In these challenging economic times and with sincere interest in helping local communities and government entities, the Franklin Security Bank Government Financial Services program  is focused on meeting both the investment and financing requirements of Pennsylvania Local Governments, School Districts and Authorities.  Franklin Security Bank has an experienced and knowledgeable management team, each with more than 25 years of experience who are well positioned to meet the requirements of government banking, including the ability to fully collateralize government accounts in accordance with Pennsylvania Pledge Act 72.

“Pennsylvania local governments are faced with unprecedented budget pressures and fiscal concerns.  We believe that highly personalized and professional advice from a well capitalized community bank with significant relationships in the commonwealth such as ours, working with local government entities to meet fiscal challenges, just makes sense for the good of Pennsylvania communities”, said Richard F. Mebane, President and CEO at Franklin Security Bank. 

Jablowski brings over 25 years experience in government management to Franklin having managed several state wide government banking portfolios for regional financial institutions.  He holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Marywood University and a B.A. in Political Science from Penn State University with a Minor in Pennsylvania Studies. 

Jablowski served as Mayor of Ashley Borough and was a District Director of the Pennsylvania Majority Policy Chairman and a Congressional Assistant.  He is a graduate of the Leadership Lackawanna program and also served as Executive Director of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of NEPA and was the Development Director of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic.

Currently Jablowski is a member of council in Wilkes-Barre Township, is active with the Government Relations committee of the Pennsylvania Bankers Association and serves as an instructor in American Government at Penn State Wilkes-Barre Campus.

“With the ever changing needs of Pennsylvania local governments, I am pleased to be part of an organization that is engaged with all aspects of the community and most importantly have the financial expertise to ensure sound fiscal government management.  At Franklin, clearly, we are putting our experience to work for local governments”, said Jablowski upon his appointment.

Franklin Security Bank, a Federally Chartered Savings Bank was acquired in 2007 by a group of investors with local ties to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area.  Franklin Security Bank is a community bank fully dedicated to the areas it serves by providing highly personalized, caring customer service to businesses, individuals and government entities through its practiced group of banking professionals.

For more information about Franklin Security Bank contact: Margaret Steele, Vice President Marketing and Administration at 825-9800 or MSteele@FranklinSecurityBank.net

BUSINESS/COMMERCIAL FINANCING

Multiple secured facility types including, term loans, lines of credit, letters of credit, etc.

• Financing Amounts
  • Up to 6 Million to Qualified Businesses
• Terms:  Maximum term ten (10) years
• Equity Requirements: 
  • Minimum 0 to 20% (asset dependent)
• Debt Service Requirements 
  • Typically 1.25 to 1.
• Rates:  Both fixed and variable rates available. 
  • Actual rates to be determined on an individual transaction basis.
• Qualified Uses
  • Fixed asset acquisition and refinance, working capital, leasehold improvements, business acquisition, etc.

BUSINESS/COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE FINANCING

• Financing Amounts
  • Up to 6 Million to Qualified Businesses
• Terms:
  • Maximum term of 10 years with amortizations not to exceed 25 years
• Equity Requirements:
  • Minimum of 20%
  • Franklin will finance 80% of cost or appraised value whichever is less
• Rates:
  • Both fixed rates and variable rates are available
• Qualifying Properties:
  • Available on most Commercial Buildings including Manufacturing plants, Retail stores, Warehouses, Multi-unit apartment buildings, and Office buildings
• Appraisals:
  • Appraisals must be ordered by Franklin on all commercial financing and must be completed by a Franklin approved State licensed commercial appraiser

BUSINESS/CONSTRUCTION FINANCING

• Renovation or construction projects:
  • Franklin can advance funds on a basis of completion with a construction/permanent mortgage
  • Interest only is charged during the construction period
  • Converts to a permanent mortgage loan upon completion of the work
• New construction/Development
  • Funded with a construction/permanent mortgage

 *Terms and conditions apply, credit review and analysis required for consideration of a loan

All funds in a “noninterest-bearing transaction account” are insured in full by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation from December 31, 2010, through December 31, 2012.  This temporary unlimited coverage is in addition to, and separate from, the coverage of at least $250,000 available to depositors under the FDIC’s general deposit insurance rules.

