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Mr. Noel Blanco
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San Pedro has reached the point where fast and reliable technology is
required to move forward with the daily operations of businesses. One of
the most crucial aspects of ensuring a successful business is the proper
handling of its finances. Used worldwide to manage this is the banking
system, to which we entrust our finances. San Pedro has wonderful banks
who offer convenient and reliable service. This week we are pleased to
introduce the San Pedro Branch Manager of the Atlantic Bank - Mr. Noel
Blanco.
Noel was born on February
15th, 1966 in Douglas,
Rio Hondo in the Orange Walk District to parents Teodoro and Anastacia
Blanco. He grew up with six brothers and three sisters in this beautiful
village surrounded by scenic sugar cane fields. He attended Douglas Roman
Catholic School, finishing at the age of twelve, but because of laws
requiring that children attend school until the age of fourteen, he spent
two more years in the same class. Noel received no encouragement to take
his studies to a secondary level, so he went to work in the sugar cane
fields like the rest of his brothers. It was during the next four months
of hard labor that he realized this was not what he wanted for his future
and sought ways to continue his education.
This turning point came at a time when applications
for enrollment into high school were past due, but Noel convinced his
mother to speak to the principal. Lady Luck was on Noel's side and after
several interviews, he was accepted on a trial basis to Muffles College
in Orange Walk. He proved to have what it took to succeed, graduating as
an Academic student in 1984. He then moved to Belize City and enrolled at
Belize College of Arts, Science and Technology (BELCAST) where he
continued to excel in his studies. He had switched to business studies at
sixth form level even though he had been cautioned it would be difficult
for him, having majored in Academic studies. Unfortunately, after only
attending one year, BELCAST was forced to close its doors. Fortunately
for Noel, the dean at BELCAST made arrangements with the Executive Board
of St. John's College to accept his credits so he could complete his
studies. Mr. Blanco noticed that jobs in the business sector were readily
available in Belize, hence he continued studying business courses. Noel
proved that strong will power and determination can be the key to
success, graduating with an Associates Degree in Business Administration
in 1987.
Noel returned to Orange Walk immediately after graduation in
search of a job, with a preference for banking-a field he had developed a
special interest in. Once more luck embraced him and he was hired as a
counter clerk at Barclays Bank, being promoted to teller three months
later. In February of 1989, Barclays Banks sold its branches in Orange
Walk, Corozal and San Ignacio to the Belize Bank Ltd. and Noel was given
two options: either to work with the successor or move to Belize City and
continue working with Barclays. He opted for the second choice and went
to work in the main office as a Data Capture Clerk (Computer Operator).
He continued to climb the ladder of success earning additional promotions
to the Cash Department in 1990; the Risk Management Department (Credit
Department) in 1991; and transferring to the Belmopan Branch as a
Barclayloan officer in June of 1994. Noel returned to the Belize City
main office in 1995 and shortly afterwards was promoted to Supervisor in
the Risk Management Department, until 1997.
Looking for a better opportunity, Noel had to make a
crucial decision. Atlantic Bank offered him the Manager position of the
Albert Street Branch in Belize City, a position he accepted and held for
two years. In February 2000, he was transferred to San Pedro Town. When
asked if San Pedro was a different working environment for him, Mr.
Blanco commented, "Working in Orange Walk, Belize City and San Pedro have
been totally different because of the different industries in each area.
Orange Walk had different commercial activities dominated by the sugar
cane industry; Belize City was imports and distribution of goods and San
Pedro is tourism." He continued by saying, "It is a challenge every time
I move. However, loving what you do helps you immensely when adapting to
different communities."
Mr. Blanco says that dealing with his customers is
very pleasing and enriching at the same time. It is a mutual exchange,
where he can help and learn from them. In speaking of his relocation to
San Pedro, Mr. Blanco said, "Moving to San Pedro was certainly a great
challenge. For me it was something totally new. The people of San Pedro
have been very friendly to me. I find that they are very enterprising,
with a strong desire to succeed. I feel I can assist them through the
bank and I am pleased to say that I have been received warmly by the
residents of this beautiful island.
Mr. Noel Blanco's short period in San Pedro has gained
him many friends and the respect of this community. He leads with a
vision and a philosophy based on good will to all. He believes in hard
work and dedication, and in working intelligently with a view of
achieving optimum results. He gives recognition when it is deserved,
believes in team work and most importantly, serving the people with
quality, efficient and friendly service. Mr. Noel Blanco has made a
lasting impression in the world of finance and is a "leader in innovative
banking" in "Our Community."
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