Teresa Waters began working at Scott County Bank (now Chambers Bank) in Waldron on August 27, 1984. In 1996, she moved to Mena and continued to work for the bank.
“I started in the bookkeeping department running the proof machine, filing checks and working up statements,” Waters said. In the past 40 years, she’s worked as a teller, in the loan department, opened new accounts, been retail branch manager, and now serves as loan assistant and an assistant vice president.
When she started her career in 1984, the bank had no computers or core banking system. All data was manually entered into paper logbooks and mailed off for processing, and tellers used microfiche to check balances.
“I have seen a lot of changes throughout the years of my banking career,” Waters said. “I think technology has been the biggest change. Checks and statements are now created electronically. Teller transactions are shown in real time. Loan documents are keyed on a computer, whereas they used to be typed on a typewriter. Customers had to come to the bank to take care of all their banking needs. Now we have debit cards for cash and checks. Almost any type of banking can be done online or by phone.”
When asked what advice she would give to someone just starting their career in banking, she replied, “Be ready to take care of all customers' banking needs. And have a positive attitude.”
As she reflects on her 40-year banking career, Waters is grateful for the people she’s met and impacted. “My favorite part of the job has always been helping customers,” she said. “I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here in the past four decades. The people I work with are like family to me.”
We are so thankful for Teresa and her commitment to helping our customers in Mena and beyond. Cheers to 40 years!