INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
Spencer Savings Bank Donates Humanitarian Relief to Ukraine
$ 100,000 and supplies for refugees are on the way .
Compiled by John Joseph Parker Contributing Editor
Spencer Savings Bank , a leading New Jersey-based community bank , is donating $ 100,000 to support humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine . In addition to this , the bank also held a successful supply drive to support Ukrainian refugees , collecting more than 10 vehicles loaded with hygiene items and vital supplies and then spending the day volunteering at a local Ukrainian church sorting and boxing supplies . The Russia-Ukraine war has created the largest humanitarian crisis Europe has seen in decades .
“ Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine and all that they are suffering ,” says Spencer ’ s Chairman and CEO Jose B . Guerrero . “ As citizens of the world , we are proud to lend our support to them . It is our sincerest hope that this donation , along with many others across the world , will help bring some relief to Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees facing so much devastation . Our entire team , many of whom have family members in surrounding areas , are thinking of them .”
The United Nations says more than 10 million people have now fled their homes since the invasion . The Ukraine Red Cross is leading humanitarian response efforts in Ukraine and is being supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies ( IFRC ) and International Committee of the Red Cross ( ICRC ). The donation was made to the American Red Cross , which is supporting the global Red Cross network response ( which includes the efforts of the ICRC , IFRC and other Red Cross societies involved in the response ). All financial donations raised by the American Red Cross for the Ukraine crisis , will support international Red Cross teams to provide humanitarian relief in Ukraine and neighboring countries . Aid includes items such as food , water , hygiene supplies , medical care and SIM cards to help people stay in touch with their loved ones .
“ As conflict continues to escalate in Ukraine , the global Red Cross network is providing around-the-clock support , care and comfort to help people affected by this devastating humanitarian crisis ,” says Matthew Teter , executive director , American Red Cross Northern New Jersey Chapter . “ Spencer ’ s generous contribution will help provide much-needed-relief and help support people facing immediate needs in
Spencer Savings Bank Chairman and CEO Jose B . Guerrero
Ukraine , as well as in neighboring countries . On behalf of the American Red Cross and our global partners , thank you to Spencer ’ s leadership and employees for answering the call to support this critical mission .”
Jim Donovan : Unity Bank ’ s New Chief Lending Officer
Banking industry veteran Jim Donovan has joined Unity Bank as Chief Lending Officer ( CLO ), bringing more than 35 years of financial services industry leadership experience to the community bank .
“ Jim Donovan is an accomplished leader with a commitment to banking excellence and we are pleased to have him join our management team ,” says Unity Bank President and CEO James A . Hughes . “ He has an impressive background guiding and developing teams and achieving measurable goals , which will be valuable as our small business lending program continues to grow . We look forward to Jim ’ s future success with Unity .”
Donovan previously served as a Senior Vice President with Bryn Mawr Trust and a Group Vice President with M & T Bank . He started his banking career as a Credit Analyst
Unity Bank Chief Lending Officer Jim Donovan
with Corestates Bank and also served as Vice President and Commercial Relationship Manager with Meridian Bank . Donovan earned a Master of Business Administration from St . Joseph ’ s University and a Bachelor ’ s in Accounting from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania .
“ I am thrilled and honored to join Unity Bank ’ s team ,” said Donovan . “ I look forward to leading the bank ’ s lending team in partnership with management to provide outstanding commercial banking services to small businesses and companies of all sizes . We will build on Unity ’ s strong history of success in business banking and continue to drive growth and sustainability for our investors , employees , customers and communities .”
Unity Bancorp , Inc ., the parent company of Unity Bank , its primary and wholly owned subsidiary , is a financial services organization headquartered in Clinton , New Jersey . Unity Bank provides financial services to businesses and consumers at 19 branches throughout New Jersey and the Lehigh Valley , Pennsylvania . Unity Bank provides community-oriented commercial banking services , including deposit accounts , loans , online and mobile services .
June 2022 COMMERCE 23