The term “noninterest-bearing transaction account” includes a traditional checking account or demand deposit account on which the insured depository institution pays no interest.  It also includes Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (“IOLTAs”).   It does not include other accounts, such as traditional checking or demand deposit accounts that may earn interest, NOW accounts, and money-market deposit accounts.

For more information about temporary FDIC insurance coverage of transaction accounts, visit www.fdic.gov.

Any information that you may have concerning this matter should be brought to the attention of:

               E-mail: occalertresponses@occ.treas.gov
               Mail: Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
               Enforcement & Compliance Division, MS 8-10
               250 E Street, SW, Washington, DC   20219
               Fax: (202) 874-5301

 Richard C. Stearns
Director of Enforcement & Compliance

located at

139 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503 

The First $100 is on us!*

The benefits of a Franklin Security Bank business checking account include:

FREE Business Checking

• No Monthly Service Fees
• Check Printing Charges Waived – up to $250.00

FREE Web Banking

• View balances in real time
• Manage cash flow
• Transfer funds between accounts
• Download banking financials into business software

FREE WEB Bill Pay

• Pay bills directly from your account
• Schedule payments in advance
• Utilize ACH services

Ask about remote deposit capture, personalized cash management and our courier services!

*Applies to business checking accounts.  Bank rules and regulations apply.  Offer deposited directly into checking account upon opening.  To enable us to open the type of checking account that best fits your needs, you must provide us with a current business checking statement.  This is a limited time introductory offer.

• 1099-INT statements report the interest from each account with the same Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) who earned $10.00 or more in interest in the 2010 tax year.

• 1099- INT statements have been mailed and you should receive yours no later than January 31, 2011.

• Annual IRA Statements have been mailed and you should receive yours no later than January 31, 2011.

Other FAQs concerning 1099-INT statements:

• I moved and did not receive a 1099-INT statement. Who do I contact?

Please click here to contact our Customer Service Department to request a Change of Address form be mailed to you or call 1-877-482-7300 and ask to speak to a representative in our Deposit Services Department and they will also be glad to send you a Change of Address form to sign and return.

• I need a replacement 1099-INT. Who should I contact?

Please click here to contact our Customer Service Department to request a duplicate/replacement statement be mailed or call 1-877-482-7300 and ask to speak to a representative in our Deposit Operations Department.

• There is an error on my 1099-INT statement. How do I correct it?

Please click here to report the error to our Customer Service Department or call 1-877-482-7300 and ask to speak to a representative in our Deposit Services Department. The bank’s representative will make the correction and send you a corrected 1099-INT statement.

• I made less than $10 in interest. Do I need to report this?

Check with your tax advisor or the IRS.   Franklin Security Bank does not report interest of less than $10 for a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).

For more information on your 1099-INT statement, please feel free to call Franklin Security Bank at
1-877-482-7300 or visit the IRA website at http://www.irs.gov

“How to” … Yield better rates and banking services in the New normal economy.

We all have watched with concern as the financial environment deteriorated over the past few years.    Although it would be short sighted to point the blame at any particular politician or industry, it is clear there are plenty of abusers, many of whom have been well publicized.  It is better to recognize that the combined practices of some institutions, and the interdependence of the economic system at large, as the primary contributors.  Regardless, as a result, public sentiment and confidence toward banks has declined and financial institutions must now work hard to reestablish themselves as a partner and aid to their constituency. 

Many large banking institutions had capitalized on fee structures as a major source of revenue over the past ten years.  As we move forward, financial institutions recognize that punitive fee structures have negatively impacted certain segments, and that a new understanding must be established.  Bankers must develop new pricing strategies that make sense for their respective institutions as well as their customers.  The key to this conundrum is to create value for the business customer in a practical and efficient way that ensures a long-term relationship. 

