http://avenuenashville.com.s61951.gridserver.com/ en lisa.meiers@avenuenashville.com Copyright 2012 2012-02-03T19:15:13+00:00 http://www.avenuenashville.com/about_us/blog/playing_for_the_raving_fans/ http://www.avenuenashville.com/about_us/blog/playing_for_the_raving_fans/#When:19:15:13Z Watching a playoff game the other day, I couldn’t help but think about the many similarities that football and banking share, particularly at Avenue Bank. By Shannon Kazmerowski With the NFL playoffs and the Superbowl upon us, football has been on my mind.  Watching a playoff game the other day, I couldn’t help but think about the many similarities that football and banking share, particularly at Avenue Bank.  Think about it, no matter the level at which you are playing, you play to be the best and you play to win.  Your team has a common goal, to work together, grow together and ultimately compete for the championship…together.  Sure the championship may come in different forms, in the NFL it’s a title and a trophy… for Avenue, it’s becoming the signature bank of Nashville. Being a part of a championship team, while thrilling, certainly comes with its own set of challenges.  Your offense is playing proactively, while your defense does its best to play reactively.  The hope is to win the game using a good balance of both. In both worlds, you’re not only playing for you, you’re playing for those raving fans…the fans that show up to every game, face painted, jersey donned, cheering for you when you win and supporting you with the same vigor when you don’t.  Those raving fans are the ones that share your passion for your team, your culture, your traditions and your brand. As I look ahead to another season with our Avenue Bank team, I’m excited for the prospect to compete, the challenge to stay agile and for the opportunity to keep ‘wowing’ our raving fans.  2012-02-03T19:15:13+00:00 http://www.avenuenashville.com/about_us/blog/know_where_your_seat_is/ http://www.avenuenashville.com/about_us/blog/know_where_your_seat_is/#When:15:52:56Z Each time I asked to join a table I was told, “This seat is taken”.  Then, I was the lone person standing in a room of 400 seated professionals. It was like a game of musical chairs, and I was the one left standing!By Jessica Caver, Concierge Banker When I became an Avenue Banker I was excited to have the opportunity to be out in the community, along with trying my skills in a business development role. With this new opportunity came challenges, in particular the art of networking.  I soon found myself at a business luncheon, took a deep breath and walked in feeling confident. I spotted a familiar face, struck up a conversation and mentioned that it was my first time attending this particular meeting. As I made my way through the room, I spoke to a few more people and thought, “I’ll just find a seat at any table.” I was wrong. To my surprise, all the seats were filled or reserved. Each time I asked to join a table I was told, “This seat is taken”.  Then, I was the lone person standing in a room of 400 seated professionals. It was like a game of musical chairs, and I was the one left standing! I felt like all eyes were on me and it took everything in me to stay for the luncheon. I ended up sitting at a table for ten, alone…not a great introduction to this thing called “networking”. I told my dad this story shortly afterward, and he gave me some advice; he said “always know where your seat is!” He praised me and said “you stayed, you faced the uncomfortable.”  My dad was right. Although the experience was jolting, I learned a great lesson and surprised myself by sticking it out. I share this story to encourage others who may be hesitant about networking. It’s not always easy, but the reward is in the relationships you forge.  Case in point, shortly after what I now jokingly call “the lonely luncheon,” I was invited to attend a business mixer.  As I perused the crowd, I heard someone say, “Hey Jessica!” I turned around to find someone greeting me with open arms! I continued to attend various events around town and it wasn’t long before I knew a few people whenever I entered a room. I no longer felt like that kid searching for a seat at the lunch table. Networking is now something I actually look forward to. While the key to each person’s success may be different, I found mine in my ability to stay confident . . . even in those situations where I may not know exactly where my seat is. 2012-01-03T15:52:56+00:00 http://www.avenuenashville.com/about_us/blog/5000_freshmen_._._._our_communitys_future_workforce/ http://www.avenuenashville.com/about_us/blog/5000_freshmen_._._._our_communitys_future_workforce/#When:17:02:07Z By Chris Schlueter, Branch Manager-West End Avenue Bank recently participated in the annual Metro Nashville Public Schools Career Exploration Fair.  This event is an opportunity for more than 5,000 metro high school freshmen to meet representatives from over 100 companies in and around Nashville, and learn about career options and opportunities that exist in their specific industry and company.  This is not a job fair; rather it’s a chance for the students to learn about different career fields and how they fit in these companies. For example, at Avenue Bank, in addition to banker roles we have operations support, marketing, HR, IT, training and development, and more. This year’s fair was better than ever.  The students were professionally dressed in suits and ties, had resumes prepared and came ready to ask great questions.  