Frank H. Hamlin, III

President & CEO, Canandaigua National Bank & Trust

Years in current role: 9

What was your biggest success in 2021?

In 2021, one of our proudest accomplishments was the ability to invest in our workforce like never before, adding approximately 40 positions (7% increase) in one year. This increase was necessitated by significant new customer and associated financial growth experienced in 2020 that continued into 2021 across all of our comprehensive financial services offerings. We emerged as the No. 1 home mortgage lender in the area (in volume) and between the two last years, CNB has provided well over a half billion dollars of PPP loans to our local businesses. In 2021, our total loan portfolios, excluding PPP loans, grew nearly 14%, while market value of assets under management (wealth management) grew over 18%.

What are your expectations for 2022?

We expect to carry the momentum of the last couple years into 2022, with continued robust financial growth and identifying and executing upon ways to increase positive impacts on all of our stakeholders. Taking on the role of the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes’ 2022 Campaign Chair for the first-ever six-county campaign is a significant and humbling honor. CNB and I are looking forward to continuing a close partnership with United Way throughout the year that results in a highly successful campaign. We’ve recently announced a $500,000 Challenge Grant to kickstart the campaign! We all have an opportunity to help make our region a better place. We can rally, be a greater force for positive change, and Make Way for Good!

What is your biggest takeaway from dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic?

At Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Company, we realized the importance of working through the “people” side of the COVID-19 pandemic. When our employees are taken care of and given the support they need, we know that they are in the best position to provide our customers the quality service they expect and deserve. Our leaders have focused on providing regular and timely communications, and ensuring that our staff has adequate mental and physical health resources to support them.

This profile is part of Rochester Business Journal's Power 100 list for 2022. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net.