This past year proved to be a successful year for ESB Financial Corp. and ESB Bank in a number of ways.

In what continues to be a challenging economic environment, ESB is proud to announce record earnings for a third consecutive year. In addition to record earnings, SNL Financial ranked ESB Financial Corp. in the top 10 of the 100 largest public thrifts by asset size for the third year in a row.

Bauer Financial is another organization that evaluates the strength of banking institutions and once again rated ESB Bank with five stars out of five for superior financial stability.

Additional recognition at the national level came by way of KBW Inc., which named ESB Financial Corp. to its “Bank Honor Roll” of superior performers. Only 40 U.S. banking institutions received this recognition for successfully navigating the financial crisis and generating a superior 10-year track record.

Not only did ESB Bank receive national recognition, but once again it received praise at the local level.

In the first-ever Pittsburgh Post Gazette Top Places to Work survey, ESB Bank was recognized as a 2011 Top Place to Work. The Pittsburgh Business Times also honored ESB Bank as one of the Best Places to Work in Western PA for the sixth time in eight years.

It is important to point out that ESB has experienced guided growth and is one of only a few remaining locally owned and operated banks in Western Pennsylvania.

Growth in 2011 came by way of both deposits and a new office. New and expanded customer relationships resulted in a 14 percent increase in deposits over the previous year.

Another significant milestone occurred in October, when ESB Bank opened its 25th branch, an office in Cranberry Township at 2630 Rochester Road.

ESB Bank’s slow and steady approach to growth revolves around staying focused and committed to the communities it serves.

ESB Bank strongly encourages employees to participate in charitable, community and personal service activities. So much so, that ESB Bank established a Community Service Program to recognize those employees actively involved in community organizations and activities.

During 2011, 131 employees reported a total of 5,223 community service hours to organizations ranging from schools, churches and volunteer fire departments to youth organizations and participation in charitable fundraisers. This equates to about 652 eight-hour days or 130 40-hour work weeks.

You will often see ESB Bank as a sponsor for athletic events as well as other artistic, cultural and/or musical events. These include programs in school districts as well as those put on by or through other community groups.

At ESB, you’ll find a full-service financial institution offering virtually every financial option you’ll ever need. Because ESB Bank is a community-based bank, you are sure to get the personalized service and attention you deserve from the people who live and work right in your neighborhood.

The bottom line is ESB Bank combines top-tier products with superior customer service from people you can trust.

For more information on ESB Bank, visit www.esbbank.com or stop by any of the 25 branch offices in Lawrence, Beaver, Butler or Allegheny counties to see how ESB Bank can help you achieve your financial goals.