The Honesdale National Bank Foundation Supports Dress for Success Lackawanna Left to right: Mary Ann Lezzi and Elizabeth Nagy The Honesdale National Bank Foundation supports the community with a $2,500 contribution to Dress for Success Lackawanna (DFSL). The funds will specifically support the organization’s Jumpstart Program through Network for Good. Jumpstart is a grant funded yearlong program that blends together personal coaching, technology, technical assistance, peer learning and an educational framework to help non-profits raise funds to support the organization’s mission. HNB President & CEO David Raven stated, “HNB is dedicated to helping our communities’ with funding for support programs in our area.” He continued, “We understand there are challenges that many face when it comes to starting and building a career. Having access to these useful resources can have a great impact on those we care about most.” Dress for Success Lackawanna is a human services agency dedicated to meeting the needs of low-income women who are either unemployed or underemployed. Programs are designed to ensure that marginalized women have the tools and resources needed to obtain a job and build a career. Their mission is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Dress for Success Lackawanna helps by facilitating economic independence, self-sufficiency, confidence and employment retention through their career center, personal development and suiting programs. Funding for the Jumpstart Program will help DFSL establish, diversify and increase individual fundraising revenues to grow these programs as well as the ability to provide services within its six-county footprint. The Honesdale National Bank Foundation is a 501(c)3 entity established by The Honesdale National Bank to engage in community giving initiatives that foster the area’s growth and resources as it has remained committed to since its founding in 1836. The Foundation’s aims to fulfill that mission through initiatives that support the sustainability and strengthening of resources and programming that make local communities thrive and remain desirable places to live, work, and play. The mission will be upheld through the provision of funding for public charities, institutions, schools and other not-for-profit organizations throughout our local area.
Honesdale National Bank Welcomes New Branch Supervisor David Raven, President and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Sharon Smith has joined HNB as Branch Supervisor of the Lackawaxen Office. In making the statement, Raven noted, “We are pleased to welcome Sharon to the HNB Family. Her strong retail and customer service experience will be of great benefit as we look to continue to support the needs of our customers in the Lackawaxen community.” Originally from Queens, NY, Smith is new to the financial industry. She moved to the area in her teenage years, graduating from Honesdale High School, and has since received her Bachelors of Science Degree in Management from East Stroudsburg University. She has then pursued over 20 years in retail management at the Dollar Tree in Honesdale. In mentioning her new role with HNB, Smith said, “I am excited to start a new career and reinvent myself in a new industry.” She continued, “I am looking forward to using my decades of experience in the customer service industry to serve my community in a new way.” In her spare time, she enjoys spending it with family, watching movies, or shopping.
The Honesdale National Bank Foundation Supports Susquehanna Fire Department The Honesdale National Bank Foundation supports the community with a $4,250 contribution to the Susquehanna Fire Department. The funds will specifically go towards the purchase of 27 Class II Fire Service Safety Harnesses. HNB President & CEO David Raven stated, “Supporting first responders in our community is extremely important, especially at times when we need them most.” He continued, “We are glad to support the Susquehanna Fire Department to support their purchase of new equipment to enhance their safety capabilities.” This purchase is in conjunction with the department’s recent purchase of a 2009 Sutphen SL 75 Aerial Ladder Truck. The newly purchased aerial is the first aerial in the department’s history, providing greater resources to meet its objectives: primarily fire suppression and rescue services. The new truck’s aerial ladder is 75′ allowing access to the upper floors of the many Main St. buildings, schools, hospital, and multi-family senior citizen and family apartment complexes. Susquehanna Fire Dept. Inc. is the primary organization responsible for Fire Protection, Rescue, and Emergency Medical Services for the residents and businesses of Susquehanna Borough, Oakland Borough, Lanesboro Borough, Oakland Township and Harmony Township. The Honesdale National Bank Foundation is a 501(c)3 entity established by The Honesdale National Bank to engage in community giving initiatives that foster the area’s growth and resources as it has remained committed to since its founding in 1836. The Foundation’s aims to fulfill that mission through initiatives that support the sustainability and strengthening of resources and programming that make local communities thrive and remain desirable places to live, work, and play. The mission will be upheld through the provision of funding for public charities, institutions, schools and other not-for-profit organizations throughout our local area.
