Somerset Trust Company, Somerset, PA, is a community bank serving the people of Somerset County and the greater Johnstown area. The bank provides complete financial services to its customers through a network of branch offices, extensive ATM locations and an award-winning online banking service.

“The bank places an emphasis on delivering superior customer service and improving internal and external efficiencies utilizing technology”, stated G. Henry Cook, Somerset’s President & CEO.

In March 1999, Somerset Trust Co. began offering Internet banking to its clients. Mr. Cook expanded by saying, “Today, we continue to work diligently along with our Internet banking partner, Suchak Data Systems, Inc (SDS) and their Web Banking System. From a functionality, security and performance standpoint, we trust that SDS is ahead of the curve and always open to our opinions and idea’s to ensure that. As such, we believe that Somerset Trust receives unparalleled customer support and capabilities from SDS. We continuously receive praise from our customers regarding our online banking system. Our customers expect and we deliver the best, therefore, that is what we require when selecting a partner or product. SDS delivers that on a daily basis, hands down”.

The latest technology provides more than new products — it preserves and enhances long-standing banking relationships. Evans National Bank, a $450 million institution located in Hamburg, NY, was looking to better serve their existing as well as attract new clients. Suchak Data Systems (SDS) Integrated Banking System (IBS) delivered.

Over the years, Evans National Bank has enjoyed steady growth due to its commitment to personal service and its responsiveness to its loyal customer base. SDS, with their commitment to customer support and their core system IBS, contributes to Evans strong service tradition by enabling the bank to leverage its customer relationships.

“IBS shows us a new level of customer information,” said Bill Glass, Evans Senior Vice President. “Our staff uses IBS’ customer profile to understand the services that a customer uses. That knowledge enables us to make sensible cross-sell offers and better serve our customers as part of our CRM strategy.”

The bank has also cultivated a strong niche in commercial lending to generate significant commercial business. Customers needing commercial loans now receive a higher level of flexibility and service to meet their unique business needs. Bill added “When we need to offer a new product or one of our customers asks us for a unique twist to our offerings, SDS is able to assist us in making any system changes in order to support our requests in a timely fashion.”

"Bob, I am very impressed with SDS' ability to facilitate such a move with virtually no notice. I'm sure this pleased our customer and likewise, I am a pleased customer of yours." Thanks again, Howard. (This was in regards to an instantaneous ATM move request)

I had the opportunity to work with the management and staff of SDS during a bank acquisition. We had very tight deadlines, and were staging our integration at year end. Accuracy and delivery were essential. The management and staff at SDS did everything they had agreed to do, when they agreed to do it, and they did it with tremendous accuracy. What more could you want from a vendor? SDS - a fine company to work with.

“Our experience with Suchak Data Systems (SDS) has been very positive. We are currently in a conversion process involving an Item Processing and Imaging project. Coordination has gone very well and I am pleased to say that we are right on target to ‘Go-Live’ later this summer.

I look forward to a long-time relationship with SDS and utilizing other services that they provide.”

SDS is truly a trusted partner, enabling us to grow and diversify our business while providing the latest in technological advances, both for our staff and our customers.

Their personnel are very responsive, understand the complexities and regulatory requirements of our industry, and provide the highest degree of integrity.

We are very proud of our long-time association with SDS, and appreciate their approach to getting things done within our cost, quality and time expectations.

"SDS’ value to us is much more than the products they sell. They are our consultants and partners. We have an in-house EDP department with one programmer; we have different needs than other banks SDS works with; and they (SDS) adjust their services accordingly. SDS is able to adapt its services to the needs and capabilities of its clients.

In our view, there’s no substitute for the talent, commitment and staying power SDS brings to their work. We very deliberately selected SDS as a significant partner in our bank’s future growth."

We are pleased to work with SDS, because they have consistently addressed our needs in a timely manner, helping us bring new products and services to our customers. For core processing, check processing, and ATM processing, SDS has provided us with efficient solutions and effective leadership. Our 24 year relationship has greatly benefitted Bank of Akron.

From the day we first met Vinod and the rest of the team at SDS, we felt a comfort level unlike those of other vendors. Here was a company that understood community banks and the complexities of such. Three years later, we maintain a high level of communication and mutual discussion whenever a critical decision is needed. SDS strives to explore options and research solutions from both the banks’ and SDS’ perspective so that workable solutions are attained to benefit both parties. That’s their greatest strength.

We know our online banking is great. Here’s what some of our customers have told us.

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“The new web banking is great!!! This is one of the reasons why I chose Somerset Trust and it just keeps getting better! Thanks!”

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“I wanted to pass along how well I think the product looks as compared to another bank's online product. Last night was the first I had pulled up both my STC account and my other bank’s account. Simply put, there is no comparison between the two. The other bank has fewer options and a much less user friendly interface. I just wanted to pass along the positive review.”

The thing I like best about our relationship with SDS is that I know if I have a problem, suggestion, or question, someone is just a phone call away - and when I say someone, I mean an actual person I can talk with. You do not feel like you are just a number. Your ideas and concerns matter to them. This translates back to the service we provide our customers.

SDS has enabled Bank of Akron to be on the leading edge of electronic banking technology, and still be able to keep our arms around all of our operations. It is an ideal arrangement where our customers have access to the latest products and services, and we are involved in all product development discussions. The most frequent comment we get is "Your Online Banking System is really easy to use.