There’s been a whirlwind of activity on the southwest side of Cullman, and a lot of that is thanks to Cullman Savings Bank, an anchor of the community since 1887.
The new Cullman Savings Bank building sits next to Hank's Sports Bar & Rumors Deli. Opening in 2024, the building has a drive-through banking location, but it’s much more, and that was the wish of Cullman Savings Bank President and CEO John Riley.
“We want to do things for the betterment of the community,” Riley said, “whether it’s paying for a baseball field, helping a school band go to Disney World or building a building. That’s why we built the drive-through branch - not just for us to make money, but for the whole community to have a nice place.”
The biggest tenant in the new building, square-footage wise, is The Flying Fifty Hotel, owned by Paul and Challie Knetter. There is also an eclectic variety of retail establishments calling the building home, including ice cream shop Seven Daughters Scoops (its second location in town), owned by Tammy Hill; Jubilee Coffee and Wine Bar, owned by Jacob and Katie Fine (who also own Karma’s Coffee House); and Sipsey Winery, owned by Bart and Renda Crabtree.
The bank, which focuses exclusively on Cullman County, is known for its charitable giving through the Cullman Savings Bank Foundation, in place for more than 20 years. The Foundation funds scholarships for local students, has given hundreds of thousands to area schools, supports local nonprofits such as the Good Samaritan Health Clinic and more. You’ll also see bank employees popping up around town, manning the bank’s free ice cream giveaways and participating in and supporting community festivals and special events.
“It’s just the way we do business,” Riley smiled.
“It sets us apart,” said VP of Marketing Clara Kent.
“It’s the thing I’d like to change in the community,” Riley continued. “It’s not like we invented it; there are others who just do what’s right and help other people. And it ends up being better for everybody, including that person or that business.”
Riley, Kent and Executive Vice President COO T'aira Ugarkovich all enthusiastically agreed, “We invest in our community.”