Northwest Bank

The trend of homebuyers using all-cash offers is on the rise, but is it the right choice for you? The decision to buy a home with cash or a loan is complex and depends on your unique financial situation and goals. Kevin Kaminski shares insights on the pros and cons of each in our latest article: http://spklr.io/6187sqIf

Please join us in welcoming Joe Canfield, who recently joined our team as Chief Accounting Officer. In his role, Joe will leverage his experience and expertise to lead the modernization of our accounting practices, which will allow us to better leverage automation and use data to drive insights. Learn more about Joe and his extensive background here: http://spklr.io/6184sX28

Facing both physical and financial obstacles, Scott and Leah Adams never imagined homeownership was possible for them. But through their unwavering determination and support they received through a partnership between PathStone Corporation - Indiana, First Merchants Bank and Northwest, they made their dream come true! Today, they describe owning their first home as "freedom" — a testament to their resilience and help from the Homebuyers Acquisition and Rehabilitation Program (HARP).

Ready to be inspired? Read their story at http://spklr.io/6183sOrJ

Leading up to the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, our five employee resource groups joined forces with Gracehaven Inc. to host a meeting with our employees, raising awareness about this critical issue. During their presentation, Gracehaven's team of educators provided tips specifically for the financial industry to help us identify red flags of potential exploitation. Based in central Ohio, the non-profit serves the community by providing s*x trafficking prevention services, along with housing and empowering youth trafficking survivors. To learn how you can get involved, visit http://spklr.io/6183sJm7.

Congratulations to Karen Cummings, commercial real estate market executive, who was named to Buffalo Business First’s Power 200 Women list for the second year in a row. Congratulations to Karen and everyone else on this year’s list of inspiring Power 200 Women honorees! Learn more here: http://spklr.io/6184S2ei

*UPDATE: This issue has been resolved.

We’re experiencing intermittent service outages due to global technology issues. This may affect some of our branches and our customer contact center. Mobile and online banking are functioning normally. We’re working hard to resolve the problem as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience.

Congratulations to ESOP Finance Lead Jason Muhme, who was named as an associate member of The ESOP Association Advisory Committee on Finance. In this year-long assignment, Jason will actively contribute to content development for various publications, webinars and events. Kudos to Jason on securing this valuable opportunity to collaborate with industry peers and help develop new insights within the employee ownership field. We're confident he will make significant contributions to the committee and the broader ESOP community!

Today, we're celebrating our nation's independence, reflecting on the freedoms we enjoy and honoring those who protect them. To the veterans and active service members, our gratitude runs deep. Wishing everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July!

At Northwest Bank, we're proud to have a vibrant ERG for members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community— PRISM. Hear from some of our members on how PRISM has impacted their experience at work.

This , we've loved celebrating with the LGBTQ+ community and allies at events throughout our footprint! As we wrap up the month, we're amplifying the voices of our PRISM ERG members as they share what means to them.

When Alice and Dave DeGeorge decided to purchase the 6 PACK HOUSE OF BEER, they chose our Erie, PA team of bankers to help them achieve their goal. Partnering with Business Banker Paul Kruszewski, DeGeorge Enterprises secured a $164k small business term loan and operating demand deposit account to acquire the business. Beyond the large selection of local and regional craft brews, the 6 PACK HOUSE OF BEER also offers a great selection of food and hosts charity events that benefit local non-profit organizations. Cheers to the DeGeorges on their successful business opening!

We know there's no place like home — and that's why we're dedicated to making the dream of homeownership a reality. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer who could benefit from assistance with down payments and closing costs or are simply looking for affordable loan options, we offer a variety of programs designed to help make homeownership more attainable. Connect with our lending experts to find the right program for you. Learn more: http://spklr.io/6183qwz5

Whether you own a business or are thinking of starting one, don't miss out on valuable insights from Jonathan Smith, head of SBA lending, about the current state of small business finance. In our Q&A, Jonathan shares his thoughts on the current state of SBA lending, trends for specific business types and what’s new in the market. Learn more: http://spklr.io/6180qOio

Small business owners often dedicate their lives to building their companies, from sweat equity to investing personal funds. Yet, there is one thing that two-thirds of family business owners report putting off – developing a succession plan.

In a recent RBJ article, Senior SBA Business Development Officer John Soldi shares how thoughtful communication and careful planning make passing the torch to the next generation a smooth and rewarding experience.

