5th Annual
P&B Exceptional 53 Awards Nomination
Nominate Your Company for Being the Best!
Table of Contents Montgomery County Employees Federal Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 EagleBank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
The Gazette of Politics and Business is once again recognizing 53 companies in Maryland this fall as part of the 5th Annual Gazette P&B Exceptional 53 Awards. Your company deserves to be recognized for its success. Apply and tell us about your company’s innovation, business practices, work place environment and community services.
Mid-Atlantic Federal Credit Union . . . . . .6 Monument Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Frederick County Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Revere Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 OBA Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Complete the application today at www.gazette.net/section/pb53Entry Deadline: Completed nominations must be received by 11:59 pm on, July 27, 2012. Published by:
Public, private, profit and nonprofit companies and organizations throughout the state of Maryland are invited to apply. Previous year’s winners are encouraged to apply again.
The Gazette P&B Exceptional 53 Awards program identifies and acknowledges some of Maryland’s most “well rounded” companies and organizations. View 2011 Honorees at www.gazette.net/PB53
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9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, MD 20877 240-864-1558 • www.gazette.net/business This supplement was produced by The Gazette of Politics & Business Advertising Sales Department. None of the copy was written by The Gazette of Politics & Business editorial staff. All photos supplied by the specific corporate entity, unless otherwise stated.
n Publisher: James F. Mannarino n Associate Publisher: Trina Lapier n Advertising Director: Terry Tillman n Production Coordinator: Kathleen Castellano n Cover Design: Anna Joyce n Layout: Son Young Lee, John Schmitz Jr. Cover photo : iStockphoto/Laflor Photography
GUIDE TO SMALL BUSINESS LENDING
Thomas D. Murphy At EagleBank, our focus is on our customers and providing them with the best possible financial solutions, the most experienced bankers and lenders to support their financial needs, and customer service that is beyond all expectations. Founded in 1998, by experienced bankers and business owners, EagleBank learned early that people are what make a difference. Without good, professionals behind the teller line, in our local corporate offices and behind the scenes in our operations areas, we are nothing. And, without loyal investors who believe in our mission, management and achievements, we could not grow. But, most importantly, without customers who have benefited from EagleBank's off-the-menu, creative, custom financial solutions, as well as a community that has come to depend on EagleBank's participation and support, we could be just "any bank." Instead, we're EagleBank…and we are proud of the successes we have shared with our customers, community, employees and shareholders. Beyond providing financial products and services, we know that our customers appreciate the business, personal and professional relationships we build together. People. Trust. Relationships. Working together for a stronger, better community in Montgomery County and throughout the entire DC Metro area. The formula is evident and proven. We are happy to serve Montgomery County in the spirit of a local, community bank which provides instant access to local management, quick response to customer needs and knowledge of the area that only comes from being "local." We are equally happy to spread our wings throughout Montgomery County and join in socially, charitably and with a sense of involvement and purpose to support and celebrate the many community and professional organizations and events that make our thriving community a better place. Thomas D. Murphy President of Community Banking EagleBank 7815 Woodmont Avenue Bethesda, MD 20895 301.986.1800
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Mid Atlantic Federal Credit Union MAFCU is a not-for-profit financial institution managed for the sole benefit of its members. Our Board of Directors and management team work hard to make sure MAFCU is "better than a bank" and help every member achieve their financial goals. Membership is open to individuals who live, work, worship, volunteer or attend school in Montgomery County, as well as their immediate family members and local businesses. Founded in 1968, the credit union avoided some of the risky lending practices that hurt many of its "big bank" competitors. MAFCU remains strong, stable and financially secure - and also federally insured. Because it's a community credit union, it works hard in the community by supporting local causes, offering innovative financing solutions to neighbors, and sponsoring free educational programs for both consumers and businesses.
A Look at Business Banking "Being a credit union and being able to provide business services is what makes us unique in this market," said Ron Dimaranan, MAFCU Director of Business Development. He said that the economic climate looks to be improving, and that another unique aspect of the credit union is that it helps its business members grow. "We are seeing more and more businesses borrowing to expand their business." MAFCU offers the popular Small Business University (SBU), a monthly seminar series that discusses topics relevant to small and mid-sized businesses. Subject matter experts talk about relative topics to business owners such as Marketing, Sales, Technology and Legal Issues, said Dimaranan. Classes are open to everyone, members and non-members, and it's designed to provide businesses with information and tools needed to succeed in an ever-changing competitive climate. "We have partnered with the Bethesda-Chevy Chase and Gaithersburg-Germantown Chambers 6
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to promote these seminars to their members," said Dimaranan. (For more information about the Small Business University, go to www.mafcu.org/sbu)
MAFCU Commercial Lending In the area of business lending, products and services, MAFCU is like a one-stop shop for business owners, and they can offer the benefits of credit union membership to their employees. Products include business loans and lines of credit, business checking and money market accounts, and business Visa credit cards. Educational resources such as the SBU are available to help you develop and achieve specific business goals. "We are very lucky to be operating in this area of the country," said Scott Ritter, Vice President/Chief Lending Officer at MAFCU. "While we still have many of the problems that are besetting the other regions of the country, they usually are not as severe. In the Washington metropolitan area, with our proximity to the federal government and the jobs it creates, we have been the beneficiaries of a more stable employment base and by comparison, a much better economy." This makes MAFCU unique in its industry, but the credit union has another distinct advantage over many of the region's financial services providers, said Ritter. "We don't have customers - we have members, and membership has powerful advantages." The not-for-profit institution is managed for the sole benefit of its members, so it's a place where they matter. "We have seen record growth in our membership and continue to attract members who see the value of belonging to a community credit union," said Ritter. "We take the time to treat each of our members as an individual and find ways to help when other financial institutions may not."
