By Diana Timkovich
Communications Coordinator, Premier Bank
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – 2023 was a year filled with technology upgrades for Premier Bank. In April, Premier launched an advanced customer service engine on our website that includes chat functionality through a secured portal with client solution center associates. This allows the team to aid in troubleshooting when necessary and provide a better customer experience.
In the summer, treasury management services division launched Integrated Payables. This web-based platform takes a payment file from a client’s accounting system and executes AP payments as a virtual card, ACH, wire or check through an online portal.
The digital payments network Zelle was launched in August, allowing clients to send money to friends and family from the Premier Bank mobile app. Treasury management also launched a commercial purchasing card that offers business clients secure and convenient payments for expenses such as travel and marketing.
Autumn brought a new consumer online and mobile banking platform. Enhancements included greater cybersecurity, financial tools for tracking spending and setting savings goals, and the ability for customers to view their entire financial picture with easy-to-navigate functions.
The momentum of technology upgrades will continue as new features for the small-business online and mobile banking platforms will launch early this year.
In 2023, Premier Financial Corp. was named to Piper Sandler Sm-All Stars Class of 2023, a list of the 31 top-performing small-cap banks and thrifts in the country. “We’re honored to be recognized by Piper Sandler for our financial performance. Our results are indicative of our associates’ dedication, passion and commitment to providing the best in community banking to all our stakeholders,” says Gary Small, president and CEO of Premier Financial Corp.
As part of our annual campaign to foster kindness – “Powered By (kind) People. Fueled by You.” – the bank awarded over $382,000 in support to 121 community partners in the Mahoning Valley.
Last year the bank opened a new branch in Avon. This month, the bank will open a new branch in Medina.