Photos Courtesy Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Huntington, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, and Howard Hanna Real Estate Services
Huntington Introduces Asterisk-Free Checking
In direct response to customer feedback, and in a bold move veering sharply from most in the industry, Huntington is now providing simplified consumer checking as the next phase of its “Fair Play” banking approach. Huntington’s new consumer checking not only remains free, but also features the ground-breaking Asterisk-Free Checking, a free checking account without the exceptions usually found hidden in the fine print. Asterisk-Free Checking has no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance, and no check or debit card usage requirements — and it includes a free linked savings account, free Identity Theft Resolution with $10,000 coverage, and free debit card usage at Huntington ATMs.
“Huntington is providing customers a simpler, more straight-forward approach — ‘Fair Play’ banking, which is the direct result of customer input,” explains Dave Hammer, Huntington president in the Pittsburgh Region. “Similar to last year’s introduction of 24-Hour Grace, which gives our consumer checking customers additional time during the next business day to cover overdrafts, we are again leading the way. Instead of taking away benefits and 
adding fees, we have introduced a new free checking account that is easy to keep free and also comes with free ID theft coverage and 24-Hour Grace.” As Huntington continues to add cutting edge products and services, the bank continues to grow in the Pittsburgh Region with the addition of experienced banking specialists such as Debbie Riefner and Lisa Quattrochi. Riefner is Senior Vice President, Corporate Banking, and brings to Huntington a 23 year track record of success in that arena. She specializes in providing financial solutions to clients in the middle market, large corporate, health care, higher education, and security alarm monitoring industries. Her CPA background is invaluable in understanding and addressing specific needs of her client base. She is active in the Healthcare Financial Management Association. Quattrochi is vice president, senior community development relationship manager. She has enjoyed a successful 24 year career in mortgage lending, business banking, consumer lending, private banking and has served as CRA director. She is dedicated to enhancing Huntington’s involvement in community development, and strengthening local neighborhoods with affordable housing, financial literacy initiatives and volunteerism from Huntington colleagues. Huntington Bank, huntington.com.
Phipps Executive Director Honored
Richard Piacentini, executive director of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, will be honored on June 9 by the American Horticultural Society at the Great American Gardeners Awards Ceremony and Banquet in Alexandria, Va. Piacentini, one of 12 honorees, will be presented with the Professional Award for his achievements, as well as growing local interest in horticulture. The Conservatory has generated quite a bit of buzz recently, as construction has begun on the Center for Sustainable Landscapes. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 412.622.6914. phipps.conservatory.org.
Family House Forms Young
Business Leaders Committee
Family House is expanding its mission of being a home away from home for families and patients undergoing medical treatment in Pittsburgh with the formation of the Family House Young Business Leaders, an external advancement committee. The committee will increase awareness of the organization through fundraisers and networking events, and incorporate social media to broaden its reach. The members of the committee were hand-picked based on their leadership skills and philanthropic dedication. “This is a very energetic group of young professionals,” says Bruce Coleman, co-chair of the advancement committee. “They have an unparalleled enthusiasm, and we are very excited about their potential.” Family House Executive Director Christie Knott is equally excited about reaching a new audience. “These young people bring new perspectives to our outreach efforts. Our guests will ultimately benefit from their efforts, and for that, we are very grateful,” she says. Family House, 412.687.5811. familyhouse.org.
Food Bank CEO Joyce Rothermel Retires
After 24 successful years, The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank’s CEO, Joyce Rothermel is retiring. Rothermel co-founded the Food Bank in 1980, and has garnered national attention for her efforts. “It is time for the Food Bank to pursue its mission with new, creative leadership — and it is time for my husband and I to share our retirement time together,” Rothermel says. “For 30 years, food banking has been a focus in my life, and I will greatly miss it. I will miss the people who surround and support it — dedicated colleagues, devoted board members, generous donors, and willing volunteers. Most of all, I salute the wonderful staff I am privileged to know and with whom I have daily shared our critical mission. We have no plans to leave southwestern Pennsylvania, so expect to see us still involved in the community that is our home.” Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, 412.460.3663. pittsburghfoodbank.org.
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Recognizes Top Sales Associate
Mary Eve Kearns, a real estate sales associate with Howard Hanna Real Estate, was honored with the Very Best of the Best award during a black-tie gala in Prague. The gala capped off a weeklong trip which celebrated the success of the company’s top sales associates, finance managers, and sales management for the year 2010. She was presented with a black and green onyx necklace adorned with gold and diamonds, designed by Gardell Designs in Shadyside. Kearns works out of the Peters Township office, and is in the top 1 percent in sales with more than $200 million sold, and has been a sales leader since 1992. She is also a Christie’s Great Estates Specialist. Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, 724.941.8800. howardhanna.com.
