CEO’s Message

Dear Valued Sawyer Savings Bank Customers,

Sawyer Savings Bank has been monitoring very closely the situation unfolding with Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank. Our operations are distinctly different than SVB and Signature Bank, making our financial health more resistant to volatility. We are a community bank with a capital position double the amount required by financial regulators.  Sawyer Savings manages its finances and risk in a more traditional and conservative manner keeping your deposits safe.

As a community bank:

  • Sawyer Savings Bank remains well-capitalized and well-positioned to continue to serve our customers and community.  We were chartered over 150 years ago and expect to serve this community for generations to come.
  • You have access to our experienced team, and we stand ready to assist you with any of your questions or concerns.
  • We take pride in our relationship-based business model that focuses on building long-term trust with our customers. After all, we live in your community and your success is our success.
  • Your deposits are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (depending on your account titling structure, you may be covered above this limit). For customers who have questions about their FDIC Insurance coverage, we are ready and prepared to assist you to ensure your deposit insurance needs are met.

If you have questions about your coverage, or would like to learn more about FDIC insurance and how it works, we encourage you to call us directly or access the following resources:

Sawyer Savings Bank customers and the public should also be aware that scammers have already begun trying to alarm consumers. The scammers are claiming that a bank is under Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) review and the person needs to take out their cash from their bank or risk losing it. If you receive this call, please hang up and call us at 888-772-1871.

Through pandemics, recessions, and World Wars, we have applied diligence and responsibility in everything we do. Our doors are open, as they have been for over 150 years. If you or someone you know has been negatively affected by the recent crisis or are simply looking for safety and security, we welcome you to contact a member of the Sawyer Savings team at 888-772-1871.­

Thank you for your continued support.

Doug Sturges Headshot
Douglas Sturges, CEO

Step to Home Ownership – #1 – Plan & Educate!

Your First Step to Home Ownership, PLAN and EDUCATE!

Once you’ve decided that you’d like to become a homeowner, arm yourself with knowledge! In Ulster County, we recommend visiting Rural Ulster Preservation Company (RUPCO). They offer programs and classes to help you determine what you may need to do to prepare for homeownership. They’ll go over everything from how to repair credit to budgeting and saving.

Call 845-331-2140 or visit their website for more information at www.rupco.org.

If you live outside of Ulster County, please contact Sawyer Savings for information on counseling agencies in your area.

End of Year Loan Specials!

Sawyer Savings Bank offers Simplified Lending Solutions to Help You Grow Your Business.

At Sawyer Savings Bank, we understand the challenges that bringing your business through to year-end can bring, and we are here to help with those last-minute financing needs.

Our end-of-the year special rates on low-dollar installment loans can help ease some of that stress. Whether you need to purchase a piece of equipment for your drilling company, or install new solar panels to become more eco-friendly, with rates as low as *6.75%, we can help set your business up for 2023.

  • Maximum loan term of 120 months
  • Maximum loan amount up to $150,000
  • Promotional offer applies to short term capital investments
  • Up to 100% financing
  • Lending decisions made locally

With an experienced lender and decisions made right here in the Hudson Valley, we’re committed to helping your business finance opportunities and respond to challenges. The right loan can be an essential tool. Special fixed rates are now available for up to 10 years on select loans and together we can create the right solution for your unique needs.

If you or have any clients that may benefit from this offering or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. The process itself is simple.

Remember to act soon, as you may be able to take advantage of end of year tax filings!

Ready to get started?

I can help you learn about our wide range of merchant and lending options that can help you achieve your goals, and how partnering with Sawyer Savings Bank can benefit you and your business.

**This is a promotional rate and may be changed or discontinued at any time at the discretion of Sawyer Savings Bank. Promotion effective as of November 16, 2022 and ends on December 31, 2022. All loans subject to credit approval. For applications between $2,500 and $150,000. All products and services are subject to eligibility, credit approval and other conditions. Restrictions may apply

Nicole Lowrey Promoted to Lending Supervisor at Sawyer Savings Bank

Nicole Lowrey
Nicole Lowrey

Sawyer Savings Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Nicole Lowrey to Lending Supervisor. Lowrey will be responsible for supervising staff and overseeing daily operations for residential loan origination and loan servicing through all Sawyer’s delivery channels.

Beginning her banking career with Sawyer Savings in 2013 as a teller in the Saugerties branch, Nicole held multiple positions, most recently as Loan Servicing Specialist with our lending department.

“As our lending department continues to grow, Nicole will provide the knowledge-based leadership our staff needs to meet demands,” said James Whitaker, President. “She has taken on nearly every role in lending and her experience will provide a deep understanding of staff and customer needs.”

