News:  08/11/08
New Internet Banking eCom 3.9 Release Loaded

If you have any problems logging into our Internet Banking product, please call our Bookkeeping area for assistance at 724-376-7015 or 800-376-7015.

News:  05/30/08
Changes to Internet Banking Log-in - Effective on Friday, May 30th @9:00 AM
This is a notification that on Friday, May 30th at 9:00 AM, Mercer County State Bank's Internet Banking log-in is moving to a newer secure domain address, and the application will no longer be accessible from the old address.   

1.  Customers who are accessing Internet Banking from our Home page (www.mcsbank.com) will be automatically  directed to the new secure domain address after 9:00 AM on Friday, May 30th.   

2.  When customers log-in to the new domain address for the first time, they will be required to answer one of their multifactor authentication (MFA) security challenge questions that they have initially answered.  A successful answer enables customers to optionally re-register their PC, which ensures they will not be challenged with the security questions the next time they log in. 

3.  Customers who have bookmarked Mercer County State Bank's Internet Banking Log-in page will need to return to www.mcsbank.com to access the new secure domain log-in address.  If not, the customer could receive the following message:
                                                                   Invalid Address
The address entered in your browser is invalid. If you believe you have reached this page in error, please navigate to your institution's home page to access online banking.

The change to a newer secure log-in domain address is preparing us for a newer version of Internet Banking which is coming this summer.  Listed below are just a few of the new enhancements that will be coming soon:

1.   The addition of memoposted items on Current Statement Transactions, new column sorting capabilities and streamlined account-to-account navigation makes it even easier for customers to log in and get the financial information they need.

2.   The Transactions menu will include a Recent Transactions page, which displays both current and previous business day transactions.

News:  01/01/2005
Press Release Mercer County State Bank and the Community Say “Thanks for Everything!”  Three Board Directors Retire

From left to right, Harold A. McQuiston (standing), Glenn Snyder (sitting), James C. Henderson (standing)

They have been such an integral part of the local community and to the Mercer County State Bank. And they will be missed dearly. These three men have dedicated 87 total years to the bank and have guided the bank through tremendous growth. They have also been very active in local, community events. How do you say “goodbye”? You don’t! Instead you say “Thanks” and “stop in and visit any old time.”

Who are these three valuable directors?  Let’s recap.

James C. Henderson served the board for 35 years and has “lived locally all my life” (as Jim put it!).  He was a 1943 graduate of Sandy Lake High School and a 1950 graduate of Grove City College. He and his wife, Nancy, are proud parents to four daughters. Jim has been an engineer for CB&I in Greenville for 32 years. On his retirement Jim stated, “Mercer County State Bank has shown remarkable growth during my involvement as a director. A number of branches have been added including Cambridge Springs, Meadville, Cochranton, and Clintonville with several branches in Mercer County. Many services have been added, including an investment broker and an insurance broker.”

Harold A. McQuiston has devoted 30 years to the bank and he has been a local resident for 80 short years! He attended New Vernon Township Elementary School and Sandy Lake High School. Harold and his wife, Sally have been local residents for years. Harold has four children: Bruce McQuiston (Insurance), Ellen Maloney (a teacher), Cathie McQuiston (an attorney), and Susan McQuiston (a teacher and basketball coach). Harold has been involved in a local jewelry store and McQuiston Insurance Agency. His thoughts on the bank, “I have been honored to serve on the Mercer County State Bank board for 30 years and realize what a fine bank it is for the customers that are served by the bank. To the excellent employees and management team…..Thank you!”

Glenn Snyder has served on the board for 22 years and has been a local resident for 50 years. He is a graduate from Franklin High School. He and his wife, Shirley, reside in Sandy Lake and raised their 4 children here (Sharlene, Ronald, Robert, and Susan). On his retirement he added, “I am confident that the new leadership of the bank can and will remain faithful to the ideals, goals, and philosophy that has always been the foundation of our continuing success.”

As you can see, these three men have dedicated themselves to this wonderful community and to the customers of the Mercer County State Bank…..Community Minded….Just Like You!

News:  05/13/2005
Press Release for Mercer County State Bank Unites with McQuiston Insurance and Hume Insurance Agency
Sandy Lake, PA – You’ve heard the expression, “United we stand…”, and no where does it ring more true than here in the Lakeview area.  Two longtime businesses have joined forces to bring their shared clientele strength and support in the ever-changing world of business.

Bruce, a lifelong resident of the community, and a 3^rd generation of McQuistons in Sandy Lake, graduated from Lakeview High School.  McQuiston Insurance agency was founded by Bruce’s father in 1954.  Seeing the potential for a great career in the insurance business, Bruce obtained his insurance license in November 1974 and began his employment at the agency. He attended Dickenson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and Mills College in Oakland, California.  Bruce has completed many LUTC classes, as well as, enrolls annually in insurance Continued Education classes.  In May 1991, Bruce purchased McQuiston Insurance agency from his father.

