The Consumer Bankers Association (CBA) presented PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. with the seventh annual Joe Belew Award, honoring its member bank with the most innovative and impactful program supporting digital access to financial services.
This is the second straight year that PNC has won the award. The firm won for its PNC Fairfax Connection, a free community resource center in the Fairfax neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. It provides residents with internet access, financial education, and professional development programs. The Fairfax Connection has more than 6,600 members, averages 1,200 visitors per month, and offers distinctive programs through partnerships with local organizations.
“CBA’s member banks are committed to supporting consumers’ digital banking needs,” said Jim Matthews, senior vice president of Community Reinvestment Act compliance at Capital One, who also serves as CBA’s Community Reinvestment Committee Chair. “Not only do these innovations allow consumers to bank whenever, wherever, and however they choose, they also expand access to necessary financial products and services to low-and-moderate-income communities. This year, we are pleased to honor PNC with the Joe Belew Award and thank them for their commitment to expanding digital banking access.”
PNC Financial Services received $10,000 from CBA to donate to the non-profit program partner of their choice.
“It is an honor to have won the prestigious Joe Belew Award for the second straight year,” Todd Barnhart, executive vice president and head of retail distribution at PNC, said. “Every consumer should have the opportunity to benefit from the banking system, and we at PNC are committed to making this a reality for the low-and moderate-income families in our communities. The PNC Fairfax Connection offers local citizens a robust network of community resources and tools to meet their digital banking needs through education and training.”
Michael Taylor, senior vice president of West Territory at PNC, who oversees the PNC Fairfax Connection credits the success of the Connection to the hard work and dedication of the team members and partners.
“We are committed to continuing our relationship with the Fairfax and greater Cleveland community to provide meaningful services to help benefit the financial well-being of local citizens. I am proud to accept this award on behalf of PNC, and I look forward to continuing to help our customers and deepen our community relationships,” Taylor said.
PNC beat out finalists BBVA Compass, Capital One Financial Corporation, KeyBank, USAA Federal Savings Bank, and Wells Fargo and Co.