HNB Supports Northern Tier Industry & Education Consortium The Honesdale National Bank was once again authorized to make approved contributions under the Commonwealth’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program. HNB designated $5,000 of their approved allotment to the Northern Tier Industry & Education Consortium (NTIEC), located in Dimock, PA. The funds, donated by HNB, will support educational programs for area youth. HNB President & CEO David Raven stated, “The missions of NTIEC are not only important for local youth, but the progress of the region through training and education.” He said, “We are glad that we can contribute funding for this program to continue to serve our area.” Debra Tierney, Educational Coordinator/Administrative Systems Leader, Northern Tier Industry & Education Consortium, said, “NTIEC is so grateful to the Honesdale National Bank for their generous donation to help our students.” She continued “The support we received from the Honesdale National Bank will assist us in running our three week-long summer career experience programs in agriculture, healthcare and energy & oilfield. These summer programs help students explore careers available in NEPA in these three sectors.”
HNB Supports Wayne County Public Library with EITC Donation The Honesdale National Bank was once again authorized to make approved contributions under the Commonwealth’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program. HNB designated $20,000 of their approved allotment to the missions of the Wayne County Public Library. The funds, donated by HNB, will support students with e-resources and virtual programming within the seven-library system including the following local libraries: Bethany, Hamlin, Hawley, Newfoundland, Northern Wayne, Pleasant Mount, and the WCPL (Honesdale). Along with the e-resources, equipment will be purchased to provide virtual programming for those who cannot get to the library. Some resources include free online tutoring, online SAT/ACT classes, free access to the Get a Five program for those in Advanced Placement classes, hundreds of tutorials and videos, Learning Express Library, Teen Health & Wellness, Prenda Coding, and STEM Online Resources. HNB President & CEO David Raven stated, “We are privileged to have the opportunity to provide local support to organizations like the Wayne County Public Library with funds through the EITC program.” He continued, “We are glad to see this contribution go towards program upgrades along with advancement of technology and resources.” Tracy Schwarz, Wayne County Public Library Director, mentioned, “The Libraries are working hard to provide programming, equipment, and education to support student learning in creative new ways.” She said, “In Addition, we continue to purchase STEM materials, computers, equipment, and other collection materials to further the excitement and education of Wayne County’s students.”
HNB Supports Abington Community Library with EITC Donation The Honesdale National Bank was once again authorized to make approved contributions under the Commonwealth’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program. HNB designated $3,000 of their approved allotment to the Abington Community Library. The funds, donated by HNB, will support K-12 educational opportunities. HNB President & CEO, David Raven, stated, “Access to public libraries is important throughout the education of children and young adults.” He said, “We are excited to continue to serve our area by supporting this organization and contributing to their funding.” Sandy Longo, Abington Community Library Executive Director, said, “This year has challenged everyone to find a new normal as we all continue to cope with the ongoing healthcare crisis. The Library is no exception. I am proud to share programming staff devised ways to continue engaging our K – 12 service population during this time through virtual learning platforms and kits!” The Abington Community Library is part of the Lackawanna County Library System. The Library is located at 1200 West Grove Street in Clarks Summit, PA.
Michelle Kowalewski Promoted to Commercial Loan Officer II at HNB David Raven, President and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Michelle Kowalewski has been promoted to Commercial Loan Officer II. In making the statement, Raven noted, “Michelle understands our values as a company and contributes to the support of our community day in and day out.” He said, “The Northern Susquehanna County market is a fresh focus of HNB and we have no doubt she will continue to provide strong service to our customers in her new role.” In her current role, Kowalewski is Mortgage Advisor at the Hallstead Office and assists customers and employees with daily functions as well as helping with mortgage recommendations. Originally from Montrose, Michelle received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Agricultural Business Management from Penn State University. She has been in the financial industry for 6 years. Previously, she worked as an Agricultural Loan Officer for AgChoice Farm Credit in Northeastern, PA. She will continue to provide her expertise as Commercial Loan Officer II at HNB. In mentioning her career with the bank, she said “I am excited to return back to commercial lending after working in residential mortgage lending for two years.” She mentioned, “I hope to continue HNB’s expansion in the Susquehanna County market area and strengthen existing relationships with our current customers.” Outside of the bank, Michelle is an active member of local clubs and organizations, serving as Organizational Club Leader of the Born to Show 4-H Club, President of the Susquehanna County 4-H Livestock Committee, member of the Susquehanna County Youth Program Advisory Committee. Member of the Harford Agricultural Society, Youth advisor for the Susquehanna County Jr. Holstein Club, and a member of St. Mary’s Church, in Kirkwood, NY. In her spare time, Michelle enjoys serving as a 4-H Club leader, attending her kids’ sports events and 4-H activities, camping, and is eager to attend Penn State football games again this fall. For more information on HNB’s products and services, visit www.hnbbank.bank.
