Ion Bank: A Reflection of the Customers It Serves

Since its foundation in 1870, $2.2 billion-asset Ion Bank in Naugatuck, Conn., has taken pride in its commitment to its customers and community. From assembling a multicultural, multilingual staff to raising millions of dollars for local charities, Ion supports a wide range of programs designed to serve its Connecticut and New Jersey markets effectively.

“There are many options for consumers and businesses, which we realize,” says Ion president and CEO David J. Rotatori. “We need to be there for our customers—whatever they need—and provide them with the best possible products and service.”

A diverse staff for a diverse customer base

As a mutual savings bank, Ion can make decisions without needing stakeholders’ assent. That means it can support a wide range of programs that center on customers’ needs.

One of the simplest yet most effective ways that Ion has shown support for its diverse customer base is by putting together a multilingual staff. Along with English, Ion has employees that are fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Arabic and American Sign Language. This gives customers the opportunity to bank in their most comfortable language.

“Our employees come from many different backgrounds, speak many languages and are a reflection of the customers we serve,” says Craig Porter, Ion Bank’s EVP, director of marketing and communications. 

Ion Bank takes great pride in its diverse workforce, making it and the bank’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) committee focal points for employee recruitment and advancement, community involvement, education and communication. Porter notes that the community bank has hosted events specifically for Spanish-speaking individuals and businesses, as well as women and minority business owner seminars.

Ion’s diverse outreach extends to its website, which has options for both English and Spanish translations, along with full accessibility for people with disabilities. (For more insight into website accessibility, visit page 34.) Ion Bank also offers telephone assistance for those who need or prefer to bank that way.

Being a part of the community

Beyond everyday customer interaction, Ion Bank has established initiatives and events that benefit its community. The bank has a long-standing partnership with the local senior center, where bank staff teach classes designed to help seniors with topics like financial literacy and fraud awareness.

Ion is also the presenting sponsor of the Connecticut Community Foundation’s Give Local campaign. The campaign is a 36-hour online give-a-thon, with donations being made through the campaign’s website. This year’s campaign raised over $2 million for more than 300 nonprofits in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills areas of Connecticut.

“It’s more important now than ever to support nonprofits as they continue to adapt to changing community needs and build toward a brighter future,” says Rotatori.

One of Ion Bank’s most notable events is the Ion Bank Cheshire Road Races. The races—a 5K, half marathon and kids’ half- and quarter-mile fun runs—have close to 2,000 participants and draw hundreds more spectators.

Established in 2012, the Ion Bank-sponsored event collects donations for charities like disability advocacy organizations Abilities Without Boundaries and Best Buddies Connecticut, as well as the Cheshire Lions Club, a community service organization that donates all proceeds to causes for elder support and public works projects, such as a new electronic sign for the local Cheshire High School.

At the event, attendees can enjoy sponsor exhibition tents, food, live music and entertainment after the race. “The race day atmosphere is electric,” Porter says. “It’s just a great event with a lot of goodwill involved.”

Proof of success

In June 2024, Ion Bank’s consistent commitment to serving its customers and fostering support within the community was recognized with the Diversity and Inclusion award from the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce.

Ion’s Hamden branch manager, Tony Pereira, had nominated the community bank, but its broader team wasn’t even aware of the nomination until after it had won the award, which is given to an organization that has shown leadership in promoting a diverse, inclusive and equitable environment. 

“While it’s great to be recognized, and this is certainly an honor to be formally recognized for our efforts,” says Porter, “this is an ongoing initiative, and we look to continue to grow our efforts.”