2014 was an exciting year from start to finish for ESB Bank.

The year began with the announcement of record earnings for a fifth consecutive year. That in itself is a remarkable accomplishment achieved through the hard work and dedication of 278 employees.

Continuing on this record of past success, ESB Bank recently announced that 2014 marked a sixth consecutive year of record earnings.

Everyone at ESB Bank was also proud and honored for being recognized by SNL Financial and Bauer Financial for superior financial stability. SNL Financial ranked ESB Financial Corp. number 7 of the 100 largest public thrifts by asset size. This ranking is on a national level and is strictly based on financial performance.

It is important to note that there was only one other institution from Pennsylvania ranked in the top 25.

Bauer Financial is another organization that evaluates the strength of banking institutions, and it recently rated ESB Bank 5-stars (out of 5-stars) for superior financial stability.

Not only did ESB Bank receive national recognition but once again won acclaim at the local level. Customers in Beaver County, Ellwood City and the New Castle areas voted ESB Bank “Best of the Best in Banking” for 2014.

ESB Bank was again recognized as a Pittsburgh Business Times Best Places to Work for the ninth time in 11 years. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette also recognized ESB Bank as a Top Workplace for the fourth year in a row.

Progress however is not just measured in awards. It is also measured by the growth and success of our communities.

During 2014, ESB Bank employees reported a total of 3,200 community service hours to organizations ranging from schools, churches, libraries and volunteer fire departments to youth organizations and participation in charitable fundraisers. You will often see ESB Bank as a sponsor for local sports activities, as well as other artistic, cultural and/or musical events.

These include events at our local school districts as well as those put on by or through other community groups.

As last year was winding down, an announcement was made regarding the merger of ESB Financial Corporation with WesBanco Inc. Both organizations are outstanding community-based financial institutions and have a very similar culture and commitment to the communities that they serve.

Look for more exciting news about the merger coming soon.

Thank you for your continued loyalty, trust and support.

This article was submitted by ESB Bank.