Fidelity Bank Presents Wilkes-Barre Volunteers with Grant Fidelity Bank is pleased to share Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) has won the $10,000 Fidelity Bank IMPACT grant. VIM competed with two other area nonprofit finalists, all with the goal of securing grant funding to support their ongoing initiatives. Although all the finalists demonstrated their ability to deliver vital services to Wilkes-Barre residents, VIM secured the most community votes, determining them the winner. Ruth Turkington, EVP, Chief Consumer Banking Officer of Fidelity Bank was on hand at the bank’s Wilkes-Barre branch to present a $10,000 check to VIM. She stated, “On behalf of all of us here at Fidelity Bank, we extend our heartfelt congratulations. Winning this grant clearly indicates that the services Wilkes-Barre Volunteers in Medicine provides closely aligns with our goal of providing support and value to the communities we serve.” Volunteers in Medicine is a community-based nonprofit organization who offers a wide range of services at no cost, including primary medical care, dental services, diagnostic testing, and counseling. These services are offered to the working, uninsured, and underinsured populations in NEPA. The clinic’s comprehensive care addresses the needs of residents, some of whom are non-English speaking, by providing vital interpretation services. The IMPACT Grant funds will be used to support this interpretation program, which is essential for effective communication and treatment planning. More details and complete rules for the IMPACT grant can be found online at www.bankatfidelity.com/impact.
Fidelity Bank Employee Completes Advanced Banking School Jill M. Valentini, VP, Regional Retail Sales Manager at Fidelity Bank, recently completed coursework at the 2024 Pennsylvania Bankers Association (PA Bankers) Advanced School of Banking, on July 29, 2024. Valentini has been with Fidelity Bank for 17 years. Her career is a true success story within the branch banking network. She started at Fidelity as a Teller Services Supervisor and has continued to rise through the branch network as an Assistant Branch Manager and most recently the Retail Branch Manager of Fidelity’s largest office in Dunmore, Pa. Her responsibilities include leading the Retail team to continued success and providing her knowledge and guidance to the managers and branch bankers in the continuous enhancement of the client experience. Jill attended Penn State University and has completed numerous continuing educational courses with the American Institute of Banking, as well as the Pennsylvania American Bankers Association. She is a 2015 graduate of Leadership Lackawanna’s Core Program and sat on Leadership Lackawanna’s Board of Directors as Chair. She was a Board Member of the Scranton Chamber of Commerce, and currently sits on the Board of Dress for Success Lackawanna, along with the Chamber’s affiliate, Metro Actions Board. She is current chair of the Chambers Membership Committee, and Women’s Network Luncheon Committee. PA Bankers’ Advanced School of Banking is a three-year program that teaches financial services knowledge and skills and paves the road for participants to become leaders at any level within their organization. The curriculum provides a greater understanding of the multiple banking disciplines and how those disciplines work together within the bank. It is analogous to 200-, 300- and 400-level college course study.
Fidelity Bank Announces Strong Mortgage Lending Results Fidelity Bank is pleased to announce the release of its 2023 Mortgage Lending Market Share Summary, highlighting the remarkable achievements of the previous year in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wyoming, Lehigh, and Northampton Counties. Notably, Fidelity Bank secured the top position as the number one residential mortgage lender in Lackawanna County. While mentioning this accomplishment, President and CEO, Daniel J. Santaniello, stated, “When reflecting on our performance, I take pride in observing the growth and success we’ve achieved across the counties we serve.” He continued, “Our team has built strong relationships, consistently supports local communities, and has implemented effective strategies to achieve this milestone, benefiting our customers and driving progress.” In Lackawanna County, Fidelity Bank captured 9.3% of the total volume for the year, reaching $47.5 million—outperforming the second-place competitor by $13.6 million, or 40%. This showcases Fidelity’s leadership in the local market, making it the only bank to rank among the top 5 overall. Additionally, Fidelity Bank performed exceptionally well in Luzerne, Wyoming, Lehigh, and Northampton Counties, capturing 2.5% totaling $135.7 million and 587 units across all counties. These achievements highlight Fidelity Bank’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional service. The 2023 market share summary reflects the culmination of these efforts and serves as a catalyst for future success and growth. *Based on 2023 HMDA (Home Mortgage Disclosure Act) data.
