The second-largest black-owned bank in the country wants to put a new branch in your neighborhood, or something like that. OneUnited Bank, based in Boston, cut the ribbon on its first new branch -- ever -- yesterday, and its CEO, Kevin Cohee, said he has as much as $100 million to spend on opening more branches as time goes on.Before this year, Cohee had a different strategy: instead of building branches, he just bought other banks. In the meantime he started an online banking operation, too. It'll be interesting to see how the new strategy plays out.
Comments: (18)
Add a comment
By: Cornelia Robinson on 6/12/2007 5:25PM
YOU ARE GOING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. HOW EXCITING!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Miss Phillips on 6/13/2007 12:05AM
This brother is obviously doing big things,and I really would have like to see Bob Johnson and this guy in a partnership. The possibilities would be endless, and much more lucrative. Especially since mergers are prevalent right now and they help to strengthen the company foundation. I believe deep down in my heart that there are to many individual agendas, and as a result African Americans accomplish less in thee business world and in community.
Comments from Miss Phillips
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Rod on 6/13/2007 12:02AM
This is a beautiful story. As a full time entrepreneur for 10 years I love to hear stories of Black people making money. Almost brings tears to my eyes. There are so many ways to earn great money being in business for yourself.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Cecil Jones on 6/13/2007 9:31AM
I'm so happy that I'm fighting back tears. My parents died of cancer, but they are still with me in spirit. I have been fighting for things they wanted all their lives. My Father opened a Rib Joint and he couldn't get the financial backing necessary to make it a success. He invested my college education and my dreams in the venture to make it true. I got to the University of Michigan on a scholarship. I didn't have the financial support behind me that is necessary. I bussed tables to pay for stuff. Chemistry and jobs don't mix. I missed my opportunity and I've been scrambling ever since. All Dad could say to me is, "Nobody died and left me anything." Imagine what a Black Bank could have done for his dreams and mine. Come to Las Vegas. Find people with ideas and books that are ready to soar. We can't find a good "Rib Joint" in Vegas. Have you seen the price that these rookies are charging? Come to Vegas to find successes. We have no established Black community. There is no entrenched resistance to success. Everyone comes to Vegas.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Tracy on 6/13/2007 1:12PM
I love the success stories of my people. I am sooo excited for this bank. When will these branches start popping up and will there be one in the St Louis Missouri area. I will be one of the first to put my money there.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Ginnette on 6/13/2007 3:02PM
Yes except for they marginalize their own people!
Why? I had a bounced check through Fleet years ago that I paid off and they wouldn't open an account for me. Sovereign did and Bank of America did but not these folks.
Shame on them!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: TONY on 6/14/2007 8:38AM
IF YOU WANT CHANGE IN OUR COMMUNITY...VOTE WITH YOUR WALLET.
DONT GIVE ALL THE MONEY THAT YOU'VE EARNED RIGHT BACK TO "THE MAN"...KEEP THAT MONEY IN "YOUR" COMMUNITY
http://TONYDEEsNEGROLEAGUE.COM
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: eboni on 6/17/2007 12:48PM
I have an account and would love to just walk into the bank and do my business there. I find it hard doing it on line. I would also like to help in any way that I can to put a bank here in the Washington -Baltimore area. Bring it On
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: chas. on 6/17/2007 10:42PM
I'd put some of my money in there.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: wanda brown on 6/17/2007 10:41PM
I, too opened an account after reading the "Smiley" article. I thought it would be a great idea to support a black bank. It took almost four months for my inital deposit and registration to go though and another two months before my account was actually active. Now I can't into the account on line or by phone. After several calls to try and fix the problem, I am still unable to access my funds. I am frustrated and will probaly close my account. (If I can ever get access to it!!) I really want to support One United but it's not looking too good right now.
Reply to this Comment | Report This