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By:
Bill Wilson, SVP and Director Asset-Based Lending September 6, 2022
Although the economy has rebounded strongly from the effects of the pandemic, it has begun to overheat over the past year. This overheating of the economy has resulted in the highest levels of inflation we have seen in 40 years. In order to bring inflation back to its target levels of 2% annually, the Federal Reserve has raised interest rates over the past several months and it is expected that the Fed will continue to raise rates until inflation can be brought under control.
Increasing interest rates have historically caused the…
By:
Thomas J. Jordan IV, Market President, Central PA, Univest Bank and Trust Co. August 31, 2022
With historically high employment, high wages and high consumer spending, it is hard to believe that the current economic circumstances are technically defined as recessionary. The big question is not whether the U.S. is currently in a recession – the big question is what’s coming next? Are the economy’s problems going to get worse in the coming months? Will the situation level out or possibly even improve?
Many key indicators such as high inflation, market volatility, rising interest rates and a tightening housing market point to an economy on the brink of recession. But…
By:
Matt Cohen, Market President, Maryland July 13, 2022
In April, I made the move to Univest as Market President for Maryland after spending 18 years at a well-known, mid-Atlantic bank with $150-plus billion in assets. I started with that bank right out of college, went through a management development program, climbed the corporate ladder and eventually oversaw business banking in the Baltimore region.
Since deciding to leave, I often hear the question: “Why? You had a great career and you’re still young with so much opportunity.”
The answer is pretty simple: Univest offers something very different to the Baltimore market. The consolidation of community banks over the years…
By:
Christopher Stratton, CBC, Senior Employee Benefits Consultant, Univest Insurance, Inc. May 10, 2022
Hopefully 2022 will put the pandemic behind us. However, the impact will continue to loom large for the US workforce. The top trends impacting employee benefits are directly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and the “Great Resignation.” The combination of these factors makes it imperative for employers to create a strategic employee benefits package to ensure a healthier employee population and reduce employee turnover. Here are three things to consider.
1. Flexibility in how, when, and where employees do their job.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there…
By:
Dale Hershey, SVP, Director of Agricultural Lending, Univest Bank and Trust Co. May 9, 2022
The beginning of 2022 has seen quite a few challenges for the American economy overall and specifically the agricultural industry. Escalating inflation and interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve have hinted at continued high costs for everything from daily expenses to business supplies and employee wages. A third wrench was thrown into the mix with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Those two countries supply roughly 30% of global wheat exports, 20% of corn exports and more than 70% of the world supply of sunflower oil. The associated disruption has exacerbated already strained supply chains.
By:
Dan Yocum, SBA Administrator, Univest Bank and Trust Co. May 6, 2022
President Franklin Roosevelt said, “When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on!” That is so true for small business owners—they face risks head on, overcome insurmountable obstacles and hustle every day to make their businesses successful. The innovation and determination of small businesses is what drives our economy forward.
In my role as an SBA Lender at Univest, I get to work with some of the most inspiring small businesses imaginable. These are people that took a concept, invested everything they had and work hard every day to make their dreams into reality….
In honor of Small Business Week, Edwin Roman, Vice President and SBA Relationship Manager, provided insight from his career working with local business owners. Check out the Q&A:
Tell us about your experience working with small businesses. I’ve spent more than 20 years working with small business owners as a banker and as a board member of the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. I truly enjoy and take pride in providing financing to small business owners to help them accomplish their goals. It’s special knowing that, with the support of…
By:
Peter Miklos, EVP & Central PA Commercial Banking Group Manager, Univest Bank and Trust Co. April 21, 2022
With inflation still on the rise, it is a pervasive topic of discussion with business owners. Along with inflation concerns, we have rising interest rates. We have seen significant rate increases so far this year. These factors result in higher costs for business owners. How can they plan accordingly?
How will rising interest rates impact business owners?
Without proper preparation, rising interest rates can have a substantial impact on business owners. To help prepare for the rate hikes projected by the Fed, business owners should reexamine their business plan.…
With the first quarter of 2022 behind us, it is clear that rising interest rates, inflation, ongoing supply chain issues and worker shortages will continue to challenge businesses this year. Now is a great time to look at your business plan and refine it, if needed. Here are six things to consider:
Account for inflation and interest rate increases: Inflation had a big impact on the bottom line of many businesses in 2021, and rising interest rates will only exacerbate this dilemma in 2022. Business owners need to plan for…
In late 2021, Univest Bank and Trust Co. provided the senior financing to support Argosy Private Equity’s acquisition of a controlling interest in AM-GPP Holdings, LLC d/b/a Global Power Products. This transaction represents the third current investment that the Univest team has financed for Argosy.
Argosy is a lower middle market private equity firm based in Wayne, Pennsylvania that invests in manufacturing and business services companies through management and leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, corporate divestitures, growth financings and generational transitions of family-owned businesses.
