Awards and Testimonials
Home State Bank Awards
2012
United Way of Greater McHenry County's Volunteer of the Year
Kitty Nash has been named United Way of Greater McHenry County's Volunteer of the Year for the 2011-2012 campaign. The Volunteer of the Year award recognizes individuals for their outstanding service and contributions to our local United Way. Kitty's dedication displays the type of community involvement we all should take note of.
Carl E. Wehde Award
Patti Lutz was awarded the Carl E. Wehde Award at the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce dinner for her 25 years of service that she has provided to the Crystal Lake Community.
2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
Best of the Fox - Bank
Being voted the Best Bank in McHenry County is an honor we don't take lightly. That's why we work hard to make your experience with Home State Bank both pleasant and satisfying. From our tellers and PBCs to our executive staff, from our investment advisers to our loan administrators and from our retail team to our commercial team, Home State Bank makes you, our loyal customer, our first priority. Together, with your input and feedback, we will continue to earn our reputation as McHenry County's best bank!
2011
Presidential Award of Excellence
Patti Lutz was honored with the Presidential Award of Excellence at the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce dinner due to the great impact and assistance she has provided to the Chambers success.
2008
For the 76th Consecutive quarter, we’ve achieved a 4-Star recommended rating from Bauer Financial, Inc., the nation’s leading independent bank rating and research firm. Our 4-Star rating indicates that we are one of the strongest banks in the country. So what does that mean for you? In today’s economic climate, it means that we’re a well-run bank that places a high priority on safety and soundness as well as customer service. And that means your money - and your future – are safe with us.
2007
Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Chamber Business of the Year
2005
Illinois Bankers Association Community Service Award
Home State Bank received the Illinois Bank Community Service Award for 2005. The award is presented to a bank in recognition of the bank’s demonstrating a high level of service in the communities it serves, and is very special because the Illinois Bankers Association only honors three Illinois financial institutions with the award each year.
The Robert O. Covey Crystal Lake Business of the Year Award
Received for the bank’s contributions as a business that has been a leader in the community.
Athena Award
Maggie Rivera was honored with the annual Athena Award at the Crystal Lake Chamber dinner for her efforts to encourage Latino businesses to become chamber members.
Testimonials
At Home State Bank, we take great pleasure in providing service to our customers that will exceed their expectations and simply “WOW” them. Below we would like to share with you some of the letters that we’ve received from them. The Privacy of Consumer Financial Information (as part of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act) prohibits us from publicly divulging our customers’ names, therefore, we have omitted their names but included (where applicable) their career practice and proudly share their comments.
Home State Bank is our Go-To Guide for a Mortgage
RE: Personnel
"We've worked with Barb on many loans, and each time she has demonstrated diligence, hard work and attention to detail. She does an exceptional job of keeping us informed of the process. She's a wonderful person to work with!"
Home State Bank's New Mobil App
RE: New Product Feedback
"The new APP works great and is easy to use!"
Home State Bank Works Hard to Help My Business Grow ~ Local Business Owner
RE: Personnel
"It's always a pleasure to do business with people who also become close friends. I feel I have that relationship with Brad Heldt from Home State Bank. Over the years he has provided insight to financial matters, always been available and is very reachable. Brad makes banking a personal matter, not an institutional nightmare. He has helped my business while he's been at Home State Bank. I feel comfortable with both Brad and Home State Bank as they both seem to work hard to help a business grow and prosper."
Home State Bank was our Guide to Affordable Refinancing
RE: Personnel
"With Charlie's expertise, we refinanced our mortgage and saved several hundred dollars per month."
Teacher of the Month Winner
RE: HSB Teacher of the Month Program
"The student, his family, Star 105.5 and Home State Bank are now my teachers. These are the types of connections that can break through learning differences such as autism. Thank you for letting me be a part of this process."
School District Employee
Re: HSB Teacher of the Month Program
I am a teacher who was featured in your teacher of the month program sponsored your radio station and Home State Bank. I would like to thank you very much for providing a program that gives teachers unexpected recognition and is a vehicle for the community to let us know that we do make a difference. This is more meaningful than any bonus program. Also, the stipend was a wonderful gesture. I used it to set up a writing station in my classroom that provided paper trays, clipboards, gel pens mechanical pencils, envelopes, and stickers (imaginary stamps!) It immediately became a desired place to work. It provided tools for motivating writing skills. My students and I thank you very much for your generosity. It was very much appreciated.
Partner in Law Office
Re: Personnel
Last week an attempt was made by a third person to withdraw money from my account at the drive-up facility. One of your employees, who recognized my name, questioned the transaction and denied access into the account. She then notified the Main Street drive-up facility where the perpetrator then attempted to make the same transaction. Because of the efforts of your employees at your drive-up facility, criminal complaints were prepared and the perpetrators were arrested by the Crystal Lake Police Department and have been charged with criminal offenses by the McHenry County State’s Attorney.
The purpose of this letter is to express my thanks to your personnel in reacting so quickly to the situation and actually stopping it from taking place. More importantly, each of these people took their time to go to the Crystal Lake Police Department to identify the perpetrators and make statements to the police.
I appreciate all of the effort put in by your people. Thank you.
High Level of Customer Service ~ Local Business Owner
Re: Personnel
"I know that having access to senior management like I do at Home State Bank is highly uncommon at other banks. The Home State Bank team shows me how important I am by their actions, follow up, attention to detail, response time and much more. Every time I walk into the bank I am reminded of how professional they are and how important our business success is to them.
The entire Home State Bank team is dedicated to our company's health and success which is confirmed by their high level of customer service. They take the time to learn about and truly understand our business and marketplace."
Partner in Law Office
Re: Personnel
I just wanted to drop you a short note to pass along my compliments regarding two of your senior staff. Over the last 45 days I have had the opportunity to work closely with Tom Baranko and Patti Lutz. In two fairly involved and time sensitive transactions, both Patti and Tom were attentive, savvy and saw that both situations were handled to your customer’s complete satisfaction. It was a pleasure to work with them and watch them work. Although I am aware this is not an uncommon event nor a singular trait, I did not want to let their performance pass unnoticed.
It is this kind of quality that not only makes it very easy to work with Home State on behalf of clients, but also makes it very easy to confidently recommend Home State to anyone looking for a comprehensive, long term banking relationship. With best regards, I remain . . .
Retired - Senior Class Club member
Re: Personnel
After addressing the envelope I realized that the messages I hope to convey might be directed to many people at Home State bank to include the top administrators and your co-workers as well.
The idea to write began months (24+) ago with the Wednesday morning once-a-month coffee, donuts, “comedy”, drawings and movie. This EVENT is looked forward to and enjoyed immensely . . . . What a great opportunity for seniors to gather and visit and be entertained!
Then my Dad won a turtle sundae at Culver’s and my husband won a set of sunflower kitchen towels (of course, I went to Meijers for dish cloths to go with the towels). July’s shredder to my husband was an unexpected and great gift and reminder to everyone attending of the importance of protecting identity. Thank you for the variety of thoughtful gifts you give away each month.
Lastly, I realize the warmth which you and your team convey is carried through with administrators like Steve and Tom and others we’ve dealt with in the bank any day of the week.
Student: Visual Arts
Re: Cultural Youth Day
Thank you so much for your generous award, I was fortunate enough to have won first place in the Visual Arts program and contest on FOCUS: Cultural Youth Day. I plan to continue to improve my art skills, and your prize money will help with future projects. Again, thank you very much for your support of the Arts.
Equal Housing Lender