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Pillars of the Community

The Pillars of the Community Awards honor financial institutions for outstanding work that creates housing for lower-income families and that promotes community stability and revitalization throughout Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The awards are presented annually at the FHLBank Pittsburgh's Regional Conferences.

2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003

2008 Pillars of the Community Awards

Presented at the SE PA Regional Conference in Lafayette Hill, June 2, 2008

Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

Citizens Bank has provided millions in innovative financing for job training and small businesses, social and human services, neighborhood improvement and economic development - all across its footprint. In Philadelphia alone, Citizens has committed more than $280 million in loans and grants through its Neighborhood Investment Program, to stimulate economic growth and neighborhood development.

Citizens Bank has also been an active user of FHLBank Pittsburgh’s community investment programs. In 2007, Citizens made more than 100 grants to first-time homebuyers through the First Front Door program. Citizens Bank often taps FHLBank’s Affordable Housing Program for the benefit of communities as well. In 2007, Citizens sponsored seven AHP applications, benefiting from nearly $2.5 million in AHP funds.

Additionally, Citizens Bank provides exceptional opportunities for employee volunteerism. In 2007, colleagues volunteered more than 58,000 hours at nonprofit organizations across Pennsylvania. Citizens’ Community Service Sabbatical program offers a three-month paid leave to one employee each year who then performs full-time community service with a nonprofit organization of his or her choice. Citizens’ colleagues get directly involved at the grassroots level, currently serving on the boards of more than 150 local nonprofits.

In recognition of this award, FHLBank Pittsburgh made a donation of $1,000 to the Homeownership Counseling Association of Delaware Valley.

Presented at the NE PA Regional Conference in Hazleton, PA, June 4, 2008

Columbia County Farmers National Bank
Bloomsburg, PA

CCFNB has long been an active user of FHLBank’s community investment programs. In 2007, CCFNB saw completion of a special needs residence for at-risk mothers and families suffering abuse, made possible with funding from the Affordable Housing Program. CCFNB also used the Banking On Business program to help small businesses, while First Front Door grants provided first-time homebuyers with down payment and closing cost assistance. Since 2005, CCFNB has been actively engaged in the Blueprint Communities initiative as a participating member of the Berwick community team.

Alongside this funding effort, CCFNB has long maintained a dedication to the needs of the communities it serves, especially when it comes to education. Dozens of school students have been invited to CCFNB’s offices to learn about the banking industry. Meanwhile, CCFNB sends other students to Lycoming College for programs on the free enterprise system. CCFNB colleagues participate in the “Teach Children to Save” program, while others have provided free seminars to the local community on issues such as identity theft and estate settlement.

Including active volunteerism, CCFNB’s efforts haven’t gone unrewarded. In 2007, CCFNB was a recipient of the Community Service Award from the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers.

In recognition of this award, FHLBank Pittsburgh made a donation of $1,000 to the Millville Community Park.

Presented at the SW PA Regional Conference in Ligonier, PA, June 10, 2008

First National Bank of Pennsylvania
Hermitage, PA

Over the years, FNB of PA has been an active user of FHLBank’s community investment programs. In 2007, FNB saw completion of two affordable housing projects, both of which were assisted with funding from the Affordable Housing Program. FNB has also created the Family Home Ownership Program, which takes advantage of grants from FHLBank’s First Front Door program to assist first-time homebuyers with down payments and closing costs. FNB’s Family Home Improvement Rehabilitation Program provides financing for first-time homebuyers to fix up their homes as well.

FNB of PA has long maintained a dedication to other needs of the communities it serves. In 2007, FNB contributed nearly $12 million for projects specifically aimed at stabilizing communities and neighborhoods. Last year, FNB contributed to the Shenango Valley Initiative, which offered a home-buying seminar to local residents. FNB is an annual contributor to Southwest Gardens, a community improvement organization.

FNB of PA also cultivates a noteworthy culture of giving and involvement with community and civic groups. Bank colleagues volunteer for local nonprofits, offering services and raising dollars area-wide. The FNB management team and directors volunteer on the boards of nonprofits and associations in areas the bank serves.

In recognition of this award, FHLBank Pittsburgh made a donation of $1,000 to the F.H. Buhl Park Foundation.

2008 Council Award

Presented at the SW PA Regional Conference in Ligonier, PA, June 10, 2008

Ed Wielgus, Senior Vice President
Farmers & Merchants Bank of Western Pennsylvania
Kittanning, PA

Each year, FHLBank’s Affordable Housing Advisory Council, which serves the Bank and its Board of Directors, selects an individual who demonstrates a lifelong commitment to affordable housing and whose career leadership has achieved important and lasting results in the community.

