News & Events

FIRST FEDERAL COMMUNITY BANK EARNS GREAT PLACE TO WORK CERTIFICATION FOR SIXTH STRAIGHT YEAR

First Federal Community Bank is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place To Work® for the 6th straight year in a row. The prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at First Federal Community Bank.

Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and the leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention and increased innovation.

"Great Place To Work Certification is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience," says Sarah Lewis-Kulin, the Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place To Work. She emphasizes that Certification is the sole official recognition earned by the real-time feedback of employees regarding their company culture. “By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that First Federal Community Bank stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its employees."

“We are again thrilled to be Great Place to Work-Certified™,” says Trent Troyer, 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 and 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.”

“We are incredibly proud of the trust and confidence our employees have in their careers with us,” adds Matt Miller, President. “It speaks volumes about the culture we’ve put together. Seeing our team not only believe in our mission but also genuinely enjoy being a part of this organization is a true testament to the supportive environment we strive to maintain every day.”

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.

In this year’s survey, First Federal Community Bank employees have reported a consistently positive experience showing that:

  • 99% of employees stated they are proud to tell others they work here
  • 97% of employees stated when you join the company, you are made to feel welcome

For those that may be looking to change careers, more information about the benefits, culture experienced by the bank’s employees, and current openings is available online at https://firstfed.com/careers.

About First Federal Community Bank

First Federal Community Bank, a subsidiary of FFD Financial Corporation, presently has seven offices in Dover, New Philadelphia, Uhrichsville, Sugarcreek, Mt. Hope and Berlin, with an eighth currently under construction in Canton. More information about First Federal Community Bank is available online at firstfed.com. 

 

{beginAccordion}

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.

{endAccordion}

{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 19th 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

Thurman MulletDOVER, 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}