Press Releases
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF LITCHFIELD OFFERS INNOVATIVE BANKING TECHNOLOGY
Litchfield, CT – July 24, 2008 – To further expand its convenient eBusiness Advantage cash-management program, The First National Bank of Litchfield has begun offering Remote Deposit Capture (RDC) services. Geared at saving time, paperwork and money, the innovative feature offered by this hometown banking institution gives businesses an alternative to rushing to the bank right before closing. It also provides quicker access to funds.
And now, with no end in sight to skyrocketing gas prices, Remote Deposit Capture makes even more sense for small businesses looking to keep costs down.
Using desktop scanners provided by the bank, customers may deposit checks electronically from their place of business, enabling funds to be received faster, thereby making them more readily available for use.
According to Michelle Hagan, Vice President of Cash Management Sales, The First National Bank of Litchfield – a leader among community banks – is one of the only community banking institutions in the area to offer this advanced technology.
“Remote Desktop Capture is the banking solution of the future – and we’re proud to offer it now. This will further revolutionize the way our customers do their banking,” Hagan said. “As more and more businesses learn about the advantages of using cash-management services and RDC, we expect our customers’ use of this technology to grow exponentially.”
RDC is an easy, efficient and convenient solution for businesses with high check volumes, who process large-dollar checks or who have multiple locations across a geographic area.
This technology is provided not only to save money and time, but specifically to add value by streamlining the check-deposit process and enhancing customers’ cash-management capabilities. The advantages of RDC include simplicity, convenience, availability and increased financial control for customers. Checks get scanned in seconds, with detailed deposit reports and check images available for review. RDC eliminates the need to race to the bank before closing to make daily deposits – this saves customers both time and gas money; and with enhanced deposit times, deposits don’t get delayed and customers’ access to their money becomes quicker.
Another key feature is security. RDC’s solid, multi-level security framework incorporates data encryption and password protection for customers’ accounts.
Klebe Fuel Company of Winsted is one business that’s already experienced the benefits of RDC at The First National Bank of Litchfield. Using RDC, Klebe Fuel was able to not only save time and transportation costs, but the company also improved its cash flow and is now able to identify returned items faster, which reduces their risk of fraud.
General Manager Kelley Babbin said, “FNBL’s Remote Deposit Capture reduced my banking time by 85%. Now I can’t imagine banking without it.”
To give businesses an easy way to understand and view the capabilities of this technology, The First National Bank of Litchfield offers a free RDC demo on their website (www.fnbl.com), as well as a live demo option that may be scheduled by contacting Michelle Hagan at 860-626-7710 or Mhagan@fnbl.com.
In addition, for a limited time, The First National Bank of Litchfield is inviting businesses to try RDC and their cash-management program free for 90 days.
# # #
MAGIC TREE HOUSE® DAY ON THE GREEN DRAWS HUNDREDS OF FAMILIES FROM ACROSS CONNECTICUT
LITCHFIELD, CT – September 5, 2007 – Almost 2,000 people- adults and children alike- came out for Magic Tree House Day on the Litchfield Green this past Saturday, September 1st. The event, hosted and organized by The First National Bank of Litchfield (FNBL), was a truly unique community celebration that promoted education, the arts and local businesses.
Guest of honor Mary Pope Osborne, bestselling author of The Magic Tree House Series signed copies of her books for wide-eyed young fans while live performances were given by two of the cast members of Magic Tree House: The Musical, including Litchfield High School Senior Katie Brunetto. Ms. Osborne’s husband, Will Osborne, also a notable author and playwright, plus famed director Joe Harmston, and FNBL President and CEO, Joseph Greco were also in attendance. Kidtivity.com, The Litchfield Farm-Fresh Market, The Hickory Stick Book Shop and The Warner Theatre all provided entertainment, information and activities for parents and children.
Other highlights included a performance by The Jack McArdle Irish School of Dance who is also to be featured in the musical, photo ops with Vinnie the Dragon, free hot dogs, snacks and special goodie bags for all the children.
