to come into the city and open up shop. They are a leader and Lawrence is a great example of that.
How excited are you about the future of Lawrence ?
I am extremely excited. I’m on three boards and Eastern Bank gives me that wonderful opportunity to participate. The bank wants us to be involved. If you’re involved personally you begin to meet with others and you get a true sense of what the city has to offer. Now, when you look around the city, you see changes happening and they’re happening quickly and we should be proud of that.
What do you think of when you hear the term “viva lawrence” ?
When I hear the term Viva Lawrence being used I think of revitalization. I think of things happening. I see a new mayor that’s making a difference. I see a school system that is changing. When I think of Viva Lawrence, I think about life that is coming back to Lawrence.
What is your background / ethnicity ?
I’m Puerto Rican.
What was your favorite tv show growing up ?
I liked “Punky Brewster” because she’s was so quirky. I also liked “Alf”. I like comedy. I love to laugh. A laugh is infectious.
What movies do you like / favorite all-time movie ?
I love teen movies like “Mean Girls”, “How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days”. I’d say one of my favorite movies is “Sea Biscuit”. I love the movie because of the storyline and the horses; but most of all, I liked it as a story of the underdog coming out on top.
What is your family like ?
I have two daughters, one is Brittany who is getting ready to graduate from Lawrence High School this year as a senior, so the tradition runs on. My 13-year old, Savannah is graduating from 8th grade this year. I also have five brothers and sisters; and one of my brothers and one of my sisters work for the city. We all came back to work in the city and live in the city.
