We have finally arrived at the end of our Hex Sign Design Contest! With 534 votes cast for the 24 entries to the contest, we are happy to announce that the grand prize winner is Mya Conti with 96 votes!

Our runners-up were Sharon Martucci in 2nd place with 78 votes and Lisa Pollock with 57 votes!

The winning design will be sent to Claypoole Hexsigns to be handcrafted into a real hex sign, which will be on display at our Bank branches for one week.

Thank you to everyone who submitted designs to the contest and thank you to everyone who voted for your favorite designs. Check back later this month when we will have the finished hex sign on display at our branch offices!

An Executive Order issued on March 25, 2025, mandates that the U.S. Treasury no longer issue paper checks for federal disbursements—including tax refunds, Social Security benefits and vendor payments—as of September 30, 2025. The federal government will transition to making electronic payments instead.

Who is impacted?

The three main groups impacted are:

1. Social Security and other federal benefit recipients: This includes anyone currently receiving Social Security or veterans benefits. The Social Security Administration estimates that 69 million Americans receive an average of $1,700 in monthly benefits.
2. Taxpayers receiving their refunds by check: Those who receive IRS tax refunds by check are estimated to be 2/3 of Americans, with an average amount of just over $3,000.
3. Government contractors: This includes businesses or individuals who are paid by the federal government for any contracts or grants.

The mandate is intended to prevent fraud and reduce cost. U.S. Treasury checks are 16 times more likely to be reported lost or stolen, returned deliverable or altered than electronic payments. Estimates show that discontinuing the use of paper checks could result in annual savings of $750 million.

While the Executive Order urges federal agencies to transition incoming payments to electronic methods, it does not establish a firm end date for accepting paper checks from businesses or individuals. Agencies are instructed to move inbound payments to digital ‘as soon as practicable’ under existing law.

What You Need to Do

Proactive transition to alternative payment methods can enhance efficiency, lower costs, and safeguard cash flow. More importantly, the transition to digital payments offers greater security through encryption and authentication, greatly reducing the risk of theft or alteration of paper checks.

Individuals receiving federal payments

• Sign up for direct deposit or other electronic payment method: If you receive payments by check, provide a bank account for direct deposit or enroll in an approved prepaid debit card program to access benefit payments without a bank account. You can do both online or call the Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Contact Center at 877-874-6347.

Businesses sending or receiving federal government payments

• Enroll in electronic funds transfer systems: If your business receives federal payments via paper check, enroll through U.S. Treasury systems like sam.gov or asap.gov. If you're already enrolled, ensure your account information is accurate in order to avoid delayed payments. If you make payments by check to the federal government, shift to electronic payment channels instead.
• Communicate with your finance teams: Alert your internal teams to the impending change so they can update systems and shift to reconciling payments electronically.

With an increased focus on mobile banking and commercial customer experience, New Tripoli Bank continues to expand its suite of digital cash management offerings that are designed to provide a convenient and secure commercial client experience. This includes electronic/digital payables and receivables solutions such as ACH, remote deposit capture, cards, and digital checks. In addition to offering fraud detection and protection tools, the Bank works closely with clients to help them optimize workflows, reduce payment costs, and mitigate risk during this transition.

Contact New Tripoli Bank or call Michael Koch, Business Development Manager, at (484) 224-3742 to learn more about our commercial digital banking options.

Beware of Potential Scams

As with any change affecting large groups of people, there is a potential for misinformation and scams. You should remain vigilant when you encounter any links to websites or receive emails from individuals offering to assist you with transitioning to electronic payment methods.

You should always contact your financial institution directly in order to set up direct deposit or other electronic payment methods. Financial institutions will never contact you directly asking for your account information.

In addition, avoid anyone who asks for money in exchange for helping you to set up direct deposit or electronic payments. Most financial institutions do not charge a fee to set up these services for their customers.

If you have been the victim of fraud or have been contacted by someone attempting to scam you, alert your financial institution and file a fraud report at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/

Earlier this year, the Board of Directors of New Tripoli Bank announced Sundra Sherwin's promotion to Senior Vice President, Branch Administration. Sundra has been with New Tripoli Bank for over 18 years and has over 26 years’ experience in the banking industry. She joined the Bank in 2007, beginning her career as a Teller. Sundra has held many additional roles over the years, including Head Teller, Customer Service Representative and Relationship Banker. In 2014, Sundra was promoted to Assistant Vice President/Branch Manager, and since 2018 had held the title of Vice President, Branch Administration.

Commenting on Sundra's promotion, John Hayes said, “Sundra has been an invaluable part of maintaining New Tripoli Bank’s positive relationship with its customers. She’s done an amazing job at organizing and motivating the Bank’s retail staff, preparing the next generation of community bankers and branch managers that will carry the Bank into the future.”

New Tripoli Bank is happy to announce our April Animal Shelter Donate-a-thon! For the month of April, we will be collecting donations of pet food, treats, toys, and other necessities at our branch offices. At the end of the month, the Bank will send your donations to four animal care organizations in our area: Forgotten Felines and Fidos, Peaceable Kingdom Inc., The Sanctuary at Haafsville, and Animal Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley. Just look for the basket with the donate-a-thon sign in each of our branch lobbies.

