Business View Magazine | Volume 8, Issue 10

135 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 8, ISSUE 10 environment with an entrepreneurial spirit.” Community involvement is a priority for First Bank, where employees are encouraged to join non-profit boards, attend fundraisers and get involved in local business networks. This level of connection to the neighborhoods they serve meant that, during the pandemic, First Bank staff were often aware of where help was needed, rallying together to offer support for small businesses who might be struggling. “We really didn’t have to retrain our folks in that regard. They were already very invested and involved in the community,” reports Ryan. Educating young people on financial literacy is another way in which First Bank contributes to their local neighborhoods. Partnering with Everfi, an international company that works to create educational programs on issues such as financial wellness, First Bank employees go into schools to talk to students about basic banking. Ryan shares, “Everfi designs educational programs, and then we provide dollars and bankers to go out to local schools to teach and educate younger kids on the basics of banking. It’s great, because we’re not big enough to have a full staff to design these educational programs, but we do have bankers available that can teach the content once they’re constructed. So, it really is a good partnership.” Although this financial literacy education is a benefit to students and the community, it does not show immediate results for the bank. Ryan acknowledges, “When kids become young adults, their primary focus on the banking side is more transactional, whether it’s the number of ATM machines, or where the closest branch is, even though they are probably not planning on using the branch.” However, over time, as their financial needs become more sophisticated, they often turn to community banks. “A lot of folks think you have to get the customer young, or you will never get them,” says Ryan. “But I’m not as sold on that philosophy. I think there are certain Business Express offers a simple solution to increase your working capital or finance equipment for your business, with loans up to $500,000. firstbanknj.com •Decision within 72 hours •Available for short term and long term funding needs •Minimal documentation required •Apply with most recent business & personal tax returns (1 year) Ready to start the conversation? Contact Thomas Fehn, Business Banking Market Manager Call 973-933-4190 or email thomas.fehn@firstbanknj.com BUSINESS IS EFFICIENT WITH FIRST BANK ’ S BUSINESS EXPRESS F I RST BANK First Bank collects food donations for the United Way Food Drives