Dear Mr. Wentworth,

As SVP of Retail Banking at Community Bank N.A. you announced on August 13th that the retail branch in Heuvelton, NY would be closing on November 13th. While we understand that the COVID-19 pandemic and corresponding economic fallout has squeezed all of us to cut costs, no reason for this branch closure was provided.

This bank has been a valued part of our local history since 1915 and provides critical services to our local businesses and families. While there are other local banks no other bank exists in Heuvelton, NY. To travel to another branch requires transportation which not all of our community has access to (elderly unable to drive, economically challenged families, etc.) nor do we have widespread access to online banking as the internet is not available everywhere in our community. Many individuals and businesses only have an account with Community Bank because there is a retail branch in Heuvelton so the closing of this branch will likely result in a reduced number of accounts for your business as well.

We, the members of the greater Heuvelton community, kindly ask that you reconsider the closing of the retail branch in Heuvelton, NY. We are aware that other local retail branches are not open every day of the week as one option. You may not know this about our community but we are a proud and supportive village. We look after our neighbors and we take pride in and strive to support our local businesses. If you are willing to work with us to help us preserve this important institution and critical service to our community we will not forget it and you can count on our dedicated support!