2024
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Old Fort Bank Welcomes Mortgage Loan Originator
Lisa Bailey Joins Old Fort Bank Mortgage Team
(TIFFIN, OH) –The Old Fort Banking Company is pleased to announce that Lisa Bailey has joined the Old Fort Banking Company as part of their Mortgage Loan Origination Team.
“We are pleased to welcome Lisa to our Mortgage Origination team and look forward to her contribution, years of lending experience, and knowledge in expanding our presence in the market,” said W. David Walton, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of The Old Fort Banking Company.”
Bailey is a tenured mortgage banker bringing nearly thirty years of combined banking andmortgage experience to the Old Fort Banking Company, and has worked extensively in the Greene and Montgomery County markets.
Bailey says “Helping families find their homes while building lasting relationships is my passion. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with many people throughout the years and watch their dreams come true with buying a new home. I love to be a special part of their new beginnings and look forward to helping many more families in the years to come!”
Established in 1916, Old Fort Banking Company has assets totaling approximately $845 million. Old Fort is a recognized leader in community banking throughout the area, and prides itself on providing prompt, professional and personal client service. The Old Fort Banking Company proudly serves Allen, Greene, Hancock, Sandusky, Seneca and Wood Counties, with financial centers in Bettsville, Clyde, Findlay, Fostoria, Fremont, Old Fort, Tiffin, Sugarcreek Township and Xenia. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS# 631428.
OFBC and Gillmor Foundation Scholarship Opportunities
Old Fort Bank and the Gillmor Charitable Foundation have recently announced that scholarship applications are now available to local high school seniors.
High school seniors attending any of the following schools in Seneca, Sandusky and Hancock Counties - Arcadia, Arlington, Calvert, Clyde, Columbian, Cory-Rawson, Findlay, Fostoria, Fremont Ross, Hopewell-Loudon, Lakota, Liberty-Benton, McComb, Mohawk, New Riegel, Old Fort, Seneca East, Fremont St. Joseph, Van Buren, or Vanlue High School, and planning to attend Heidelberg University, Tiffin University, or the University of Findlay are eligible to apply for one of three $1,000 Old Fort Bank Scholarships.
The Gillmor Charitable Foundation Scholarship is a $2,500 scholarship available to seniors who attend any Seneca or Sandusky County School and are planning to attend Heidelberg University or Tiffin University.
Applicants can apply for both scholarships if they meet the eligibility criteria, and the deadline to submit applications is March 31, 2024. To apply, please visit www.oldfortbank.com.
Established in 1916, Old Fort Banking Company has assets totaling approximately $825 million. Old Fort is a recognized leader in community banking throughout the area, and prides itself on providing prompt, professional and personal client service. The Old Fort Banking Company proudly serves Allen, Greene, Hancock, Sandusky, Seneca and Wood Counties, with financial centers in Bettsville, Clyde, Findlay, Fostoria, Fremont, Old Fort, Tiffin, Sugarcreek Township and Xenia. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS 631428.
Old Fort Bank, Gillmor Charitable Foundation exceed $2.4M in Charitable Giving
(TIFFIN, OH) – Old Fort Banking Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gillmor Financial Services Inc., and the Gillmor Charitable Foundation, are proud to announce that together they have surpassed $2.4 million in charitable donations since 2007.
“Giving back to the communities we serve has been a cornerstone of Old Fort Banking Company’s mission since our founding in 1916,” said Old Fort Banking Company President & CEO Michael C. Spragg. “We are proud to have reached this milestone, and it would not have been possible without the continued support of our clients.”
The Bank regularly gives to local causes in all forms, large and small. Since 2007, it has served as a sponsor and donor for numerous initiatives, including local events, charitable auctions, benefits, sports teams, golf outings, and more.
In addition, the Bank has contributed thousands of dollars in education scholarship funds through its annual Old Fort Banking Company and Gillmor Foundation Scholarships, which have been awarded to more than 88 local high school seniors since 1994.
“We have always been firm believers in the power of philanthropy, and what it can do for the health of the communities we serve. In a mutually beneficial relationship, we thrive when those communities are healthy, secure and prosperous,” said Spragg. “While we are extremely proud to celebrate this milestone, we have already begun looking ahead to 2024 and will continue our commitment to community support and service just as we always have.”
Established in 1916, Old Fort Banking Company has assets totaling approximately $825 million. Old Fort is a recognized leader in community banking throughout the area, and prides itself on providing prompt, professional and personal client service. The Old Fort Banking Company proudly serves Allen, Greene, Hancock, Sandusky, Seneca and Wood Counties, with financial centers in Bettsville, Clyde, Findlay, Fostoria, Fremont, Old Fort, Tiffin, Sugarcreek Township and Xenia. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS 631428.
