James Dionise

[naviga:h3]Mars Bank CEO chairs association[/naviga:h3]

MARS — The president and chief executive officer of Mars Bank recently began performing duties as chairman of the Pennsylvania Bankers Association.

James Dionise was elected chairman at the association’s annual meeting May 17. He concluded his term as first vice chairman with the association June 30 and began his one-year term as chairman July 1.

Dionise will lead the state’s largest banking trade association. He will have oversight of the board’s policies and procedures and lead the strategic direction of the association.

Dionise is president and chief executive officer of Mars Bank, a $400 million community bank delivering commercial and retail banking services to Western Pennsylvania.

“We are honored to have the benefit of Jim’s knowledge and longtime support of the association as he takes on the role of chair this year,” said Duncan Campbell, state bankers president and CEO. “His passion for the industry and our membership will be incredibly valuable as he helps to lead us into the future.”

[naviga:h3]Steel Magnolia nominations sought[/naviga:h3]

Nominations are being accepted for the 2018 Steel Magnolia Award, which recognizes up to 13 women who have overcome obstacles to positively impact the community.

Winners designate an eligible charity of their choice for a $2,500 donation. The award is funded by the AK Steel Foundation.

The award honors women of all ages who have faced personal adversity and have shown exceptional strength, courage, compassion and leadership through their work in support of their communities.

Nominations should be in the form of an essay of no more than 500 words on the woman being nominated.

Judi Baglier of Renfrew received the award in 2016 for her charitable work in the community after the death of her son, Johnny, 20 years ago.

To view complete requirements and obtain a nomination form, visit www.mcfoundation.org.

[naviga:h3]More Americans seeking new jobs[/naviga:h3]

WASHINGTON — The proportion of American workers who quit their jobs in May reached the highest level in 17 years, a sign that more people are confident they can find a new job, likely at higher pay.

Businesses also advertised fewer jobs in May than the previous month, but the tally of open positions outnumbered the ranks of the unemployed for only the second time in the past 20 years, the Labor Department said Tuesday.

The figures reflect a strong job market driven by optimistic employers seeking to expand their work forces. Last week’s jobs report showed that businesses hired workers at a healthy pace and the unemployment rate remained very low, at 4 percent.