usually , thomas had luncheon appointments lined up : other board members , who might be coddled into voting for such items as remodeling , an extensive advertising budget for a new loan program , or the need for more equipment , good customers , who needed to be convinced that hfnb was still their best option for service and favorable loan rates , as well as new prospects to be wooed away from the impersonal environs of wells fargo and bank of america .