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]

Are we headed for a recession in 2023? What economic indicators should we be paying attention to? These are some of the questions we explore in the 21st episode of our Sharing Knowledge Series. Host Kevin Vonderau, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank, sits down with Jon Park and Brian Toma, CFP®, AIF®, CEPA to offer predictions for 2023 and provide guidance to business owners who are bracing for a possible recession. Jon founded Westfield Bank in 2001 and has remained as executive chairman since he retired as CEO in 2021. Brian is managing partner and a 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

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

Have questions? Email [email protected].

Many business leaders and community members hope to make a positive impact on the areas they serve and the neighborhoods in which they live. One of the best ways to uplift the community around you is through engaging with nonprofits and philanthropic efforts. The 20th episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series takes a closer look at how nonprofits operate and the ways that you can get involved.

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

Have questions? Email [email protected].