News & Events

Ohio Bankers League Announces First Federal Community Bank as 2024 Bank of the Year

The Ohio Bankers League (OBL) is proud to announce First Federal Community Bank, N.A. as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Bank of the Year Award. This accolade recognizes a financial institution that has demonstrated exceptional achievements in strategic growth, workplace culture, community engagement, advocacy, innovation, and financial education.

“First Federal Community Bank, N.A. exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding community bank,” said Michael Adelman, President and CEO of the Ohio Bankers League. “Their commitment to their employees, customers, and the broader community reflects the highest standards of our industry.”

The Bank of the Year Award is based on rigorous criteria, including:

Strategic Growth Initiatives: First Federal Community Bank, N.A. has achieved significant milestones through effective strategic planning and market expansion while maintaining financial stability.
Workplace Culture and Employee Well-Being: The bank has created a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritizes employee health, professional development, and engagement. First Federal Community Bank has been certified as a “Great Place to Work” every year since 2019. In 2023, they were named a Best Bank to Work for in America by American Banker, coming in 68 out of 90, and one of only three banks in Ohio on the list.
Community Outreach and Involvement: The bank’s extensive community service efforts, philanthropic contributions, and volunteerism have positively impacted numerous local organizations and initiatives. The bank employs over 100 “local experts” whose job it is to be a guide for the community.
Advocacy: First Federal Community Bank, N.A. has shown leadership in advocating for policies that benefit the banking industry and the communities it serves.
Innovation and Technology: The bank has embraced cutting-edge technology to enhance customer service and operational efficiency, setting a benchmark for technological advancement in banking.
Financial Education: The bank has actively provided financial literacy programs to empower community members with the knowledge they need for sound financial management.

“Winning this award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team,” said Trent Troyer, CEO of First Federal Community Bank, N.A. “We are committed to delivering excellence to our customers and making a lasting difference in our communities.”

The OBL congratulates First Federal Community Bank, N.A. on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to the continued success and positive impact they bring to Ohio’s banking industry and communities.

The Ohio Bankers League is the trade association for the Ohio banking industry – and is Ohio’s only organization focused on meeting the needs of all banks and thrifts in the Buckeye State. For more than 125 years, the OBL has been the voice of the Ohio banking industry fostering a cooperation that has made it one of the strongest and most reputable financial trade associations in the country. By linking banks, bankers, and industry experts – and by pooling their intellectual and capital resources – the OBL serves as a powerful creator of knowledge and collective resources. The non-profit association is comprised of 174 FDIC-insured financial institutions including commercial banks, savings banks, and savings and loan associations ranging in size from just over $13 million in assets to more than $1.5 trillion.

{beginAccordion}

FIRST FEDERAL COMMUNITY BANK ANNOUNCED NEW MANAGEMENT ASSIGNMENTS AND OFFICER PROMOTIONS

October 21, 2024 - FFD Financial Corporation (OTC Markets: FFDF), parent of First Federal Community Bank, N.A., held its annual meeting of shareholders on October 17, 2024. At the meeting, the shareholders elected the proposed slate of candidates for directors Matthew L. Beachy, Douglas G. Bambeck, and Mary A. Burns, and ratified the selection of Clark Schaeffer Hackett & Co. as the auditors for the Company for the current year. Continuing to serve as directors are Richard A. Brinkman, Jr., Stephen G. Clinton, and Thurman L. Mullet. There being no further business to conduct, the meeting was concluded, and the Company held its annual Re-organizational meetings thereafter.

At the Re-organizational meetings Stephen Clinton was elected to serve as Chairman of the Board of FFD and First Federal. Mr. Clinton joined the bank board in 1992 and the FFD board in 1996 and has served continuously since then. An investment banker with Capital Market Securities, Inc., Mr. Clinton has over 45 years of banking experience. David W. Kaufman and Leonard L. Gundy were appointed Director Emeritus.

Trent Troyer, who has been with First Federal since 1997, was appointed the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), a role he has held since 2000. Matthew A. Miller will succeed Mr. Troyer as President and will begin to work alongside him in day-to-day activities. Matt has been with the bank since 2009 and has served as First Federal’s Sr. Vice President, Chief Lending Officer, and member of the executive team since 2021. He is a graduate of The College of Wooster with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics. Matt continued his banking education by completing the Ohio Bankers League Bank Leadership Institute in April 2014 and graduating from the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking and Wharton Leadership Program in 2024. He serves as the Chairman of Mt. Hope Charities Inc. and is significantly involved in local youth sports and other community activities. He and his wife Jen live in Baltic with their three children, Anniston, Lennon, and Cru.

