New book plants the seed for young readers to grow into money-savvy adults

PERKASIE, PA (April 2025) – Penn Community Bank, the largest independent mutual bank in eastern Pennsylvania, is proud to announce the release of its first children’s book, Sprout $aves the Day. The vibrantly illustrated and lesson-packed story is designed to introduce young readers to essential financial concepts in a fun, age-appropriate way and help families start conversations about money early. The debut and reading of the story took place at Bucks County Children’s Museum in New Hope, PA, where free, author-signed copies were distributed to all attendees.

Sprout $aves the Day brings Penn Community Bank’s beloved mascot to life in an elementary classroom and follows the journey of curious students creating the ultimate saving and spending plan in hopes of joining Sprout on the Bank’s float at the Spring Parade. Along the way, readers learn simple, meaningful lesion about financial responsibility from characters that look just like them. Authored by retired Financial Center Manager and financial educator Antoinette Gellentien, the story draws from her years of experience bringing financial literacy to classrooms across Bucks County.

“Financial literacy starts young, and we believe that introducing these basic concepts in a fun and relatable way can make a lifelong impact,” says Antoinette Gellentien. “This book brings adult concepts down the children’s level, which is crucial to building money-smart individuals that will thrive financially in adulthood.”

The book brings Penn Community Bank’s long-standing commitment to financial education to classrooms, camps, libraries, and more in a new, fun way. The release of Sprout $aves the Day is part of the Bank’s broader Financial Literacy initiatives during the month of April and beyond. Throughout the month and in collaboration with the Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library in Bristol, PA, Penn Community Bank is hosting a series of free financial education workshops lead by in-house subject matter experts. From credit scores to homebuying, presentations are thoughtfully designed around topics to help individuals and families thrive financially.

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About Penn Community Bank: Penn Community Bank holds more than $2.9 billion in assets, employs more than 300 people, and offers banking and lending services at financial centers throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. As an independent, mutual financial institution, Penn Community Bank is not publicly traded and operates with its long-term mission in mind: to help businesses grow and prosper, to provide financial resources to individuals and families throughout their lifetimes, to strengthen the local economy, and to partner with local organizations to act as a catalyst for positive growth in every market it serves.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT: Kelsey Gallagher, Content and Digital Marketing Manager

kgallagher@penncommunitybank.com

267.644.6545

Innovative Initiative Brings Modern Financial Education to Youth and Young Adults Through Gaming

PERKASIE, PA (April 2025) – Penn Community Bank, the largest independent mutual bank in eastern Pennsylvania, has partnered with Bucks County-based Metro Esports and its chartable arm Digital Bridge Builders in a groundbreaking initiative to transform financial education. Marking the first-ever collaboration between a community bank and a tech-driven esports organization, this partnership modernizes financial literacy by meeting young people where they are – inside the world of gaming.

The Penn Community Bank Foundation has committed $50,000 to develop and launch Metro Esports’ Metro Money Lab powered by Penn Community Bank, a cutting-edge financial education program designed to equip youth and young adults with essential money management skills through gamification and interactive learning.

“For too long, financial education has been stuck in outdated concepts like balancing a checkbook – ignoring the way today’s youth actually engage with the world,” said Bernard Tynes, Executive Vice President & Chief Consumer Banking Officer at Penn Community Bank. “This partnership brings financial literacy into the modern era, blending it with gaming and technology to create real impact. We’re excited to support Metro Esports in making financial education engaging, relevant, and accessible to the next generation.”

The Metro Esports’ Metro Money Lab powered by Penn Community Bank integrates financial literacy into esports competitions, STEM programming, summer camps, and interactive gaming experiences at Metro Esports’ state-of-the-art gaming facilities. Additionally, the program ensures accessibility for all socio-economic backgrounds – including low- to moderate-income communities – by offering both in-person and remote learning opportunities, expanding its reach beyond the lab and into homes and schools. The curriculum will align with Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) financial literacy standards, emphasizing financial empowerment for all.

“More than 215 million people in the U.S. play video games, with the majority of youth and young adults engaging in gaming regularly,” said Shaon Berry, Founder & CEO of Metro Esports. “By incorporating financial education into the gaming world, we can teach crucial money management skills in a way that is both natural and impactful. Gamification isn’t just about making learning fun – it’s about making it stick. With Penn Community Bank’s support, we’re ensuring financial literacy is accessible to students everywhere, regardless of background.”

Financial literacy is a crucial pillar of long-term well-being, giving students, youth, and young adults the knowledge and confidence to make smart financial decisions. By integrating these skills into gaming – where millions of young people already engage – Penn Community Bank and Metro Esports are ensuring that financial education isn’t just an afterthought but a core part of youth development.

Metro Esports currently reaches over 50,000 individuals across the area YMCA system to include Bucks, Hunterdon, Lehigh and Northampton county campuses in their custom gaming facilities.  Additionally, several area school districts participate in its scholastic STEM programming, ensuring financial literacy complements existing academic focuses.

Through this first-of-its-kind collaboration, Penn Community Bank and Metro Esports are redefining how financial education is delivered – bridging the gap between financial literacy and the digital-first reality of today’s youth and young adults.