We had the chance to answer all kinds of questions about banking and the career options they might consider. Some companies really brought their booth to life; an engineering company had a remote control robot, and Bridgestone had a video game that simulated driving. This effort is just one way that Metro High Schools are engaged in developing a strong workforce of the future. I honestly can’t think of anything more important to our community than helping to ensure that future generations of Nashvillians are well educated and prepared to join the workforce. I can’t wait to go back next year!        2011-11-15T17:02:07+00:00 http://www.avenuenashville.com/about_us/blog/can_pennies_make_a_difference_you_bet/ http://www.avenuenashville.com/about_us/blog/can_pennies_make_a_difference_you_bet/#When:14:59:29Z By Lisa Meiers, Marketing Director One of my favorite local non-profit organizations is Second Harvest Food Bank, so I am excited that Avenue Bank is the primary collection point for Ms. Cheap’s annual Penny Drive to benefit Second Harvest. The reason that I’m so drawn to this organization’s mission of feeding hungry families is that my family gathered often around food -- it was and still is central to all our celebrations. Growing up, we sat around the dinner table every night, and actually talked to each other!  And most Sundays you’d find us at my grandmother’s for a traditional southern spread that she somehow delivered single-handedly from a tiny kitchen! Birthdays, holidays, and even times of mourning, somehow food was always central to our gathering. I carry on those traditions today, with my family and friends, sharing our love of food, and showing our love through food. But, for many people, food does not represent a celebration or joy.  For too many in our own community, having enough food to survive is a very real challenge. Supporting the mission of Second Harvest might be the next best thing to actually cooking for a hungry family, or breaking bread with someone in need. And, since more than 213,000 people receive emergency food assistance annually from Second Harvest, I know that working through them will have far-reaching impact. Amazingly, the donation of $1 can provide 4 meals! (Try to take a dollar to the grocery store and feed 4 people!) So, if you want to make a dollar stretch farther than you thought possible, save your pennies – and your nickels, dimes and quarters, too – and bring them to Avenue Bank during November, December or January.  And, if you want to have a collection can at your home or office, just pick one of those up at any Avenue Bank branch and return it at the end of January with your spare change. You’ll make a real difference to a family in need.   2011-11-03T14:59:29+00:00 http://www.avenuenashville.com/about_us/blog/uncertain_times_lead_to_questions_._._/ http://www.avenuenashville.com/about_us/blog/uncertain_times_lead_to_questions_._._/#When:18:28:15Z As uncertainty fuels turmoil in the stock market, I have been asked by clients, friends and business associates about the safety and security of banks and their deposits. These questions and concerns are certainly understandable, but let me reassure you that the banking industry and deposits held in FDIC insured accounts are safe. By Ron SamuelsBy Ron Samuels As uncertainty fuels turmoil in the stock market, I have been asked by clients, friends and business associates about the safety and security of banks and their deposits. These questions and concerns are certainly understandable, but let me reassure you that the banking industry and deposits held in FDIC insured accounts are safe.  Two important things to know, as the economic crisis swirls around us: Deposits in FDIC insured accounts are protected. The FDIC is financially secure and has the resources it needs to protect customer deposits. It has sufficient cash on hand today to meet its needs for the foreseeable future, and is funded by banks, not the government. The banking industry is committed to ensuring the FDIC’s continued strength. Banks fully fund the FDIC through premiums. In addition, the banking industry -- with its $1.53 trillion in capital -- stands fully behind the FDIC to assure it remains strong. What can you do in these uncertain economic times? Check with your banker to ensure that your bank deposits are structured to maximize the availability of FDIC insurance for your accounts. (Non-interest bearing deposits are fully insured, regardless of the amount.)  Keep informed of events impacting our economy, but don’t let your personal financial decisions be ruled by fear and emotion.  Having a trusted financial advisor is key in times such as these; if you don’t have that kind of relationship now with your banker or investment advisor, ask friends or family for recommendations to find the right financial partner for your family and your business.   2011-08-09T18:28:15+00:00 http://www.avenuenashville.com/about_us/blog/wow/ http://www.avenuenashville.com/about_us/blog/wow/#When:13:24:33Z By: Pete Wooten, Director of Commercial Banking “Wow” is a very important word at Avenue Bank. Each week in our all-employee meeting we call “Family Gathering” we talk about “Wow” stories from the past week.  The meeting room is always full and overflows into the entrance area. In that meeting, stories are spontaneously shared where one of our team members has created a client experience that elicits that proverbial "WOW" response.  These stories may be told by a co-worker or manager, and often are read from a note or email sent by a client describing a wonderful experience or a positive impression that one or more of our associates has created.  Recently, I was reflecting on why these stories are so important and I came to the realization that they really mean everything to us.  