FNBL provided a special offer in honor of the day, a "Magic Tree House Savings Account," to teach children the importance of saving. Upon opening, $5 and a free gift will appear making this a truly magical account. This account will still be through September for children who missed the event. Investment Executives from First Litchfield Financial Services, located at FNBL branches were also on hand throughout the day to educate parents on the rising costs of college education and to show the importance of saving for college through 529 plans and other investment strategies.
Magic Tree House is a registered trademark of Mary Pope Osborne.
* Magic Tree House Savings Account is a custodial statement savings account for a minor, only. 2.50% interest rate and 2.53% APY. Minimum balance of $1.00 required to open account and earn stated APY. $5 offer expires September 30, 2007. Fees may reduce earnings. Rewards subject to change without notice and program may be terminated at any time. Points valid for 2 years from date of issuance.
PHOTO 1: Mary Pope Osborne addresses the crowd, and gives everyone a sneak peak of the cover of one of her upcoming book in the Magic Tree House series.
PHOTO 2: Mary Pope Osborne signs the book of a fan who waited patiently in line to meet her.
# # #
MAGIC TREE HOUSE DAY ON THE GREEN INVITES CHILDREN
TO INVEST IN THEIR IMAGINATION
LITCHFIELD, CT – August 17, 2007 – The First National Bank of Litchfield (FNBL) announces their sponsorship and hosting of “Magic Tree House Day”, to be held on Litchfield Green, Saturday, September 1, 2007, from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm. The event celebrates the upcoming World Premiere of Magic Tree House®: The Musical at the Warner Theatre, Torrington and promotes learning and community spirit.
Local celebrity and international bestselling author of the Magic Tree House® series, Mary Pope Osborne, is the guest of honor. Osborne, a Goshen resident, will be speaking to children about the gifts of imagination, literacy and responsibility. She will also be signing copies of her 38th book in the Magic Tree House® series, Monday with a Mad Genius.
Based on the beloved series of children’s books, Magic Tree House®: The Musical is a full-scale, Broadway-style musical that transports characters Jack and Annie and their adventures onto the stage to create a theatrical event for the entire family. Live performances by cast members of Magic Tree House®: The Musical—including Litchfield’s own Katie Brunetto , a senior at Litchfield High School—will be held at 11:30 am,
12:30 pm and 1:30 pm. Tickets for the show as well as Magic Tree House® merchandise will be available for sale during the event.
FNBL has created this event because it strongly believes in the importance of “investing” in children’s imaginations. “Knowledge brings opportunity”, commented Rick Judd, CFP®, senior vice president, trust and wealth management at FNBL. “FNBL can help develop strategies for parents so that their child’s dreams can be achieved.” Experts from the Wealth Management team will be on hand during the event to answer questions about saving for education.
In further celebration of Magic Tree House Day, FNBL will be offering a special Magic Tree House® Savings Account where customers earn 2.53% annual percentage rate (APY). And for a limited time only, $5 will “magically” appear when you open the account, plus you’ll receive 100 FNBL Rewards points redeemable for a free gift!*
Copies of Monday with a Mad Genius by Mary Pope Osborne will be available for sale on the Green by The Hickory Stick Bookshop. In addition, all children attending Magic Tree House Day will receive free giveaways compliments of FNBL, The Hickory Stick Bookshop and Random House, publisher of the Magic Tree House® series.
Magic Tree House: The Musical® will be at the Warner Theatre, September 15th through the 23rd. Contact the Warner Theatre Box Office for more information, 860-489-7180 or online at www.warnertheatre.org.
One of the oldest nationally chartered banks in the country, The First National Bank of Litchfield has served the communities of Northwestern Connecticut since 1814. With total assets of $500 million, it is currently operating full service banking offices in Canton, Goshen, Litchfield, Marble Dale, New Milford, Roxbury, Torrington and Washington Depot. Maintaining a long-standing commitment to personalized service, the Bank provides consumer, commercial and retail investment and insurance products and services, as well as a trust and wealth management division that offers asset management and estate settlement services to individuals, non-profit and commercial customers. The Bank also recently launched First Litchfield Leasing Corporation, offering middle-market equipment leases to the commercial markets of Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Magic Tree House is a registered trademark of Mary Pope Osborne.
* Magic Tree House Savings Account is a custodial statement savings account for a minor, only. 2.50% interest rate and 2.53% APY. Minimum balance of $1.00 required to open account and earn stated APY. $5 offer expires September 30, 2007. Fees may reduce earnings. Rewards subject to change without notice and program may be terminated at any time. Points valid for 2 years from date of issuance.
© 2007 The First National Bank of Litchfield. All rights reserved. Member FDIC.
# # #
Movers and Shakers
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF LITCHFIELD HIRES BANKING VETERAN WALTER WHITNEY TO COMMERCIAL LENDING TEAM
LITCHFIELD, CT - June 25, 2008 - The First National Bank of Litchfield announced today that Walter Whitney has joined the Bank as Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer.
As a commercial loan officer, Whitney will be responsible for providing businesses in the greater New Milford area with the financial tools they need to prosper. His expertise includes commercial mortgages, income property loans, construction and development loans, secured and unsecured commercial lines of credit, and various government program loans such as those guaranteed by the Small Business Administration.
Whitney brings 18 years of commercial loan experience from his previous positions of Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer at both NewMil Bank, where he was manager of real estate equity investments, and Lincoln Savings Bank FSB, where he managed joint venture subsidiary companies. Prior to joining FNBL, Whitney was General Manager of Scott Swimming Pools, Inc. and other previous posts include Owner of Spring Hollow, in Middletown, NY, and Vice President and Director of Hanover Companies, Inc., in New York, NY.
Whitney holds a bachelor's degree from Boston University, an MBA from Pace University, and he also attended Harvard and New York University for advanced financial studies.
An active member of the Washington community, where he resides with his wife and two daughters, Whitney is Director of the Washington Community Housing Trust and a member of the Washington Primary School Building Committee. He has held posts of Co-Chairman of New Milford Hospital Foundation Capital Campaign for Washington and is a past Trustee and Deacon of First Congregational Church, in Washington.
One of the oldest nationally chartered banks in the country, The First National Bank of Litchfield has served the communities of Northwestern Connecticut since 1814. With total assets of $500 million, it is currently operating full service banking offices in Canton, Goshen, Litchfield, Marble Dale, New Milford, Roxbury, Washington and Torrington. Maintaining a long-standing commitment to personalized service, the Bank provides consumer, commercial and retail investment and insurance products and services, as well as a trust and wealth management division that offers asset management and estate settlement services to individuals, non-profit and commercial customers. The Bank also recently launched First Litchfield Leasing Corporation, offering middle-market equipment leases to the commercial markets of Connecticut and Massachusetts.
###
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF LITCHFIELD EXECUTIVE INDUCTED INTO THE NORTHWEST CT CHAMBER HALL OF FAME
Robert Teittinen Honored for Volunteer Service
Torrington, CT - April 17, 2008 - The First National Bank of Litchfield proudly announced Senior Vice President and Senior Loan Officer Robert Teittinen was inducted into the Northwest CT Chamber of Commerce, Chamber Hall of Fame. An honor in recognition of his many years of service to the Northwest CT Chamber and the communities it serves.
Mr. Teittinen became active with the Chamber in 1994 as a member of the board of directors. He has also served as the chairman of two search committees for two chamber presidents, as well as held the positions of both board secretary and board treasurer, and currently serves on the Chamber's Education Foundation.
Mr. Teittinen has not only been of great service to the Chamber, but has and continues to be an extremely active participant in the community, serving on the boards and committees of the Waterbury Housing Fund, Easter Seals, United Way, VNA and the Waterbury Development Corporation.
"All of our employees here at FNBL exude an outstanding spirit of volunteerism and community support. And Bob is a shining example of our belief in giving back to the communities we are all a part of", stated President and CEO Joseph Greco, "He has tirelessly volunteered his services for the benefit of our communities, serving on the boards of numerous non-profit and business advocacy organizations and truly understands what it means to give back of himself."
About The First National Bank of Litchfield:
One of the oldest nationally chartered banks in the country, The First National Bank of Litchfield has served the communities of Northwestern Connecticut since 1814. With total assets of $500 million, it is currently operating full service banking offices in Canton, Goshen, Litchfield, Marble Dale, New Milford, Roxbury, Washington and Torrington. Maintaining long-standing commitment to personalized service, the Bank provides consumer, commercial and retail investment and insurance products and services, as well as a trust and wealth management division that offers asset management and estate settlement services to individuals, non-profit and commercial customers. The Bank also recently launched First Litchfield Leasing Corporation, offering middle-market equipment leases to the commercial markets of Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Robert Teittinen, senior vice president and senior lending officer, The First National Bank of Litchfield, is presented with his NW CT Chamber of Commerce's Hall of Fame Award by JoAnn Ryan, president of the Chamber, and Joseph Greco, president & CEO of The First National Bank of Litchfield and Chairman of the Board, NW CT Chamber of Commerce.
###
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF LITCHFIELD ANNOUNCES NEW HIRES, AND NAMES VP, SMALL BUSINESS SERVICES
Litchfield, CT - March 10, 2008 - The First National Bank of Litchfield (FNBL) announced today the appointment and addition of several key officers who will be instrumental in the Bank's growth and continued success.
Matthew Robison has joined the Bank as senior vice president, retail banking. He will be responsible for management and development of the retail staff, sales initiatives, relationship management and overall organizational development. With over 15 years of retail banking experience, Robison was executive vice president, market manager and most recently executive vice president, regional executive at Sovereign Bank. Robison began his banking career at Colonial Bank and BankBoston.
Robison is a graduate of Post College and the School of Bank Management at the University of Virginia, and also holds an MBA in finance from the University of New Haven. Robison resides in Middlebury with his wife Nancy and two daughters, where he is also a planning and zoning commissioner and a justice of the peace.
"We look forward to Matt's leadership as he brings his unique experience, perspective and talents to the position," stated President and CEO Joseph Greco.
David Oliver, previously vice president, head of retail has been promoted to vice president, small business services. In his new position, Oliver will be spearheading the Bank's commitment to providing services and education to small businesses and the professional marketplace. He joined FNBL in 2002 as a Torrington market manager, and was quickly promoted to vice president, head of retail in 2003. Oliver also held management positions at People's Bank prior to joining FNBL in 2002.
Oliver is very active in the Torrington and Litchfield communities, where he resides with his wife Stephanie and three children. He is currently a member of the Torrington Board of Education, serves on the board of the United Way of Northwest CT, and is active in the Litchfield Area Business Association, Torrington Rotary Club and The Torrington Club, among others. Oliver also holds a bachelor's degree from Endicott College.
Rene Fisher has rejoined the Bank as vice president, commercial loan officer. She will be responsible for developing new relationships, as well as servicing existing commercial clients. Fisher was previously employed by FNBL from 1995 to 2006 as a member of the commercial loan team, and was most recently at Thomaston Savings Bank as a commercial lending officer.
Fisher received her bachelor's degree from Bryant College, and an MBA in finance from Quinnipiac University. She is an active member of the Litchfield community where she has lived for ten years with her husband Tom and daughter Caitlyn, and actively participates in the Junior Women's Club of Litchfield Hills, Inc.
"As part of FNBL's ongoing commitment to the business community, we're pleased to add David and Rene's expertise to our already diverse small business and commercial lending teams", commented Joe Greco. "David and Rene both have a keen ability to listen to customers and bring forward innovative solutions. Their energy and optimism will surely help businesses of all sizes achieve their financial goals."
One of the oldest nationally chartered banks in the country, The First National Bank of Litchfield has served the communities of Northwestern Connecticut since 1814. With total assets of $500 million, it is currently operating full service banking offices in Canton, Goshen, Litchfield, Marble Dale, New Milford, Roxbury, Washington and Torrington. Maintaining long-standing commitment to personalized service, the Bank provides consumer, commercial and retail investment and insurance products and services, as well as a trust and wealth management division that offers asset management and estate settlement services to individuals, non-profit and commercial customers. The Bank also recently launched First Litchfield Leasing Corporation, offering middle-market equipment leases to the commercial markets of Connecticut and Massachusetts.
###
FNBL ATTRACTS TOP TALENT TO WEALTH MANAGEMENT DIVISION
Investment Management Veteran Joins The First National Bank of Litchfield
LITCHFIELD, CT - January 8, 2008 - The First National Bank of Litchfield (FNBL) announced that Michael Sclafani has joined the Bank as Vice President, New Business Development, Trust and Wealth Management. Sclafani will be headquartered at the Canton office, and will be responsible for cultivating new trust and wealth management relationships in both the Farmington Valley and Torrington markets.
Sclafani comes to FNBL with over 20 years of experience working with individuals, families and non-profit groups on financial strategies. With 14 years at Fidelity Investments, and most recently as a Principal at both Walker Capital Consulting Group, LLC and State Street Bank and Trust Co., he brings a high level of investment sales experience to the Bank.
"Michael's experience is a great compliment to our long tradition of providing trust, investment management, and estate settlement services here at The First National Bank of Litchfield," stated Rick Judd, CFP®, Senior Vice President, Trust & Wealth Management. "He will be working as part of a team that includes top level portfolio managers who have joined FNBL from such notable organizations as US Trust, to bring our unique commitment to personal service and financial education to the Farmington Valley."
Sclafani stated this was one of the main reasons for joining the Trust and Wealth Management division at FNBL. "Having worked at several large companies, I was really looking forward to making a change to a firm, where I could provide more personal, one-on-one service to my clients while giving them access to world-class investment managers. With FNBL I get the best of both worlds."
Sclafani resides in Glastonbury with his family, and has been active in the Hartford area. He has been involved with the Central Connecticut Business and Estate Planning Council, the Hartford Probate Forum and the YWCA of the Hartford Region among others.
One of the oldest nationally chartered banks in the country, The First National Bank of Litchfield has served the communities of Northwestern Connecticut since 1814. With total assets of $500 million, it is currently operating full service banking offices in Canton, Goshen, Litchfield, Marble Dale, New Milford, Roxbury, Washington and Torrington. Maintaining a long-standing commitment to personalized service, the Bank provides consumer, commercial and retail investment and insurance products and services. Trust & Wealth Management, a division of the Bank services trust, estate, endowments an investment management to individuals, non-profit and commercial customers.
###
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF LITCHFIELD ANNOUNCES ADDITIONS TO THE NEW MILFORD BRANCH
Litchfield, CT - November 15, 2007 - The First National Bank of Litchfield (FNBL) announced that Stephen Dohoney has joined the Bank as vice president, branch manager of the New Milford Branch, and Dawn White has accepted a new role as vice president, commercial loan officer.
Dohoney will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, as well as cultivating new business opportunities for the Bank in their newest market. He has several years of financial experience, and was most recently a branch manager for Webster Bank in Danbury, and several years at New York Community Bank.
"I believe Steve will prove to be a strong leader for the Bank and an active member of the New Milford community, and I am looking forward to the energy, enthusiasm, and new ideas he will bring to FNBL," commented Bank President and CEO Joseph J. Greco.
Dohoney holds a bachelor's degree from Western Connecticut State University and resides in Waterbury with his wife and children. He is also an active member of the community, contributing to such organizations as The Governor's Prevention Partnership and The United Way.
Dawn White, previously vice president, branch manager of the New Milford branch and a 20 year veteran at FNBL, has accepted a new position as vice president, commercial lending. Her new position recognizes her strong commitment, involvement and leadership in the New Milford community. She will focus on developing and servicing commercial accounts, bringing the FNBL community banking philosophy to New Milford businesses. White will service the greater New Milford commercial market, including Roxbury, Washington and Marble Dale.
An active member of the New Milford community, White participates in the Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce, the New Milford Business Networking Group and the Red Cross. "Dawn has been an active leader for both the Bank and the New Milford community," said FNBL President and CEO Joseph Greco, "Her 20 years of experience at FNBL has given her a unique ability to understand the needs of commercial businesses, and we are confident she will be a great asset to the New Milford market."
One of the oldest nationally chartered banks in the country, The First National Bank of Litchfield has served the communities of Northwestern Connecticut since 1814. With total assets of $500 million, it is currently operating full service banking offices in Canton, Goshen, Litchfield, Marble Dale, New Milford, Roxbury, Washington and Torrington. Maintaining long-standing commitment to personalized service, the Bank provides consumer, commercial and retail investment and insurance products and services, as well as a trust and wealth management division that offers asset management and estate settlement services to individuals, non-profit and commercial customers. The Bank also recently launched First Litchfield Leasing Corporation, offering middle-market equipment leases to the commercial markets of Connecticut and Massachusetts.
 Dawn White |
 Steve Dohoney |
###
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF LITCHFIELD HIRES BUSINESS BANKING VETERAN TO HEAD CASH MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
LITCHFIELD, CT – September 4, 2007 – The First National Bank of Litchfield announced today that Michelle Hagan has joined the bank as vice president, cash management.
Hagan will be responsible for cash management sales to business and commercial customers. She will be working with customers to streamline their cash management process and give them greater control, as well as develop financial solutions to help their businesses run more effectively and efficiently.
"Michelle has a diverse background in business banking and is an active member of the Farmington Valley community," commented Bank President and CEO Joseph J. Greco. "We are excited by the expertise she brings not only to us, but to our business and commercial customers."
Previously, Hagan was the Business Banking Officer at CitiBank and held various positions early in her career at Fleet Bank. She also brings community banking experience from her prior post of seven years at Simsbury Bank and Trust where she held various positions including Business Lending Officer.
Active in the community where she lives, Hagan is a member of the Avon-Canton Rotary, on the board of directors of the Simsbury Main Street Partnership and also active in the Canton, Avon and Simsbury chambers of commerce. Hagan has been a member of the Simsbury community for 22 years where she resides with her husband and three children.
###
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF LITCHFIELD ANNOUNCES EMPLOYEE PROMOTIONS
Litchfield, CT – May 10, 2007 - The First National Bank of Litchfield announced promotions of several key managers who have been recognized for their exceptional contributions to the Bank's growth and customer satisfaction.
Lauren Barstow has been promoted to vice president, branch manager of the Litchfield office, located at 13 North Street. She is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, as well as cultivating new business opportunities for the Bank. Barstow's background is in branch management and mortgage origination and has been at The First National Bank of Litchfield for the past 13 years. Barstow lives in Thomaston with her husband and two children and is an active member of the Litchfield/Morris Rotary Club.
Dale Leifert has been promoted to assistant vice president, branch manager at the Goshen office located at 4 Sharon Turnpike. Leifert began her career at the Bank three years ago as a financial services representative and quickly moved up to assistant branch manager in Goshen. In her new role she is responsible for day-to-day operations and will focus on developing new business opportunities in the Goshen market. Leifert resides in Winsted with her family and enjoys volunteering for various charitable organizations in the community.
Gina Scherbner has been promoted to vice president, small business development officer, where she will be working with branch staff as well as business owners to recognize and develop solutions to their business needs such as financing, merchant services and cash management. FNBL created this position to better serve the unique needs of this segment and has previously announced a $10 million lending goal over the next two years. Scherbner was previously the Litchfield branch manager and has been with the Bank for two years.
Scherbner has spent 15 years in the financial services industry, the last ten specifically in banking. Prior to joining The First National Bank of Litchfield she held the position of branch manager at both TD Bank North and Sovereign Bank.
Scherbner earned a B.S. in finance from Central Connecticut State University. She resides in Torrington with her husband and two children, where she chairs several committees and is active in L.A.B.A., Education Connection, the Girl Scouts, YMCA and an ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce.
"These three women have proven to be strong leaders for the Bank and active members of our community, and I am looking forward to the energy and enthusiasm they will each be bringing to their new roles," commented Bank President and CEO Joseph J. Greco.
One of the oldest nationally chartered banks in the country, The First National Bank of Litchfield has served the communities of Northwestern Connecticut since 1814. With total assets of over $500 million, it is currently operating full service banking offices in Canton, Goshen, Litchfield, Marble Dale, New Milford, Roxbury, Washington and Torrington. Maintaining long-standing commitment to personalized service, the Bank provides consumer, commercial and retail investment and insurance products and services, as well as a trust and wealth management division that offers asset management and estate settlement services to individuals, non-profit and commercial customers. The Bank also recently launched First Litchfield Leasing Corporation, offering middle-market equipment leases to the commercial markets of Connecticut and Massachusetts.
