In a heartwarming display of community spirit and exceptional customer service, National Bank of Middlebury’s Route 7 South Branch has gone above and beyond to assist a longtime customer, Rick James, with an exciting find.

Mr. James, a familiar face in Bristol and an employee at Middlebury College, found himself in a unique situation when he stumbled upon two forgotten $25 E Series savings bonds from the early 1960s and 70s while searching through his elementary school records. Determined to redeem these long-lost bonds, Mr. James turned to his local bank for assistance.

Upon visiting NBM’s Route 7 South Branch in Middlebury, Mr. James encountered not just efficient banking services, but a genuine commitment to helping him navigate through paperwork and procedures that were unfamiliar and complex. A substantial amount of time and effort was made to sort through the historical documents to determine the accrued interest on the bonds. Despite the additional workload this unexpected task brought, the task was handled with patience and professionalism, ensuring Mr. James left a remarkable return on the decades-old investments.

What truly set this experience apart was the personal touch provided by the bank’s staff. Joel Bouvier, another Bristol resident and National Bank of Middlebury employee, happened to be on site and positively identified Mr. James, eliminating the need for further identification. This seamless integration of community familiarity and professional service highlights the unique bond between National Bank of Middlebury and its customers.

Reflecting on his experience, Mr. James expressed profound gratitude for the bank’s assistance during what could have been a daunting process. “They took at least 20-30 minutes of their time to sort through this mess that I’d brought in and presented,” Mr. James recounted. “They navigated through paperwork, consulted with each other, and ensured everything was in order. It’s moments like these that make us appreciate being NBM customers.”

Such acts of kindness and dedication underscore the importance of community banking, where customers are not just account holders but integral members of a close-knit community. National Bank of Middlebury’s commitment to personalized service and local engagement shines through in stories like Mr. James’. This hometown experience, as Mr. James aptly puts it, remains a cherished aspect of living in Addison County.

In an age where digital transactions often dominate, this incident exemplifies how a local bank like National Bank of Middlebury can make a significant impact beyond financial transactions, fostering trust and loyalty among its customers.