Apr 21, 2020
To say that Melissa Velez is enthusiastic about the growth and success of her hometown might be an understatement. The excitement Velez, who joined Buckeye Community Bank as a customer service representative this year, radiates is visible daily.
“This was a real opportunity, and I wish I would have made a move to Buckeye sooner,” said Velez. “The move to Buckeye Community Bank forced me to step out of my comfort zone a little bit. I thought it might be a challenge, but it has provided me with an excellent opportunity to connect with the community and the clients we serve.
“We have seen a lot of change in local banking with the bigger banks moving in. All the big banks talk about the helping the community, but their actions do not do much to demonstrate it,” said Velez, who spent the first part of her career with FirstMerit, which was acquired by Huntington. “The larger banks say a lot of the right things, but usually it is all about the numbers and not taking the time to understand those they serve.
“The staff at Buckeye is committed to doing everything possible to help clients. We develop deep relationships and partnerships with the businesses in our community – and that’s really cool.”
Velez will represent Buckeye as a participant in the Leadership Lorain County class. She says she is looking forward to the opportunity to tell more people about Buckeye, as well as learning about the people and places of Lorain County, the unique needs facing the area and ways to help others succeed.
“I’m invested and dedicated to the future of Lorain. I’m glad that Buckeye gives me the opportunity to make meaningful relationships that help people,” Velez added.
A lifelong resident of Lorain, Velez enjoys spending time with her family doing outdoor activities. She and her husband, Pete, have four children and two grandsons.
