First Bank & Trust officers and staff hosted a ribbon-cutting and grand opening reception for over 200 business leaders and bank customers on Dec. 6th at the bank's newest branch office at 4007 Dempster Street in Skokie. The 3,600 square foot branch was designed to meet the requirements of a LEED® gold-certification as established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). Amidst an economic environment that has seen an increase in banks closed by regulators, and a decrease in new bank openings in the Chicago area, First Bank & Trust has opened eight branch locations in 16 years.
Managing Director Jay Lytle said during the welcoming remarks, “We are here to celebrate the arrival of the first bank in the Midwest designed and constructed to meet the requirements of LEED gold-certification. This new location will allow us to provide more Skokie and Evanston customers with a better banking option. We believe in giving our customers higher quality service, longer banking hours, stronger products and better facilities.”
Managing Director and CEO Robert Yohanan explained why the bank's eighth branch in 16 years was a green one. “The decision to build an eco-friendly branch is a natural extension of First Bank & Trust's philosophy of putting community first. We made a choice to be as responsible to the environment as we are to the communities we serve, and we are able to make this long-term investment in the Skokie community because the bank is financially strong and healthy.”
Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen prior to cutting the ceremonial ribbon said, “to all those who don't believe economic development, fiscal responsibility and being green go together, I would tell them to come here and take a look. First Bank & Trust has proven you can have a good balance sheet and be environmentally responsible at the same time.” The crowd toasted the opening with complimentary champagne provided by First Bank & Trust customer Louis Glunz Wines.
The celebration was designed and managed by First Bank & Trust customer Events with a K and catered by Food for Thought, another business customer. Guitar and violin duet Ten Strings provided a soothing contemporary backdrop as guests enjoyed globally-inspired hors d'oeuvres and organic and biodynamic wines. In keeping with the philosophy of the new branch, all food was sourced with local, seasonal and when possible, organic ingredients, and served with bio-degradable or reusable dishware and utensils.
The First Bank & Trust 4007 Dempster Street branch at Crawford Avenue is now open for business. Hours are Mondays through Fridays from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information about branch services and the limited time Charter Membership offer, visit www.firstbt.com or call 847-763-1626.
