The Syracuse branch of Northwest Bank will be closing its doors Wednesday, April 13.

SYRACUSE — Corporate officials of Northwest Bank have confirmed the Syracuse branch, located at 612 Huntington St., will be closing Wednesday, April 13.

The company will continue its Kosciusko County operations in North Webster and its two locations in Warsaw.

In a statement issued by Northwest Bank Vice President/Communications Manager Melanie Clabaugh:

“Over the past ten years, significant enhancements in technology have dramatically changed customer preferences, behavior and expectations. These shifts span not just our own financial services industry, but almost every other facet of our lives as we all seek the ability to research, purchase, connect and transact with the tap of a button.

“In 2020, our desire for convenience through technology became a need when the outbreak of COVID-19 forced the closure of bank retail branches around the world, including our own. During this time, customer reliance on digital channels like online and mobile banking and our network of ATMs increased — which also increased the level of comfort our customers have in using and expecting more from these channels.

“To keep up with this ever-evolving trend and to provide our customers with greater access, convenience, control and flexibility, Northwest invested heavily in alternative channels like online and mobile banking. In 2021, we released enhancements to our digital experience, including improvements in account opening, person-to-person digital payments, budgeting tools, account alerts and card controls.

“Because our customers are choosing to use more convenient ways to interact with our bank, retail network traffic and transaction volumes continue to drop. This movement led us to evaluate our retail network.

“The terms and conditions of customers’ accounts will remain the same and they will continue to have free access to their accounts through online and mobile banking, our free ATM network, automated telephone banking and live service through our contact center and remaining retail network, including an office nearby in North Webster.

“Northwest is a financially strong, full-service financial institution that’s committed to its employees, customers, communities and shareholders.  As we evolve, we are dedicated to remaining independent and investing in our people, processes, solutions and remaining office network to be sure customers receive the high-quality, friendly and efficient service that has been the benchmark of our company for more than 125 years.”