Please make sure your pet food containers are unopened and any non-food donations are new or good-as-new. Bring your new and unopened pet food, pet toys, and blankets to your local New Tripoli Bank branch by Wednesday, April 30th. We are accepting all donations, but participating shelters are most in need of:

Cat Food

• Purina One Indoor Cat Chow
• Purina One Kitten Dry Food
• Purina One Sensitive Dry Food
• Friskies Canned Food
• Royal Canin Mother & Baby Dry & Wet Food
• KMR Kitten Formula
• Jars of Chicken or Turkey Baby Food

Dog Food

• Merrick Dog Food
• Fromm Family Dog Food
• Caesars Wholesome Bowls
• Science Diet Chicken & Barley
• Bully Sticks
• Purina One or Pro Plan Dry Small Bites
• Nyla or Bene Bones
• Salmon Treats
• Greenies Pill Pockets

Other

• Miracle Nipples for Kittens
• Cat & Dog Treats
• Poop Bags
• Small/Medium Martingale Collars
• Leashes
• Blankets

Your donations will ensure these organizations have the supplies they need to feed the cats and dogs in their care. Show your support for the fuzzier members of our community this April!

New Tripoli Bank is proud to announce that Matthew Koncz, Assistant Vice President and Controller, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Northwestern Lehigh Educational Foundation.

Matthew has been an employee of New Tripoli Bank since April 8, 2019, when he was hired to fill the position of Controller. He was promoted to Assistant Vice President in December 2022. In addition to his role as Controller, Mr. Koncz is a licensed Certified Public Accountant. He intends to take over the role of Treasurer for the Northwestern Lehigh Educational Foundation Board later this year. Regarding his appointment, Matt commented, “I look forward to working with the NWLEF to continue improving the educational infrastructure in our district’s schools. As the father of two children who are about to enter this school system themselves, I understand the importance of the Foundation’s mission and providing opportunities for students’ futures.”

New Tripoli Bank has been a longtime supporter of the Northwestern Lehigh Educational Foundation donating annually through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program. The Bank supports the Foundation in its mission to provide educational opportunities for students in the Northwestern Lehigh school district as part of our broader support for education in our local community.

This past Saturday, New Tripoli Bank employees headed to the Lehigh Valley Zoo for our annual company picnic! We didn't let the weather bother us as employees and their families came out to see the animals. Zoo staff brought out a turtle, penguin, and armadillo for a close-up animal encounter that the kids loved, and we raffled off gift baskets for our employees while everyone enjoyed a catered dinner. It was a fun-filled evening that let everyone unwind and enjoy one another's company outside of the office.

Nashville, TN – The Pennsylvania Bankers Association has announced the election of John M. Hayes, Chief Executive Officer and Director for New Tripoli Bank, to its Board of Directors, effective May 17, 2024. Mr. Hayes joins a board of 27 member-elected representatives from banks throughout the Commonwealth who are responsible for determining the Association’s policies and governing principles.

Mr. Hayes is the seventh Chief Executive Officer of New Tripoli Bank, and he was recently appointed as the newest member of its Board of Directors. He also serves on the board of New Tripoli Bancorp, Inc., the holding company for New Tripoli Bank. Mr. Hayes has over 30 years of banking and financial services experience and is active in his local community as well, serving as Chair of the Board of Governors of the Lehigh Northampton Airport Authority. He has previously served as Chair of the Board of Governors of the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and Housing Association & Development Corporation.

Mr. Hayes acknowledged, “I am honored to have been elected to the Pennsylvania Bankers Association Board, representing the industry’s interests and their mission to advocate for banks throughout the state. PA Bankers has always supported community banks like New Tripoli Bank and I am proud to offer my time and experience to furthering our mutual goals.”

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Reflections on the History of New Tripoli Bank with Willard Snyder

Show Transcript

New Tripoli Bank announced the appointment of John M. Hayes as a member of its Board of Directors effective December 19, 2023. He was also named to the board of directors of New Tripoli Bancorp, Inc., holding company for New Tripoli Bank.

Mr. Hayes is Chief Executive Officer of New Tripoli Bank. He joined the bank in February 2016 as Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer and was promoted to Executive Vice President in December 2016. He has over 30 years of banking and financial services experience and is active in the community as well, serving as Chair of the Board of Governors of the Lehigh Northampton Airport Authority, and past chair of the Board of Governors of the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and Housing Association & Development Corporation.

David R. Hunsicker, Chair and President, stated, “We are proud to welcome John to the Bank’s Board of Directors. He has demonstrated strong leadership and decision-making skills and has worked hard to prepare the bank for the future. Additionally, he has a strong customer and community focus which is essential for New Tripoli Bank to continue to grow. He lives and breathes our slogan, “Because People are More Valuable than Money.”

Mr. Hayes acknowledged, “I am proud and pleased to become a part of the Bancorp and Bank boards and look forward to continuing to work together to take the organization forward. Having lived and worked in the Lehigh Valley my entire life, community is a vital component which drives many decisions in our organization.”

New Tripoli Bank’s Board of Directors has approved the promotion of Paxton Werley, Network Specialist, to Assistant Vice President.

Werley has been an employee of the Bank since 2019, when he was hired as a Data Operations Specialist. His current role focuses on developing and maintaining the Bank’s IT systems, policies, and infrastructure.

 “Paxton has shown himself to be a motivated and capable individual who reflects the values we encourage at the Bank,” said John M. Hayes, Chief Executive Officer of New Tripoli Bank, commenting on the Board’s decision. “This promotion reflects the level of responsibility he’s taken on in recent months and our great expectations for his future with the Bank.”

When asked about his promotion, Werley replied, “I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to all of New Tripoli Bank’s leadership and staff for allowing me to learn from them. I look forward to continuing my career here and being part of the future of the Bank.”