Montgomery County Community College initiative seeks to connect workers, employers to address skills gap

(Blue Bell, Pa.) November 2022 — Penn Community Bank, the largest independent mutual bank in eastern Pennsylvania, has contributed $25,000 to Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) in support of its Workforce Development Division’s new MontcoWorks Apprenticeship Program (MAP).

MAP is an earn-while-you-learn program that offers MCCC students the opportunity to gain in-demand workforce skills and college credits at no cost. Apprentice-students train alongside experienced professionals, receive mentorship and guidance, while earning a steady paycheck from a partnering employer. Upon completion of the program, apprentices receive an industry-recognized credential and will have acquired up to 36 college credits.

“Penn Community Bank’s generous donation to the MontcoWorks Apprenticeship Program is an important investment in the well-being of our communities and the regional economy. MAP will ensure future generations have sustainable career pathways, which provide a better life for themselves and their families. Similarly, employers gain the skilled workforce needed to stay competitive in the global market,” said MCCC President Dr. Victoria L. Bastecki-Perez. “The College greatly appreciates Penn Community Bank’s support of our students and this innovative earn-to-learn program.”

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(ALLENTOWN, Pa) November 2022 — Penn Community Bank, the largest independent mutual bank in eastern Pennsylvania, is continuing its Lehigh Valley market entry with the addition of a new team of bankers and lenders with deep connections to the region.

The latest members of Penn Community Bank’s Lehigh Valley team includes:

• Marcus Pereria (Allentown Branch Manager) – With nearly 20 years of banking experience, Marcus joins Penn Community Bank with deep personal and professional roots in the Lehigh Valley. An expert in business development, merchant services, and banking products, he says his favorite part of the job is helping clients meet their unique goals. In the community, Marcus serves as ambassador of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, board member of the Hispanic Chamber, chairman of the Nehemiah Wall, and treasurer for the American Baptist Foundation. He lives in Bath, PA with his wife, twin boys, and a set of Goldendoodles.
• Stephen Kalamar (Senior Relationship Manager – C&I Banking) – With three decades of experience in the financial services industry – much of it in the Lehigh Valley, Stephen works to meet a range of banking and lending needs for C&I businesses throughout the region. He says his favorite part of the job is helping business owners achieve their unique financial goals. Stephen is past chair of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation. He lives in Bethlehem and has two wonderful daughters and a young grandson

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Business Intelligence Group recognizes Marketing Department for External Campaign of the Year

 PERKASIE, Pa (November 2022) – Penn Community Bank, the largest mutual bank in eastern Pennsylvania, has been selected by Business Intelligence Group as a recipient of the organization’s Public Relations and Marketing Excellence – External Campaign of the Year Award. The bank’s Marketing Department was recognized by the panel of business executives for its Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here. campaign and its Day of Service community outreach effort.

“In 2022, Penn Community Bank showed all of us how creativity and business acumen can serve clients’ needs,” said Maria Jimenez, Chief Nominations Officer of the Business Intelligence Group. “In this post-pandemic age, teams need to remain agile and open to all paths to effectively communicate. Congratulations to the entire Marketing team.”

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PERKASIE, Pa (November 2022) – Penn Community Bank, the largest mutual bank in eastern Pennsylvania, today announced additional executive promotions as part of its latest organizational realignment.

• Randy Stradling joins the executive team as Chief Credit Officer and will oversee the bank’s credit culture, as well as manage the quality of the lending portfolio.

• Stephanie Schwartzberg, an existing part of the executive staff, has been named Chief Legal & Risk Officer. She will continue to oversee legal, with expanded responsibility for Compliance, IT Compliance, and Trust.

“As we emerge from the pandemic and adjust to the new realities of team member and customer expectations, a transitioning economy, and the continuation of our long-term planning, it was clear we must continue adapting at every level, including the Executive Leadership Team,” said Jeane Vidoni, president and CEO of Penn Community Bank. “Our executive realignment – including the promotion of Randy and Stephanie – seeks to further break down silos to foster a collaborative and cross functional team that will help us achieve a level of synchronization that is essential now, and for years to come.”

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HATFIELD, Pa (October 2022) – Penn Community Bank, the largest mutual bank in eastern Pennsylvania, is contributing $15,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery and Delaware Counties (Habitat MontDelCo) in support of its Home Buying, Almost Home Financial Empowerment, and Neighborhood Revitalization Programs.

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$100,000 contribution from Penn Community Bank expands homebuying grant, financial literacy program in Philly neighborhoods

PHILADELPHIA, Pa (October 2022) – Penn Community Bank, the largest mutual bank in eastern Pennsylvania, has partnered with Clarifi to expand homeownership opportunities for Philadelphia residents.

Rapidly rising housing prices, broad inflation, and interest rate hikes have all left their mark on the nation and local communities. Homeownership, the single best means for creating and passing on wealth to new generations, is increasingly out of reach for minorities and those who fall into the low to moderate income bracket. . In response, Penn Community Bank’s $100,000 contribution will support homeownership counselling and homebuying grants for Philadelphians residing in majority minority and low to moderate income areas of the city. .

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