For Williamson, retirement means more time with family

In August 1993, Deb Williamson started as a teller at First National Bank of Holyoke. Twenty-seven years and three name changes later, Bank of the West bids farewell to Williamson, now the branch manager and assistant vice president.

Friday, June 19, marks her last day, and the bank is hosting a retirement party in her honor. From 11 a.m.-1 p.m., the community is invited to drive by the bank at 125 S. Baxter Ave., showing their appreciation with a honk and a wave.

Much has changed in the years since Williamson started. She was hired by John Schneider who instructed her to learn a little bit about every position. “I just thank him all the time for that,” she said. “That’s what prepared me for this job.” At that time, there were 10 people employed by the bank. These days, it’s down to three full-time and two part-time positions. That speaks to the immense change she’s seen in the industry.

“Everybody came to the branch to do all of their banking, and that’s just not the way it is anymore,” she said. More and more, people are turning to ATMs, mobile apps and online banking for their transactions.

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