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Yesterday's Traditions.
Tomorrow's Vision.
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18 Convenient Locations
Phone: 1.888.759.2266
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WELCOME to the first issue of our e-newsletter, “From The Vault.”
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We hope you enjoy this new way for us to keep you informed. It’s filled with bank news, product offerings, financial tips and information, answers to frequently asked questions, upcoming events, and community involvement.
We sincerely hope you will find value in the content, but if at any time, you find it’s not for you, simply click 'unsubscribe' at the bottom of any email. We want this newsletter to be valuable for you so
please, share your feedback and suggestions to help us improve.
Warmest Regards,
Matt
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ROBERT E. BULL : A LOOK BACK
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In many ways, the history of First Keystone Community Bank is also the history of Mr. Robert E. Bull, Chairman of the bank’s Board of Directors for the past 36 years.
As he prepared to hand over the Chairman’s position to his son, Robert A. Bull, we sat down with Mr. Bull to get his perspectives on the challenges and changes in the banking industry today and take a look back at just how he became a key figure at this 153-year old community bank.
The story begins in 1949 as Attorney Robert E. Bull opened a law office in Berwick, Pennsylvania, in the same Market Street location where it stands today. Like many families in the Berwick-Nescopeck area, his family had a long relationship with The First National Bank of Berwick. One day in 1956, George Garrison, President of the Bank, approached Mr. Bull and asked him if he would consider becoming a member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Garrison informed Mr. Bull that he would need to own at least 100 shares of the Bank’s stock, a relatively small number by today’s standards, but a significant challenge in post-World War II America. With a helping hand from his proud father, Ira D. Bull, the shares were acquired, and Mr. Bull’s tenure as a Director began.
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“George Garrison was well known and respected by everyone in the community, and the bank as well. He was my mentor into the world of banking,” recalls Bull.
Three meetings later,
Mr. Robert E. Bull was nominated to join the Board in 1956. He was overjoyed and couldn’t wait to get started and be part of the growing bank. Many successful years passed and then in 1981, as an active stockholder and Board member, Mr. Bull was called upon to assume the position of Chairman, taking the place of Mr. Ben Crispin.
Mr. Bull states that, “Growing the bank was always one of the main challenges, even before becoming Chairman, but one of the biggest changes the bank experienced was expanding the branch network to provide quality banking services to other parts of our area.”
To realize just how much banking and the world around it has changed, one just needs to look at an interesting story, as told by Mr. Bull. “As Chairman, one of my first actions was to remove the use of any tobacco from the Board meetings. If you look at some of the pictures taken during that period, you’ll see the conference table covered with ashtrays, cigars and cigarettes. My wife Sara would comment about the smell of smoke after I returned home from a meeting. I knew it was time to put a stop to it,” he says with a smile.
And what was the most difficult part about being Chairman? Dealing with loans that didn’t always work out the way they were intended could be frustrating. But working together as a team helped to overcome the bad days. While everyone in the room may have their own thoughts and ideas on how to proceed, at the end of the day, everyone had the best interest of the bank in mind. “I’ll miss the fellowship, but I’m very fortunate for the time I served as Chairman and I certainly have no regrets.”
During Mr. Bull’s tenure as Chairman of the Board, the Bank’s assets grew from $65,000,000 to $1,002,385,000, a fact that of which he takes particular pride. Accordingly, the Bank has been for sometime the largest community bank in the Berwick-Bloomsburg-Danville areas.
When asked what advice he has for the incoming Chairman of the Board, Mr. Bull stated that the most significant difference from then to now is that the “government has more control over banks than it had in the past. This will continue to be a challenge for anyone stepping in the Chairman’s position, but the new Chairman is well qualified and will certainly put his own stamp on the Bank and take it to the next level of success,” or as Mr. Bull puts is so succinctly “A new broom sweeps clean.” Mr. Bull also stated that he hopes that the Bank can always remain a locally owned and operated bank.
Although Robert E. Bull has retired as Chairman of the Board he still remains an active member of the Board of Directors.
On behalf of the Bank, its shareholders, employees, directors and friends we thank Mr. Bull for his leadership, guidance and advice over the past 36 years as Chairman of the Board of Directors and his 62 years as a member of the Board of Directors.
Through his guidance and advice, First Keystone Community Bank has remained an independent locally owned bank. Indeed, when other banks were selling out to large regional banks, Mr. Bull’s steadfast determination was to keep the Bank a bank owned and operated by local people.
In fact, when the Bank outgrew its original location Mr. Bull was instrumental in maintaining the present bank building in downtown Berwick and oversaw a large modern addition. This new structure at 111 West Front Street is a constant reminder of his faith in Berwick and its citizens and businesses.