attracting new members because it has stuck to the fundamentals that have made the credit union successful, like providing value in a relationship to members. "That is a message that resonates to a public weary of financial service providers who are constantly "test marketing" the acceptability of new ways to separate you from your hard earned money," said Ritter. "Whether you are a homeowner looking for a consultative approach to refinancing your mortgage, or a small businessperson that is in need of business financing with terms and interest rates that make sense, Mid-Atlantic Federal Credit Union will help you achieve your goals," said Ritter.
MAFCU in the Community "Mid-Atlantic Federal Credit Union has been recognized for our community service and we believe strongly in helping the community that we serve with our employees time and talents," said Ritter. The organization works collaboratively with members, affiliates, and the surrounding community in hosting of events, participating in MAFCU's affiliate groups' fundraising efforts, charity drives, and supporting community projects throughout the area. For example, MAFCU is now leveraging the Small Business University's popularity to help out in the community. A new registration fee of $5 to attendees is placed in a scholarship fund to be awarded to a business student at the Universities at Shady Grove at the end of each year.
Ritter and Dimaranan agree that Mid-Atlantic Federal Credit Union has been successful at
GUIDE TO SMALL BUSINESS LENDING
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Dear Readers, How do we define Monument Bank in a few words? The words we choose are convenience, service, trust and relationships.
H. L. Ward
President & CEO
Monument Bank opened its doors in September 2005. The team of experienced businesspeople, professionals and bankers who came together to organize the Bank wanted to offer an alternative that would deliver the right financial solutions to the businesses, professionals and non-profit organizations that call Montgomery County home. And we would do it with unparalleled convenience, exceptional service, total trust and lifelong relationships.
Currently having two branch offices, one in Bethesda and a second in Silver Spring, Monument Bank has proven that there doesn't have to be a branch on every corner to make banking convenient. Our state-of-the-art online banking platform, services such as Express Deposit and bank officers who routinely conduct business in the customer's office have allowed us to grow to $380 million in assets in the relative absence of brick and mortar. During the current challenging economic times, Monument Bank has continued to make loans to credit-worthy applicants. Our decisions are not based on a quick review of the numbers, ratios and collateral. Our lenders evaluate with great care what is sometimes hidden behind the numbers things such as the borrower's character and sense of purpose. Our SBA Loan Department, with an SBA lender hired in May 2010, has brought the Bank's ranking from 25th to 8th among all banks as of September 30, 2011, according to the Washington Metropolitan Office of the SBA. Community is important to us. We support our local non-profits in many ways, financially and through active volunteerism. We went one step further in late 2011 and formed a Non-Profit Division with designated employees who have extensive experience with non-profits and an understanding of the types of products and services that are important to this crucial part of our economy. We offer to all our customers a full range of deposit, loan and cash management products, fairly priced, and delivered with the highest level of customer service. Monument Bank is in growth mode. Over the upcoming months we will be seriously looking to expand into more space to accommodate our continually growing staff. We cordially invite you to come grow with us! Sincerely,
H. L. Ward | President & CEO
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GUIDE TO SMALL BUSINESS LENDING
Marty Lapera President & CEO
After opening in 2001, Frederick County Bank's (FCB) initial focus was the small business sector, the professional community and the non-profit community - particularly the religious community. While we offered all consumer and commercial banking products from the start, and therefore could accommodate any person or business desiring to bank with a community bank in Frederick County, our strategies needed to be targeted in order to be profitable as soon as possible. We did become profitable in our second year of business. During the last ten years we have grown to about $300 million in assets. We now have over 70 employees and 5 branches in Frederick County. Our client base today is more diversified and includes a consumer base. We remained profitable from our second year in business and presently enjoy high 5 star and 4 star ratings from Bauer Financial and Bankrate.com, respectively. These are two independent bank rating companies (agencies). At FCB, we've maintained a balanced focus from our earliest days - on our community, our employees, our clients, and our shareholders. We believe we can successfully balance the interests of all of these when we maintain a strong financial condition and a commitment to being a meaningful force to create good for our community by helping our clients thrive and be successful. We are proud of the role we serve in assuring that the local economy is healthy. All of our employees are encouraged to participate individually in community activities - we are all proud to be community bankers. Unlike larger banks, we personally and as a business believe that giving to the Frederick community is an investment that benefits everyone. We've worked hard in maintaining a strong financial condition. Our capital, liquidity, loan quality and earnings are strong. We have a good growth strategy that allows us to recognize and seize opportunities in the relatively healthy Frederick economy. We invest heavily and wisely in our people, the latest technology and most of all in our community. We have a good brand with positive name recognition. I believe that when people think of the definition of a community bank, they think of Frederick County Bank. The Community Bank for Frederick County www.fcbmd.com
GUIDE TO SMALL BUSINESS LENDING
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Helping Your Business Grow and Prosper
L to R: Andrew Flott, Chief Executive Officer, Kenneth Cook, President and Vice Chairman
Revere Bank: Small Enough to Care, Big Enough to Meet Your Needs
Revere Bank, a full-service community bank, is focused on helping small- to medium-sized businesses grow, prosper and become even more successful. Revere Bank opened its doors in November of 2007 with a banking team comprised of longtime banking veterans. Under the leadership of Ken Cook, President and Vice Chairman, and Andrew Flott, Chief Executive Officer, the bank's clients enjoy local decision making and personal supportive relationships with their bankers. Cook, Flott and the entire relationship management team are committed to replicating the same success they enjoyed previously in their banking careers, at another wellknown Montgomery County-based financial institution. Revere has one of the highest loan growth rates in the region. In 2011, the bank's loan portfolio grew 71%—with most of that growth being loans to commercial clients. To attract the funds to meet their strong loan demand, the bank offers some of the highest deposit rates in the markets we serve.
