From environmentally friendly construction to remote deposits, Chattanooga area banks are either going green, upgrading their technology or implementing the latest user-friendly floor plan.

Chattanooga-based CapitalMark Bank & Trust celebrated its first-year anniversary in 2007 as one of the top-performing start-ups in the country.

President and CEO Craig Holley attributes that growth to a customer-friendly banking experience he calls unique.

Staff Photo by John Rawlston -- Instead of teller windows, CapitalMark customers do their banking at electronic stations, aided by tellers who sit at nearby desks.

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“What we’re hearing from our clients is they like getting to deal with one banker for all of their transactions,” Mr. Holley said.

In the banking industry, these trends reflect an increasing focus on more personal service.

CapitalMark provides business customers an automated check scanning device that can transmit checks directly into the company’s bank account from their place of business. The service is being tested for consumers and could be available by 2009, he said.

FirstBank, based in Lexington, Tenn., will open its first branch in Chattanooga this year. Bank officials are incorporating a new floor plan using pods.

Instead of the traditional lobby format with a long counter with tellers, the 4,200-square-foot branch will open this spring with dialogue pods where customers stand beside the teller.

“The concept is very customer-friendly,” said Sam Jones, president of FirstBank in Chattanooga. “It has been the trend in consumer banking for the last three to five years.”

More personal banking appeals to baby boomers and other customers who still like to come into the bank, Mr. Jones said.

Banks also are investing in a type of green other than money, by building branches that are more eco-friendly. Northwest Georgia Bank broke ground in March on the first bank in Hamilton County to be built according to the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design guidelines.

“The Two North Shore Branch will demonstrate Northwest Georgia Bank’s commitment to the community and the environment,” said Scott Smith, president and COO. “The new branch is targeted for LEED Silver Certification and will be the first LEED-certified, or ‘green,’ bank building in Chattanooga.”

The design of the branch incorporates environmental strategies such as 20 percent energy reduction, water conservation, reflective roofing and recycled materials.

“We just knew it was smart business and the right thing to do for the neighborhood. Almost a year after that decision, it’s now evident that there is a real environmental effort going on, and not just here but all over the U.S.,”Mr. Scott said.

“I think it’s a real trend with positive, sustainable impact, and one we’re happy to support with our first green step.”