First Federal Community Bank also announced the following additional promotions given at the reorganization meeting:

Greg Dorris to Executive Vice President. Greg has been with First Federal since 2009 and has served in a variety of roles including his present role as Chief Financial Officer. Greg holds a Bachelor’s degree and an MBA degree, and he also graduated from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking and Wharton Leadership Program. He is a graduate of Leadership Tuscarawas, and he currently serves on the Board. He continues to be involved in his community through New Pointe Community Church and lives in Dover with his wife Anne and their children, Jeremiah, Rebekah, Jacob, and Caroline.

Kelly Fortney to Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Strategic Projects Manager. Kelly has had a successful 33-year career in banking that has seen her serve as a CEO and Chief Financial Officer of a community bank. She is a graduate of New Philadelphia High School and The Ohio State University with a BS in Business Administration majoring in Accounting and Information Systems. Kelly lives in New Philadelphia with her husband Tim.

Stephenie Wilson to First Vice President, Director of Human Resources. Stephenie has worked for the bank since 2001. Stephenie is a graduate of Kent State University and holds an MBA from Ashland University. Stephenie is involved in the Leadership Tuscarawas Alumni, and Society for Human Resource Managers (SHRM) where she holds a SHRM-CP designation. She lives in New Philadelphia.

Kenny Miller to Vice President & Manager of Commercial Lending. Kenny has been with First Federal for 7 years serving as a commercial loan officer in Berlin and Mt. Hope. He is a graduate of Hiland High School and Ashland University and is involved in the community through Grace Church and serves as the treasurer for East Holmes Little League Baseball. Kenny resides in Benton with his wife Codee and children, Maclin and Everly.

Leslie Riker was promoted to Assistant Vice President and has been our Financial Center Manager at our Downtown Dover office for the last 18 years. Leslie is a Graduate of Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelors in Business administration. She is involved with her faith and family. Leslie lives in New Philadelphia with her husband Clay.

Carol Slemmer was promoted to Assistant Vice President. She has served First Federal for the past 22 years. As recording secretary and Executive Administrator, Carol’s attention to detail and significant knowledge of our board of director functions are invaluable to our organization. Carol lives in New Philadelphia with her husband Curtis.

Alex Geers was promoted to Assistant Vice President. Alex has been with First Federal for 16 years serving as a credit analyst, residential mortgage originator, and her current position as our Mortgage Banking Coordinator. She is a graduate of Kent State University with a Bachelors in Communications. Alex lives in New Philadelphia with her husband Nate and her son Tyson.

Christina Grove was elected a Banking Officer and has been with First Federal for 25 years and served in many roles. She currently serves as our Electronic Banking Manager. Christina is well known for her excellent customer service. She lives in New Philadelphia with her husband Tony.

Taylor Lehmiller was elected a Banking Officer and has been with First Federal for 12 years. She has served as a customer service associate, special projects manager, and heads up our cash management support area as our Cash Management Support Supervisor. Taylor, a graduate of Dover High School and Malone University. She resides in Dover with her husband, Lucas, and their two boys Carson and Landon.

Erick Stealey was elected a Banking Officer and has been with First Federal for 14 years, currently serving as Senior Credit Analyst-Loan Process Administrator. Erick has degrees from Stark State College, Associate in Accounting and a Bachelors Degree in Accounting & Marketing from Franklin University. He lives in Canton Ohio with his wife Caitlin and their children Ellie, Ryder, and Theo.

First Federal Community Bank, a subsidiary of FFD Financial Corporation, presently has eight offices in Dover, New Philadelphia, Uhrichsville, Sugarcreek, Berlin, and Mount Hope. The bank is a Great Place to Work certified company and consistently achieves the highest rating of strength and safety by Bauer Financial. Information is also available on the bank’s web site at firstfed.com. FFD Financial Corporation is based in Dover, Ohio and is traded on the OTC Market under the symbol FFDF.

{endAccordion}

{beginAccordion}

FIRST FEDERAL COMMUNITY BANK POISED FOR LONG-TERM GROWTH

With recently announced news of the sale of First Federal Community Bank’s downtown Dover office to the City of Dover for municipal space, Trent Troyer, President and CEO of First Federal Community Bank and FFD Financial Corporation, looks to a bright future with long-term growth for its customers and the bank in the region.

“When we were first approached by the City of Dover administration about a possible purchase of our property for city offices, our board of directors and management used this opportunity for analysis of customer trends and to reflect on our long-term plans for continued growth and providing superior service to our customers,” says Troyer. “As a strong supporter of our local communities, we look to this transition as one way to continue our partnership with the city and continued investment in our hometown. After all, when First Federal was founded in 1898, we were then known as the Dover Building and Loan Company of Canal Dover.”