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2023
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Old Fort Bank Seeking Donations for Annual Toys for Tots
(TIFFIN, OH) – Old Fort Banking Company is pleased to announce the kick off of the Marine Corps.’ Annual Toys for Tots Campaign, serving as a donation site for which community members are asked to donate new, unwrapped toys that will be distributed to less fortunate children during the Christmas season.
Collection boxes have been placed at the bank’s Fostoria, Fremont, Downtown Tiffin, and Tiffin Westgate through December 10th.
“This is a wonderful initiative that is desperately needed every year,” said Marketing Director Darren Frank. “We have always had tremendous support for these events, both internally from our own associates as well as the communities we serve, and we hope the same will be true again this year.”
Established in 1916, Old Fort Banking Company has assets totaling approximately $845 million. Old Fort is a recognized leader in community banking throughout the area, and prides itself on providing prompt, professional and personal client service. The Old Fort Banking Company proudly serves Allen, Greene, Hancock, Sandusky, Seneca and Wood Counties, with financial centers in Bettsville, Clyde, Findlay, Fostoria, Fremont, Old Fort, Tiffin, Sugarcreek Township and Xenia. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS 631428.
Old Fort Bank's Winter Apparel Drive
(TIFFIN, OH) – Old Fort Banking Company is pleased to announce their eleventh annual Winter Apparel Drive, which runs from October 1 through October 31 at all Old Fort Bank Financial Centers.
"We couldn't be more excited to provide locations as donation sites for this year's Winter Apparel Drive," said Marketing Director Darren Frank. "Our associates and the communities we serve showed an immense amount of support last year, and we're eager to continue this tradition."
This year marks Old Fort Bank’s eleventh annual Winter Apparel Drive, which solicits donations of new or gently-used coats, boots, hats, gloves and scarves. Collection boxes have been set up at every local financial center, and donations will be distributed to local agencies including: Seneca County Salvation Army, Hancock County Coats for Christmas, Clyde Food Pantry, Sandusky County Care and Share, Fostoria First Help and Old Fort Schools.
“This is a wonderful initiative that will benefit so many in need this year,” said Frank. “We’d like to ask our community members to consider a donation to this wonderful cause. While these gestures may seem somewhat small, they make such a big difference in the lives of those in need.”
Established in 1916, Old Fort Banking Company has assets totaling approximately $845 million. Old Fort is a recognized leader in community banking throughout the area, and prides itself on providing prompt, professional and personal client service. The Old Fort Banking Company proudly serves Allen, Greene, Hancock, Sandusky, Seneca and Wood Counties, with financial centers in Bettsville, Clyde, Findlay, Fostoria, Fremont, Old Fort, Tiffin, Sugarcreek Township and Xenia. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS 631428.
Old Fort Banking Company Awards 2023 Scholarships
(TIFFIN, OH) — The Old Fort Banking Company ann ounces the recipients of their annual scholarship awards.
Gracie Chester, daughter of Jamie and Melissa Chester, is the recipient of the Old Fort Banking Company scholarship. Gracie will attend Heidelberg University this fall with plans to major in Criminology. She is a graduate of Tiffin Columbian High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Program and a STAND Member. Gracie also participated in volleyball, basketball, and softball, earning nine varsity letters. She also played softball for the Ohio Rebels, where she earned All-American Honors in 2022. Gracie is a member of First Lutheran Church of Tiffin.
Riley Irwin, daughter of Nate Irwin and Heidi Irwin, is the recipient of Old Fort Banking Company scholarship to be used at Tiffin University where she will attend this fall and will major in Finance with plans to become a certified financial planner. Riley is a graduate of Liberty-Benton High School. While in high school, Riley was a member of cross county, basketball, and track & field teams all four years. She earned all-league honors and was a regional qualifier in all three sports, qualifying for state in both cross country and track. She was a member of the 1000-point club and holds the school record for career made three-point shots. Riley was also team captain for all three sports teams. In the academic arena she served on student council for four years, while holding the office of secretary and vice president. Riley was also a member of National Honor Society, and Hancock Youth Leadership. Riley was on the all-A’s Honor Roll for four years.
Carlie Foos, daughter of Jeff and Erin Foos, is the recipient of the Old Fort Bank Scholarship to be used at the University of Findlay where she will be majoring in Exercise Science. Carlie is a graduate of Lakota High School. While at Lakota, Riley was the team captain of both the basketball and volleyball teams, where she earned all-district honors in both, as well as receiving all-state honors for basketball. She was on student council all four years, and a member of the National Honor Society her junior and senior year. Carlie is also a youth group leader for St. Mary’s Youth Group.