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How to Dig Out of Debt?
Grab More Than One Shovel
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Millions of Americans are dealing with debt overload every day. If you’re struggling to pay your loans, credit cards or other bills, here are some steps you can take to begin managing the problems.
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Create a budget-
Budgeting gives a clear picture of what you can afford so you can balance your income and expenses. The
Budgeting and Savings Tools Worksheet
in the FDIC's Money Smart financial education program can help you get organized.
Try to get a clear picture of your monthly income and expenses
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"Even if you have a regular weekly, bi-weekly or monthly paycheck, budgeting enough money to pay your regular expenses and pay down debt may not be easy," said Elizabeth Ortiz, the FDIC’s deputy director for consumer and community affairs.
Ortiz added: "Also, many individuals have incomes that vary considerably from month to month because they work on a contractual or temporary basis with hours that equate to full- or part-time work. For them, budgeting can be tricky, especially when they are trying to pay down debt. That makes it especially important to know how much money is available and the expenses that must be paid regularly so that accidentally overspending doesn’t become an issue."
Contact your creditors about easier ways to make your most important bill payments-
Many people find it helpful to schedule their essential monthly payments sometime soon after the deposit of their first paycheck of the month. In that case, you can ask your lenders, utility providers and credit card issuers to change your monthly billing-cycle date to line up with your first monthly paycheck.
Also, if you think you can’t make payments as scheduled, you can be proactive and ask your creditors to consider an extended payment plan that results in lower monthly bills over a longer period of time. Keep in mind, though, a longer payment period could mean you’ll pay more in interest. "Discuss a payment plan that can help you avoid getting too far behind," said Berry Holston, an FDIC consumer affairs specialist. "That’s especially important with a mortgage because if you have problems repaying the loan you could lose your home."
Have a strategy for saving money on interest and fees-
Consider paying off debts with the highest interest rates first. Also, avoid late fees by making sure all bills are paid on time. "You can track payment due dates on a calendar or use your bank's online bill paying service," said Heather St. Germain, an FDIC senior consumer affairs specialist. "Many banks offer this service, which allows you to see all of your bills in one location online and make payments directly from your bank account."
Consider getting help from a reputable credit counselor-
Many companies and public service organizations offer assistance to individuals in creating a budget and learning to manage money, including debt, often for free or at a low cost. Under the Credit Repair Organization Act, companies and service organizations are required to explain the total cost of the service, time frames to see results, a written contract of the services you will receive, and your right to cancel service without charge within three days. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers tips on how to
Find and Choose a Credit Counselor
.
Also, be on guard against companies that promise to settle your debts or erase a bad credit history if you pay a big fee upfront. These are usually scams to steal your money and perhaps valuable information like your Social Security number, without delivering on their promises.
Thank you to FDIC for this valuable information.
These are just a few of the many steps that can help you get rid of debt and live a more prosperous 2018.
Visit Our Website for more information on how we can help you.
Or call our Toll Free Number
888.759.2266
to find an office nearest to you and
make an appointment with one of our financial experts. They will be able to assess your financial situation and help you put together a specific plan to help you reach your financial goals.
We wish you all the best for the year ahead.
As Benjamin Franklin said, "Diligence is the mother of good luck".
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WE ARE REWARDING!
Have you opened one of our Keystone Rewards Accounts yet?
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Our Keystone Rewards Suite of Products gives you high interest* or cash back.
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How about 3% APY on your checking account?
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The "Keystone Cash" checking account will earn an APY of 3.00% on balances up to $10,000. Balances greater than $10,000 will earn .25% APY if qualifications are met.*
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How about cash back on your checking account?
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The “Keystone CashBack” checking account gives you 2% cash back on debit card purchases (with a maximum of up to $7 in cash back each monthly qualifying cycle) if qualifications are met.*
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Need money for a special project or your dream vacation?
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Link your Keystone Cash or CashBack* account to a Keystone Savings so you can get closer to the things you want in life.
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Sometimes in life you deserve a little extra!
Our Keystone Rewards accounts help put possibilities within reach.
Open one today and start rewarding yourself.
It’s quick and easy. Just follow this link to get started.
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Or stop in to your local First Keystone Community Bank Office and
we will help you get started earning rewards.
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*Qualifications include 12 debit card purchases that post and settle, enrollment in and monthly login to online banking, and the receipt of e-statements in place of paper statements. Qualifying transactions must post and settle to the Keystone Cash or Keystone Cashback checking account during the monthly qualification cycle. Transactions may take one or more business days from the date the transaction was made to post and settle to the account. ATM-processed transactions do not count towards qualifying debit card purchases. Limit one Keystone Rewards checking and savings account per tax-reported owner.
