text: Old Point Financial Corp. | No. 7 Top Workplaces, midsized companies - The Virginian-Pilot - Inside Business
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  Old Point Financial Corp. | No. 7 Top Workplaces, midsized companies
  Old Point Financial Corp. (Courtesy photo)
  Often the best indicator of an organization's future is its past.
  Old Point Financial began at a counter inside a Hampton confectionery store the winter of 1923, the creation of four local businessmen who dreamed a local bank would be a support for nearby citizens and businesses.
  The new venture was named after the city's well-known Old Point Comfort lighthouse. The symbol and logo demonstrate the organization's commitment as a steady, trusted resource whatever the economic conditions.
  They proved that some years later. During the Great Depression, when the federal government closed banks to protect them from panicked citizens, Old Point was one of the few institutions that could cash paychecks for employees of the nearby Veteran's Administration.
  Nearly a century later, after technological advances, business changes and company growth, Old Point remains a community bank meeting the needs of its neighbors. Still headquartered in Hampton, it has 19 branches throughout Hampton Roads.
  The home-grown institution now includes a trust and financial services sector, a mortgage division, and an insurance subsidiary. They still operate under local management and have genuine concern for their neighbors.
  The company hosts regular homebuyer's bootcamp to walk would-be homeowners through the process. Coffee Connection, a partnership with the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, allows networking with local business leaders.
  Employees are proud participants in the United Way Day of Caring. The company joined in a VHDA Community Heroes initiative that offered grants for law enforcement, public school educators, firefighters and other first responder homebuyers. Old Point employees donate time and resources to 300 charitable organizations per year.
  The company's most recent community support was a surprise to the recipients. At the end of the bank's buyout of a local bridal boutique, it found itself with 29 unsold couture wedding gowns. A sale was announced and held on the top floor of the Hampton headquarters.
  "When women found the dress they wanted, we sent them downstairs to check-out where they were told the dresses were free.
  "It was a great day, seeing their reactions," marketing coordinator Stephanie Lane said.
  A company that looks out for its neighbors also demonstrates staff care. Employee perks include discounts at local businesses and attractions and company-matched contributions to health savings and retirement accounts.
  Old Point boasts its low turnover rate is proof of employee satisfaction. That example is most clearly seen at the top. Robert F. Shuford Sr., the organization's chairman, president, and CEO, will retire in January 2020. He's been with the company since 1965.
  "It becomes difficult for us to separate Old Point and Mr. Shuford. For over five decades, he has modeled professionalism, kindness and generosity. Our organization is known for these ideals, and he is the man who set them in place," Arthur Greene, lead independent director of Old Point Financial Corp., said in a press release. "We are built on a strong foundation and the future of Old Point is exceptionally bright."
  The Old Point board of directors has named Robert F. Shuford Jr. as successor. He has 20 years leadership experience with the organization.
  Old Point Financial Corp. is a community enterprise that strives to serve customers' financial needs by providing dependable products that are fairly priced. It pledges to be full partners in the growth and development of our community and to value and reward employees' contributions and return a fair profit to shareholders. Excellent service is the hallmark of its business.
  Address: Old Point Financial Corp., 1 West Mellen St., Hampton (headquarters)
  Website: Oldpoint.com
  Top executives: Robert Shuford Jr., president/CEO
  Employees: 270 full-time; 4 part-time
  Benefits include: Flexible time off and generous paid leave policies, up to $100 per month company-matched contributions to health savings accounts, 401(k) plan with 4% matching for employee contributions
  Fun factor: Ice cream socials, discounted tickets to Water Country USA, Busch Gardens and Kings Dominion, employee discounts at Verizon and Office Max, quarterly awards ceremonies