“I am very excited to take on this new role within Sawyer Savings Bank. I find joy in knowing that our work makes an impact right here in our community where I raise my family. I enjoy being part of the journey that helps a family put down roots with a new home.”, says Lowrey.

Mrs. Lowrey is a very involved member of the community while raising her two children Cierra (10) and Bradley (7). She currently sits on the board of the Saugerties Outlaw Youth Football league and is an active volunteer in her daughter’s Girl Scout troop and her local volunteer fire department.

Jennifer Alnwick Joins Sawyer Savings Bank as Vice President, Commercial Lending

Sawyer Savings Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Jennifer Alnwick as Vice President, Commercial Lending, at Sawyer Savings Bank, serving the Northern Ulster, Greene and Columbia Counties of New York.Jennifer Alnwick

Jennifer joins Sawyer Savings with over 25 years of experience in business banking and commercial lending. In her new role, Jennifer will be responsible for generating commercial lending opportunities as well as developing business banking relationships with local businesses in Northern Ulster, Greene and Columbia counties.

“I’m excited to build new relationships through local lending and apply my industry knowledge to meet my clients’ changing needs,” Jennifer said. “I enjoy getting to know business owners and learning more about their companies so I can be the best trusted advisor possible for them and their businesses. Being a part of the Sawyer Savings Bank team will enable me to add greater value to these partnerships due to the Bank’s core values and capabilities.”

“I’m pleased to welcome Jennifer to our team,” said Douglas Sturges, C.E.O of Sawyer Savings Bank. “With Jennifer’s deep expertise in business banking and management, combined with her insight into the needs of the Hudson Valley business community, we are confident that she will be a critical part of our expanding commercial lending team.

Ms Alnwick, who earned a Masters Degree from Marist College, is an active member of the community. She most recently served as board chair of the American Heart Association, and has served on the Ulster County Chamber Foundation, and is a graduate of Ulster Leadership Institute. Jennifer lives in Hyde Park with her husband and four children.

Her office is located at 85 Market Street, Saugerties NY and she can be reached at 845-217-6051 or jalnwick@sawyersavings.bank. To learn more about Jennifer, visit SawyerSavings.Bank/Jennifer

Lanzarone-Mackey promoted to V.P. Residential Lending Office

Liza Mackey, V.P. Residential Lending
Liza Mackey, V.P. Residential Lending

Sawyer Savings Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Liza Lanzarone-Mackey to Vice President, Residential Loan Officer serving Southern Ulster, Southern Dutchess, and Orange Counties of New York.

Liza has over 30 years of experience in the banking industry. In her new role, Liza will work to maintain and generate new lending opportunities for new home purchases and mortgage refinances in the Hudson Valley Market.

“I want to develop lasting relationships and become a trusted advisor to my customers.” explained Liza. “Making sure they have a smooth and enjoyable experience while buying, refinancing, or building their new home is my priority,” she said.

“I’m proud to announce Liza’s promotion. Her attention to detail and commitment to the customer experience has been an incredible asset to Sawyer Savings Bank for over the last 30 years on the deposit side of the bank. Residential Loan Officers are responsible for guiding consumers through the single largest financial transaction in their lifetime, and we couldn’t be happier to have Liza fill this new role,” said Douglas Sturges, C.E.O. of Sawyer Savings Bank.

Liza is a graduate of Dutchess County Community College and the Ulster Leadership Development Institute. Sharing in the Bank’s dedication and passion for community giving, she was a recipient of the Service Above Self Award by the (Highland?) Rotary Club. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, and gardening.

Liza is available to meet customers at the Marlboro, Highland or New Paltz branch offices of Sawyer Savings Bank. She can be contacted directly at 845.217.6011 or visit her dedicated landing page at www.sawyersavings.bank/liza/ to learn more about her.

Effective January 6th, 2022 – Temporary Lobby Closures

Due to the upsurge in COVID cases in the communities we serve, we have decided to temporarily close our bank lobbies out of an abundance of caution.

In an effort to keep our customers and employees safe during this time of rising COVID cases, effective Thursday, January 6th, 2022 our Saugerties, Marlboro and Highland branch lobbies will be CLOSED temporarily. Our Drive-Up windows ARE AVAILABLE. We are sorry for this inconvenience and greatly appreciate your patience during this time.

We regret any inconvenience this may cause for our customers who prefer to do their banking in our lobbies. You may still arrange for in-lobby appointments for business that can’t be conducted at our drive-ups or ATMs. Just call your branch manager to schedule an in-person appointment.

View Hours / Locations

As always, remember that we have various electronic means of banking available to you. These means include: Online Banking, Mobile Banking with Remote Deposit with our Apps for personal or business, Zelle, Debit Cards and ATMs.