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About Metro Sports: Metro Esports, through its Digital Bridge Builders initiative, is dedicated to bridging the digital divide by providing all communities with access to cutting-edge technology, gaming & education, and career development opportunities. By partnering with schools, community organizations, and corporate sponsors, Metro Esports empowers students and young creators with the tools, training, and resources needed to succeed in gaming, coding, content creation, financial and digital literacy. This initiative fosters overall growth in the tech and gaming industries, ensuring that talent from all backgrounds has a pathway to success in the digital economy.

About Penn Community Bank: Penn Community Bank holds more than $2.9 billion in assets, employs more than 300 people, and offers banking and lending services at financial centers throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. As an independent, mutual financial institution, Penn Community Bank is not publicly traded and operates with its long-term mission in mind: to help businesses grow and prosper, to provide financial resources to individuals and families throughout their lifetimes, to strengthen the local economy, and to partner with local organizations to act as a catalyst for positive growth in every market it serves.

Latest reinvestment in Financial Center network will enhance the customer banking experience

PERKASIE, PA (April 2025) – Penn Community Bank, the largest independent mutual bank in eastern Pennsylvania, is excited to announce the renovation of its Quakertown Financial Center, located at 1051 S West End Blvd, Quakertown, PA 18951. The project, set to be completed in approximately two months, will refresh and modernize the high-traffic location, enhancing the customer experience while preserving the personalized service the bank is known for.

“Penn Community Bank is committed to continually improving the in-person banking experience by strategically reinvesting in our financial center network,” said Bernard Tynes, EVP & Chief Consumer Banking Officer. “Quakertown is a vital market for us, and we’re proud to invest in this renovation to ensure we can serve customers here for years to come.”

The Quakertown branch renovation is part of Penn Community Bank’s broader strategy to optimize our financial services network overtime. Following recent growth in the Lehigh Valley – marked by new financial centers in Allentown and Bethlehem – the bank remains equally dedicated to investing in its long-established markets.

During the renovation period, banking services will continue uninterrupted. All construction will take place outside of normal business hours to minimize any inconvenience. Customers can also count on uninterrupted access to the branch’s ATM and drive-thru, along with 24/7 availability of online and mobile banking services. Most importantly, the familiar team will continue to welcome and assist customers throughout the process.

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About Penn Community Bank: Penn Community Bank holds more than $2.9 billion in assets, employs more than 300 people, and offers banking and lending services at financial centers throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. As an independent, mutual financial institution, Penn Community Bank is not publicly traded and operates with its long-term mission in mind: to help businesses grow and prosper, to provide financial resources to individuals and families throughout their lifetimes, to strengthen the local economy, and to partner with local organizations to act as a catalyst for positive growth in every market it serves.

Perkasie, Pennsylvania  – March 2025 – Penn Community Bank, the largest independent mutual bank in eastern Pennsylvania, joined the United Way of Bucks County and fellow community banks as the Bucks County Commissioners officially proclaimed March 2025 as ALICE Awareness Month. This recognition highlights the challenges faced by hardworking yet financially constrained households across the county.

According to the United Way, 27% of Bucks County residents are considered ALICE – Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed – meaning they earn above the Federal Poverty Level but still struggle to afford basic necessities such as housing, childcare, food, transportation, and healthcare.

As part of its commitment to financial empowerment and community advancement, Penn Community Bank continues to champion ALICE families through both advocacy and direct support. Jeane M. Vidoni, President and CEO, and Bernard Tynes, EVP/Chief Consumer Banking Officer, have actively engaged in raising awareness of the issue, reinforcing the bank’s dedication to helping local families achieve financial stability.

Additionally, the Penn Community Bank Foundation has provided nearly $50,000 in funding to the United Way of Bucks County for innovative programming designed to support ALICE households. This long-standing partnership reflects the bank’s mission to strengthen local economies and serve as a catalyst for growth for individuals, families, businesses, and entire communities.

“This particular segment of our community is often overlooked, and I am proud to stand with the United Way of Bucks County and community banks across our market to shine a light on ALICE families,” said Jeane Vidoni, President and CEO of Penn Community Bank. “Beyond awareness, we remain committed to offering financial products, services, and education to help them grow and thrive.”

“Too many essential workers in Bucks County are working full-time – sometimes juggling multiple jobs – yet still struggling to afford the basics,” said Marissa Christie, President and CEO of United Way of Bucks County. “ALICE households are typically our frontline workers, powering our community. When they are unable to remain stable and stably employed, it’s a community-wide challenge. We’re grateful to our County Commissioners for recognizing this.”

Penn Community Bank remains dedicated to its role as a community-first financial institution, working to create meaningful change and lasting impact throughout the markets they serve.

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About Penn Community Bank: Penn Community Bank holds more than $2.9 billion in assets, employs more than 300 people, and offers banking and lending services at financial centers throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. As an independent, mutual financial institution, Penn Community Bank is not publicly traded and operates with its long-term mission in mind: to help businesses grow and prosper, to provide financial resources to individuals and families throughout their lifetimes, to strengthen the local economy, and to partner with local organizations to act as a catalyst for positive growth in every market it serves.