— A holiday letter from Dave Lobach

Happy Holidays!

I just love this time of year. Getting together with family and friends, enjoying traditional holiday favorite foods, and taking time to give thanks for all the wonderful things that took place in 2023.

Yes, it’s true. It’s been a year of ups and downs as it relates to banking. We’ve all seen the headlines about banks that have struggled this past year. Some faced mergers, others reduced locations, and sadly in some instances, doors were closed permanently.

Embassy has made some headlines too, but for very different reasons:

• The S&P Global Market Intelligence, a financial industry leader, named Embassy 23rd among the top 50 community banks in the Northeast US.
• Embassy was named the “Best Bank” in this year’s Morning Call Readers’ Choice Awards. This is Embassy’s 9th win in this category.
• The FDIC Summary of Deposits showed that as of June 30, 2023, Embassy had gained market share, earning the 4th seat in Lehigh and Northampton Counties, overtaking PNC.
• Additionally, Bauer Financial Inc., the nation’s premier bank rating firm, awarded Embassy the highest rating of 5 Stars, confirming we are one of the strongest banks in the country.

As proud as I am of these accomplishments, I am equally proud of the numerous non-profit organizations that we supported this year with funding and volunteerism. This Embassy team gives back to the community well beyond banking hours. Many of our team members volunteer in leadership roles throughout the Lehigh Valley, serving on boards and committees that support children’s services and youth activities, food scarcity, emergency services, elderly care support, and so much more.

We have been dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of our local veterans, first responders, and their families since we opened our doors in 2001, and that continues to this day. Looking back on this year, I can only say that these accomplishments are something we should all take pride in.

The Lehigh Valley is truly a special place, and the people that live here are why. As the saying goes, “It takes a village,” or in this case, “the Valley”.

On behalf of the entire Embassy family, I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas, a joyous Holiday Season, and the very best of health and happiness in the New Year ahead!

David M. Lobach, Jr.
Chairman, President and CEO
Embassy Bank for the Lehigh Valley