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First Financial gives $10,000 to MSVW

Van Wert independent/submitted information

Adam Ries (second from left) is presented a ceremonial check for $10,000 by Corey Scarbrough, regional sales manager for First Financial on Tuesday. Looking on are (from the left) Eric Hurless, MSVW board member; Van Wert Mayor Don Farmer; Tom McGill, First Financial retail marketing director; Denise Frey, sales center manager for First Financial; George Brooks, First Financial Van Wert market president; and Gary Corcoran, MSVW board member. (Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent)
Adam Ries (second from left) is presented a ceremonial check for $10,000 by Corey Scarbrough, regional sales manager for First Financial on Tuesday. Looking on are (from the left) Eric Hurless, MSVW board member; Van Wert Mayor Don Farmer; Tom McGill, First Financial retail marketing director; Denise Frey, sales center manager for First Financial; George Brooks, First Financial Van Wert market president; and Gary Corcoran, MSVW board member. (Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent)

First Financial Bank is celebrating 150 years by giving back to the communities it serves. To commemorate its anniversary, the bank is donating a total of $150,000 to local community groups making a difference across the bank’s footprint.

Fifteen $10,000 donations will be made to local organizations in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky, and, on Tuesday, First Financial announced that one of those $10,000 grants has been awarded to Main Street Van Wert.

In October, First Financial associates had the opportunity to nominate local non-profit groups to be considered for a grant. The bank received more than 200 nominations from associates.

Denise Frey, a sales center manager at First Financial’s Van Wert office, nominated Main Street Van Wert because of the support and educational opportunities the group provides local businesses and residents.

“Through my work with First Financial and Main Street Van Wert, I have seen firsthand how the organization positively impacts so many,” said Frey. “I’m pleased Main Street Van Wert was selected to receive a grant from the bank. I know it will help the organization continue to carry out its mission to stimulate growth and development in historic downtown Van Wert.”

An internal selection committee comprised of associates from all areas of the bank reviewed nominations and selected grant recipients. Selected groups have to be a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and must fall within one of the bank’s three areas of giving: economic development, financial literacy and neighborhood development. The funds for the donation were made available through the bank’s community development fund at the Hamilton Community Foundation.

For more information about First Financial and its 150-year history, visit www.bankatfirst.com/150 or www.facebook.com/firstfinancialbank.

POSTED: 12/04/13 at 8:12 am. FILED UNDER: News