Please check back as we continue to update our customers regularly, via this news post and on our social media accounts.

Presidents Message, November 23, 2020

Dear Valued Customers & Community Members,

At Sawyer Savings Bank, our goal over these past few months has been to provide a safe environment, while providing essential and exceptional financial services to our members.

It has been a time like no other and we, like you, have had to do things in ways that were never done before.

As always, our first priority is to ensure our staff remains healthy in order to continue to serve the needs of our customers and communities. As the number of COVID-19 cases across our Hudson Valley area continues to rise, we have decided to restrict access to our branch lobbies effective Monday, November 23, 2020. Our drive ups will remain open during normal business hours.

These temporary changes are being made out of an abundance of caution as preventative measures to decrease the number of people interacting within our branches and create greater social distance between our teams and customers, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and health guidelines from both State and National governmental agencies regarding the pandemic.

“The safety and security of our customers and staff remains our number one priority,” said Doug Sturges, President. “In light of the increasing number of COVID cases across our area, we wanted to do our part to help slow the spread by temporarily moving to drive-up service and our fast track banking depository. We apologize to our customers for any inconveniences this may cause, but ensure you that our staff is ready to work with you as needed. You can also access your accounts through online banking, our mobile apps, and our network of ATM’s.”

Your trust in us over the past several months has not gone unnoticed and we are so grateful for your continued support. We are committed to providing you with financial assistance you need during these unusual times. And we will always be here for you, just has we have been for the past 150 years. We appreciate your business and your understanding and we recognize the adverse impact this is having on all of us. We will continue to communicate with you just as we’ve been doing throughout the last several months. Thank you for your flexibility as we do our part for the health and safety of our customers, staff, and community.

 

Doug Sturges,
President

Proud Banking Partner for Central Hudson’s Back to Business Funding Program

we're open sign

Central Hudson LogoSawyer Savings is pleased to be a community banking partner for Central Hudson’s Back to Business funding program. Central Hudson is committing up to $1 million in economic development support to provide local small businesses with grants to help pay down new working capital loans taken with participating local banks, like Sawyer Savings. This program is intended to assist small businesses in continuing operations or reopening when the economy is restarted.

Click here to read the official press release.

Click Here for the CH Grant Application (PDF)

Click Here for the SSB Loan Application (PDF)

Sawyer Savings Bank Announces changes to Senior Management and Board of Trustees

Sawyer Savings Bank Announces changes to Senior Management and Board of Trustees

Douglas P. Sturges Headshot Gabriel F. Sottile Headshot

James P. Whitaker Cynthia Saporito

Sawyer Savings Bank, in business since 1871, is proud to share news of the following changes to Senior Management and to the Board of Trustees as of January 1, 2019.

With leadership capability and the importance of continuity across every aspect of the bank’s service, we announce the naming of Douglas P. Sturges as the new President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Mr. Sturges has worked at Sawyer Savings as Chief Financial Officer for over 20 years. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Siena College in 1984 as an Accounting major and obtained a Master’s Degree in Banking from Louisiana State University in 2006. He is a CPA and a member of both the AIPCA and NYSSCPA.

Mr. Sturges and his wife live in Saugerties and enjoy the community immensely. He looks forward to continuing to work with the dedicated staff at Sawyer Savings and to grow the Bank in the years ahead.

Gabriel F. Sottile has stepped down as President of Sawyer Savings and remains Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman of the Board. Mr. Sottile’s 40-year tenure has included posts from Auditor to AVP, VP, EVP, President and Trustee, as well as his current positions.

Mr. Sottile is and has been an active member of the Hudson Valley Community, serving as Chairman of the Board for Benedictine Hospital and continuing as Trustee and Chair of the Finance Committee for Ulster County Community College.

James P. Whitaker has been appointed Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of Sawyer Savings. He has held positions with the bank in customer service, underwriting for commercial loans, IT and more for over 18 years. He has an Associates’ Degree from UCCC.

Mr. Whitaker is a lifelong resident of Saugerties and graduated from Saugerties High School. He is a member of both the Sons of the American Legion and the Kiwanis Club where he serves on numerous committees.

Cynthia Saporito, currently Senior Vice President (SVP) and Chief Operating Officer (COO), has been elected to the Sawyer Savings Board of Trustees. Over the past 33 years, she has held positions as an Internal Auditor, AVP Lending, VP of Operations, CRA and Compliance Officer prior to her becoming SVP and COO in 2005. She is a graduate of SUNY Ulster and Marist College with a BS in Business.

Ms. Saporito is a resident of Saugerties who serves on the Board of the Saugerties Public Library and is a member of the Kiwanis Club. She was also on the Board of the Kingston Boys & Girls Club for over 10 years.