COMMUNITY BANK N.A.-BRANCH MANAGER TRAINEE Hometown: Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration & Management, SUNY Plattsburgh
Monticia Prather wanted to broaden her horizons when she accepted her current position as manager trainee at the Route 3 Community Bank branch in Plattsburgh. One of the many things she enjoys in her position is helping both her customers and co-workers. Monticia described her personal style as honest, committed to positive choices in life and a frequent smiler. Characteristics she admires and tries to emulate are projecting strength and energy, being trustworthy and seeing the good in people.
Monticia believes the teamwork and community spirit of the North Country makes it an enjoyable place to live. “There is a close bond that comes with living in this area. Not everybody gets to experience that where they live. This may be a small geographic area but there are so many beautiful attractions to see and experience.” Volunteering with the numerous charitable events that Community Bank participates in, including Relay for Life and North Country Honor Flight, is important to Monticia. “Working together to organize and carry out a successful event that makes a real difference in the community is a great way to build up the region,” she said.
What are you doing to make a difference in your profession?
Every day I strive to come to work and give 110%. I believe I make a difference in my profession by being a positive leader and representing Community Bank N.A. with pride and integrity. I am a strong believer that the reflection I show to others is the way people will perceive me and the business I represent.
What is the single most important characteristic for success?
The single most important characteristic for success is to keep trying. Success doesn’t happen overnight. In order to keep reaching for a goal a person must demonstrate that they want to be in the position and they have the desire to grow, learn and work towards more than what is presently in front of them. Persevere, strive to make each day better than the last.
What important lesson have you learned in your career?
Treat others the way you want to be treated. My working career has been made up of a lot of customer service jobs. If you approach people with a good attitude, a smile and are knowledgeable and confident in what you are saying and doing, people you come in contact with will give the same thing back to you.
What is the most exciting trend happening in the community right now?
Health and wellness is an exciting trend right now. People are taking care of themselves. Whether you are into biking, running, hiking, cross fitting, or joining a gym, there are so many activities you can participate in. People are gathering together or working out alone. It’s amazing because the process and results are awesome to watch!
What can the North Country do to make this region more appealing to a younger generation?
I believe that increasing job opportunities will make it enticing for the younger generation to stay or move to this region. There has already been improvement with companies moving to the area, so as long as those types of developments keep happening this region will appeal to a lot of people.
How do you contribute to the culture of your company?
Community Bank N.A.’s “Bank Happy” culture is something I carry and exhibit on a daily basis. This starts with friendly greetings with customers I come in contact with, then listening and finding solutions to their needs. We give our customers above and beyond excellent customer service. Leading by example, collaborating with peers over how we can be better than we are, and taking action is how I contribute to the culture of my company.
What is something that no one would guess about you?
While staying employed with Community Bank N.A., I am eager to return to school to achieve a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a Certificate in Leadership.
Write a note to your younger self…
Stay focused, have patience, everything in life works out the way it’s supposed to.