UTICA – Despite the economic downside caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the Bank of Utica has kept things business as usual.

In a recent interview with Barry Sinnott, the bank’s senior vice president, he said that despite the pandemic, things are going well at the lending institution.

For example, “after being in the COVID-19 pandemic for nearly two years, we are able to bring back our Bank of Utica/City of Utica New Year’s Eve party,” Sinnott said in a statement. on the celebration that rang in 2022. .

Going forward, through the end of 2022, Sinnott said in a statement that the bank hopes to “continue to grow our partnerships in the Mohawk Valley with customers, both commercial and personal, in Oneida Counties.” , Herkimer, Madison and Otsego”.

This, in keeping with a longstanding tradition that the Bank of Utica has been locally controlled and based in downtown Utica since 1927. As a hyperlocal bank, Sinnott said the bank is and always has been very supportive to the local economy.

How is banking business during COVID?

In 2020 and 2021, PPP loans were really a lifeline for many businesses, Sinnott said.

As a result of government-created lifelines, deposits and assets have increased. “Banks are cash heavy right now,” Sinnott said.

The Bank of Utica is more focused on business and commercial lending and lending activity has remained steady over the past two years, Sinnott said.

The Bank of Utica at 222 Genesee St. in Utica has been in business for 95 years. More information can be found online at www.bankofutica.com.