RBC opens its latest concept in new banking

Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) has chosen Port Elgin (Saugeen Shores) as only the second place in Canada to open one of its newest concepts in banking – The Meeting Place.

Although RBC opened its doors on August 12th, it wasn’t until November 28th, that an official opening ceremony was held.

(L) Kimberley (Chamber of Commerce), RBC’s Frankine Dyksterhuis, Paula McDonnell, Simran Jarjput, Dan Wood and Michelle Eckles, Vice-Deputy Mayor Mike Myatt and RBC’s Chloe FleuryDan Wood, Regional Vice-President said that how people interact has changed over the years.  “We realize this doesn’t look like a bank but, what has not changed, is that people look to individuals they trust.  This is a very exciting time for us and we have an outstanding team here.”

Francine Dysterhuis, Regional President also said that the growth occurring in Saugeen Shores played part of the RBC consideration to open a branch.  “All our employees here live in Port Elgin and our community support is equally important.  We are trying to figure out how the world is changing and where and how Canadians can benefit.  We are opening this type of branch on university campuses, in colleges and hospitals as we continue to evolve and change.  The Meeting Place is a concept that we think will work because of our people.”

Community Manager over eight branches, Michelle Eckle, gave much of the credit for RBC locating to Saugeen Shores, to Jessical Linthorne, Manager of Strategic Initiatives for the town.  “She was very helpful in bringing us to Saugeen Shores and was open to sharing with us all the information about the growth that is happening.  We are thrilled to be here.”

        (R) Vice-Deputy Mayor Mike Myatt presented the                traditional welcoming plant to Michelle Eckle and                                               Dan Wood

“It’s fabulous to think that Saugeen Shores was selected for only the second branch of this type in Canada,” said Vice-Deputy Mayor, Mike Myatt.  “We are expected to grow to a population of some 2,000 by 2030 and this year alone we had $100 million in building permits.”