Customers will be able to continue using the downtown Dover office until the closure process is complete, which is anticipated to be in late October or early November. Plans are underway to assist with increased customer traffic at our other two Dover locations. We are relocating the existing downtown Dover employees to First Federal’s two nearby locations in Dover at 902 Boulevard and 141 West Ohio Avenue. Additionally, we are completely renovating and modernizing the Boulevard branch! And for added convenience, the existing ATM will continue to remain at the downtown location for use by customers serviced by the bank, even after the city acquires the property. All seven other First Federal locations as well as our digital banking channels will continue to be available.

“This accommodation to the City of Dover is bittersweet for us. We could not be more excited that this iconic building in downtown will be the symbol of our city center We are proud to say that First Federal is strong, stable, and secure, as we were recently announced as the top community bank in Ohio and 19^th nationwide by American Banker. Our customer base is growing, we continue to make investments that create a positive experience for those we serve – including a new office under construction which will open later this summer in Mount Hope. Our customers can rest assured that the familiar faces you know and the great service you’ve received from staff will continue.”

First Federal Community Bank, a subsidiary of FFD Financial Corporation, presently has eight offices in Dover, New Philadelphia, Uhrichsville, Sugarcreek, Mt. Hope and Berlin. The bank is a Great Place To Work certified company, a “Best Bank to Work For” from American Banker, and consistently achieves the highest rating of strength and safety by Bauer Financial. Information is also available on the company’s web site at firstfed.com. The company is based in Dover, Ohio and is traded on the OTC Market under the symbol FFDF.

{endAccordion}

{beginAccordion}

FFD FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND FIRST FEDERAL COMMUNITY BANK ANNOUNCE THE APPOINTMENT OF THURMAN MULLET TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

DOVER, OHIO - FFD FINANCIAL CORPORATION (OTC: FFDF). FFD is pleased to announce that it has appointed Thurman Mullet to serve on the Board of Directors of FFD Financial Corporation and its subsidiary First Federal Community Bank, National Association. The size of the board was expanded to accommodate this appointment.

Mr. Mullet is a well-respected entrepreneur from Mt. Hope, Ohio serving as the President of Mt. Hope Auction, Co. for the past 14 years as well as the Mt. Hope Event Center and the Farmers Produce Auction. Thurman is a graduate of Eastern Mennonite University with a Bachelor of Business Administration and has been involved with Mt. Hope Auction for 25 years. Thurman and his wife Cindy are the parents of three daughters, Brynn, Ashley, and Macy.

“We have a strong and growing market share in Holmes County,” said Trent Troyer, President of FFD and First Federal. “Therefore, we felt we needed another voice representing our shareholders that understood the importance of community banking. Thurman is precisely that person and we’re looking forward to his contributions.”

Mr. Mullet is joining other directors that already currently serve FFD Financial Corporation and First Federal Community Bank: David W. Kaufman, Owner of Dave Kaufman Realty; Matthew Beachy, Owner of Troyer Furniture; Douglas G. Bambeck, President of Investment Partners; Richard A. Brinkman, Jr., Retired CEO AAA of East Central Ohio; Mary A. Burns, President-Barbour Publishing, Inc.; and Stephen G. Clinton, President-Capital Market Securities, Inc. Mr. Troyer also serves on the board of FFD Financial Corporation and First Federal Community Bank.

FFD Financial Corporation is traded on the OTC Markets under the symbol FFDF. First Federal has been a Great Place to Work since December 2019, Best Banks to Work for by American Banker since 2023 and continues to maintain a Bauer Financial 5-Star Superior rating, denoting the highest level of strength, safety, and performance. First Federal Community Bank has eight full-service offices in Dover, on the Boulevard in Dover, New Philadelphia, Uhrichsville, Sugarcreek, Berlin, and Mt. Hope. The Corporation maintains an interactive web site at firstfed.com.

{endAccordion}

{beginAccordion}

FIRST FEDERAL COMMUNITY BANK NAMED TO BEST BANKS LIST

2023 American Banker Best Banks To Work For First Federal Community Bank has been named one of the 2023 Best Banks to Work For by American Banker Magazine. American Banker has partnered with Best Companies Group to identify banks that excel at creating positive and supportive workplaces for employees.

This year 90 banks earned a spot in the ranking of Best Banks to Work For, based on an anonymous employee survey and a thorough review of the benefits and perks offered. The full 2023 Best Banks to Work For list will be featured at www.americanbanker.com.