The opportunity to acquire the Hume Insurance Agency came about in 1995, when Bruce presented a proposal to George Hume, who was the owner at that time.  Hume Insurance Agency was started in 1920 by George’s father, Robert E. Hume.  George joined the business in 1950.  Bruce had a vision for the union believing that continuity and the strong similarity of goals would enhance community service. 

The history of family relationships with Mercer County State Bank and McQuiston Insurance comes from lifelong friendships.  In light of current market trends with the banking industry joining forces with insurance companies, Bruce realized that it would be in the best interest for all to combine the two businesses.  He said, “I knew their beliefs and goals were extremely compatible with my own visions of the future of the community, and its future needs.”  McQuiston Insurance and Hume Insurance Agency offer insurance products for Life, Health, Home, Auto, Business, and Flood.  The employees at both of the insurance agencies are now under the same umbrella as Mercer County State Bank.

During the first six months of the merger, McQuiston Insurance has embraced new opportunities in the business world.  “With the combined efforts of meeting goals, and a clearer vision of future growth through team effort, organization, and trust,” explains Bruce, “this is a great benefit to everyone.”  He invites everyone to stop in and visit both agencies, and the staff will be happy to help with any questions or concerns.  Ray Kaltenbaugh added “Market trends and relationships will expand as both businesses continue to realize their combined strength, and strive to provide the quality customer service and products that have made both Mercer County State Bank and McQuiston Insurance survivors, even in times of change.”  More quality in service, more quality in products, more quality in employees.   In a word….quality.

News:  03/21/2005
Press Release for Community Banking Week - Mercer County State Bank Joins in Community Banking Celebration Sandy Lake, PA – Mercer County State Bank joins community bankers throughout the nation to celebrate Community Banking Month, in April.  This year’s theme, “Community Banking Yields Community Benefits” will be demonstrated during the bank’s celebration activities, concentrating on the week of April 11-16, which has been designated Community Banking Week in Pennsylvania. 

On Friday, April 15^th, Mercer County State Bank will be hosting a “Customer Appreciation Day” at all of their 9 locations.  Along with refreshments, Mercer County State Bank will be holding a coloring contest, and giveaways.  Celebrating “Customer Appreciation Day” is one way that Mercer County State Bank would like to convey the community banking mission, and the unique criteria which differentiate them from other financial institutions. 

“Most people who do business with our bank think that personal service is what sets us apart, but the benefits of community banking are much more; reaching to the very heart of our local communities,” said Ray Kaltenbaugh, bank president and CEO. 

Community banks operate differently from the larger financial institutions.  In contrast, community banks put the people of their communities first in all financial decisions made, which are done locally; employees are local residents; and reinvesting in the communities which we serve is a high priority. 

Community Banking Week is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers, a state-wide organization with more than 250 community banking institutions as members.

Collections for the disaster victims were held in January at the local branches, and money was donated by Mercer County State Bank customers.  The bank employees also held a collection, and that total was matched by the Board of Directors.   A grand total of $4,177.97 in contributions was collected and sent to World Vision for relief and recovery assistance. 

The bank extends a heartfelt thank you to all their customers that donated so generously.  In addition, the bank also commends the employees and the Board of Directors for their efforts in contributing to the relief of those who are suffering from the disaster.  Mercer County State Bank is proud to be a part of the communities it serves.

Another major effort of the bank was the construction of the new Meadville Office. The current office in the Meadville Mall will be relocated to the new facility in January 2005 with a grand opening celebration on February 4^th and 5^th.  This new location will provide better access for our customers and will include drive up banking and drive up ATM facilities. 

On the deposit side of the bank, new checking account products were added for consumer and business customers. And internet banking has done much better than expected.  Customers appreciate the convenience of 24/7 banking. And the impact of Check 21? The changes and confusion expected with the enactment of the Check 21 legislation in October never seemed to materialize for Mercer County State Bank.   

Many more behind the scenes technological improvements will be made in 2005.  A new customer service system designed to speed up and simplify processing new accounts will be implemented. In addition, an updated teller processing system will be installed. Both of  these improvements will increase the efficiencies of processing customer transactions. 

So yes, 2004 was full of new and fun changes….but 2005 promises even more.

Stop by our new office and visit with the friendly staff.  We're looking forward to this new relationship - doing what community banks do best - making a difference in our community.

The acquisition will be the ninth branch office of Mercer County State Bank and third in Crawford County, the others being in Vernon Township and Cochranton.

This agreement is subject to regulatory approval by the State Banking Department and The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.  Closing is expected to occur in the second of quarter of 2001.

Ray Kaltenbaugh, Chief Executive Officer of Mercer County State Bank, states that the branch in Cambridge Springs is a natural extension of our banking area and is a key acquisition in the bank's plans for continued growth.  Mr. Kaltenbaugh also stated that all present employees of the Cambridge Springs office will be offered the opportunity to participate in establishing Mercer County State Bank's presence in the community.

