Cornerstone History
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| Greg Jones CEO and Chairman of the Board |
Entering Second Decade, Cornerstone Still Committed to Relationships
A building’s cornerstone is strong, unshakeable, sturdy—and totally committed to bearing the weight of the structure it supports. In the same way, Cornerstone Community Bank is providing durable, long-lasting, unwavering support to its customers as it begins a new decade of service as Chattanooga’s only locally owned and locally managed bank.
When you walk in the door at Cornerstone Community Bank, it’s highly likely you will be greeted by name. That’s the way the bank wants to do business. Friendly, personal, individualized service is the foundation of Cornerstone’s philosophy. Relationships are the cornerstone of the bank’s business.
From its beginnings in 1995, Cornerstone sought to meet a need that was underserved. Larger banks were uninterested in servicing small businesses, and the decision-making process dragged on for far too long. Instead of doing business from a stuffy downtown high-rise, Cornerstone came to the street corners where the heart of business is located.
“Cornerstone’s founders wanted the bank out in the community where the businesses were,’’ says Greg Jones, Cornerstone’s chief executive officer and board chairman. “When you are closer to your clients, you can accommodate their needs quicker.’’
As a bank primarily for businesses, Cornerstone focuses on meeting the needs of the business customer. It assists clients in areas including business development, real estate transactions, and equipment loans. The lending institution works with a wide variety of companies with gross revenues ranging from $20,000 up to $100 million. Approximately 85% of Cornerstone’s business is with companies.
“We’re filling a niche that a lot of larger regional banks don’t want to deal with—either because of the size of the loan or the type of the loan,’’ explains Greg, who joined Cornerstone in 1999. “Larger banks don’t have the time and flexibility to meet the customer’s needs in the way a smaller bank can. We deliver an above-average level of customer service.’’
Cornerstone’s approach has been successful. In 2005, the bank experienced 30 percent growth in asset size, doubling projections for the year. Net income increased by 68.2 percent, and deposit accounts increased over 39 percent. In 2007, Cornerstone was recognized as a Top 100 Bank in America, among 8,000+ other peer financial institutions. As Cornerstone remains committed to building strong financial foundations for its customers, its niche service of commercial lending continued to gain momentum.
As the bank continues to grow, Cornerstone plans to open additional branch locations and services to better service the financial needs of its customers.
Explaining Cornerstone’s success, Greg sums it up simply: “We take the time to listen and to assist our clients in a resolution of their financial problem or situation. We get involved with the client in a solution.’’
Solutions. Stability. Strong relationships with customers. A commitment to quick answers. Standing side-by-side with its clients—its friends—Cornerstone will continue to build on its reputation as the lending institution that helps local businesses build strong financial foundations.