Premier Bank Reports Business Loan Growth

YOUNGSTOWN – Premier Bank had double-digit increases to its commercial and small-business loan portfolio for the fourth consecutive year, says Mahoning Valley Market President Frank Hierro. That figure includes the 2,877 Paycheck Protection Program loans totaling $440 million and $20 million worth of loans through Premier’s private banking program.

“As we reflect back on 2020, we celebrated many accomplishments at Premier Bank in the Mahoning Valley, including originating more mortgage loans in the Valley than any other lender and financing nearly 1,000 auto loans for our customers through local auto dealers,” Hierro says.

The year started off with the completion of the merger between First Defiance Financial Corp. and United Community Financial Corp. The unified organization adopted the name Premier Bank in July.

“The Premier Bank name and brand tells the story of two financial institutions coming together and, most importantly, the people who make the bank what it is,” says President Gary Small. “Premier Bank is driven to bring people and resources together to make stronger communities in the places we call home.”

Premier operates 75 branches and 12 mortgage offices across Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana and West Virginia.

At the onset of the pandemic, the bank’s charitable foundation committed $100,000 to help nonprofits provide medical supplies, food and other crucial health items to seniors. Later in the year, as part of the “Powered by (kind) People. Fueled by You” campaign, Premier gave $535,000 to more than 75 organizations. In total, the bank donated $1.7 million in 2020.

“The commitment Premier Bank has to providing excellence extends beyond banking solutions,” Hierro says. “Premier Bank believes in investing time and resources to individuals and community organizations working toward better lives for everyone.”