The Old Fort Banking Company Scholarships were established in 1994 and have been awarded to 91 local high school students since that time.
Established in 1916, Old Fort Banking Company has assets totaling approximately $830 million. Old Fort is a recognized leader in community banking throughout the area, and prides itself on providing prompt, professional and personal client service. The Old Fort Banking Company proudly serves Allen, Greene, Hancock, Sandusky, Seneca and Wood Counties, with financial centers in Bettsville, Clyde, Findlay, Fostoria, Fremont, Old Fort, Tiffin, Sugarcreek Township and Xenia. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS# 631428. #
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2022
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Old Fort Bank, Gillmor Charitable Foundation Exceed $2.3M in Charitable Giving
(TIFFIN, OH) — Old Fort Banking Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gillmor Financial Services Inc., and the Gillmor Charitable Foundation, are proud to announce that together they have surpassed $2.3 million in charitable donations since 2007.
“Giving back to the communities we serve has been a cornerstone of Old Fort Banking Company’s mission since its founding in 1916,” said Old Fort Banking Company President & CEO Michael C. Spragg. “We are proud to have reached this milestone, and it would not have been possible without the continued support of our clients.”
The Bank regularly gives to local causes in all forms, large and small. Since 2007, it has served as a sponsor and donor for numerous initiatives, including local events, charitable auctions, benefits, sports teams, golf outings, and more.
In addition, the Bank has contributed thousands of dollars in education scholarship funds through its annual Old Fort Banking Company and Gillmor Foundation Scholarships, which have been awarded to more than 88 local high school seniors since 1994.
“We have always been firm believers in the power of philanthropy, and what it can do for the health of the communities we serve. In a mutually beneficial relationship, we thrive when those communities are healthy, secure and prosperous,” said Spragg. “While we are extremely proud to celebrate this milestone, we have already begun looking ahead to 2023 and will continue our commitment to community support and service, just as we always have.”
Established in 1916, Old Fort Banking Company has assets totaling approximately $810 million. Old Fort is a recognized leader in community banking throughout the area, and prides itself on providing prompt, professional and personal client service. The Old Fort Banking Company proudly serves Allen, Greene, Hancock, Sandusky, Seneca and Wood Counties, with financial centers in Bettsville, Clyde, Findlay, Fostoria, Fremont, Old Fort, Tiffin, Sugarcreek Township and Xenia. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS 631428.
Old Fort Banking Company Marks Two Decades of Partnership with The Ritz Theatre
(TIFFIN, OH) — Old Fort Banking Company is pleased to announce its sponsorship of “All About Joel” – a Billy Joel tribute to be held at The Historic Ritz Theatre this fall.
The act is “conceived and presented with a tremendous amount of detail by Long Island veteran singer/piano player David Clark. He continues to gain attention and popularity across the country with stunningly accurate piano playing, lead vocals, and an eerily similar stage look to the Piano Man himself while engaging the audience with wit and humor,” states Clark’s Facebook page.
The Bank has proudly served as one of The Ritz’s top supporters for more than two decades, annually sponsoring a variety of performances, plays and musical acts over the years.
“A special thanks to everyone at Old Fort Bank for their unwavering support and continued sponsorships,” said Michael Strong, Executive Director of The Ritz Theatre. “Sponsorships play a vital role in our ability to consistently bring some of the best artists from around the country, right here to Tiffin for everyone to enjoy and be an economic and social catalyst for our entire community.”
Community support and philanthropy are of primary importance to the Bank since its founding in 1916.
“We have always supported our local communities in any way we can, and sincerely value our relationship with the Historic Ritz Theatre,” said Old Fort Banking Company President & CEO Michael C. Spragg. “Being able to help provide our local community with such types of entertainment is an especially enjoyable and rewarding opportunity for everyone involved.”
The show, “All About Joel,” will take place at the theatre on Saturday, October 1 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are still available for purchase through the Ritz Theatre Box Office, at prices ranging from $10, $20 or $30 apiece.
Old Fort Banking Company Awards 2022 Scholarships
(TIFFIN, OH) — The Old Fort Banking Company is pleased to announce the recipients of its annual scholarship awards.
Old Fort Bank Supporting Local Businesses Through Chamber Cash Program
(TIFFIN, OH) — Old Fort Banking Company and the Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce continue to provide a unique support to the area’s small businesses via the Chamber Cash program.