With more than 34 years of experience, Ed Wielgus has provided exemplary leadership to a number of financial institutions in Western Pennsylvania. In his usual role of chief lending officer, Ed has been responsible for overall loan activities, offering credit to customers who need it. It’s in community investment, however, that Ed has really distinguished himself. His attention to expanding affordable housing and enhancing the livability of neighborhoods, often with the assistance of FHLBank’s Community Investment programs, has helped several banks become stars in community and economic development in the region.

But Ed’s commitment to communities doesn’t end at the office door. He was a founding member of a lender consortium for local community banks that originated loans to low- and moderate-income borrowers. Ed was also a founding member of Benedictine Place, which provides apartments to women and children in crisis in Ross Township. He’s a current board member of Action Housing in Pittsburgh, and is a founding board member of North Hills Affordable Housing, now named HEARTH. Ed is also a founding board member of the North Hills Foundation and a current board member of the North Hills School District, where his dedication to students and education takes precedence.

2007 Pillars of the Community Awards

Presented at the Regional Conference in Ligonier, PA, June 5, 2007

WesBanco Bank
Wheeling, WV

WesBanco Bank has taken a leadership role in community and economic development, using FHLBank Pittsburgh’s community investment programs to great advantage. WesBanco has made more than $1 million in Affordable Housing Program funds available, benefiting low-income renters and homebuyers alike. In 2006, WesBanco helped 17 first-time homebuyers with grants for down payment and closing costs from the First Front Door program. WesBanco has also drawn on more than $1 million in funds from the Banking On Business program to help 15 small businesses, creating and preserving nearly 70 jobs in the local marketplace. And WesBanco has funneled millions of dollars in Community Lending Program loans to boost economic development within its footprint.

WesBanco has carried that dedication over into 2007 with a big commitment to the Blueprint Communities neighborhood revitalization initiative. As a program sponsor, WesBanco has pledged dollars to the effort, while also placing representatives on two of the ten West Virginia Blueprint teams.

In recognition of WesBanco Bank’s award, FHLBank Pittsburgh made a $1,000 contribution to the Blueprint Communities teams in Salem and Shinnston, WV.

Presented at the Regional Conference in Paoli, PA, June 7, 2007

Huntingdon Valley Bank
Huntingdon Valley, PA

Over the years, Huntingdon Valley Bank has put FHLBank Pittsburgh’s community investment programs to good work, helping the communities of Montgomery and Bucks counties build a better future. To date, Huntingdon Valley has helped more than 85 first-time homebuyers receive grants from the First Front Door program, distributing nearly $400,000 in assistance for down payment and closing costs.

Huntingdon Valley Bank has carried that dedication over into other community activities as well. Huntingdon Valley Bank is a charter member of the Willow Grove Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing to income qualified families in Montgomery County. Huntingdon Valley Bank has also been a corporate sponsor of several local youth camps, as well as a sponsor of a concert in the park series, now in its 25th year.

In recognition of Huntingdon Valley Bank’s award, FHLBank Pittsburgh made a $1,000 contribution to Willow Grove Community Development Corporation.

Presented at the Regional Conference in Hazleton, PA, June 27, 2007

First Citizens National Bank
Mansfield, PA

First Citizens National Bank has employed FHLBank Pittsburgh’s community investment programs with excellent success, calling often on the Community Lending Program to channel more than $18 million in at-cost loans to help upgrade infrastructure and improve local schools. First Citizens has also delivered grants to first-time homebuyers through the First Front Door program, as well as distributing Affordable Housing Program funds to a project renting homes to low-income families. Plus, First Citizens has enabled funding for a number of small businesses through the Banking On Business program.

First Citizens has been actively engaged in other community activities as well. Bank directors, officers and employees contribute thousands of hours of volunteer time annually to dozens of local nonprofits, while making charitable contributions and sponsoring scholarships at Mansfield State University.

In recognition of First Citizen National Bank’s award, FHLBank Pittsburgh made a $1,000 contribution to the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life program.

Presented at the Regional Conference in Harrisburg, PA, June 28, 2007

Fulton Bank
Lancaster, PA

A vital part of the growth of south central Pennsylvania, Fulton Bank has exemplified leadership in community and economic development, channeling nearly $5 million in funds from FHLBank Pittsburgh’s Affordable Housing Program to 26 projects in the local area. Five additional development projects have benefited from nearly $8 million in at-cost loans through the Community Lending Program. To date, Fulton Bank has helped 46 first-time homebuyers receive grants from the First Front Door program, distributing more than $200,000 in down payment and closing costs all across its footprint.

