A regional bank with a welcoming porch stands just at the start of Bridge Street in Lambertville. It’s the Bank of Princeton. Inside the branch, locals will find someone with a smile just as welcoming as the building’s facade, Amy Lavery.
Amy, who lives in West Amwell Township, grew up in the tight-knit Southern Hunterdon community, having attended South Hunterdon HS in Lambertville and later received her Associates from Brookdale Community College in Lincroft NJ.
After college, Amy made the bold move to start a restaurant in the Caribbean, but ultimately returned home several year later. Upon her return to Lambertville, Amy quickly established herself as a local leader, becoming the Lambertville Market Manager at The Bank of Princeton and later the treasurer to the Lambertville New Hope Chamber of Commerce.
Here’s more from Amy Lavery, one of Hunterdon Happening’s Top 10 Movers & Shakers of 2015.
Hunterdon Happening: You’ve accomplished so much in a short time since returning to New Jersey. What motivates you every morning?
Amy: I consider myself a VERY ambitious person. Each morning I am motivated to do better than the day before.
Hunterdon Happening: What would you say is your idea of a perfect day?
Amy: My perfect day would consist of sleeping in a little late, going out for a run, taking my Black Lab, Nova down to the Delaware for a swim in the river and then enjoying a great meal and drinks in Lambertville with friends and family.
Hunterdon Happening: And who inspires you?
Amy: My parents are my inspiration. My Mom’s work ethic and commitment to her local church, Centenary Methodist encouraged me to get involved with the Lambertville community. My Father has always been my biggest fan. His positive attitude and open, friendly nature move me to have an optimistic outlook on life and an open approach when facing new opportunities and relationships. They are amazing role models!
Hunterdon Happening: How did you decide to go into the banking industry?
Amy: After owning my own restaurant in the Caribbean, I returned to Lambertville and wanted to shift gears. The finance field was always of interested to me. I started working in the Banking industry 5 years ago and quickly grew professionally.
Hunterdon Happening: Which achievement are you most proud of?
Amy: I am very proud to serve as the Treasurer of the Greater Lambertville New Hope Area Chamber of Commerce. This endeavor has been very fulfilling and has awarded me the opportunity to meet so many of the amazing, hardworking business owners in the community as well as form some great friendships!
Hunterdon Happening: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
Amy: My greatest challenge was to successfully establish myself back in the community I grew up in after leaving when I graduated from High School.
Hunterdon Happening: What is the biggest accomplishment that you’d like to achieve over the next 5 years?
Amy: In the next 5 years, I want to grow to my highest potential in the financial industry through schooling, training and certification. I can see myself entering into an advisor role or analyst position. I Chair the Shad Festival Art Scholarship Committee that awards local students with scholarships for their future education in the Arts field. I would love to bring awareness to the benefit of this scholarship and see it grow to its fullest potential!
Hunterdon Happening: How do you think your friends & coworkers would describe you?
Amy: I believe my colleagues and friends would describe me as fair, ethical, ambitious, friendly, and open-minded.
Hunterdon Happening: Where’s your favorite place to go in Hunterdon County?
Amy: Taking a hike up to the Goat Hill Overlook (no matter what the season!) and looking down onto Lambertville / New Hope is absolutely one of my favorite places in Hunterdon County. Absolutely breathtaking!
Hunterdon Happening: If you could go back in time and talk to yourself ten years ago, what advice would you give?
Amy: If I could go back 10 years and tell myself anything, it would be to sooner appreciate all I have been blessed with…not to dwell on the should have, would have and could have’s. Constantly move forward and trust in my abilities.
Hunterdon Happening: Congratulations, Amy!
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