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2021
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Eric J. Willman Appointed Trustee of Gillmor Charitable Foundation Board
(TIFFIN, OH) — The Gillmor Charitable Foundation is pleased to announce that Eric J. Willman has been appointed to its Board of Trustees. Founded in 1992 in memory of Paul “PM” and Lucy J. Gillmor, the Foundation is committed to funding charitable requests that will positively impact the citizens of Seneca and Sandusky Counties.
Willman currently serves as a Vice President and Project Management Officer for Old Fort Banking Company, and holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Dayton. He first started working at Old Fort Bank in 2011, and has over 19 years of experience in banking.
“The Gillmor Charitable Foundation has a long history of charitable contributions that make a meaningful impact on the Seneca and Sandusky County communities, and Eric’s involvement with various community initiatives aligns with this effort,” said Michael C. Spragg, who serves as Chairman of the Foundation Board and President & CEO of The Old Fort Banking Company. “We are pleased to welcome him to the Board, and know he will make worthwhile contributions to its overall mission and vision.”
Willman’s community and civic involvement currently includes, or has previously included, roles as Board Member, Officer or Volunteer for the following local organizations: Camp Fire NW Ohio, Ritz Theater, Tiffin-Seneca Heritage Festival, Tiffin-Seneca United Way, Ohio Heritage School Days, Kiwanis Club and Foundation of Tiffin, Heidelberg University School of Business, Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce, Tiffin Bicentennial Planning Committee, and various youth and school sports organizations.
“I am honored at the opportunity to join the Board of Trustees for the Gillmor Charitable Foundation,” said Willman. “As an employee, resident and parent that resides in Seneca County, I am excited to help carry on the tradition of the Gillmor Foundation’s efforts to improve both the lives and communities in which we serve.”
Established in 1916, Old Fort Banking Company has assets totaling approximately $770 million. Old Fort is a recognized leader in community banking throughout the area, and prides itself on providing prompt, professional and personal client service. The Old Fort Banking Company proudly serves Allen, Greene, Hancock, Sandusky, Seneca and Wood Counties, with financial centers in Bettsville, Clyde, Findlay, Fostoria, Fremont, Old Fort, Tiffin, Sugarcreek Township and Xenia. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS 631428.
Old Fort Banking Company, Gillmor Charitable Foundation Award 2021 Scholarships
(TIFFIN, OH) — The Old Fort Banking Company and the Gillmor Charitable Foundation are proud to announce the recipients of their 2021 scholarships.
MaKenzie Brooks, daughter of Dustin and Kelli Brooks, is the recipient of the second annual Gillmor Charitable Foundation Scholarship. MaKenzie will be attending Heidelberg University in the fall, where she plans to study psychology. MaKenzie is a graduate of Clyde High School, where she was a member of National Honor Society, Key Club, Science Club, Spanish Club and Teen Leadership Corps. She also actively volunteered in the community, and helped support local initiatives such as Alexa’s Butterflies of Hope, and Clyde Back Door Food Pantry, among others.
Bryce Arbogast, son of Chad and Jen Arbogast, is the winner of the Old Fort Bank Scholarship for The University of Findlay, where he plans to major in Exercise Science and pursue a doctorate in Physical Therapy. Bryce is a graduate of Hopewell-Loudon High School, where he ran cross country, played basketball and participated in track and field. Bryce also was on the 4.0 honor roll, served as the National Honor Society Co-President, and participated in Traveling Ensemble, Marching Band and Quiz Bowl.
Madison Widman, daughter of Eric and Shannon Widman, is a graduate of Calvert High School and will be attending Tiffin University in the fall to study finance. Madison played volleyball and basketball at Calvert, and was actively involved in many extracurricular activities, including National Honor Society, Yearbook, Student Council, and Spanish Club. She was also a HOBY Leadership participant, a volunteer with the kindergarten class at Calvert Elementary, and actively involved at St. Mary’s Parish, where she was an altar server and volunteered at Vacation Bible School.
Noah Stahl, son of Michael and Ann Stahl, is the recipient of the Old Fort Bank Scholarship for Heidelberg University, where he will be studying biochemistry. Noah is a graduate of Arcadia High School, where he participated in football, track and field, National Honor Society, and Student Council. Noah volunteers with Hancock County Coats for Christmas, Sharing Kitchen in Fostoria, St. Wendelin Church, The Adopt-a-Road Program and Meals on Wheels. He also earned many awards for 4-H, and served as president of his local club, Lakeland Leaders.
The Old Fort Banking Company Scholarships were established in 1994 and have been awarded to 85 local high school students since that time.
