1st Valley Bank introduced the "Wais Box" microsavings program in 1999 to generate low-cost deposits. The Wais Box is an improvised piggy bank made of cardboard that microsavers use to store small coins and bills. Over 45,000 boxes have been issued to market vendors, drivers, and students. As a result of Wais Box and other microsavings strategies, 1st Valley Bank has experienced tremendous growth in deposits, loans, assets, branches, and profitability from 1999 to 2010. The program has helped many small savers pursue livelihood, education, and consumption goals.