The truth is, banking products and services are a commodity, with slight variations from one company to another. That’s why we built our bank on service. We understand the real differentiator is how we make our clients feel when we serve them.  As the saying goes, “they may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel”.  There is nothing more rewarding for us than to create an experience and feeling in a client or soon-to-be client, where that individual is compelled to say, “Wow! That just makes our day.     2011-04-28T13:24:33+00:00 http://www.avenuenashville.com/about_us/blog/fraud_is_knocking._dont_answer/ http://www.avenuenashville.com/about_us/blog/fraud_is_knocking._dont_answer/#When:16:33:35Z Online/electronic fraud is the fastest growing type of security threat worldwide today. Often, victims unwittingly provide the very information or access that these criminals need to perpetuate their crimes. While fraudsters will continue to evolve and design new security threats, there are some very simple tips that can help you avoid most risks.By Kevin Mills, Director of Security Online/electronic fraud is the fastest growing type of security threat worldwide today. Often, victims unwittingly provide the very information or access that these criminals need to perpetuate their crimes. While fraudsters will continue to evolve and design new security threats, there are some very simple tips that can help you avoid most risks. NEVER share your personal or financial information in an e-mail. Banks or other financial services companies NEVER ask for this information to be provided or confirmed by email. If you receive this kind of request in an email, it is likely fraudulent. NEVER click on links in emails where you don’t know the sender, OR if they come from a known email address but the contents seem strange. Computer viruses are often spread by sending emails from a known contact that contains a link that will download a virus or spyware. DON’T click on links that you are not sure of! (pause and think before clicking) Sharing even one piece of your financial information (such as an account number or login) can be the last piece of a puzzle that fraudsters need to access your accounts. Protect ALL your personal information and share on a ‘need to know’ basis and ONLY with reputable companies and individuals when you have initiated the transaction. Don’t use your email address as a login or user name if you have another option. Avoid ‘common’ passwords such as a pet’s name or family name, as this can be easily detected by fraudsters who may access Facebook postings, school records, etc. Use a complex password, and use varying passwords for logins to financial accounts. Check your financial account activity regularly, and report any unusual transactions or discrepancies immediately to your financial institution or account provider. Invest in reputable anti-virus / anti-spyware software, especially on a computer where you are accessing any online financial accounts. If you suspect that your information has been compromised, that you may have a computer virus, or that you’ve replied to an inquiry or email that puts you at risk, contact ALL your financial providers immediately. Waiting a day or two to see if a problem develops gives thieves all the time they need. If you suspect a problem, your financial services provider can assist you in putting a ‘fraud alert’ on your accounts and provide other tips for protection or recovery if needed. You may also add a 90-day Security Alert to each of the 3 credit bureau consumer reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax, & TransUnion for heightened security. So, if fraud comes knocking, don’t be an accomplice – remember these simple tips to protect yourself and your financial accounts. The time you take to think, ask questions, and verify can be the best investment you make in your financial security. 2011-04-07T16:33:35+00:00 http://www.avenuenashville.com/about_us/blog/bankers_are_key_players_in_artists_backstage_crew/ http://www.avenuenashville.com/about_us/blog/bankers_are_key_players_in_artists_backstage_crew/#When:12:46:47Z ...sometimes I put on my boots, grab my banjo and join in a jam session. There’s no better way to end my day . . . even if it is after office hours.By Ron Cox First published as a guest column in the Nashville Business Journal January 28, 2011 edition. With Music & Entertainment being one of the key industries in Nashville, it is no surprise that banks offer specialized services for this industry – but what does that really mean?  Do bankers in Nashville trade their pinstripes for sequined suits? Do they wear cowboy boots and join in jam sessions? Well, not necessarily, but relationships are vitally important to success in our business, and bankers are at their best when they are part of an artist’s or songwriter’s support team that often includes an agent, manager, accountant, and an attorney, among others. Understanding the various roles of the players on these teams, and developing trusting relationships with the client’s best interests at heart, is an absolute requirement to a banker working in this particular industry. The products and services offered to music clients are generally the same as other consumer or business clients –home mortgages, working capital lines of credit, checking accounts and business loans. But, there are some significant differences. One of the biggest is having an understanding and appreciation for the value of the collateral that secures any credit. In the entertainment industry, collateral is often based on ‘intellectual property’ rather than more tangible assets that banks typically prefer. A bank’s credit underwriting team must be able to assess these intangible values in order to evaluate the risk and reward proposition