Robert Ferraro and Eric Jensen Promoted to Area Managers at HNB David Raven, President and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Robert Ferraro and Eric Jensen have been promoted to Area Managers. In making the statement, Raven noted, “Both of these individuals have shown their strengths as Branch Managers, and demonstrate the capability to contribute to our organization at a higher level.” He said, “HNB is always looking to reach new heights, and I am certain having Bob & Eric as Area Managers will allow us to focus on better serving our community through improvements to our customer-focused traditions and improved operational processes.” In his current role, Ferraro is AVP, Branch Manager II / Loan Officer at the Hamlin Office and assists customers and employees with day to day operations as well as supporting lending opportunities. Originally from Clarks Summit, Ferraro received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Management and Finance from the University of Scranton. He has been in the financial industry for 21 years and will continue as Area Manager of the eastern region offices at HNB. In mentioning his career with HNB, he said “I am grateful to HNB for the opportunities that I have been given to excel in my career over the past thirteen years. This organization cares about the employees and the customers they serve. I am proud to be a part of that.” Outside of the bank, Bob is married to HNB Commercial Lender, Catherine Ferraro for over 21 years with two children and two dogs. When he is not at work, he is spending time with his family. In his current role, Jensen is Branch Manager at the Clarks Summit Office serving customers and employees with daily operations. Originally from Long Island, NY, he received a Certificate of Commercial Credit Analysis from NYU and has been in the financial industry for 22 years. Of that, 14 years have been in banking with prior positions including Branch Manager, Business Banker, and Vice President of Sales. He will continue as Area Manager of the western region offices at HNB In mentioning his new role, he stated, “Too many banks have turned to charts and formulas to make decisions, I am excited to work for a bank that is truly out in the community making a difference in people’s lives.” He continued, “The Area Manager role is an excellent way for HNB to deliver our core values, products and services to the offices in the communities we live and work in every day.” Outside of the bank, Eric is a Board Member of Leadership Lackawanna, and a Community Impact Volunteer for United Way Lackawanna and Wayne Counties.
HNB Supports Leadership Lackawanna with EITC Donation The Honesdale National Bank was once again authorized to make approved contributions under the Commonwealth’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program. HNB designated $2,000 of their approved allotment to Leadership Lackawanna. The funds, donated by HNB, will support curriculum enhancement for the betterment of local young professionals. HNB President & CEO David Raven stated, “Leadership Lackawanna provides development for the skillsets of our area’s business owners and professionals, underwriting the growth and expansion of our local commerce and region’s economy.” He continued, “We are glad that we can provide funding for this program to continue the benefit to our community.” Nikki Morristell, Executive Director, Leadership Lackawanna, said “We are most appreciative to HNB for their continued support. These funds directly impact the 41 aspiring high school juniors in our Tomorrow’s Leaders Today program, hence allowing their leadership skills and abilities to grow and shine. Indirectly this generous gift provides an unparalleled combination of people, resources and opportunities to the community, impacting NEPA for years to come!” Leadership Lackawanna is a 501(c)(3) charitable, nonprofit organization in northeastern Pennsylvania dedicated to community leadership and professional development. Its five programs – Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, Leadership U, Core, Executive, and Welcome Scranton! – enhance the skills, connections, and knowledge of emerging and established leaders, enabling them to better serve in our communities, workplaces, and organizations. Since inception, Leadership Lackawanna has graduated more than 2,300 community leaders.
