Pioneer Bank has reinforced its commitment to supporting business growth in the Capital Region, particularly around Clifton Park, NY, with the strategic appointment of Heidi Knoblauch as their new Venture and Growth Banking Relationship Manager. This move signals Pioneer Bank’s ongoing investment in specialized financial services tailored for startups and high-growth companies in the area.
Knoblauch, a well-known figure in the Troy business scene as the owner of Plumb Oyster Bar and Receipt HQ, brings a wealth of entrepreneurial and economic development experience to Pioneer Bank. Her background extends beyond successful business ownership to include significant roles in public service. She previously chaired both the City of Troy’s Industrial Development Authority and its Local Development Corporation, giving her deep insight into the dynamics of economic and workforce development within the Capital Region. This unique blend of private and public sector experience positions her perfectly to foster public-private partnerships that can stimulate economic growth throughout Upstate New York, including the thriving business community in and around Clifton Park.
“Heidi’s arrival is a pivotal step for Pioneer Bank as we continue to expand our commercial banking division,” stated Thomas Amell, President and CEO of Pioneer Bank. “As a successful entrepreneur herself, Heidi’s firsthand knowledge and expertise will be invaluable. She understands the unique needs of startups and growing businesses, making her an exceptional asset not only to Pioneer Bank but also to the burgeoning startup ecosystem in the Capital Region and areas like Clifton Park.”
Knoblauch will collaborate closely with Rob Nichols, Pioneer Bank’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Development, who was recently brought on board to spearhead the bank’s initiatives in high-growth sectors. This dedicated division will focus on supporting industries vital to the region’s future, including artificial intelligence, gaming, clean technology, and the creative economy, all of which have a growing presence in the Clifton Park area and surrounding region. Pioneer Bank is proactively enhancing its suite of products and services to meet the evolving demands of these innovative companies. These offerings include comprehensive cash and risk management solutions, access to debt and equity capital, sophisticated treasury management services, employee benefits programs, and HR consulting – all crucial for businesses aiming for rapid expansion in competitive markets.
“I am thrilled to leverage my experience in the startup world to support companies throughout the Capital Region and Upstate New York, helping them achieve their ambitious goals,” said Heidi Knoblauch, Pioneer Bank’s new Venture and Growth Banking Relationship Manager. “The prosperity of businesses within the Capital Region is a personal passion of mine, and I know it’s a shared priority at Pioneer Bank. I am eager to contribute fresh perspectives and energy to help Pioneer Bank achieve significant success in this vital initiative, particularly in key economic hubs like Clifton Park.”
Prior to her entrepreneurial ventures with Plumb Oyster Bar in Troy, Knoblauch held notable positions in academia, serving as Digital Projects Coordinator for both the Historical Studies and Experimental Humanities programs at Bard College. She also served as a Program Coordinator for JustPublics@365, a Ford Foundation Project at the Graduate Center at the City University of New York.
Knoblauch’s business acumen has been widely recognized. She was named in the Albany Business Review’s 40 under 40 in 2019, won IGNITEU Accelerator’s Best Pitch in 2019, and received the YWCA’s Resourceful Woman Award in 2018. Further highlighting her impact on the local business community, she received a Sammy Award from the Troy Downtown Business Improvement District in 2019 for Best New Business. Her academic achievements are equally impressive, holding a Ph.D. in History, Master’s Degrees in History of Science and Medicine, and American Studies from Yale University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Public Health from the University of Rochester. This diverse background underscores her capability to understand and support a wide range of businesses in the Pioneer Bank Clifton Park service area and beyond.