Established in 1916, Old Fort Banking Company has assets totaling approximately $770 million. Old Fort is a recognized leader in community banking throughout the area, and prides itself on providing prompt, professional and personal client service. The Old Fort Banking Company proudly serves Allen, Greene, Hancock, Sandusky, Seneca and Wood Counties, with financial centers in Bettsville, Clyde, Findlay, Fostoria, Fremont, Old Fort, Tiffin, Sugarcreek Township and Xenia. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS 631428.
Old Fort Banking Company Processes Nearly 1,200 PPP Loans
(TIFFIN, OH) — As part of the COVID-19 financial relief efforts provided through the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), The Old Fort Banking Company has processed nearly 1,200 loans totaling approximately $135 million to help local small businesses support payroll and related costs, saving hundreds of jobs within the area. The PPP, which was originally launched on April 3, 2020 to address economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, provides forgivable, government-guaranteed loans for the nation’s small businesses, which account for roughly 48 percent of the U.S. workforce.
This was more than an opportunity for Old Fort Bank to showcase its commitment to meeting its client’s needs. It was also a call to action. The phones, both work and personal, at Old Fort Bank were ringing constantly into evenings and weekends as clients attempted to keep their businesses afloat. Old Fort’s process for staying on top of the application volume was simple, but it involved a great deal of hard work, long hours and dedication. Bank associates processed PPP paperwork into the late evening and on weekends. Ask the team at Old Fort Bank how it was able to process nearly 1,200 loans using a manual system in such a short time frame, and they will tell you it was simply a matter of attitude and a commitment to community banking.
“As relationship bankers and dedicated members of the community, Old Fort Bank is doing everything we can to protect the vibrancy of our small businesses, which serve as the economic engines for our local economy,” said Michael C. Spragg, President and CEO of Old Fort Bank. “I am extremely proud of our associates, who have worked around the clock to process these loans and ensure that critical funds were able to get in the hands of those who need it the most.”
Old Fort Bank continues to assist during this unprecedented time. The bank recently announced that, since 2007, it had reached in excess of $2 million in charitable giving. Serving as a sponsor and donor for numerous initiatives, including local events, charitable auctions, benefits, sports teams, golf outings, and more. Past recipients have included: Tiffin University, Heidelberg University, The Ritz Theatre, Terra Community College, Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership, Hayes Presidential Center, Fremont Memorial Hospital Foundation, and many others. In addition to its PPP funding efforts, Old Fort Bank has made numerous COVID-related contributions, including $20,000 to the Tiffin-Seneca United Way, to provide assistance to those that have been heavily impacted by the pandemic.
“We will continue to stand by our small business clients and do everything we can to deliver relief quickly and efficiently, saving jobs and limiting the economic damage from this unprecedented pandemic,” said Spragg.
Established in 1916, Old Fort Banking Company has assets totaling approximately $770 million. Old Fort is a recognized leader in community banking throughout the area, and prides itself on providing prompt, professional and personal client service. The Old Fort Banking Company proudly serves Allen, Greene, Hancock, Sandusky, Seneca and Wood Counties, with financial centers in Bettsville, Clyde, Findlay, Fostoria, Fremont, Old Fort, Tiffin, Sugarcreek Township and Xenia. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS 631428.
Old Fort Bank Welcomes Donald F. White
(XENIA, OH) — W. David Walton, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of The Old Fort Banking Company, is pleased to announce that Donald F. White has joined the Bank as Vice President of Mortgage Operations. He will work out of the Xenia financial center at 88 South Progress Drive.
In his new position, White will manage the underwriting and processing of conventional, FHA, VA, and residential construction loans, along with managing residential mortgage lending policies, procedures and products. With over 40 years of mortgage banking experience, he will be responsible for increasing mortgage volume and enhancing Old Fort’s sales and marketing throughout the bank’s footprint.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome Don to our mortgage team, said Walton. He has a long and successful history in mortgage banking and possesses the skills and knowledge to offer our mortgage clients personalized mortgage solutions.”
“Mortgage banking has been my career and I embrace the opportunity to utilize my experience to deliver outstanding service and mortgage products to Old Fort Bank clients and prospects,” stated Mr. White.
Established in 1916, the employee owned bank has assets totaling approximately $755 million. Old Fort operates through a community banking model that is the foundation for local decision making and provides the basis for client service that is prompt, professional and personal. Old Fort prides itself on delivering a hometown feel while providing the exemplary service clients have come to appreciate and expect. The Old Fort Banking Company proudly serves Allen, Greene, Hancock, Sandusky, Seneca and Wood Counties, with financial centers in Bettsville, Clyde, Findlay, Fostoria, Fremont, Old Fort, Tiffin, Sugarcreek Township and Xenia. Old Fort is a recognized leader in community banking throughout the area in assisting members of the community, including local businesses and corporations. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS 631428.
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