Industry veteran Ryan Peene most recently served as senior vice president and director of market growth and development for Elmwood Park-based Spencer Savings Bank.

With a focus on U.S. small businesses, the Index is regarded as a bellwether of the nation's economy.

Bringing with him 35 years of experience, Jim Donovan joins the Clinton-based institution as CLO.

Alvita Ayers joined the financial institution's Small Business Administration and commercial lending teams in 2014.

Marking its southernmost branch in the state, the financial institution opened a new location dedicated to commercial and residential lending in the state's fastest-growing municipality.

The tradition, which has been observed for more than 10 years, will see donations distributed to these 19 food pantries across the institution's service areas.

The Union Township Chamber of Commerce and the financial institution joined with business and community leaders to celebrate the new, 1,800-square-foot downtown location.