In 2011, Northwest Savings Bank ranked highest in customer satisfaction in the Mid-Atlantic Region for the second consecutive year according to the JD Power & Associates Retail Banking Customer Satisfaction Study.

“We were deeply honored in 2010 when our customers recognized how we work to serve them,” said Chris Martin, president of the Southwest Region of Northwest Savings Bank.

“To be named highest in customer satisfaction for a second year in a row absolutely amazed us. We have the greatest staff and the best customers in the world, and I thank them all for their support. It really is the people who make the difference.”

Bank statistics bear that out.

While 2011 was not a good year economically, Northwest Savings Bank bucked the trend. It made loans. With funds to lend, it made loans for local home mortgages, for consumer loans and for business loans.

Deposits grew, as did use of electronic banking channels such as mobile banking, online banking and bill-pay, electronic statements, and telephone banking.

Commercial banking expanded greatly. Northwest’s Trust and Investment Management Division experienced a banner year, with assets under management increasing by well over 10 percent.

Bank profitability continued, and the bank remains extremely well capitalized.

“I see 2012 running parallel to 2011.” Martin said. “The trends should continue. We have funds to lend and we’re eager to do so.

“As a bank, we see the interest rate environment remaining pretty much unchanged, so loan rates will remain at bargain levels for those who need to borrow to finance homes, home improvements, purchases, education, consolidation, or businesses. With 28 banking locations in metropolitan Pittsburgh — four of them in Butler County — we’re convenient as well.”

“To sum up,” he concluded, “Northwest Savings Bank had a great year in 2011, thanks to our customers. We foresee another good year coming for our customers, our bank, and our hometowns.”