NETTIE AND HOWARD WEST RECOGNIZED

FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE OHIO BANKING COMMUNITY
 

Nettie and Howard West were recognized at the Ohio Bankers Day reception on Wednesday, March 20 at the Adams Mark Hotel in Columbus.  Director of Commerce Gary Suhadolnik presented a certificate from Governor Taft and Superintendent of Financial Institutions F. Scott O’Donnell presented a certificate from the Division of Financial Institutions in which they were recognized for their lifelong contributions to the Ohio banking community.   

The Ohio Bankers Day conference is held each year in Columbus to provide an opportunity for the directors and officers of Ohio’s state-chartered banks, savings and loans, and savings banks to discuss current issues with their regulators.  Mr. and Mrs. West have been regular conference attendees for the last 18 years.   

Mr. West has worked for 56 years at Farmers Savings Bank in Spencer, Ohio and currently serves as Chairman of the Board and President.  He has witnessed many changes in banking from the early days of recording transactions with a quill pen to today’s internet banking.  During the past 56 years, The Farmers Savings Bank has grown from $1 million to $170 million in assets.  Mrs. West has been a Director of the bank since 1969.  Throughout their lives, they have supported numerous community organizations serving Spencer and Medina County.     

In presenting the certificate to the West’s, Superintendent O’Donnell said, “Nettie and Howard West have become part of the fabric of Spencer and have provided the kind of personal service to their neighbors and customers that a billion-dollar, multinational institution simply cannot match.  They are living proof that the citizens of a community will invest in institutions that invest in them.” 

Note to editors:  A photo of the certificate presentation is available upon request. 

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The Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Financial Institutions regulates Ohio’s state-chartered banks, savings and loans/savings banks, and credit unions.  The division also regulates consumer finance companies.  In addition, the department regualtes securities, industrial compliance, fire codes, unclaimed funds, liquor, and real estate, among other industries.  The department’s internet address is www.com.state.oh.us