Fidelity Bank Awards $833,000 to Non-Profits and Educational Institutions Fidelity Bank recently presented several area non-profit organizations and educational institutions with Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) funds totaling $833,000. Here are some of the recipients of some of Fidelity Bank’s latest donations. F.M. Kirby Center Greater Hazelton Partners in Education Wyoming Valley Montessori School Misericordia University WVIA Wilkes-Barre Academy Wyoming Free Library “We are proud to support various community programs that are committed to educational excellence with an eye toward students’ futures,” said Daniel J. Santaniello, President & CEO of Fidelity Bank. “Fidelity Bank is grateful for the opportunity to invest in generations to come through allocating funds through the EITC program.” The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program provides tax credits to eligible businesses contributing to scholarship and educational improvement organizations. In keeping with Fidelity Bank’s commitment to support the communities it serves, the program benefits students in Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley. Through partnerships between local businesses, parents, and scholarship organizations, EITC funding gives local students opportunities for better educational outcomes.
Fidelity Bank Presents Check to United Way of Lackawanna Wayne & Pike The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike is delighted to announce the receipt of a generous donation from Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank, demonstrating a commitment to community betterment and collaborative action. The check presentation, marks a significant milestone in the partnership between Fidelity Bank and the United Way in advancing the vital Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Program. Fidelity Bank’s contribution exemplifies its dedication to making a positive impact in the community and supporting organizations that address critical needs. The generous donation through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program will enable the United Way to continue its mission of supporting children within our community. “We are deeply grateful to Fidelity Bank for their continued support and partnership,” said Matt Ceruti, Vice President, Resource Development/Campaign, United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. “This contribution will play a crucial role in our efforts to create lasting change and empower children and families in need. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.”
Lackawanna College Receives Donation from Fidelity Bank for Dual Enrollment Program Lackawanna College received a donation of $25,000 from Fidelity Bank. This contribution will support the Dual Enrollment Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, allowing high school students to enroll in college-level courses and earn credits while attending high school. “We know Lackawanna College will take these dollars and put it to work in the programs that benefit our community the most,” President and CEO of Fidelity Bank, Dan Santaniello said. “This is an investment to the future and the future leaders of northeastern Pennsylvania, to get these young students college credits and experience in college level courses.” By making this donation, Fidelity Bank reaffirms its dedication to education, resonating with Lackawanna College’s mission to foster accessible and affordable education to the communities it serves. About the Lackawanna College Dual Enrollment Program Lackawanna College allows local high school students the opportunity to gain a head start on their college careers through Dual Enrollment courses offered within the hours and confines of their high school. Courses are also available through Lackawanna College’s online program, at our main campus in Scranton, or at our satellite centers in Hawley, Hazleton, Sunbury, Towanda, and Tunkhannock. This program is offered to high schools throughout northeastern Pennsylvania on a contractual basis and a reduced cost. About the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program The EITC program is a Pennsylvania tax credit for businesses who donate to an approved nonprofit organization. Lackawanna College is an approved Educational Improvement Organization. Companies contributing to Lackawanna College through EITC can receive significant tax benefits. Approved corporations can receive tax credits equal to 75% of its contribution up to a maximum of $750,000 per taxable year. In photo from left to right: Vice President & Investment Officer William Fennie III, Lackawanna College President and Chief Innovation Officer Jill Murray, President & CEO of Fidelity Bank Dan Santaniello and Director of College Advancement Amber Riedinger.
