Henry Wells, of Wells College and Wells Fargo fame, was
one of the founders the First National Bank of Aurora in
1864. In 1960 the Bank opened a branch office in Union Springs.
In an effort to prevent invasion by a competitor,
in 1976 the bank changed the main office from Aurora to Union Springs. It
also changed its name from the First National Bank of Aurora to Cayuga Lake
National Bank. This move provided home-office protection and preserved the Bank's competition borders.
The two branches continue to provide their hallmark community service,
which is nearly unique within the banking industry.
In 1988 the Board of Directors established a holding company,
the Cayuga Lake Bank Corporation. Cayuga Lake National Bank is
the sole subsidiary of the holding company. This structure positions the
Bank for future growth and development.
Operational during three centuries, the Bank has
demonstrated 140 years
of progressive growth. During the past 10 years, the bank's assets have
almost doubled, growing from $40 million in assets to more than $80
million.
The banking industry has faced extreme challenges in
recent years. The wave of technology and downsizing has curtailed the
personal touch and accessibility to "real people." Fortunately,
these changes have strengthened the Bank's position. Bank employees are
able to provide the hometown service that promotes community banking. This
key asset of the Bank shows in the number of years its employees have
served the community. Management has dedicated over 140 years of
experience.
Exemplary efforts by the Board of Directors have guided
the institution toward the future. A conservative agenda caters to
providing community service. Cayuga Lake National Bank is committed to
maintaining a community bank image, and providing the technology to serve
those who wish to maintain a banking relationship unhampered by geographic
barriers.