Learn more: http://spklr.io/6187qVX5

Many people don't realize their bank and banker can be powerful resources on their financial journey, offering personalized support every step of the way. Learn how you can cultivate a successful relationship with your banker and the benefits of doing so here: https://www.northwest.bank/news-insights/how-to-use-your-bank-as-a-financial-coach/

When the long-time operations manager of a Northeast Ohio daycare group decided to use her expertise to open her own facility, she connected with Senior SBA Development Officer Daniel O’Malia and Commercial Relationship Manager Jeremy Radon. By partnering with Daniel, Jeremy and our SBA closing team, she now has an SBA 7(a) term loan to help make her dream a reality. We're pleased that we could assist this entrepreneur in establishing her new business — creating a nurturing space for the community’s youngest minds to grow and thrive!

This Memorial Day, let's pause to honor our nation's heroes — the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. We join our communities in remembering their courage and dedication, ensuring their legacy lives on.

Franchising is becoming an increasingly popular business model – helping to reduce risk and provide a quicker return on investment. However, like many small business owners are experiencing, rising inflation and increased costs have made securing capital a significant hurdle for franchisees. In a recent Lehigh Valley Business article, Small Business Sales Enablement Leader Mike McAndrew shares how franchisees can access creative financing solutions by working with a preferred SBA lender. Learn more: https://hubs.la/Q02xNZS00

Crafting a business plan is a huge accomplishment, but it's just the first step on your entrepreneurial journey. Need help with navigating the exciting (and sometimes daunting) next phase? Our latest article outlines the key next steps for aspiring entrepreneurs, from building your A-team to securing funding.

Read more here: http://spklr.io/6185UXu9

Port Farms has been around since 1897, evolving from a potato farm into the tourist attraction it is today. The idea of a brewery has always been something that fourth-generation owners, Jerry and Kelly Port, have considered starting on their Waterford, PA property. Fast forward to today, the Ports' partnership with Business Banker Nathan Ross has helped fulfill this dream! A $600,000 new construction term loan will allow them to repurpose an existing utility barn into a start-up brewery – Poverty K**b Farmhouse Ales. The new brewery complements the existing family farm which hosts activities, events and weddings year-round.

As interest rates have significantly increased over the past few years, small and medium-sized businesses have faced higher costs, coupled with slower growth. However, once inflation cools down, rate cuts are likely to be on the horizon. Learn more about what potential rate cuts may mean for your business, plus some tips on how you can prepare: http://spklr.io/6181UJ27

As we embrace the conveniences AI offers, the cybersecurity challenges it can create demand attention, too. In an article for Lehigh Valley Business, Chief Information Security Officer Lance Spencer explains why a strong cybersecurity plan is essential to mitigating risks, ensuring compliance and safeguarding your company's assets and stakeholders’ interests. From AI-powered phishing schemes and deepfakes to the potency of automated malware and hacking tools, potential threats powered by AI are diverse and evolving. Learn more: https://hubs.la/Q02wlMwf0

With in full gear, we’re excited to spotlight Stumpy’s Hatchet House, a growing axe-throwing chain. The Northwest team is working closely with Stumpy’s to expand their nationwide footprint and enhance the patron experience. Learn more about how Northwest can support your business’s growth here: https://hubs.la/Q02vVZ0S0

“Volunteering gives me the opportunity to be connected to my community and make a positive impact in the lives of others.” At Northwest, giving back is an important part of who we are — and that identity is shaped by our people, who dedicate valuable time to making a difference. During National Volunteer Month, our employees shared the causes that are meaningful to them, including providing Thanksgiving meals to families in need, volunteer firefighting and building homes for Veterans. Today and every day, we recognize and applaud the many ways our team gives back.

This Small Business Week, we’re excited to highlight Birch Creek Farmery, a local woman-owned farm in Pittsburgh, PA. Our SBA lending team worked closely with Teddi, the farm’s founder, to help her secure additional capital to expand the farm. Read more here: https://hubs.ly/Q02vzFKF0

According to Jennifer Gibson, region president and retail banking director, effective leadership centers on a willingness to learn and understand the heart of your organization: the people. With more than 20 years in the financial industry, Jennifer recently contributed an article for Indiana Bankers Association featuring her insights. In it, she shares three principles that can help leaders create a positive and inclusive work environment, where all feel empowered and valued. Learn more: https://hubs.la/Q02vq3Cy0