What do business leaders and consumers need to know about the economy as we head into the new year?In the 26th episode of our Sharing Knowledge Series, our guests look ahead to help business owners and consumers navigate the challenges and opportunities we’re likely to experience in 2024. Host Kevin Vonderau sits down with Mike Toth and Brian Toma to discuss what factors they’re watching to gauge the state of the economy in the new year. Mike is the Chairman & CEO of Westfield Bank (https://www.westfield-bank.com/why-westfield-bank/leadership-team) and Brian is a managing partner and registered investment advisor at Freeman Heyne Toma Financial Advisors (https://www.fhtadvisors.com/team/brian-toma-cfp-aif).Investment products:• Are not FDIC insured• Are not bank guaranteed• May lose value• Are not a deposit• Are not insured by any federal or state government agencyYou can read highlights of the discussion by visiting https://www.westfield-bank.com/why-westfield-bank/westfield-bank-news/2024-economic-outlook (https://www.westfield-bank.com/why-westfield-bank/westfield-bank-news/2024-economic-outlook) We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks (http://www.westfield-bank.com/sks) Have questions? Email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).For legal information and resources, visit westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer (http://westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer).

As we increasingly rely on technology, what can you be doing to ensure your company is protected?In the 25th episode of our Sharing Knowledge Series, host Kevin Vonderau sits down with David Howard and Brandon Pauley to discuss the proactive steps your business can take to protect your data, privacy, and mitigate threats and disruption to your business’s operations. David is the director of technical services at V2 Technology (https://v2portal.com/site/), Brandon is a partner at the Brennan Manna Diamond (https://www.bmdllc.com/) law firm, and Kevin is the chief lending officer at Westfield Bank.To read the key takeaways from the discussion, visit www.westfield-bank.com/why-westfield-bank/westfield-bank-news/maintaining-good-cyber-hygiene (http://www.westfield-bank.com/why-westfield-bank/westfield-bank-news/maintaining-good-cyber-hygiene)We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks (http://www.westfield-bank.com/sks)Have questions? Email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).For legal information and resources, visit westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer (http://westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer).

When pursuing new growth opportunities for your business, there are two big things to keep in mind: you have options, and you don’t have to go at it alone.In the 24th episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, host Kevin Vonderau, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank, discusses strategies related to business growth with Bob Filipiak, executive director of Cascade Capital (https://www.cascadecapital.org/), and Carrie Malotte, VP, commercial loan officer at Westfield Bank (https://www.westfield-bank.com/).To read the key takeaways from the discussion, visit westfield-bank.com/why-westfield-bank/westfield-bank-news/financing-business-growth (http://www.westfield-bank.com/why-westfield-bank/westfield-bank-news/financing-business-growth)  We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks (http://www.westfield-bank.com/sks)Have questions? Email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).For legal information and resources, visit westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer (http://westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer).

No matter what stage of the business lifecycle you’re in, having trusted professionals in your corner can pay dividends. Are you intentional about who you surround yourself with as a business owner?In the 23rd episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, host Kevin Vonderau, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank, sits down with Nolan James Jr., Esq., a shareholder at Cavitch Familo & Durkin (https://cavitch.com/attorney/nolan-james/), and Leslie Oyler, CPA, Client Services Manager at Zion, Synek & Associates (https://www.zsacpa.com/who-we-are/leslie-j-oyler) for a wide-ranging discussion about the important role advisors play in growing your business.Read the article at https://www.westfield-bank.com/why-westfield-bank/westfield-bank-news/growing-your-business (https://www.westfield-bank.com/why-westfield-bank/westfield-bank-news/growing-your-business)We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks (http://www.westfield-bank.com/sks)Have questions? Email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).For legal information and resources, visit westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer (http://westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer).

Everyone from individuals to families to business owners are impacted by the rising costs of healthcare in the U.S. What are some key trends that industry experts are watching? How is healthcare adapting to technological advances? In our 22nd episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, host Kevin Vonderau, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank, is joined by Dr. Jennifer Prezioso, DPM, FACFAS, founder and CEO of Balance Foot & Ankle (https://www.balancecle.com/), and Tim Juka, client executive at Oswald Companies (https://www.oswaldcompanies.com/), explore these questions as a part of a broader healthcare discussion.We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks (http://www.westfield-bank.com/sks)Have questions? Email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])For legal information and resources, visit westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer (http://westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer).

Are we headed for a recession in 2023? What economic indicators should we be paying attention to? These are some of the questions we explore in the 21st episode of our Sharing Knowledge Series. Host Kevin Vonderau, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank, sits down with Jon Park and Brian Toma, CFP®, AIF®, CEPA to offer predictions for 2023 and provide guidance to business owners who are bracing for a possible recession. Jon founded Westfield Bank in 2001 and has remained as executive chairman since he retired as CEO in 2021. Brian is managing partner and a registered investment advisor at Freeman Heyne Toma Financial Advisors.Investment products: • Are not FDIC insured • Are not bank guaranteed • May lose value• Are not a deposit • Are not insured by any federal or state government agencyWe want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks Have questions? Email [email protected] legal information and resources, visit westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer.

Many business leaders and community members hope to make a positive impact on the areas they serve and the neighborhoods in which they live. One of the best ways to uplift the community around you is through engaging with nonprofits and philanthropic efforts. The 20th episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series takes a closer look at how nonprofits operate and the ways that you can get involved.We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks (http://www.westfield-bank.com/sks)Have questions? Email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).For legal information and resources, visit westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer (http://westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer).

The thought of retirement or what’s next for you and your business is intimidating. But like many big decisions you make throughout your career, thoughtful planning will help set you up for success. That’s why in our 19th episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, host Kevin Vonderau, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank, sits down with Gary D. Sirak, CLU®, ChFC®, president of Sirak Financial Services (https://www.sirakfinancial.com/) and author of How to Retire and Not Die: The 3 Ps That Will Keep You Young and Mark Dorman, AIF, CLU®, ChFC®, CFBS, CEPA, president & CEO of Legacy Business Advisors Ohio (https://www.legacybusinessadvisors.com/) and Contributor to Forbes Business Council.In this episode, Kevin, Gary, and Mark discuss considerations and factors that impact personal retirement, business perpetuation, and succession planning.We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks (http://www.westfield-bank.com/sks)Have questions? Email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).For legal information and resources, visit westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer (http://westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer).

How big of a role does marketing play for businesses looking to make the most of their budget and gain the attention they deserve? In our 18th episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, host Kevin Vonderau, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank, is joined by Hallie Bram Kogelschatz, CEO & president of shark&minnow, and Mark Priebe, president of Proximity Marketing.We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks (http://www.westfield-bank.com/sks)Have questions? Email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).For legal information and resources, visit westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer (http://westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer).

Want to gain insight into the state of the retail industry and how businesses have been impacted by supply chain issues and rising inflation? In our 17th episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, host Kevin Vonderau, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank, is joined by guests Scott Maloney, owner and president of Century Cycles, and Chris Curcio, CEO, and president of Litehouse Pools & Spas.We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks (http://www.westfield-bank.com/sks)Have questions? Email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).For legal information and resources, visit westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer (http://westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer).