THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY BANKERS

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Pub. 3 2021 Issue 3

Prevention. Protection. Detection. Security Safeguards – They’ve Never Been More Important

By Diane M. Sweeney
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At the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting in May 2021, Ralph J. Sommers, Jr. will retire from the Board of Directors after serving Community Bank for 42 years. Following a stint in the United States Marine Corp, Ralph started his banking career in 1959 with Pittsburgh National Bank. He joined the First National Bank of Carmichaels in 1979 as Executive Vice President. In 1980, the First National Bank of Carmichaels had three offices, all in Greene County, and boasted footings of approximately $40 million. Ralph joined the Board of Directors of the First National Bank of Carmichaels in 1983. He became President & CEO in 1984 and Chairman of the Board in 1999 and held that position until 2019. He retired as Chairman in 2019 but remained as a director. When Ralph retires in 2021, he will have served in crucial leadership positions at Community Bank for an amazing 42 years. During the 42 years of his leadership, the Bank grew, changed, and prospered in many ways. One of his first decisions was to prepare the Bank for the future, so, in 1987, the First National Bank of Carmichaels changed its name to Community Bank, with much fanfare. This decision was a harbinger of his determination to build the Bank beyond Greene County. Ralph spearheaded the Bank’s expansion into Washington County. After opening an office in Washington in 1987, other offices followed in McMurray in 1994, Claysville in 1996 and the Southpointe Office in 2000. Then, in 2004, Community Bank expanded into the Allegheny County markets of Brookline and Brentwood. In 2008, a new Washington Office was constructed. But much more was underway than adding branches. Ralph led the Bank in its conversion from a federally regulated bank to a state-regulated bank in 2006. During his tenure as Chairman, in 2014, the Bank acquired First Federal Savings Bank and its subsidiary, Exchange Underwriters, an insurance agency. This added five offices, and the Bank’s assets grew to $850 million. At this time, the Bank also formed its holding company, CB Financial Services, Inc., registered with the SEC, and started to trade on NASDAQ. We welcomed Progressive Bank to the family in 2018, bringing the Bank to 24 branch offices and $1.3 billion in assets. Ralph was Chairman during the construction of the Ralph J. Sommers, Jr. Operations Center in the EverGreene Technology Park in Waynesburg, PA and the construction of the Barron P. (“Pat”) McCune, Jr. Corporate Center in Washington, PA. These facilities provided the Bank with modern appropriate housing for the ever-growing financial company. Ralph also, was very active in his community, serving as President of the Chamber of Commerce, on the local hospital board, and as the long-time Chairman of the Greene County Industrial Developments, Inc., among many other endeavors. In 2010, he was inducted into the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers’ Hall of Fame. All of Ralph’s friends readily give credit to Ralph’s beautiful family for much of his success. He has been married to his high school sweetheart and wonderful wife, Betty, for 61 years. They have three children, Brian, Lisa, and LeAnna, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Ralph’s family is a constant source of pride and comfort for Ralph and undoubtedly has helped him through the many triumphs and tough times mentioned. Community Bank grew 35-fold over 42 years and adapted through all the vagaries of life to emerge today as one of the premier independent “community banks” in the mid-Atlantic region, thanks to Ralph’s leadership. The Community Bank family was always grateful for Ralph’s cool head, common sense, and courage in tough times. Thank you, Ralph J. Sommers, Jr., and may you enjoy your well-earned retirement with your family!

Strengthening Your Defenses Against Emerging Cyber Threats

By Tyler Leet, CSI
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PACB-Chair-message

A Word From PACB's Chair

By Lori Cestra, Chair of PACB, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Enterprise Bank

April is community banking month, a perfect time to reflect on the value and importance of our industry.

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From The President / CEO's Desk

Kevin L. Shivers, CAE

Public And Postal Banking Proposals Show Our Advocacy Work Is Never Finished

As our nation celebrates the contributions of community banks and small businesses during the months of April and May, I wanted to put our work in perspective: …

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Munis For The Many: Taxable Municipal Bonds Have Appeal For Nearly All Community Banks

By Jim Reber, President & CEO of ICBA Securities
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Ralph Sommers Retires In May, Ending 42 Years Of Service To Community Bank

By PACB
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cannabis-banking

Cannabis Banking: Making Sense Through The Purple Haze

By Jordan Grant, Director of Government Relations for PACB
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FIRSTPAC-nears-fundraising-record

FIRSTPAC Nears Fundraising Record As Reporting Deadline Approaches

By PACB
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PACB Convention 2021

By PACB
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Digital-Disclosures-women-at-desk

Are Your Digital Disclosures Getting Through?

By Cheryl Lawson, JMFA EVP-Compliance Review
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hometown-champions

Hometown Champions: Marquette Savings Bank

By: The Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers
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Elaine-Woodland

Yesterday’s Traditions. Tomorrow’s Vision. Meeting Elaine Woodland And PACB Member First Keystone Community Bank

By Jena Wolgemuth, PACB SVP of Administration and Chief of Staff
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Now I Know My XYZs: An In-Depth Look At The Next-Gen Banker

By James G. Caliendo, President and CEO, PW Campbell
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Surviving The Transition From LIBOR: Making The Right Choice

By Shumaker Williams P.C.
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Inside you will find additional information such as upcoming webinars, conferences, previous events, anniversaries, and more. Take a look through the flip book to see all the extras. You can also download a PDF and save it to read later.

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