Writer  /  Julie Yates
Photography Provided

When Janelle Campbell, Mortgage Loan Officer at Community First Bank of Indiana, grew up in Kokomo, her family banked at a local bank. There, lending decisions were made based on close relationships that had been established with customers. Now a resident of Westfield, she finds that people today still desire to have dealings with a local institution that provides opportunities to develop a relationship with their banker.

“People want more than just an online relationship, they want to hear a voice,” Campbell says. “They still want to come in and tell their story, especially when a computer has told them ‘no.’”

Campbell recently transferred from the Noblesville branch to Community First’s new site in Westfield, located at the corner of State Road 32 and Oak Ridge Road. With the doors officially open for business as of April 8, she now can work in, and with, the same community where she has resided for the past 15 years.

Although Community First Bank is a new presence in Westfield, it has a 16-year history in Indiana. In 2003, it opened its first branch in Kokomo, eventually adding two additional sites. It expanded into Hamilton County in 2015 with a branch in Noblesville. This year, it opened its first Westfield location with plans for a second branch in the Junction Crossing area at 161st Street and Spring Mill Road to open this summer.

“In 2019, the bank will be involved with Student Impact of Westfield’s Capital Campaign, ‘Raise the Rock,’” she says. “We supported Westfield High School’s Dance Marathon held in February, which raised money for Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. We are also involved in the school’s Shark Tank program. In addition, we have contributed Spring Cleaning Baskets to Open Doors of Westfield. We also have Casual for a Cause days when employees donate $5 in exchange for dressing casually. The money is then given to a local charity.”

As someone who is raising a family and involved with the community, Campbell is impressed with Community First’s commitment to the area.

She has a commitment to making a difference. One of the organizations she is deeply involved in is Westfield Youth Assistance Program (WYAP) which connects students and families of Westfield Washington Schools to various services offered when intervention is needed due to challenging life circumstances or mentors are needed. Currently, she is the WYAP Board of Directors President.

“Northern Hamilton County is growing and thriving,” Campbell says. “It’s an area where residents want to do business with a local bank.  Community First Bank is a full-service bank offering investment and commercial services. My side of the business is mortgage loans. We have a wonderful program called Community Heroes. We can direct individuals with careers that serve the community, such as school employees, doctors, nurses, firefighters and first responders, to a loan program geared to fit their needs.”

“The great thing about community banking is that I have customers that call me to help solve their problems,” Campbell adds. “They are trusting me to get them in the right mortgage for their home.”

The Westfield branch is hosting two upcoming events. On May 21, the Grand Opening will be held, complete with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. “Make a Splash in Westfield” will be a fun-filled day featuring activities for all ages as well as the opportunity to see local celebrities participating in a dunk tank. Beginning at 11 am, this June 14 community day will last until 6 pm.

The Oak Ridge Branch of Community First Bank of Indiana is located at 707 East State Road 32.

You can reach Janelle Campbell at her office at 317-399-7496 or at jcampbell@cfbindiana.com for more information.

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