DEFYING the gloom of COVID-19, Hume Bank chiefs on Wednesday officially opened a new Lavington branch.
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Mr Capello said there was no greater challenge than developing a new branch in a crisis, while Mr Whiting said it was "an indication of our confidence in the area to go forward".
"It's time to put in a positive line in the sand in regard to investment in the community and this is just that," Mr Whiting told a gathering that included Albury councillor David Thurley.
Speaking to The Border Mail after the formalities, Mr Capello said while the coronavirus had an impact on the construction process it was not going to halt the move.
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"We certainly didn't consider shelving it, it just required a lot more planning and acceleration," Mr Capello said.
"That's how a lot of people are approaching a crisis like this, with good planning, knowing when to accelerate and motivating....the team pulled together."
Shifting to the new office site, opposite Lavington Square and near the McDonald's restaurant, will result in a lower rent and that money going to a Border landlord.
Five staff will be based at the branch which is Hume's busiest, serving 17,000 customers annually and overseeing 140,000 transactions each year.
Mr Capello said Hume Bank was in good shape, despite the economic woes resulting from the pandemic.
"We've got the strength of 65 years of banking, we've got the strength of a very solid balance sheet, we've got the strength of a very strong board and through to the leadership team, through to our regulatory and our governance around the organisation," he said.
"So there are many factors that make Hume an extremely strong, well-protected organisation."
Mr Capello said the bank had supported many borrowers with emergency help due to COVID-19 but he added the numbers were a "lot lower than the major banks".
"(That) is a symbol of the strength of Hume and a symbol of the strength of the community," he said.
"There is no doubt our community is impacted by the economic situation that has come from COVID (and) we're supporting them."
Mr Capello said the bank was yet to notice fallout from the border shut-off which has reduced customer numbers and revenue for some enterprises.
"Since the border closures we haven't experienced a spike in businesses coming to Hume, but there is no doubt local businesses are struggling with the border closure," he said.
"We're prepared for it (an increase in demand), if it does come."