One of the through lines of ESB Financial’s long history has been community service, and to a significant level, community improvement.
That was in evidence Wednesday as the bank held its 125th birthday party at its 801 Merchant location. Along with highlighting the bank’s history in Emporia, ESB Financial also unveiled the lead gift — $100,000 — for the zoo’s upcoming renovations to and move for the bald eagle exhibit. Longtime bank vice president and current board member Karen Sommers says the zoo has been a big part of ESB Financial’s community engagament since at least the 1990s, including contributions to the cotton-top tamarins and kookaburras as well as a prior donation for the bald eagles.
Zoo Director Brenda Young was blown away by the gesture.
Young says the donation sets up an expansion for the eagles — as well as a new space where the bobcat and fox currently reside.
President and CEO Michael Black says community is the reason ESB Financial has been so successful.
Assistant Vice President for Marketing Kandace Wakeman says the donation embodies the bank’s dedication to the community.
Wakeman wouldn’t give specifics on upcoming anniversary activities, but she says there will be more community events to come.
In addition to the donation to the zoo, Wednesday’s activities included food from Smokin’ O’s BBQ, birthday cake from Traci Hale of TastyKakes, a custom-labeled beer involving Radius Brewing and Fanestil Meats and chocolates from Sweet Granada. Residents could also view the history wall developed for the anniversary year.
ESB Financial has also unveiled its new-look website at esbfinancial.com starting Thursday.
Photos by Chuck Samples/KVOE News