"We've applied to the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.) and the state," said Glenn Snyder, Mercer County State Bank President.   "We have to get approval from federal and state regulators.  I can't really give a date, but we expect to be open in the second quarter.  We have had many requests for a branch in the Meadville area.  We intend it to be a full-service office.  We have high expectations for it."

The office will have an ATM and plans to create a drive-in facility are being discussed.  The office is expected to employ between six and ten workers when it opens.

The Meadville office will be Mercer County State Bank's eighth branch overall and its second in Crawford County.  The other Crawford County branch is located inside the Market Place supermarket in Cochranton.  However, the supermarket office will be replaced later this year with a freestanding office, which will be located along Franklin Street near the U.S. Post Office in Cochranton.  The new Cochranton office will be a full-service office with three drive-in lanes.

2000 saw the remaking of the former restaurant in Sandy Lake into a loan-processing center for Mercer County State Bank.   The Mortgage Processing Center opened in September 2000 for the processing of loan documentation and home for the Secondary Market Mortgage Department.  Centralization of processing, as well as specialization within the mortgage department will provide customers with better service and additional mortgage products.

A new product introduced in 2000 was the Business Advantage Account - a comprehensive business package that enables smaller businesses to take advantage of certain discounts and services.  Equipment Leasing, Investment Sweep Accounts, SBA Loans, Insurance Products, a Toll Free Call Center as well as discounts on long distance phone service, office products, check orders and much more are available to help the business owner save time and money.

In April 2000, Mercer County State Bank opened its doors to a new location in the Meadville Mall.  This spacious office employs five full time employees and part-time help, as needed.  The full service branch located inside the Meadville Mall, is the second location for MCSB in Crawford County.  Located at 16881 Conneaut Lake Road, Suite 120, this newest office provides opportunity for growth as well as additional convenience for existing customers.  Mercer County State Bank looks forward to the opportunity to meet the financial needs of the Crawford County area.

In June 2000, the Cochranton office, formerly located inside the Market Place, moved to its new location at 110 North Franklin Street.  This full service branch includes a drive-up ATM, three drive through lanes as well as safe deposit box rentals, previously not available at the former location.  Originally opened in 1997, the Cochranton branch was the first de nova branch for Mercer County State Bank as well as the first branch located in Crawford County.  Branch growth, as well as customer's needs, prompted management to seek options for a new site that would provide services not available in a supermarket branch environment.  Property was purchased and a new office constructed based on similar designs of the Sandy Lake Service Center and Jackson Township Offices.  Opened in June 2000, this new location provides additional opportunities for growth in the Crawford County area, as well as northern Mercer County.   The Cochranton vicinity has been very receptive to the addition of Mercer County State Bank in the community.

The Data Center, located at Franklin Street in Sandy Lake, has been upgrading and replacing equipment in order to prepare for the future.  A new phone system was installed in 2000 that enables customers to reach an officer's voice mail to leave messages when the officer is unavailable.  A new NDP500 Proof Machine was ordered, to be installed in early 2001, that will enable MCSB to archive images of checks for easier research as well as the ability to offer check imaging statements in the future.  An internet Portal system was also purchased that will provide customers the opportunity to customize their own log-in internet page with information and links for news, sports, stock quotes, weather and much more.

Recap of Year 1999
The Data Center was very busy in 1999 with the Year 2000 project. All mission critical hardware and software were tested and either upgraded or replaced, as needed. Much appreciation is extended to the Data Center personnel and Year 2000 Committee for their dedication and hours spent working on the Y2K project to ensure that customer service would continue uninterrupted into the new millennium. The Year 2000 project not only prepared the institution for January 1, 2000 – the changes that were implemented lay the foundation for improved services in the future.

With power outages occurring periodically, a diesel backup generator was purchased for the Data Center. The generator was installed during the summer and can provide electrical power to the entire building. Within seconds of a power outage, the generator will supply power to the Data Center in order to keep operations running indefinitely.

The mainframe computer upgrade was purchased in 1999 and was installed in the first quarter of 2000. The new system will accommodate the bank’s continuing growth as well as increase on-line network access, thus providing better customer service. The newer system also allows the possibility of adding Internet banking to the services provided to our customers.

Mercer County State Bank has taken positive steps toward improving its loan options for customers. A partnership has been formed with PHH Mortgage Services, a division of Cendant Corporation, in the mortgage department. The relationship with PHH provides the ability to write longer-term fixed rate loans that previously were not available at Mercer County State Bank. Options are available for terms up to 30 years on a fixed rate and as little as zero percent down.

Mercer County State Bank was honored as Business of the Year for 1999 by the Sheakleyville Fire Department. Mercer County State Bank has been a strong supporter of the Sheakleyville Homecoming sponsored by the Fire Department.

1999 was a special year for the town of Sandy Lake – they celebrated their Sesquicentennial during the summer. Mercer County State Bank was represented in the parade with a float entitled "Banking - Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow". Parade participants had a great time, in spite of the drenching downpour midway through the parade route.