Press Releases

First National Bank Announces Credit Card Rewards Program
Sept. 24, 2008 - First National Bank is pleased to announce a new credit cards rewards program which begins October 1.  Each purchase customers make with a First National Bank card earns them valuable bonus points which can be redeemed for everything from brand name merchandise to travel rewards and more.  Customers can visit www.scorecardrewards.com to see the variety of rewards to choose from.  For those customers that currently have a First National Bank credit card, the cards will automatically convert beginning October 1st.  Anyone who isn’t currently a credit card customer is invited to stop by the bank and talk to one of our representatives to learn more. 

First National Bank Targeted in Counterfeit Cashier’s Check Scam
June 13, 2008 - First National Bank has been targeted by counterfeiters who are presenting authentic-looking fraudulent cashier’s checks around the country.  The checks have the bank’s correct routing number and include a toll free number to verify the items which is NOT the bank’s number.  The bank encourages anyone who receives any of the bank's official items (cashier’s checks, money orders or checks) from an unknown or questionable source to contact us at (800) 766-3641 (NOT the number on the check) to verify the item's authenticity.

Below is the official release from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of the Comtroller of the Currency:

RE: Counterfeit Cashier's Checks of First National Bank of Buffalo

The above-named bank has reported that counterfeit cashier's checks issued in the bank's name and using a correct routing number of 102300459 are being presented for payment nationwide in connection with a mystery shopping scam.

The counterfeit checks may be identified by the following traits: the words "CASHIER'S CHECK" are located in the top center portion of the instrument directly above the following security statement: "AN INDEMNITY AND/OR SURETY BOND MAY BE REQUIRED PRIOR TO REPLACEMENT OR REFUND OF THIS CHECK IF LOST OR DESTROYED."  The following wording is located beneath the bank name in the upper-left section of the check:  "Payable Through First National Bank of Buffalo, Buffalo, WY, For Inquiries call 1-866-495-3692."  A remitter line is located in the bottom-left corner of the check, and the following security statement is located within the bottom border surrounded by padlock icons:  "SECURITY FEATURES INCLUDED.   DETAILS ON BACK."  The words "Authorized Signature" and "Countersigned" are located under the signature lines in the bottom-right portion of the instrument.

Items presented to date have included a remitter of "Top Shop, Inc.," have been made payable in the amount of $4,985, include the words "Operator I.D..Cu9482101" towards the top-right area, contain a 9-digit check serial number beginning in the "254" series, and have been signed by "Thomas W. Casey" and "D D'Alessendro."

Correspondence accompanying the counterfeit checks may contain the letterhead of "TOP SHOP INC., Suite 171, 404 S. Cannon Street, Bridgeville, DE  19933, Tel/Fax#: 1-905-599-6092."  Note that this wireless telephone number originates in Oakville, Ontario.   The letter may be signed by Kristy Hudson, Chief Assignment Co-Ordinator.  The correspondence informs the recipient that he or she has been pre-selected to represent the company as a mystery shopper.  It is explained that the enclosed cashier's check is to be used during the assignment to make purchases at various merchants and to transfer money using a nationally known wire service.  Recipients are instructed to contact 1-905-599-6092 prior to depositing the check and are required to keep the assignment confidential in accordance with the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which is enclosed with the check.

Due to possible variations in the appearance of the bank's official items and differing scams associated with the counterfeit or fictitious items, officials of the First National Bank of Buffalo recommend that any recipient who receives any of the bank's official items from an unknown or questionable source should contact the bank to verify the item's authenticity.

For additional information and guidance, please contact Diana Borgialli, Vice President/Security & BSA Officer, P.O. Box 400, Buffalo, WY  82834, by telephone at (800) 766-3641, by fax at (307) 684-5620, or via e-mail at [dborgialli@fnb-buffalo.com].

Consumers who receive a counterfeit or fictitious item and associated material should file complaints with the following agencies, as appropriate:

*  Federal Trade Commission (FTC):  by telephone at 1-877-FTC-HELP or, for filing a complaint electronically, via the FTC's Internet site at www.ftc.gov.

Lawrence, Thom Drafted to First National Team

April 17, 2008 - First National Bank is pleased to announce the recent hiring of Travis Lawrence and Nick Thom in our Buffalo office.  Lawrence will be the newest loan officer in the bank while Thom will be involved in trust and marketing operations.

Lawrence, a Buffalo native, received a B.S. in Finance and M.B.A. from the University of Wyoming.  He also attended the Pacific Coast Banking School in Seattle, Washington. For almost ten years, Lawrence worked for Wells Fargo Bank in Cheyenne in various roles, with his most recent being business banking manager.

Thom, also a Buffalo native, graduated from the University of Portland with a B.B.A. in Finance.  Most recently Thom worked for an institutional investment consulting firm in Portland, Oregon as an investment analyst.

First National Bank Transitions to Image Statements

March 14, 2008 - First National Bank has recently transitioned to a new check imaging system which has allowed the bank to print copies of checks, deposit slips and other documents being returned to customers, on letter sized pieces of paper included in periodic statements, rather than returning the original documents.  “The convenience for customers is just unbelievable,” said George Schafer, Sr. Vice President at First National.  “Instead of trying to keep track of all those little pieces of paper, customers can file their returned documents neatly in a folder or binder.”  First National is offering a 3-ring binder free to customers for each account they have with the bank.

First National was the last bank in Buffalo to transition to image statements, wanting to be sure to pick the right technology to provide the best service to customers.  Documents images are neatly aligned and easy to read, 18 per page, on a pre-punched letter-sized sheets of paper included with your account statement.

Images and electronic statements will be available soon through First National’s Internet banking site.

“We’ve had a lot of positive feedback,” said Katrina Andis, Operations Officer for Data Processing, “customers really like it.”

Borgialli, Jennings Promoted
March 14, 2008 – First National Bank of Buffalo has announced the promotions of two key employees within the organization.  Diana Borgialli has been elevated to Vice President Human Resources, Security/BSA Officer, while Melinda Jennings has assumed the position of Operations Officer – Teller/New Accounts Supervisor.

“These are two terrific employees,” said Scott McBride, Executive Vice President and Chairman of the Board, “they do a great job for us every day.”

Saxbury, Patterson Join Staff

March 10, 2008 - First National Bank is pleased to annouce the recent hiring of Kelsey Saxbury in our Buffalo Office and Shari Patterson at our loan office in Gillette.

Saxbury, a Buffalo native and graduate of Buffalo High, is our newest New Accounts representative.

Patterson, a Gillette resident for 3 years and native of upstate New York, has been hired as Loan Processor. Shari and her husband Dale moved to Gillette from Craig, Colorado.

“We’re happy to welcome Shari and Kelsey to the First National family,” said Diana Borgialli, Vice President of Human Resources.

Gillette Loan Office Completes Expansion

March 7, 2008 - The First National Bank loan office in Gillette has recently undergone a much-needed renovation, nearly doubling in size and providing addition office space.

The Gillette office, located at 101 A. Osborne Avenue in Gillette, is staffed by Carol Bowersox, Vice President, along with Amy Just, Jodie Warlow and Shari Patterson, all Loan Processors.