On Monday, October 17, we enjoyed a beautiful Indian summer day and celebrated two exciting occasions – the groundbreaking of our new corporate center and our annual All Employee Meeting, both held in our future home at Whitehall’s Community Park. Joining Heartland Bank executives at the groundbreaking event were approximately 60 guests, including the following:

Most of us have developed a very close personal relationship with our mobile devices: we carry them with us throughout the day, check them frequently, and even sleep with them nearby at night. Although mobile devices allow us to instantly connect with friends and family, to access the internet, get directions and make purchases, this increased convenience also comes at an increased risk. Many of these online activities require us to provide personal information, such as name, email address, account number and credit card information. This puts us at risk of having this information compromised by cyber criminals. It’s important to understand how to protect yourself when connecting on the go.

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month. Identity theft is a serious problem affecting millions of people each year. It involves acquiring key pieces of someone’s identifying information, such as name, address, date of birth, social security number and mother’s maiden name, in order to impersonate them. It can start with lost or stolen wallets, stolen mail, a data breach, computer virus, “phishing” scams, or paper documents thrown out by you or a business. Because of the nature of the crime, victims often do not realize their identity has been stolen until they are denied credit, turned down for a job or sent a bill for purchases they did not make. Remember that cyber security is a shared responsibility!

Heartland Bank has deep ties to Ohio’s farming community. Visionary bank founder Tiney McComb championed the cause of the agriculture industry and made growth and success a reality for central Ohio’s farmers and producers. When your livelihood depends upon changing weather, changing technology and changing commodity prices, you expect and deserve a stable financial partner. A partner that will to help you grow your income and net worth. A partner that will weather the cyclical nature of the markets. A partner like Heartland Bank.

The history of bluegrass music is traced back to British and Irish immigrants who arrived in Appalachia in the 18th century and brought with them the musical traditions of their homelands. Some 300 years later, bluegrass music is alive and well and being celebrated locally in Newark at the third annual Bluegrass on Main Street event this Saturday, September 24.