SUBMITTED TO CONNECT-BRIDGEPORT

 

MVB Bank was presented today with the prestigious FHLBank Pittsburgh Pillars of the Community Award in recognition of the bank’s commitment to community lending, revitalization and service over the past year. The Pillars award is FHLBank Pittsburgh’s highest organizational honor and is presented annually to select FHLBank members.

 

MVB Bank, headquartered in Fairmont, West Virginia and with a Bridgeport location, received the award at an FHLBank Pittsburgh regional member event held today. John Bendel, FHLBank Senior Director of Community Investment, spoke at the event about MVB Bank’s community achievements. Laura Rye, Community Reinvestment Act Officer for MVB Bank and Chief Operating Officer for the MVB Community Development Corporation, accepted the award on behalf of MVB Bank.

 

“At MVB Bank, our purpose is to be a trusted partner on the financial frontier – committed to your success. We believe in investing our time, talent and treasure in our communities because it’s the right thing to do. Team MVB contributed more than 300 hours of service so far this year to nonprofits, housing groups and schools, showing our teamwork, commitment and caring. Our Team members use their expertise to serve on local boards, teach financial literacy and support the good work happening in our communities every day,” said Larry F. Mazza, CEO and President of MVB Bank. “As we give back and our communities do well, so does MVB.”

 

As part of the award, FHLBank will present a $1,000 check on behalf of MVB Bank to the Berkeley County BackPack Program, a 100% volunteer organization whose mission is to meet the needs of hungry children at times when other resources are not available, such as weekends and school vacations. 

An active member of the FHLBank cooperative, MVB Bank saw completion in 2018 of phase two of Deckers Court, a Habitat for Humanity project providing five new homes to low-income families in Morgantown, West Virginia. The project used a grant from FHLBank Pittsburgh’s Affordable Housing Program.

MVB Bank also took advantage of FHLBank’s Community Lending Program in 2018 to provide financing to small businesses. MVB Bank made good use of the Homes4Good and First Front Door products, as well, ensuring that more individuals and families find decent, affordable homes. Additionally, MVB Bank is now supporting the Monticello neighborhood of Clarksburg in the Blueprint Communities revitalization initiative.

“MVB Bank is committed to making positive change in the communities it serves,” said Winthrop Watson, FHLBank Pittsburgh’s President and CEO. “That commitment can be witnessed every day, as the bank works to create affordable housing, assists small businesses, fights homelessness, promotes homeownership and revitalizes communities. We are proud to have MVB Bank as part of our membership cooperative.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows MVB Bank officials accepting their award Monday. Bottom photo is of CEO Larry Mazza.