Univest Bank & Trust Company of Pennsylvania announced it will be opening its first branch office in Lancaster County.    The Souderton-based holding company said they have signed a lease for a full-service retail branch in the Willow Valley Business & Medical Center at 90 Willow Valley Lakes Drive, Willow Street, in West Lampeter Township.

The announcement came on the heels of Univest filing an application to open a loan production office in East Lampeter Township, also in Lancaster County.   Jeff Schweitzer, CEO of Univest Corp., said the moves are a direct result of the market disruption in Lancaster County’s banking industry.

Some of the county’s major banking players have been acquired by out-of-market banks, and local community banks have moved in to target customers that may not feel like they fit in the new banks.  Mr. Schweitzer said expanding to Lancaster County was on the bank’s radar, but the market disruption sped up the schedule.

They intend to open the branch in the third quarter of 2016.

Emily Drennen is a marketing specialist and sales assistant at Lancaster DoubleTree Resort by Hilton. Recently, she was recognized nationally as a Hilton Socialite for her excellence in social media. As her reward, Emily will be flying to Dallas for an all-expense paid trip. This will be a three-day Social Media conference where Emily will get to present to over 100 Hilton team members, network with the other 25 Socialites, and share ideas with social savvy team members! Congratulations, Emily!

Willow Valley’s Homewood Suites-Harrisburg East hotel has been presented with the prestigious Connie Award by Hilton.  As the highest hotel award across all Hilton Worldwide brands, the Connie is presented to properties that embody Conrad Hilton’s vision to “fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality”.

This award recognizes this Willow Valley property as one of the top 30 Homewood Suites in the nation. They are graded on overall service scores, overall cleanliness scores, the last Hilton inspection and total extended stay percentage.  There are 392 operating Homewood Suites in the US & Canada.  Homewood Suites-Harrisburg East ranks as #22! Congratulations to the Homewood Suites team for their hard work and dedication!  Once again, Willow Valley team members create great experiences!

On January 1, Marlin Thomas, Chairman of the Board, celebrated his 50^th year of service with Willow Valley.  We want to congratulate Mr. Thomas for his half-century of servant leadership to the Willow Valley family of companies!

Doris Thomas, Board Secretary / Treasurer, also celebrated 50 years of service with Willow Valley.  We congratulate and thank Mrs. Thomas for her many significant contributions to Willow Valley and related companies over these many years.

Joe Lucia, Chief Financial Officer, celebrated 5 years of service with Willow Valley.  Thank you and congratulations to Mr. Lucia for his expertise and leadership to our company.