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"After 113 years, Community Bank delivered its best year ever in 2014," stated Pat McCune, its president & CEO. Mr. McCune explained that Community Bank not only had its best year ever in terms of performance by a wide variety of measures, but the bank merged with First Federal Savings Bank. "This", said McCune, "was the single most important and promising thing Community Bank has accomplished in its long and meaningful life."

CommunityBank

Both CEOs and their directors were determined to maintain a strong, local, independent bank in the Pittsburgh region. Both Banks had been doing an excellent job of serving their communities. The respective directors and senior managers saw no reason to sell to a larger, out-of-area bank that would fail to deliver on the insight and service that defines local banks. "We all decided that we could do a better job by banding together and maintaining local control," both CEOs believed.Last spring, Community Bank and First Federal Savings Bank announced a definitive agreement whereby First Federal would merge with and into Community Bank. Both Banks are long-time local institutions with nearly identical missions and cultures, as well as overlapping service areas. "We at Community Bank have worked with the people of First Federal, including their CEO Pat O'Brien, over the years in a variety of community and industry endeavors," explained McCune. "Although we were competitors, they had become our friends. We admired their independent spirit and competitive energy. We also knew their directors and, again, realized that they could bring wisdom and experience to our board room."

The transaction closed on October 31. Pat O'Brien, the former President & CEO of First Federal, joined Community Bank as its Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. O'Brien explained, "First Federal has a deep commitment to our local communities, and we wanted to partner with a bank that shared our passion. Community Bank was such a bank."

Community Bank adopted a new tag line, referring to itself as the "Better Business Bank." This is done to remind our customers that the bank offers a better way of doing things. In particular, Community Bank has developed an expertise serving the local business community with loans and deposit products. Community Bank tries to help our local business people succeed, and maintains a business resource center at its "Community Bank Business Alliance" web page. The bank can now also offer insurance products. As part of the merger, Community Bank welcomed the insurance professionals at Exchange Underwriters, a full service agency in Canonsburg. The Community Bank Business Alliance now includes Exchange Underwriters.

Mr. McCune commented that 2014 was the best year for Community Bank even without the merger. Community Bank itself achieved all types of milestones. Through its "Community Bank Cares" charitable giving program, Community Bank made some $33,000 donations to charities and churches designated by Community Bank customers. The bank's holding company, CB Financial Services, Inc., recorded its second best year ever despite the considerable expense of the merger."

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