Beth Ann Patterson To Retire After 35 Years With VCNB
When Beth Ann Patterson came to work part time at Vinton County National Bank, she just hoped to earn some extra income while her kids were in school. Little did she know she had found her niche and had begun a career that would last more than 35 years. Today she prepares to say goodbye to the job and the place she has loved for so long.
When she discusses her career, Beth Ann doesn’t mention the skill and knowledge behind the work she does or the way banking has changed during her years on the job. Instead, she focuses on the people she has encountered along the way.
She speaks fondly of the coworkers and customers who have become like family and the life philosophies that have helped her be a good banker. “My dad told us kids from day one, when we were starting school, to always show respect to others. If you show respect to them, they will show respect to you. Honestly, I have found that if you treat people well and be a good listener, show them kindness, you’ll never have a bit of trouble,” Beth Ann explained.
Many customers have been with Beth Ann for so long they have brought their children and now even grandchildren into the bank for minor savings accounts and other banking services. “These people have become friends. Some of them feel like family.”
She says she was fortunate to come from a large family. As the youngest of sixteen kids, Beth Ann explained her family has always been close and it’s clear that this background has made her truly love talking to people. “I was never the shy one,” she quipped. “That ability to talk to anyone and be interested in everyone really helps in this line of work.”
Beth Ann says leaving will be bittersweet. “It has been a good career and a good life. I never had a desire to go to another bank or to do anything else here. I enjoy what I do and I’ve always been grateful to the bank for this job.”
What advice does Beth Ann have for a young banker? “Focus on the customer and give them one hundred percent of your attention. Act like they’re the only person in the building. When you treat people with respect and show them that they matter to you, they will return to you. They will remember you and trust you to help them with their needs. You know, personal interaction is important to humans, it makes people feel special and valued and that’s important,” she advised.
Beth Ann’s husband Mike is recently retired as well. They moved from Vinton County to Chillicothe two years ago to be closer to their family including four grandchildren. She smiles when she talks about being more involved in their lives. Beth Ann and Mike have purchased e-bikes and have set health and recreation goals to help them stay well for as long as possible. “Mike and I want to enjoy our time together and have more quality time with our family. We want to exercise and stay healthy as long as we can. God has blessed us to this point and we just want to make each day better than the one before.”
While Beth Ann has worked in our Chillicothe – Main Street branch for the last two years, she will return to her McArthur roots for a celebration with her longtime bank family on her last day of work. Customers are invited to stop by McArthur and visit with Beth Ann on Thursday, May 15 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.