Michael D. Hewitt, Hometown Bank
Michael D. Hewitt has been appointed senior vice president at Oxford-based Hometown Bank. He'll oversee the merger of Athol-Clinton Cooperative Bank into Hometown Bank and conversion of its Athol and Lancaster branches into Hometown Bank branches. Here, he discusses why the merger should go smoothly and what the two banks have in common.
Vital Stats
Age: 60
Residence: Fitchburg
Family: Wife Jung; grown children Kimberly, James, Michael and Jacquelyn
Previous Job: Chief operating officer, Fidelity Bank
Start Date: Jan. 31, 2011
Q: How are you settling in your new office?
A: My first priority with Hometown is preparing for and helping to complete a planned merger with Athol-Clinton Cooperative Bank scheduled for April. My full-time office will be in Athol. In the meantime, I have a temporary office in Oxford and I am working with a merger team on the pre-merger preparations.
Q: What challenges do you see in your new position?
A: The primary challenge is integrating the new branch offices in Athol and Lancaster into the Hometown bank model. Although change is always somewhat challenging, this should be relatively easy as both banks were mutual banks incorporated in 1889, and both have been serving as the hometown bank in their respective communities for close to 125 years. Recognizing the importance of consistency and stability, we will be retaining the experienced and dependable staff while adding a broader array of products and services.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Central Massachusetts?
A: I could probably write a book about all of the great opportunities and features of this region, including the mountains, valleys, lakes, streams and the easy commute to the great city of Boston. I would, however, rather get straight to the most important element - the wonderful, friendly, and caring people. Nowhere in the world will you find better people.
Q: How far is your commute?
A: My office will be in Athol, about a 30-minute ride from my home in Fitchburg. I will also be spending time in our Lancaster office, which is a little closer, and, of course, at the main office in Oxford. When in Oxford, my commute will take about 40 minutes. The nice thing about this is that these are all easy commutes as I am, pretty much, centrally located.
Q: What could local and state governments do to make things better for your business?
A: For a true community banker, this is a loaded question. The well-publicized problems in the financial industry, which were caused by the larger institutions and out-of-state mortgage brokers, have placed undue regulatory pressures on community banks. This has made it difficult to remain competitive. I know, however, that with or without relief from over-regulation, our base of customers will continue to grow because of the great personalized customer service that can only be delivered by a community bank.
Q: Where is the best place to get lunch near your new location?
A: This is almost an unfair question since I am not located in Athol on a full-time basis yet, and I am sure there are many excellent restaurants in the area. The two that stand out in my mind so far are Johnson's Farm and, of course, the Blind Pig, right next door to our office.
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