Clockwise from top: Rick Woo, Senior Vice President; Ken Cook, President; Marc Gordon, Vice President; Anne Kline, Senior Vice President; Jack Green, Senior Vice President. Not pictured: Steve Horvath, Senior Vice President
www.RevereBank.com (240) 499-2393
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Montgomery County Business Development Office: 11 N. Washington Street, Rockville, MD 20850
Working Capital Lines of Credit Commercial Real Estate Loans • Equipment Loans Construction Loans • Letters of Credit
With over 150 collective years of entrepreneurial, commercial banking experience working in Montgomery County and the surrounding region, the Montgomery County lending team takes great pride in helping its clients achieve their goals. "In today's environment, with fewer community banks, big banks dominate and it can be difficult for small businesses to access capital (loans) and maximize the return on their excess cash. In addition, the bigger banks do not often allow for customization of loans. We provide customized solutions, and we work hard to figure out how to get most deals done— every deal, like every business, is different. And, the decision makers are right here in Montgomery County," says Ken Cook. Andrew Flott describes the bank's winning success formula. "We've found that our business owner and entrepreneur clients are focused on the basics. Like us, they want to profitably grow and deal with people they trust along the way." Revere Bank serves businesses in Montgomery County as well as the entire corridor between Rockville and Annapolis. The bank has three branch offices and assets of $280 million. To learn more about Revere Bank and our full array of business and personal banking services, visit our website at www.RevereBank.com or call us at (240) 499-2393.
Member FDIC
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GUIDE TO SMALL BUSINESS LENDING
Many changes have taken place since we first opened our doors in 1861. However, there are a few things that will always remain the same, and that is our pledge to:
Chuck Weller President/CEO
• Provide outstanding customer service • Build lasting relationships • Offer products and services that assist our customers in attaining their current and future financial goals. As one of the oldest financial institutions in the country, we like to consider ourselves 150 years young. Along with the rest of the world, we've changed over the years, but the cornerstone of our business has remained the same. We listen to our customers, understand their needs, and create smart products. Technology continues to redefine our lives, and we have been dedicated to prudently keeping up with current technology. It is our goal to provide OBA Bank customers with state-of-the-art services to accommodate today's lifestyles while saving them time and money. With each of these services we offer a strong support team to keep things running smoothly. Despite tough economic times and expanding federal, state, and local government regulations, OBA Bank has remained stable and continues to lend to new and existing business customers. All lending decisions are made locally and we have a strong team of experienced bankers with local roots that are committed to strengthening and supporting our local communities. Our commitment to improving the quality of life in our local communities is shown through our support of a number of non-profit programs. Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County is an organization we work closely with to help local families realize the dream of homeownership. OBA Bank also contributes annually to a scholarship fund at The BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown Maryland. This scholarship fund assists with tuitions for children from low-income families to explore, experience, and engage in the arts by attending one of the many programs available throughout the year. Headquartered in Germantown, Maryland, OBA Bank currently has six branch locations in Maryland. Germantown, Gaithersburg, Rockville, and Bethesda which are located in Montgomery County; our Columbia office, located in Howard County; and our Arundel Mills office that opened in December 2011 located in Anne Arundel County. We've served our local market for over 150 years. We have succeeded because we listen to the needs of local consumers and responded as a partner, not just a bank. From commercial loans and deposit accounts, to residential lending, we continue to develop new products that address our customers changing needs. Time and again, we hear that our friendly people and quality service keep our customers coming back. OBA Bank is committed to serving the needs of the businesses and communities of Central Maryland. And as we grow, remember, OBA Bank may be new to your neighborhood, but we're not new to banking. Chuck Weller President/CEO, OBA Bank
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