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Farmers opens Boardman office
Photo
Farmers Trust Co. opened its new building on McClurg Road in Boardman. Participating in Wednesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony were, from left, Tom Humphries, president and CEO of Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber; William Hanshaw, executive vice president of Farmers Trust Co.; James Sisek, president of Farmers Trust Co.; John Gulas, president and CEO of Farmers National Banc Corp.; Greg Bestic, board member of Farmers Banc Corp.; and Dr. Michael Shultz, Farmers Trust board member.
By Chelsea Miller
Boardman
Three days after the company’s 125th anniversary, Farmers National Banc Corp., along with Farmers Trust Co., had a ribbon- cutting ceremony at its new location on McClurg Road.
The building houses several Farmers entities. The company set up offices in Boardman as part of a strategic growth plan that includes new locations in Howland and North Canton.
James Sisek, president and CEO of Farmers Trust Co., said the location is ideal for the bank’s clients because of its proximity to St. Elizabeth Health Center and the Davis YMCA.
“We wanted to stay in the greater Youngstown- Mahoning Valley [area],” Sisek said. “We’re headquartered here, we started here, and we’re staying here.”
About 100 people attended Wednesday’s event. Sisek said the turnout was evidence of the community’s support of Farmers.
John Gulas, president and CEO of Farmers National Banc Corp., said the company’s new location will provide new jobs as well.
“A few years ago, Farmers probably had 285 employees,” he said. “Now we have over 315 employees.”
Despite the area’s current economic status, Gulas sees the bank’s recent success as an indicator of financial growth in the Valley.
“We’re looking to contribute more to the community. We’re looking to contribute more to the Valley, and we see the future being very, very bright,” he said, noting the prospects of the Utica and Marcellus shale exploration.
Farmers Trust Co. was founded in 1996. It opened in downtown Youngstown with four offices, three rooms and no money, assets or clients. Now, it manages $1.25 billion in assets, with branch offices in Howland and Youngstown.