Premier Bank Embraces Community, Technology

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Premier Bank, headquartered in the heart of downtown Youngstown, awarded more than $421,000 in community support to 122 partners in the Mahoning Valley throughout 2022.

As 2022 demonstrated how the bank values the work its partners do to better the Mahoning Valley, last year also brought changes in how commercial and retail banking teams interact with clients.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been a rise in the use of digital platforms such as online and mobile banking as well as self-serve treasury management services,, says Diana Timkovich, corporate communications coordinator.

More communications via email and virtual consultations led to more reliance on multi-functional applications that  allow bankers to meet with clients at any time from any site. Greater use of document signing software enabled clients to get processes completed without the need to be in person. This embrace of new technology has resulted in more consistency and clearer communications in banking relationships, according to Timkovich.

Last year the bank also experienced strong loan and deposit growth.

“Robust commercial and consumer business segment performance continued to offset a difficult residential mortgage environment throughout 2022. With a number of economic factors affecting clients’ financial decision-making, households continued to thrive throughout the year,” says President and CEO Gary Small. “Deposits continued to grow. Credit quality figures continued to improve. And consumer spending was responsibly on the rise. The growth we experienced in 2022 reflects the strength of our client base and the markets in which we operate.”

Adding to the growth, Premier celebrated being named to the 2022 KBW Bank Honor Roll, which highlights banks that consistently deliver exceptional growth over 10 years. This was the ninth consecutive year that Premier Bank has been named to this list of banking institutions.

“Being named to this prestigious group of community banks by KBW is a reflection of our associates’ dedication, passion and commitment to providing the best in community banking to all of our stakeholders,” Small says.

Last year also reinforced Premier’s commitment to excellence that extends beyond banking solutions, according to Josh Toot, Mahoning Valley market president.

Bank employees volunteered more than 880 hours with nonprofit organizations across the Mahoning Valley.

“This demonstrates the bank’s belief in investing time and resources to individuals and community organizations who are working toward better lives for everyone,” Toot says.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.