The region’s business community lost a giant this week. On a personal level, I lost a mentor, friend and someone who believed in my professional abilities well before most others.
Dave Cocks started as a teller at Walden Savings Bank 33 years ago. He became the bank’s president in 2000. When he passed away on Sunday, he left behind a strong reputation built on professionalism, ethics and philanthropy.
But what will Dave Cocks’ lasting legacy be to our community? Certainly to his family, and to those of us who knew him, he was a great family man. To those who worked with him, and depended on his leadership, he guided Walden Savings Bank to steady growth and strength, even in the face of the worst financial crisis of our lifetime. And he demonstrated to the business world that community leadership and philanthropy are good business.
Building a stronger community
Dave gave time and money and encouraged others to volunteer and make a difference. That meant sitting on many boards, including the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan Counties, the Orange County Chamber of Commerce and many others.
Dave spearheaded the bank’s giving program, which totals approximately $100,000 annually. And he led the program that encouraged employees to help with many not-for-profit programs and events, often while on the clock. Naturally, Dave supported these organizations because he believed in the causes, and he knew that civic involvement is a key component to building a stronger community.
As far as personal brand, Dave worked hard over the years to build an outstanding reputation. He didn’t need a catchy slogan for people to know what he was about. He was a competent banking executive and business leader, and he deeply cared for our community. His active engagement in civic and philanthropic endeavors was a key part in building that brand.
Cocks set an example for us all
What did all of this mean for business? Walden Savings Bank positions itself as a community bank that reinvests in our community. That means a lot more than giving out local loans. It also means donating to worthy local causes and putting feet on the street to get important community work accomplished. This type of involvement helps Walden Savings Bank live up to the community bank commitment it promotes in TV and newspaper ads. (In the interest of full disclosure, I should note that Walden Savings Bank is a client of Focus Media, which helped craft those ads).
Make no mistake about it. Dave was there for all of us not for the sake of profit, but because it was the right thing to do. He leaves behind a great lesson for us as we strive to balance family, success and our own personal legacy: Giving back to the community is vital, good for business and will be a key part in how we are remembered. The work of Dave Cocks and the example he set will never be forgotten.
Josh Sommers is president and CEO of Focus Media, a leading Hudson Valley advertising and public relations agency. He can be reached at josh@advertisingandpr.com or 294-3342, ext. 303. Read his blog at www.advertisingandpr.com. His column appears Fridays.
