PRESTO, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Northwest Bank was presented today with the prestigious FHLBank Pittsburgh Pillars of the Community Award in recognition of the bank’s commitment to community revitalization. The Pillars award is FHLBank’s highest organizational honor and is presented annually to select FHLBank members.
Headquartered in Warren, Pa., Northwest received the award at one of FHLBank’s regional member golf outings. John Bendel, FHLBank Director of Community Investment, spoke at the event about Northwest’s community achievements. James Knipple, CRA Officer, and Ron Andzelik, Chief Compliance Officer, accepted the award on behalf of the bank.
“We’re honored to accept this award on behalf of Northwest,” said Mr. Andzelik. “It’s a testament to the commitment our organization and local teams have to building strong, supportive communities and helping our neighbors realize the dream of home ownership.”
As part of the award, FHLBank also presented a $1,000 check on Northwest’s behalf to Housing Transitions of State College, Pennsylvania. Housing Transitions is an independent, nonprofit organization providing housing programs and supportive services to those in need throughout Centre County.
An active member of the FHLBank cooperative, Northwest saw completion in 2015 of the Uptown Lofts on Fifth, a new development project made possible with funding from FHLBank’s Affordable Housing Program. The project serves young adults leaving foster care who would be homeless without this critical support. Northwest has also made good use of the First Front Door program, helping 19 first-time homebuyers with down payments and closing costs. Additionally, Northwest is an ongoing sponsor of the Town of Curwensville in the Blueprint Communities initiative, coaching neighborhood leaders to become agents of change in their communities.
“Northwest shows that it's dedicated to improving communities every day by financing affordable housing, helping first-time homebuyers achieve the dream of owning a home, and taking a leadership role in revitalizing neighborhoods,” said Winthrop Watson, FHLBank’s president and CEO. “We are proud to have Northwest as part of our membership.”
About Northwest Bank
Northwest Bank operates 157 full-service offices and 7 free-standing drive throughs throughout Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio and Maryland. Founded in 1896, Northwest offers a complete line of personal and business banking products including employee benefits, investment management services, insurance and trust. Northwest Bancshares, Inc. is the holding company of Northwest Bank and is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market as NWBI. More information about Northwest can be found online at www.northwest.com.
About FHLBank Pittsburgh
As an intermediary between global capital markets and local lenders, FHLBank Pittsburgh provides readily available liquidity, as well as affordable housing and community development opportunities, to member financial institutions of all sizes in Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The Bank is part of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, which was established by Congress in 1932 and serves as a reliable source of funds for housing, jobs and growth in all economic cycles. To learn more, visit www.fhlb-pgh.com.