Translating that dedication into other community activities as well, Fulton Bank and its employees have contributed time and talent to help make life better for friends and neighbors in need. Through corporate and personal financial support, community projects and volunteerism, Fulton Bank is having a lasting impact on communities that stretches far into the future.

In recognition of Fulton Bank’s award, FHLBank Pittsburgh made a $1,000 contribution to the Lancaster Housing Opportunity Partnership.

2007 Council Award

Presented at the Regional Conference in Paoli, PA, June 7, 2007

A. Hughlett Kirby
Vice President of Commercial Real Estate
Wilmington Trust Company
Wilmington, Delaware.

Each year, FHLBank’s Affordable Housing Advisory Council, which serves the Bank and its Board of Directors, selects an individual who demonstrates a lifelong commitment to affordable housing and whose career leadership has achieved important and lasting results in the community.

For more than 15 years, Hughlett Kirby has provided exemplary leadership to Wilmington Trust Company, helping it become a star in community and economic development in the region. Kirby’s exceptional relationship management and customer service representation, primarily for real estate development clients, has expanded housing and enhanced the livability of neighborhoods all across the state.

During Kirby’s tenure, Wilmington Trust has taken advantage of FHLBank Pittsburgh’s Affordable Housing Program, assisting 12 rental and homeownership projects with grants. Wilmington Trust has become an active user of the Banking On Business program as well. Most impressive is the more than $3 million in First Front Door grants that Wilmington Trust has provided over the past 10 years to help 774 families buy first homes.

One of Kirby’s most significant real estate accomplishments involved the creation of a new financing model through which special purpose banks and credit card companies could participate with Wilmington Trust to fund affordable housing projects, even though they don’t have the loan administration infrastructure to do so on their own.

Kirby sits on the board of the Delaware Community Investment Corporation and the Wilmington Housing Partnership, and she is a committee member of the Delaware Homebuilders Association.

2006 Pillars of the Community Awards

Presented at the Regional Meeting in Hazleton, PA, June 13, 2006

Omega Bank

FHLBank Pittsburgh selected Omega Bank as a 2006 Pillars award-winner primarily due to its exemplary work in the field of affordable housing. In 2005, Omega Bank oversaw the completion of two projects that benefited from $600,000 in Affordable Housing Program funding. One project, Remley Place, made three-bedroom homes available for sale to 20 first-time homebuyers in the village of Dewart. The other, St. Gabriel House in Hazleton, rehabilitated a women’s shelter into 16 units of housing for the homeless, including single parents and those with addictions. In addition, Omega Bank received a half-million dollar funding commitment for a low-income elderly housing project to be developed in Williamsburg. Omega Bank was also the top-producing Pennsylvania originator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Guaranteed Rural Housing Loan Program.

Combined with its support of a library building project and theater renovation in State College, the donation of a bank building to the Borough of Selinsgrove, a façade restoration project in Steelton and more than $400,000 in contributions to charitable causes, Omega Bank’s commitment to community investment is clear.

In recognition of Omega Bank’s contributions to the community, FHLBank Pittsburgh made a $1,000 donation to Williamsport/Lycoming Habitat for Humanity.

Presented at the Regional Meeting in Pittsburgh, PA, June 19, 2006

S&T Bank

FHLBank Pittsburgh selected S&T Bank as a 2006 Pillars award-winner as a result of its stellar work in both affordable housing and support of local business growth. In 2005, S&T Bank utilized nearly $6 million in Community Lending Program (CLP) financing from FHLBank Pittsburgh, assisting seven development projects in its service area. One CLP loan helped to fund a three-story medical building adjacent to Clarion Hospital, while another financed building expansion for a local manufacturer of circuit boards employing approximately 40 in Export, PA. Other loans funded nearly 90 units of housing for seniors across the western part of the state.

Also in 2005, S&T Bank invested more than $2 million in low-income housing tax credits to support affordable housing projects locally, and funded more than $200,000 through the Pennsylvania Educational Tax Credit and Neighborhood Assistance programs. In addition, the bank made nearly one-half million dollars in donations to community nonprofit organizations including the American Red Cross, several YMCAs, affordable housing developers, libraries and youth groups.

In recognition of S&T Bank’s contributions to the community, FHLBank Pittsburgh made a $1,000 donation to the Housing Authority of Indiana County.

