We decided to open accounts at this bank back when it was First Green Bank. We appreciated the environmental values followed by the bank, and stopping by to transact business was not a chore as the tellers were friendly.
Well, First Green in its wisdom decided to merge with Seacoast Bank. With every merger there is a "winner" and it was Seacoast in this case. The First Green CEO and other executives no doubt received golden parachutes and bailed out, but a few First Green branches closed. Our local branch remained open but a few employees were let go and someone we knew was demoted as a Seacoast employee was rewarded with her job.
Seacoast and this branch seem okay as banks go, though of course the Earth-friendly values, we understand, have slipped away, and it has lost the edge that caused us to sign on with them. It seems very empty in there now - no receptionist out front, fewer employees in sight, and I wouldn't be surprised if this branch closes at a later date. Turns out it was as all about money after all, which of course isn't exactly a shock or anything, but must be sad for the remaining First Green employees. read more