2017: A year of pride and joy

Last week, for the first time in a year, we brought all of our employees together in the same room to take a look back at 2017 and celebrate the incredible transformation that Amalgamated Bank has experienced over the past five years. It was a day to remember.

We reviewed the numbers. The growth in revenue, deposits, loans, and client relationships was impressive. The decline in the costs of borrowings, deposits and funds was just as impressive. We can point to results that add up to a financial turnaround of which every single employee was a part and every single employee can be proud.

We reviewed the accomplishments of each business unit and department. In aggregate, the creation of new programs, processes, procedures, partnerships and products have made us more efficient, more profitable, more agile and more unique. And less prone to risk.

We reviewed both internal and external satisfaction study results. We found that almost 90 percent of our clients and customers would recommend us to others. In the same vein, we found that our employees enjoy working here and feel that their roles are important to the overall success of the bank. We got extraordinary marks for diversity, ethics and culture and significantly improved our customer service and job training ratings.

Why am I so confident in this company’s ability to deliver? Because of the clear results and impressive accomplishments of the past five years.

We recognized clients that made a big difference this year as they continued to lead the charge for social change. One client, Doug Jones, changed the course of politics in Alabama and may indeed represent the beginning of a national shift. Another client, Color of Change, ensured that, in a time of heightened tensions, financial providers were not helping to fund and perpetuate hate groups. Other clients helped provide much-needed relief and aid to victims of recent natural disasters in Texas, Florida, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

We recognized employees who went above and beyond: not just at work but outside of work as well. We highlighted the causes we supported, the food, money and toys we collected, the volunteer hours, the walks, the drives and the marches: it was evident just how committed Amalgamated is to making the world a better place.

Finally, we shared our plans for future growth. This included socializing goals for expanding our client base, deepening existing relationships, growing our geographic footprint and adding products and services that our clients want and need. It’s an aggressive plan but one we are confident we can deliver on in 2018 and beyond.

Why am I so confident in this company’s ability to deliver? Because of the clear results and impressive accomplishments of the past five years. My confidence is based on the 400+ employees and numerous clients who comprise this bank, believe in its mission and have helped engineer one of the greatest turnaround stories of which I have ever been a part.

I thank you for your dedication, your hard work, and your continued faith in Amalgamated Bank. You have given me two of the greatest holiday presents I could ever imagine: Pride and Joy