This desire of the financial institution for long-term relationships can be leveraged to a business’s economic advantage.  Indeed, this is an asset available to the savvy customer who has been careful with their credit and it can strongly influence the rates they are able to secure.  Additionally, the use of select banking products can create a better bottom-line for a business and the bank as well.  Products such as Remote Deposit Capture which enables a customer to scan checks and eliminate visits to a bank facility, Cash management services which enables a business to more effectively manage their money on a daily basis and the Automatic Clearing House (ACH) which allows electronic origination inclusive of expedited debits and credits are all good examples.  Some of these real-time fund availability options are immediate benefits to a business and are encouraged by the bank as they eliminate redundant processing.  Primary business checking accounts present one of the most significant opportunities for a deeper customer partnership.  A sizable average balance intended for accounts payable or payroll are opportunities to further nurture the relationship as well.  Deeper relationships (multiple products/account balances) create a better credit risk profile enabling the customer to benefit with lower rates on loans or higher rates on deposit products. 

Bank employees are trained to understand the limits and regulations surrounding financial products.  They have a wealth of experience and should be partners and counselors to business customers.  The former approach of selling individual products for individual gain is not in the best interest of the business or the banking institution.   And, business customers should be assured they are handling new borrowing in a responsible way.  The best way for a financial counselor (business banker) to determine this, is by having a better understanding of the overall patterns of the business’ respective financial accounts.  At this stage, a bank is best able to assess ways in which they can bundle products together to create the most value.  Please note these specific examples:

• Businesses typically send an employee to make a deposit prior to 2 or 3PM to ensure the deposit covers obligations or collects maximum rates.  This problem can be eliminated at a bank that works in a real time environment, has automated/electronic processing options or provides a courier service.  Businesses most able to take advantage of these choices typically work on tight deadlines and/or have numerous daily transactions. 
• When a business searches for a loan in today’s environment (assuming the credit is strong), they have more negotiating power with the bank and may yield a more favorable rate when coupled with the deposit relationship.  Multiple deposits would further enhance the overall benefit to the business. 
• Business customers should avail themselves to the free financial expertise available to them through their business banker.  Bank products should be part of a long-term business diversification plan.   An evaluation of total retirement savings (non-investment) by your banker will add value and safety to overall business goals as they have significant experience in this area and are able to maximize on opportunities.  A simple brainstorming session will enable a business banker to offer creative financial advice unique to your business situation or long term needs.

In closing, look for a bank where (1) you are able to talk candidly or gather good counsel from the business banker, (2) where you can trust the individual to protect and creatively put your money to work, (3) where they are willing to teach you best business banking practices (4) where the bankers are stewards of “living within your means”, and (5) the values of that institution and its bankers are aligned with your own.  If these qualities are not present – then it is time to find a new local institution.  The economic downturn has allowed all of us to refocus on traits that really matter including supportive relationships, creativity, sense of community and thrift.  With minimal effort and solid support from your bank, you can thrive and prosper in this new economy.

For more information on “How to” take advantage of these opportunities or to learn more about business banking products and services, please call Franklin Security Bank at 570-825-9800.

Margaret A. Steele

Vice President, Marketing and Adiminstration

Franklin Security Bank

 Smishing   (from Consumer Reports)

How it works, “Phishing” is when you get an e-mail from a supposedly trustworthy source, such as your bank or PayPal, claiming a problem with your account and asking for your user name and password. When you respond, your information is stolen and your account is siphoned. “Smishing” is the latest twist on that scam—instead of getting an e-mail, you get a text message. (The word is a combination of “SMS,” for short message service, aka text messaging, and “phishing.”) You’re told to call a toll-free number, which is answered by a bogus interactive voice-response system that tries to fool you into providing your account number and password.

This works because people don’t give their cell-phone numbers out. Typically if  someone has your cell number, you are inclined to be confident that it’s legitimate. Thieves frequently use random-dialing telemarketing services to hit on your number, says Rod Rasmussen, president and CTO of IID, an Internet security firm. If you belong to a small financial institution, be especially wary—customers are targets because often the call-back number has a local area code, not an 800 number, which makes victims less likely to suspect a hoax, Rasmussen says.