Presented at the Regional Meeting in Lititz, PA, June 26, 2006

Pennsylvania State Bank

FHLBank Pittsburgh selected Pennsylvania State Bank, one of seven community banks in Sterling Financial Corporation’s Banking Services Group, as a 2006 Pillars award winner because of its outstanding achievement in support of small-business growth. In 2005, Pennsylvania State Bank channeled nearly one-half million dollars in funding from FHLBank Pittsburgh’s Banking On Business Program – while adding $1.2 million more of its own financing – to four small businesses seeking to start up or expand. In all, the financing served to create or preserve 78 jobs for residents of central Pennsylvania. Also in 2005, the bank helped small businesses secure nearly $2 million in funding using U.S. Small Business Administration-guaranteed loans. And the bank secured funds for two other major revitalization projects as well.

In addition to its own financing, Pennsylvania State Bank’s employees and board members remained active in the community in 2005, volunteering and making charitable contributions to a number of local organizations such as ParentWorks Incorporated, the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania and the Central Pennsylvania Multiple Sclerosis Society. In 2003, Pennsylvania State Bank ranked number one among medium-sized companies as one of the “Best Places to Work” in Pennsylvania.

In recognition of the bank’s contributions to the community, FHLBank Pittsburgh made a $1,000 donation to ParentWorks Incorporated.

Presented at the Regional Meeting in Malvern, PA, June 27, 2006

Commerce Bank-PA

FHLBank Pittsburgh selected Commerce Bank-PA as a 2006 Pillars award winner due to its exemplary work in supporting affordable housing. In 2005, Commerce Bank-PA originated mortgages for 21 families and individuals who took advantage of First Front Door (FFD), a grants program that provides financial assistance for down payments and closing costs to lower-income first-time homebuyers. These homebuyers used more than $40,000 in FFD grants.

First Front Door is the second major initiative Commerce Bank-PA has launched to support first-time homebuyers. Since 1994, the bank has provided more than $350 million in home purchase financing through its First Step Program. In addition, the bank has sponsored several housing projects using Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grants from FHLBank. AHP has provided critical gap funding for worthwhile projects that otherwise might not have gotten off the ground in Commerce Bank-PA’s service area.

Commerce Bank-PA also provides community support on a variety of personal levels. In 2005, the bank contributed more than $300,000 to 263 charitable organizations. Employees are involved in numerous volunteer organizations and activities, and the bank’s award-winning WOWZone! has provided financial education to more than 34,000 students at more than 1,400 schools.

In recognition of the bank’s contributions to the community, FHLBank Pittsburgh made a $1,000 donation to United Communities Southeast Philadelphia.

2006 Council Award

Presented to Kenneth R. Shoemaker, president and CEO, Orrstown Bank
At the Regional Meeting at Lititz, PA, June 26, 2006

Each year, FHLBank’s Affordable Housing Advisory Council, which serves the Bank and its Board of Directors, selects an individual who exemplifies FHLBank Pittsburgh’s vision of placing a safe, warm home and steady work within the grasp of every person.

“Once a year, we honor one person among the leadership ranks of our members whose personal commitment to affordable housing and community development stands head and shoulders above the pack,” said John J. Bendel, director of Community Investment for FHLBank. “As president of Orrstown Bank for nearly 20 years, Ken Shoemaker has set the bar high for his fellow bankers in his quest to achieve important and lasting results in the community through his own good works as well as those of his financial institution.”

Under Shoemaker’s leadership, Orrstown Bank has forged partnerships with community development organizations to expand the supply of affordable housing and to enhance the livability of local neighborhoods. During Shoemaker’s tenure, Orrstown Bank has received four Affordable Housing Program grants totaling more than $250,000 from FHLBank Pittsburgh. These projects have provided apartments for seniors in Shippensburg, affordable housing for those who suffer from mental illness in Mechanicsburg, and new and rehabbed homes for first-time buyers in Carlisle.

In addition to a long list of prior community service, Shoemaker is currently president of Main Street Non-Profit Redevelopment Corporation, an organization he helped found. Main Street’s mission is to enhance and beautify Shippensburg’s central business district and to lessen the burden of local government. He also serves as chairman of the Council of Trustees for Shippensburg University, as a director for Cumberland Valley School of Music and as a trustee for Carlisle Regional Medical Center. In 2002, Shoemaker was named Business Person of the Year by the Shippensburg Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Shoemaker joined Orrstown Bank in 1986 and was named president and chief executive officer in 1987. Orrstown Bank’s principal service areas are Franklin and Cumberland counties. It operates 13 banking offices.