Sharing Knowledge Series

What can small businesses do to attract, develop, and retain the best talent possible? That’s the focus of this episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, led by host Kevin Vonderau, EVP, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank. Kevin is joined by two local human resource experts, Laura Steidl, Vice President of Human Resources at ICI Metals and Stella Karas Skaljac, ESQ., Founder & CEO of ImagineHR, LLC and Human Resources Director & Associate General Counsel at Ken Ganley Companies. 

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Have questions? Email [email protected].

For legal information and resources, visit westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer.

The last 12 months had no shortage of developments that have set the stage for the economic outlook in 2025. As we look towards the new year ahead in the latest Sharing Knowledge Series episode, host Kevin Vonderau, EVP, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank leads a discussion about where our economy is at and what business owners can expect in the coming months.

Kevin is joined by Jon Shulman, a Westfield Bank board member, and Brian Toma, CFP®, AIF®, CEPA®, managing partner and financial advisor at FHT Advisors.

We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks 

Have questions? Email [email protected].



For legal information and resources, visit westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer.

In a digital world, the threat of fraud to businesses is only growing and evolving. That’s why cybersecurity and fraud prevention advice is the focus of this episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series. Host Kevin Vonderau, EVP, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank, leads an important discussion to help business owners stay informed about the latest fraud trends.

Kevin is joined by Andy Jones, CEO at Fortress Security Risk Management and Westfield Bank board member, and Jarrod Long, director of treasury management at Westfield Bank.

We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks 

Have questions? Email [email protected].

For legal information and resources, visit westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer.

Agency growth and expansion is the topic of discussion for the 28th episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series. Host Kevin Vonderau, EVP, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank, discusses how insurance agency owners can best prepare for growth while navigating the high interest rate environment and other policy changes impacting the economic landscape with guests Josh Heebner, Dave Rivell, and Mike Wagar.

Josh and Dave are partners at Element Risk Management, and Mike serves as SVP, agency banking and specialty lines leader at Westfield Bank. 

We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks 

Have questions? Email [email protected].

For legal information and resources, visit westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer.

What is wealth management and preservation, and why is it important for individuals and families?

This question and more gets answered in the 27th episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series. Host Kevin Vonderau, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank, discusses wealth management, strategies for financial planning, and preserving wealth across generations with guests Brad Knapp, president of Clearstead and Ken Morgan, chief operating officer at Clearstead Trust.

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 agency

We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks

Have questions? Email [email protected].

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 and Brian is a managing partner and 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 agency

You can read highlights of the discussion by visiting 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 

Have questions? Email [email protected].

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, Brandon is a partner at the Brennan Manna Diamond 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

We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks

Have questions? Email [email protected].

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, and Carrie Malotte, VP, commercial loan officer at Westfield Bank.

To read the key takeaways from the discussion, visit 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

Have questions? Email [email protected].

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, and Leslie Oyler, CPA, Client Services Manager at Zion, Synek & Associates 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

We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks

Have questions? Email [email protected].

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, and Tim Juka, client executive at Oswald Companies, 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

Have questions? Email [email protected]