Employee Spotlight
James M. Savage
Community Office Manager,
Senior Small Business Lender
Twenty years ago, Jim Savage began his career at Tioga State Bank. With a great deal of experience in Business Banking, Jim has served in a variety of roles at TSB. However, his background in Commercial Lending precedes his employment at Tioga State Bank.
Jim Savage started as a Commercial Lender in Gettysburg, PA. In 1983, Jim and his wife decided to move back to his hometown of Johnson City, NY. While browsing the Yellow Pages of his mother’s phonebook, he came across Tioga State Bank. He called and landed an interview. Tioga State Bank was expanding to the Broome County market and needed a Manager for the Vestal Office. After he was told he could also work on his passion, Small Business and Commercial Lending, he accepted the Manager position and began his training. A few years later, Jim was promoted to Senior Small Business Lender. When Tioga State Bank opened the Conklin Ave. Office, Jim took on the additional role as a manager along with Vestal. Jim also serves as a member of the Bank’s Credit Policy Committee and the Commercial Loan Committee, which reviews and approves commercial loans.
In the community, Jim is involved in several local organizations. He is the Vice President of the St. James Parish Council and a member of the St. James Finance Committee. He is a Board Member of EPAC, and a member of the Binghamton University Forum. He is also very involved in the Broome County Special Olympics and a proud supporter of Gigi’s Playhouse.
Q&A with James Savage
What are your hobbies?
My hobbies include reading, watching movies and foreign television series, taking small hikes, and vacationing in Cape Cod. I also collect all genres of music. Most importantly, I enjoy spending time with my family.
What is something people may not know about you?
I was once a professional Disc Jockey at a Country Music Station in Pennsylvania.
Tell us your favorite local business and why.
I love going into Charlie Blonde Antiques and Early Owego Antiques. The inventory constantly changes. I find items of local history, and some things bring back memories of my childhood. You realize that each piece was a part of someone else’s life. It’s a step back in time. I rarely leave either of these without purchasing something.
What do you like the most about being a business banker?
The most rewarding aspect of my job is working with local business owners. I get to hear about their successes and sometimes failures. I see what their dreams and goals are. I see that they care for their employees and are a part of the community. I get to learn from the bottom what each business does. It helps me to respond to their needs by finding or helping to create the right solution to fit their needs. I love to build lasting relationships. Through my customers, I learn more and more about our community and how we can help the community continue to move forward in a positive manner.
What would you like to let people know about you?
I learn something new every day. I am sincere and work hard to provide solutions needed by my clients. I love building lasting relationships. Every single day, I look to build a new relationship. I am proud to work for Tioga State Bank!
“My role models are my Dad and Abraham Lincoln. I would not be where I am today without the love and support of my wife and family.“
If you would like to open an account, have any questions, or want to learn more…
Tioga State Bank’s Commercial Account Specialists are here to help. Contact us online, by phone at 888-303-4TSB or visiting us at a TSB office location.