“The banks recognized on this list are trying hard to create workplaces that employees want to join,” said Chana R. Schoenberger, Editor-in-Chief of American Banker. “Especially during this moment when companies are experiencing a shift in how, where, and how much employees work, banks are paying attention to how they can best retain their people.”

On the 2023 list, First Federal Community Bank ranked No. 68 and is one of 3 banks in Ohio named to the list. It is the first time First Federal has been recognized by the annual Best Banks to Work For program.

"We are a community and customer service focused institution that puts primacy on providing the kind of quick, personal attention that a customer needs and desires," says Trent Troyer, President/CEO. “This prestigious honor is the result of our efforts to foster a culture of respect, trust, and transparency, while providing a workplace that reflects our mission of ‘empowering the financial well-being of our community one person at a time.’”

Determining the Best Banks to Work For involved a two-step process consisting of evaluating each participating bank’s workplace policies, practices, and demographics, and employee surveys aimed at assessing the experiences and attitudes of individual employees with respect to their workplace. The combined scores determined the final ranking.

To be considered for participation, banks had to have at least 50 employees working in the U.S. and been in business for a minimum of one year. Best Companies Group managed the registration and survey process and also analyzed the data to determine the final ranking.

For more information on the Best Banks to Work For program, visit www.BestBankstoWorkfor.com.

About First Federal Community Bank

First Federal Community Bank, a subsidiary of FFD Financial Corporation, presently has eight financial centers in Dover, New Philadelphia, Uhrichsville, Sugarcreek, Mt. Hope and Berlin. Consistently receiving a Five-Star Superior rating by Bauer Financial for the highest level of strength, safety, and performance, First Federal is also a Great Place To Work certified institution. Information is available on the company’s web site at firstfed.com. The company is based in Dover, Ohio and is traded on the OTC Market under the symbol FFDF.

About American Banker

American Banker empowers banking professionals with unique analysis and insight into the ideas transforming their business and industry. Across its journalism, events, research and benchmarking, it helps drive the way forward through the complexity of business innovation, retail and commercial disruption, technology, regulation and reform. With a banking community 850M strong, American Banker’s content connects leaders online, in person and in print every day.

About Best Companies Group

Since 2004, Best Companies Group has specialized in identifying and recognizing great employers to work for. We are an independent research firm that ranks companies based on our established research methodology. Our surveys provide actionable, hard-to-obtain data that companies use to improve employee recruitment and retention.

{endAccordion}

{beginAccordion}

FIRST FEDERAL COMMUNITY BANK ANNOUNCES PROMOTION OF ELIZABETH DORTO TO FINANCIAL CENTER MANAGER

First Federal Community Bank is announcing the recent promotion of Elizabeth Dorto to Financial Center Manager at its Sugarcreek location at 1115 Cherry Ridge Drive SW in Sugarcreek.

Elizabeth began her banking career with First Federal in 2020 as a Customer Relationship Associate and became a Teller Supervisor in 2021 before being promoted earlier this year to Financial Service Representative, assisting customers with account and personal lending needs. A graduate of Indian Valley High School, she currently resides in Dellroy with her partner and two dogs. Elizabeth looks forward to becoming involved in Sugarcreek-area organizations, with the opportunity to help the community grow and thrive and embody First Federal’s motto of “Investing in the Community.”

“I am excited to begin my journey as a financial center manager and I look forward to connecting with everyone who comes through our doors,” says Elizabeth. “Customer service is my primary focus, and I will take steps to make each individual feel valued, supported, and heard. No one person is the same as the next and being able to provide stability, consistency, and the ability to make banking easy to navigate for our customers is what I will strive to do.”

Tiffany Kail, Vice President of Retail Banking and Branch Administration stated, “First Federal’s mission is to empower the financial well-being of our community, one person at a time, and I am confident that Elizabeth will continue to serve our customers with excellence and integrity to reach that mission. I am excited to work with her in her new role.”

First Federal Community Bank, a subsidiary of FFD Financial Corporation, presently has eight offices in Dover, New Philadelphia, Uhrichsville, Sugarcreek, Berlin and Mount Hope. The bank is Great Place To Work certified and consistently achieves the highest rating of strength and safety by Bauer Financial. Information is also available on the bank’s web site at firstfed.com. FFD Financial Corporation is based in Dover, Ohio and is traded on the OTC Market under the symbol FFDF.

{endAccordion}

{beginAccordion}

FIRST FEDERAL COMMUNITY BANK ANNOUNCES OFFICER PROMOTIONS

First Federal Community Bank announced the promotion of Suzanne Moore and Kenny Miller to Vice President and the election of Cory Parker to Banking Officer.

