Sometimes the best of experiences begins during the most difficult times of life. Lisa Hamilton, Branch Vice President, and Director of Marketing of High County Bank of Longmont did not know what the future would hold for the bank during COVID. The bank opened in November of 2020. However, unlike pre-COVID times there were not any official grand openings and this left Lisa and other staff members with a lot of time to reflect, and decide how they would like to move forward in the future. Lisa knew the direction of the bank would be to serve the community for business, while reaching out to the community.
The question for Lisa asked was, “Who can we serve?”
Lisa, began researching non-profits in Longmont and found Hope of Longmont. Lisa, contacted Andy Schwartz the Volunteer and Outreach Director of Hope. Lisa recalls, Andy told her that Hope needed socks and coats. Lisa, liked the idea of being able to make an impact in the community, especially during COVID. High Country Bank began a socks and coat drive. Lisa’s goal was to be impactful in the community, even if it took baby steps during the uncertainty of COVID.
One day someone stopped by the bank and saw the bin with the donations of socks and coats and needed a pair of socks. Lisa, graciously and enthusiastically told the person, yes take a pair of socks. Lisa, knew this was how High-Country Bank would be able to serve Hope of Longmont and the people of the Longmont community.
Personally, Lisa was fortunate to grow up with enough and not wanting for anything she needed. Lisa’s family was not wealthy, but they “got by,” she says. She looked internally, and knew that partnering with Hope of Longmont was the right fit. The banking business can be stressful, but Lisa loves going to work knowing she can make a difference in the lives of other people, through outreach. In addition, Lisa supports Hope’s mission to provide homeless people with basic needs, while taking it a step further to help people become more self-sufficient.
“This has truly a grassroots movement,” says Lisa. The entire team is involved in the community. High Country bank has a quarterly sharing program, which means High Country Bank has the opportunity to help many different non-profits in Longmont. In 2021, High Country bank had their ribbon cutting and Hope of Longmont attended. In addition, High Country Bank attended Hope of Longmont’s gala.
2022 marks the second year that High Country bank has said yes to being a community partnership with HOPE. Through HOPE’s Development Department High Country Bank has the opportunity of a year-long mutually responsive commitment to support each other which includes being one of the main sponsors of HOPE’s third annual Summer Sundown Music Series in July. Lisa is looking forward to her future of working more with Kimberly Braun, Director of Development at Hope of Longmont. There are more events to look forward to, and more activities with Hope of Longmont, says Lisa.
Longmont feels just like home to Lisa, she finds so many positive attributes. “It’s about synergy, “and everyone working together.” She explained further by saying, “The City of Longmont, The Chamber, and the Economic Partnership all are working with each other.” The ability to make a difference in others lives and using her position at the bank as a vehicle to make a difference in her community.
