Press Releases

MANSFIELD, PA (July 2020) Small businesses are the heart of an energetic, local community. They provide goods and services to residents, create jobs, cultivate economic opportunity and innovation, and promote a sense of community. But they can’t do it alone. Community Banks are a critical source of capital for small businesses, funding over 60% of small business loans across the country, according to the Independent Community Bankers of America.

One bank, First Citizens Community Bank (FCCB), recognizes the reliance small businesses have on community banks, which is why they created a Lebanon County Small Business Team to support Lebanon County and the surrounding markets. “Small businesses need a financial partner who is knowledgeable, experienced, local, and easy to do business with,” commented Sean McKinney, SVP, South Central Region Senior Lender. “It makes sense to have a team that focuses solely on the needs of such an important sector of our communities.”

Kelley Wetzel knows the Lebanon Market well. Prior to joining First Citizens, Wetzel was employed by Fulton Bank where she worked for over 35 years serving consumers and businesses. While at Fulton, she consistently received accolades for her business development achievements and attention to customer service. Wetzel is a 2017 graduate of Leadership Harrisburg and a graduate of the Advanced School of Banking. She was a mentor for Lebanon Valley College and sits on the Membership Committee for Hershey Partnership. She is a long-time member of the Hershey Rotary Club as a Paul Harris Fellow, where she served as the Community Service Director and inbound Counselor.

Prior to joining the FCCB Lebanon Small Business team, Alex Meyers worked at York Traditions Bank as a Commercial Loan Portfolio Manager. He graduated from Albright College with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a concentration in Economics. Meyers is involved in the Northern Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce as an Ambassador and also serves on their Marketing Committee. He is also a volunteer for Aevidum, a non-profit focused on mental health and suicide awareness.

Jennifer Mills brings 24 years of commercial lending experience to FCCB, and most recently worked as a Senior Commercial Underwriter for First National Bank. She was a senior Credit Analyst and Commercial Loan Portfolio Manager for Northwest Savings Bank and has 16 years of experience as a Commercial Loan Officer. She graduated from Millersville University, majoring in Economics.

“FCCB is large enough to offer the products and services small businesses need, yet small enough to provide the personalized service that’s essential for their success,” commented Kumi Smalanskas, Market Executive for the Bank’s South Central region. “I think what’s exceptional about our Team is that they take the time to really listen to what small business owners have to say. This allows them to uncover the owner’s true needs and fully educate them on their options so they feel confident with the decisions they make.”

First Citizens Community Bank (FCCB) offers a strong line of mortgage and real estate loans, high-interest rewards checking, trust and investment services, and cash management services that help businesses save time and money. They are headquartered in Mansfield, Pennsylvania, and currently operate 31 offices throughout Tioga, Bradford, Potter, Clinton, Centre, Union, Lebanon, Lancaster, Schuylkill, Berks, and Chester counties in Pennsylvania, Allegany County, New York, and New Castle and Kent Counties in Delaware. For more information about First Citizens, visit www.myfccb.com or find them on Facebook and LinkedIn.