Below are recommended resources for ensuring your online safety:

FTC.gov The Federal Trade Commission’s site has lots of fact sheets that tell you what to do you if you’ve been scammed. Under the Consumer Protection tab, click on “Consumer Information” and then “Shopping for Products & Services.” Don’t miss the helpful primers on what to do if you’re billed for merchandise you never receive and “How to right a wrong.”

Safeshopping.org This site is sponsored by the American Bar Association and is packed with advice on safe payment methods, protecting your privacy when you shop, and other need-to-know topics.

OnGuardOnline.gov This site has tips on Internet shopping and is sponsored by government agencies. Quizzes test your knowledge of spyware, online auctions, ID theft, and more.

Antiphishing.org The Anti-Phishing Working Group, an industry-sponsored association, has a tip sheet on how to avoid being scammed. Click on “Consumer Advice,” then “How to Avoid Phishing Scams.”

BetterBusinessBureau.org  Before you do business with anyone, go to the Better Business Bureau, at www.bbb.org/us. Grades A to F are based on how long the seller has been in business and how good a job it does resolving complaints.

Franklin Security Bank feels it is necessary to prepare our institution, as well as our customers, in the event of a local or national disaster.   We want to take the “what if” out of the equation and reassure you, our customer, that not only will we be prepared if affected by a disaster, but we want provide you tips on precautionary measures you should consider. 

Bank steps for customer:

• Customer service numbers will be provided online and by phone,  as soon as possible
• Status of available ATMs will be provided
• In the event we need to relocate our office or obtain emergency contact numbers, the local media will be provided this information as soon as possible.
• Customers will be informed of any federal regulations governing disaster recovery.
• If check books, passbooks, debit or credit cards are lost, re-open accounts under new numbers. 

Customer Tips:

• Create a secure, encrypted financial cheat sheet to keep with you at all times that contains all deposit, loan, credit card ATM card, and debit card account numbers, phone numbers and other details that may be needed.
• Safe deposit boxes and the bank’s vault doors are not water tight.  The contents of your safe deposit box are not covered by the bank’s insurance or by FDIC insurance.  You should insure the contents with an agency of your choice.  Any documents, stamps, photos, etc. should be stored inside double ziplock plastic bags.  If you are already storing items in this manner, it is a good idea to check the bags periodically to make sure the bags are sealed properly.
• If there is adequate warning of an approaching disaster, you should remove the property from the box and take it to an are believed to be out of harm’s way.
• Consider obtaining information on disaster preparedness kits, supplies, training, jobs, and food.

Helpful Websites

Preparing for a Disaster

• www.Ready.gov
  Emergency preparedness guidance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security lists and explains specific threats and response. How to prepare, glossary, feedback form, and links to related government and private organizations.
• www.dhs.gov
  U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• www.usa.gov
  Usa.gov – The Official Web Portal of the US Federal Government
• www.citizencorps.gov
  Citizen Corps

Disaster Help

• www.disasterassistance.gov
  Sponsored by the Disaster Management e-Government Initiative, providing information and services relating to the four pillars of all-hazards disaster management: preparedness, response, recovery, and migration.
• www.fema.gov
  Federal Emergency Management Agency
• www.redcross.org
  American Red Cross
• www.bt.cdc.gov
  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response

Useful Telephone Numbers

• 1-800-FED-INFO (1-800-333-4636)
  Call the Federal Citizen Information Center for answers you can trust about federal agencies, programs, benefits or services.
• 1-800-BE-READY (1-800-237-3239)
  Citizens can call 1-800-BE-READY to order a readiness pamphlet and to get more information about ways to protect themselves and their families.
• 1-866-GET-INFO (1-866-438-4636)
  American Red Cross hotline for information on personal and family disaster preparedness, international humanitarian assistance, services to the military, and answers to questions about all Red Cross services.