Johnson College Receives Contribution from Fidelity Bank Johnson College received a $5,000 EITC contribution from Fidelity Bank to support students in the College’s Industry Fast Track Program. The Industry Fast Track Program (IFT) is a joint partnership with area school districts and the College. The program offers high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to simultaneously enroll in secondary and post-secondary coursework on the Johnson College campus. Students remain enrolled full-time at their high school while attending classes at Johnson College. Fidelity Bank’s contribution to Johnson College is part of Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
Fidelity Bank Commits $250,000 to Marywood EMPOWER Campaign Fidelity Bank has made a $250,000 commitment to The Pascucci Family Health Sciences Pavilion at Marywood University, as part of Marywood’s comprehensive campaign, EMPOWER. Daniel Santaniello, Fidelity Bank CEO, is a Marywood graduate and regional community business leader, who earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1990. Mr. Santaniello, who has contributed his own personal financial support to the EMPOWER campaign, was proud to also guide the major gift from Fidelity Bank. “To be a part of this is inspiring,” said Mr. Santaniello. “The IHM Sisters and Marywood, and their core values, focusing on exemplary ideals like community and excellence, along with their commitment to continuous improvement through lifelong learning, share the core values that we have at Fidelity Bank.” By proactively addressing increasing healthcare workforce shortages that place communities at risk and limit timely access to care, Fidelity’s significant commitment to the EMPOWER Campaign is a key part of the solution, providing vital support to advance Marywood’s ability to expand its healthcare offerings.The Pascucci Family Health Sciences Pavilion is a 15,000 square-foot addition to the existing Keith J. O’Neill Center for Healthy Families. With state-of-the-art simulation laboratories and technology-supported classrooms, Marywood University will be able to teach more health sciences students, who will learn and work together in one facility. This real-world environment will better prepare them to deliver an integrated model of collaborative clinical care after entering practice. “The demand is here today,” Mr. Santaniello affirmed. “The workforce is asking for these professionals. None of us anticipates the demand for healthcare workers will go down anytime soon. In fact, it is going to continue to grow.” He added, “This contribution makes it possible for Marywood to expand and meet the ever-growing demand that exists today. We need to respond in a way that is proactive. We feel that this (campaign initiative) will absolutely help meet that demand.” For more information about EMPOWER: The Campaign for Marywood University, go to: marywood.edu/empower.
Fidelity Bank Makes Multiple Donations In late August, Fidelity Bank donated $50,000 to Marywood University. ($25,000 from Fidelity Bank and $25,000 from the Fidelity D&D Charitable Foundation.) Pictured: Dan Santaniello, President & CEO of Fidelity Bank, Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., President of Marywood University, and Dragan Jokic, Assistant Vice President & Retail Branch Manager of the Dunmore branch. In late July, Fidelity Bank donated $7,500 to Sisters of IHM. ($2,500 from Fidelity Bank and $5,000 from the Fidelity D&D Charitable Foundation) Pictured: Bob Brown, President of Sisters of IHM, Sister Ann Bubser, Executive Director of Sisters of IHM, Dan Santaniello, President & CEO of Fidelity Bank, and Lori Barrett, Vice President & Senior Trust Officer at Fidelity Bank, and also Treasurer of Sisters of IHM. In late July, Fidelity Bank donated $2,500 to the Cody Barrasse Memorial Foundation. Pictured: Dan Santaniello, President & CEO of Fidelity Bank, Lori Barrett, Vice President & Senior Trust Officer at Fidelity Bank and Joseph Barrasse from the Cody Barrasse Memorial Foundation.
Fidelity Bank Rebrands its Wealth Management Division Fidelity Bank, a leading financial institution known for its commitment to providing top-tier financial services, is thrilled to announce the launch of its newly enhanced Wealth Management division. Alongside extending its wealth management services to the Lehigh Valley region, Fidelity Bank has also rebranded this service offering to better align its image with the comprehensive advice and solutions available. The Fidelity Bank Wealth Management team, comprised of seasoned financial experts and strategists, works closely together to create personalized wealth plans for their clients. Through their combined expertise, the team delivers a wide range of financial services, including investment management, trust and estate planning, private banking, endowment and foundation planning, as well as brokerage services. Fidelity Bank’s Director of Wealth Management, Nick Parise, expressed enthusiasm about this new venture. “The launch of our enhanced Wealth Management division underscores Fidelity Bank’s commitment to delivering exceptional financial services to our clients. “We recognize that financial success means different things to different people, and our dedicated team is poised to help our clients turn their financial goals into reality,” shared Parise. Central to Fidelity Bank Wealth Management’s services is the idea of “wealth care,” a philosophy that ensures clients have the right savings, investments, and financial strategies for a comfortable present and secure future. This is achieved by reviewing a client’s overall financial landscape, pinpointing specific needs and objectives, and implementing strategies to optimize and safeguard their wealth for the long term.