Suzanne has 26 years of banking experience, with the last seven years at First Federal, serving as the senior cash management specialist developing service relationships with business customers with solutions to aid their overall cash management needs with automated bank tools and payment processing services. Suzanne is married to her husband of 45 years, Tom, and has two grown children with families. She is a graduate of Rootstown High School and attended Greenville University in Illinois.

Kenny Miller has been with First Federal for six years serving as a commercial loan officer and banking officer in the Berlin and Mt. Hope Financial Centers. He is a graduate of Hiland High School and Ashland University and is involved in the community through Grace Church and serves as the treasurer for East Holmes Little League Baseball. Kenny resides in Benton with his wife Codee and children, Maclin and Everly.

A native of Tuscarawas County, Cory Parker has been with First Federal for five years, serving as a Mobile Mortgage Originator assisting customers with financing their goal of owning a home. A graduate of New Philadelphia High School, he participates in various community activities including serving as coach for eighth grade boys’ basketball at Dover Middle School. Cory resides in Dover with his wife Danea and their three children, Trent, Kendal, and Brielle.

First Federal Community Bank, a subsidiary of FFD Financial Corporation, presently has eight offices in Dover, New Philadelphia, Uhrichsville, Sugarcreek, Berlin, and Mount Hope. The bank is Great Place To Work certified and consistently achieves the highest rating of strength and safety by Bauer Financial. Information is also available on the bank’s web site at firstfed.com. FFD Financial Corporation is based in Dover, Ohio and is traded on the OTC Market under the symbol FFDF.

{endAccordion}

{beginAccordion}

FIRST FEDERAL COMMUNITY BANK ANNOUNCES PROMOTION OF TRACY FAWCETT TO FINANCIAL CENTER MANAGER

First Federal Community Bank is announcing the recent promotion of Tracy Fawcett to Financial Center Manager at its New Philadelphia location at 244 West High Avenue in New Philadelphia.

Tracy began her banking career in 1989 and previously served customers at First Federal’s New Philadelphia Financial Center from 2006 to 2007 before returning earlier this year as the Senior Financial Service Representative, assisting throughout the bank’s eight financial centers. A native of Carrollton, she continues to reside in Carroll County.

“I look forward to leading our dedicated New Philadelphia team, making customer service our number one priority,” says Tracy. “I am also excited to be active with local organizations to make a difference in New Philadelphia and embody our motto of ‘Investing in Our Community.’”

Tiffany Kail, Vice President of Retail Banking and Branch Administration stated, “First Federal’s mission is to empower the financial well-being of our community, one person at a time, and I am confident that Tracy will continue to serve our customers with excellence and integrity to reach that mission. I am excited to work with her in her new role.”

{endAccordion}

{beginAccordion}

FIRST FEDERAL COMMUNITY BANK EARNS DESIGNATION AS A GREAT PLACE TO WORK-CERTIFIED™ COMPANY FOR FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

First Federal Community Bank announced that it is again Great Place to Work-Certified™ for 2023. This is the fourth consecutive year the bank has earned this prestigious certification. Certification is a significant achievement that uses validated employee feedback gathered with Great Place to Work’s rigorous, data driven For All™ methodology. Great Place to Work is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience and the leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue and increased innovation.

“We are again thrilled to be Great Place to Work-Certified™,” says Trent Troyer, President & CEO. “We really value our people and live by values that include Integrity, Service, Collaboration, and Accountability. Our people have reported a consistently positive experience with their coworkers, their leaders, and with their jobs. This is important to us because we know that when our employees have a high-trust experience every day they are more productive, drive better business results and make a difference to our customers.”

“Great Place to Work Certification™ isn’t something that comes easily – it takes ongoing dedication to the employee experience,” said Sarah Lewis-Kulin, vice president of global recognition at Great Place to Work. “It’s the only official recognition determined by employees’ real-time reports of their company culture. Earning this designation means that First Federal Community Bank is one of the best companies to work for in the country.”

According to Great Place to Work research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great boss at a Certified great workplace. Additionally, employees at Certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work, and are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the company’s profits and have a fair chance at promotion.

Great Place to Work® is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, they have surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. Their employee survey platform empowers leaders with the feedback, real-time reporting and insights they need to make data-driven people decisions. Everything they do is driven by the mission to build a better world by helping every organization become a great place to work For All™.

First Federal Community Bank, a subsidiary of FFD Financial Corporation, presently has eight offices in Dover, New Philadelphia, Uhrichsville, Sugarcreek, Mt. Hope and Berlin. Information is also available on the company’s web site at firstfed.com. The company is based in Dover, Ohio and is traded on the OTC Market under the symbol FFDF.

{endAccordion}