Penn Community Bank ‘officially’ enters Lehigh Valley market with first branch

While the Bucks County-based Penn Community Bank has been active in the Lehigh Valley for many years especially with business clients it only recently opened its first branch in the region.

In late May the bank cut the ribbon on its new branch at Tilghman Street and Cedar Crest Boulevard in South Whitehall township.

It’s the first of two branches the bank plans to open in the Lehigh Valley this year.

A second branch should be opening later this fall near the Westgate Mall in Bethlehem.

Lewis Cyr, chief lending officer for the bank, said with branches in Quakertown and Riegelsville, Penn Community already had some customers that were Lehigh Valley resident and considered Lehigh and Northampton counties to be adjacent markets to its main Bucks market.

He said bank management saw growth opportunity in the Lehigh Valley, and with a large volume of commercial accounts with Lehigh Valley businesses, they had already been active in sponsoring local events and supporting charities in the region.

“Commercial is different from consumer banking in that it’s not as critical to have a nearby branch,” Cyr said. “But those customers told us they were happy one was coming.

He said by having a physical presence in the Lehigh Valley, Penn Community hopes to show its commitment to being a local banking resource.

“A lot of people equate physical proximity to commitment,” he said.

Besides being a good business opportunity for the bank, Cyr said becoming an “official” Lehigh Valley bank is special to both himself and bank president Jeane Vidoni, because both are Lehigh Valley Natives.

“As a proud Lehigh Valley native, I’m so excited to bring true community banking to Allentown,” said Vidoni. “Building on years of involvement in the region, we’re thrilled to expand our reach and impact in the Lehigh Valley playing an ever-increasing a role in the region’s bright future by providing a community financial partner to help individuals, families, businesses, and entire neighborhoods thrive.”

The location at 3090 Tilghman St. includes full-service, state of the art branch amenities for both business and personal customers.

As for any future branches, Cyr said Penn Community is focusing on making its first two branches successful, but in the future may consider expanding with an even larger presence in the Lehigh Valley in the future.

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