Unity Bank, headquartered in Clinton, N.J., is pleased to announce the appointment of Lynda Lesko to the position of Assistant Vice President/Relationship Manager for the Linden branch and Market Leader for the Linden, Union and Springfield branches. Lesko's responsibilities include Linden branch management and providing sales guidance, direction and personal development assistance to employees in the Linden, Union and Springfield branches.

The name, “Bernie Madoff,” still evokes extreme feelings of anger and disbelief that are almost palpable. Madoff is the former stockbroker, investment advisor and mastermind behind the $50 billion Ponzi scheme that left thousands of investors reeling from the loss of their entire life savings and substantial retirement accounts. Many are left wondering how Madoff “pulled off” a fraud scheme of this magnitude for as long as he did. Many were left in complete financial ruins.

As part of its mission to provide excellent customer service on a consistent basis, Unity Bank is pleased to announce two new service provider affiliations. Jaguar Software and SOURCECORP Statement Solutions have provided a solution for creating the most efficient and cost-effective means to deliver check images and statement documents to retail and commercial customers.

The collapse of the subprime mortgage market that began in late 2006/early 2007 also saw a decline in the availability of U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) loans through community banks. For entrepreneurs and would-be small business owners, who were seeking career changes or striking out on their own because of recession-related layoffs, the inability to secure an SBA loan at their local community bank was like adding “insult to injury.”

When opening a new checking account, banks regularly offer bank cards to their account holders. These cards can be used to withdraw money at Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) or as a payment alternative at any establishment that recognizes and accepts major credit cards.

As part of Unity Bank’s ongoing commitment to charitable causes and community outreach projects, twelve employees, including the CFO, several branch managers and back office personnel, participated in Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity (RVHFH) Chapter’s home build in Bridgewater on December 8, 2009.

Due to the current state of the economy, the number of delinquent residential mortgages in New Jersey and Pennsylvania continues to increase, right alongside the unemployment rate. As borrowers continue to lose their jobs, they’re finding it increasingly difficult to make their monthly mortgage payments. A steady decline in home values has resulted in many unemployed borrowers who, in addition to being unable to afford their payments, are “underwater” – they can’t sell their homes for the balance they owe on them.

Only a few short months ago both homeowner and property had to perfectly fit the ideal mortgage mold in order to qualify for financing. Most banks, especially the big ones, just couldn’t afford to put more home loans into their portfolios, and since the real estate bubble burst many have simply been unwilling to listen to legitimate explanations for nonconformity.

Small and mid-sized businesses do much better at community banks, according to the watchdogs of commercial banking. One such community bank that fits this description is Unity Bank.

The banking industry has long paid lip service to the importance it places on customer appreciation in its advertising and new business efforts. One area bank, however, has made it a tangible part of its every day banking services.