of what the customer is requesting. Also, the cash flow for performing artists and musicians can vary wildly and don’t fit a traditional ‘monthly income’ model. For example, the year an artist spends working on an album may actually yield little or no income, but time on the road performing – selling tickets and merchandise - can be very lucrative. For songwriters, there is a lag between writing a song, having it recorded and actually receiving royalties. This waiting time can easily be a year or more. Bankers must understand the revenue cycles of this industry and be able to help manage those income streams. Finally, throw those traditional ‘banker’s hours’ out the window. A music industry banker is expected to be available 24/7 because artists don’t keep standard office hours and often work out of town. And if corporate business gets done on the golf course, music industry business gets done in clubs and performance venues. Plus, there are after hours industry functions, awards shows, and fundraisers to attend. And, yes, sometimes I put on my boots, grab my banjo and join in a jam session. There’s no better way to end my day . . . even if it is after office hours.   Ron Cox is a Senior Vice President and Private Client Banker with Avenue Bank’s Music & Entertainment Group. He also plays banjo and is a member of The Hummingbirds, Avenue Bank’s corporate band. 2011-02-02T12:46:47+00:00 http://www.avenuenashville.com/about_us/blog/the_most_amazing_job_in_nashville_._._._mine/ http://www.avenuenashville.com/about_us/blog/the_most_amazing_job_in_nashville_._._._mine/#When:21:29:16Z by Judith Locke I have the most amazing job in Nashville.  The CEO of the company introduces me as “the gift that he gives each of his employees to assist them in unlocking their greatest potential.”  Now, how great is that? So who am I, and what do I do?  I am Judith Locke, and I’m the Executive Coach at Avenue Bank. At Avenue Bank “this difference IS real.”  It is about having the right people in the right jobs and then providing these people with the support and resources to be the best that they can be.  Providing associates with an executive coach is one of our company’s differentiating factors! Many people are not familiar with “executive coaching”, but it  is one of the leading tools that successful people use to live extraordinary lives both at work and at home.  At Avenue Bank, as a part of the human resource group, I work with associates to help them identify their challenges and their priorities and to align their thoughts, words, and actions accordingly.  It’s about gaining clarity on values, enabling more meaningful choices and taking more purposeful and consistent actions.  Coaching is about getting to know yourself anew – a commitment to self that offers a means for balance, opportunity, success, energy, focus, and action in every area of your life.  Executive Coaching at Avenue Bank is a process – a relationship.  It has a beginning, sometimes a messy middle, and eventually a closure and celebration of a new beginning.  The associates at Avenue Bank have one thing in common:  they are successful (we hire only the best), resourceful, and intelligent individuals who want to get more out of their lives – especially at work!  Executive Coaching enables each person to be their best, so that our company can be the best. And I love being a part of that.   2010-04-08T21:29:16+00:00 http://www.avenuenashville.com/about_us/blog/and_the_oscar_goes_to_._._/ http://www.avenuenashville.com/about_us/blog/and_the_oscar_goes_to_._._/#When:20:13:49Z Avenue's Controller Bill Titus: Watching Oscar-nominated films has been my hobby for 15 years, and it’s one I think others would enjoy for many reasons.By Bill Titus, Avenue Bank Controller Watching Oscar-nominated films has been my hobby for 15 years, and it’s one I think others would enjoy for many reasons.  First: a good movie is almost guaranteed, making the expense of tickets more justifiable.  Second: deciding what to see is easy -- a list is provided to you each January.  Third: when a category has been completed, it’s fair game to second-guess the winning selections. Fourth: it can provide year-round entertainment.  Taking up this hobby is easy.  Each January, www.oscars.com will provide a printable ballot suitable for easy reference or downloading.  New rules provide for ten Best Picture nominations beginning this year, along with five nominations each for the five other major categories:  Director, Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor and Supporting Actress.  Allowing for some films to garner multiple nominations across categories, to see all the nominated films will likely involve viewing about twenty films.  To add Best Foreign Language film, Best (feature length) Documentary film and all non-short film nominees, typically adds another fifteen to twenty films.  (Beginners may need to work up to these expanded categories after training!)  Think you don’t have time for all these movies? Just consider the amount of pseudo- reality television that can be sacrificed and replaced with artistic and oftentimes intellectually stimulating entertainment.   Real commitment requires being agreeable to watching all types of movies: dramas, tragedies, comedies, “chick-flik” romances, westerns, biographies and independent films.  If you have someone to join you, discussing and debating the films adds to the fun.   I hope you’ll join me in anticipation of the announcement of my “entertainment game plan” for 2010, and I’ll look for you at the theater.  Grab your popcorn and get started, and you’ll never be without a conversational topic again. “Seen any good movies lately?” 2010-01-06T20:13:49+00:00