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FINANCIAL LITERACY PROGRAMS
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The
lack of financial education is a problem both locally and nationwide. A re-emphasis on financial education is desperately needed.
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As bankers, we witness first-hand, the effects of poor money management: the inability to secure a home or car loan: money lost to bounced check fees and other penalties; and carelessness about money that sometimes leads to bankruptcy. Individuals without money skills are powerless over their own financial destiny and easy prey for fraudsters.
We want to combat this problem and increase the financial literacy of the residents in our communities by offering FREE Financial Literacy Programs to children, adults and senior citizens.
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We have begun by providing a financial education program called
“Banking for Your Future”
to High School Students. The curriculum was created for juniors and seniors in high school. Topics covered include the Keys to Smart Banking, how to save and the benefits of starting young, credit card do’s and don’ts, how to protect yourself from Identity Theft and information on Fraud Protection.
Through this program we can motivate students and instill positive habits at a young age, creating a community of lifelong savers. Being financially literate is one of the most important skills a young person can develop. They are our future customers and employees, not to mention our sons, daughters and grandchildren.
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We believe that, along with parents and educators, we have a responsibility to teach young people the money skills they need to succeed.
Our Adult and Senior Programs address money management, planning for retirement and retirement strategies, health and long-term care, choosing a financial caregiver,
estate planning, fraud protection and cyber security.
Our programs are free of charge and customizable to the individual needs of the audience.
If you would like more information about these programs please contact:
LizAnn Tepper, 570-424-9700 x 3240, etepper@fkc.bank
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FIRST KEYSTONE IN THE COMMUNITY
Hurricane Relief Efforts
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In September we organized a relief effort
for the Victims of Hurricane Harvey in Florida and Hurricane Irma in Texas.
Because of the love, support and generosity of our customers, friends, families and employees, our diaper drive for those effected by these devastating storms was MORE SUCCESSFUL then we could have EVER imagined.
Our 18 Offices together collected $6,500 worth of the much needed requested items (diapers, wipes, food & clothing) and over $7,000 in monetary donations.
With this amazing effort we were able to fill an entire Pod and send it to families in Texas and Florida who are still trying to put their lives back together.
The representatives from the agencies who distributed what we collected, were in tears and so thankful because their supplies were running low at the time.
From the bottom of our hearts,
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
to everyone who helped us make this drive a huge success!!!
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Bankers never die...
They just lose interest.
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IN THE COMMUNITY
EVENT CALENDAR
.
DATES TO REMEMBER
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March
Pocono Area
Saturday & Sunday, March 17-18- 10am - 6pm
Pocono Home & Garden Show, Kalahari Resort
We will be exhibiting at this event. Stop by and say hello.
If you would like to learn more follow this link
Sunday, March 18, 1:30pm
St. Patrick's Annual Parade, Main Street Stroudsburg
Saturday, March 31st, 10:00am - 12:00noon
Pocono YMCA Indoor Triathlon Stroudsburg
We are proud to be a sponsor this year and help with the event.
Click on REGISTER NOW and search: triathlon
Wyoming Valley Area
Sunday, March 4, 11am - 4pm
Bowl for A Cause, Cancer Fundraising Event
Stanton Lanes in Wilkes-Barre
We are so excited to be a sponsor and participating in this event.
I guess we need to practice our bowling skills.
Great Columbia County Area
Saturday March 24, Bowl for Kids' Sake
To Benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters
P-Nut Bowl in Bloomsburg
We are thrilled to be a sponsor and participating in this event.
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April
Wyoming Valley Area
Saturday, April 21, 5-8pm
The Friends of the Hoyt Library Fundraising Event
Cocktail Party at Pierce Street Deli
All proceeds help fund the library.
Friday-Sunday, April 13-15
2018 PA Home & Garden Show
Mohegan Sun Arena @ Casey Plaza, Wikes-Barre
We will be exhibiting so stop by and say hello.
Great Columbia County Area
Saturday April 28, Check In: 9am
Berwick Walk to Defeat ALS
Crispin Field, Berwick
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What is you New Years Resolution?
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Loose weight and get into shape.
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Put together a financial plan.
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Take items off your bucket list.
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WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
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Your opinion matters!
We would appreciate if you could take
a few minutes to fill out our survey.
Thank you in advance for your feedback.
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111 W. Front Street | Berwick, PA 18603 |
Toll Free: 888-759-2266
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