Blog
Building a Better Business Budget
Starting a small business is an exciting yet challenging journey that requires careful planning and execution. For many owners, the process can feel overwhelming as they work to anticipate potential hurdles and lay a solid foundation for success.
Calculating Financial Fitness in Startup Situations
Starting a new business can be a thrilling yet daunting experience, particularly for first-time entrepreneurs. Beyond real estate costs, utility bills, renovation expenses, and inventory stacking, there’s a myriad of additional fees waiting to be tackled before you can finally welcome your first customers.
Recognize Workers’ Accomplishments Every Day
The success of your company isn’t achieved alone—it thrives because of the consistent effort, dedication, and dependable support provided by your staff every single day. Each team member plays a critical role in driving your business forward, contributing unique skills and perspectives that strengthen the organization as a whole.
Get a Home Business Off the Ground
Have you ever considered how many successful businesses begin in someone’s living room? They’re often driven by a handful of motivated individuals with brilliant ideas. This timeless concept still rings true today! You can turn your dreams into reality with a dash of determination and a solid understanding of what it takes to launch a new venture. The journey starts with you, so why not take the first step?
Don’t Let Work Ruin Time Away From the Office
Every small business owner has faced this dilemma—taking time off feels more like a fantasy than a reality. Instead of enjoying a well-deserved break, the phone keeps ringing, business banking tasks demand attention, and emails flood in, all while worries about the office swirl in the background.
How To Improve Working Relationships With Customers
Concerns about customer relationships can weigh heavily on small business owners striving to rise above the competition. It’s no easy feat to claim the title of best in town, but you can pave the way to success by concentrating on what your patrons truly need. Embracing this ongoing journey of understanding and meeting customer expectations might be the key to standing out in a crowded marketplace!
Surprise Your Customers With Your Service
Running a successful business requires a keen focus on customer satisfaction. This means being friendly and approachable, delivering exceptional services, and promptly resolving any issues that arise. However, with numerous companies striving to achieve the same level of customer care, you might wonder how to truly stand out in a crowded marketplace.
When Should You Fire an Employee?
Letting an employee go is one of the most challenging tasks a leader can face. As a small business owner or manager, you often have the responsibility for making tough decisions, and terminating someone’s employment is rarely easy or enjoyable. However, it’s an unavoidable aspect of running a business and ensuring its success.
Creating Publicity for Your Company
Success in business doesn’t happen in isolation; it requires visibility and recognition. For potential customers to choose your products or services, they first need to know you exist. This means actively finding and utilizing ways to promote your business and make it stand out in a competitive market.
Marissa Murphy to Spearhead Information Security and Disaster Recovery
Jason Rush, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at First United Bank & Trust, is pleased to announce the promotion of Marissa Murphy to Information Security and Disaster Recovery Officer. In this role, Marissa will be spearheading the corporation’s...
First United’s Phil Rodeheaver and Eric Goff receive CAFP designations
Jason Rush, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at First United Bank & Trust, is proud to announce that Phil Rodeheaver and Eric Goff recently passed the Certified Anti-Money Laundering and Fraud Professional exam and can now proudly display their...
Encourage Savings Young to Start Good Habits
The future of the American economy is not certain.
Julia Hershman Promoted to Wealth Advisor
Chris Sisler, Director of Wealth Management Sales at First United Bank & Trust, is pleased to announce the promotion of Julia Hershman to Wealth Advisor. Bringing a background of relationship development, teamwork, and sales skills, Julia will focus on wealth and...
How Holiday Stress Can Harm Financial Fitness
Everyone knows the feeling of waiting in long lines and shopping desperately for long hours for just the right gift.
Why You Should Ban Post-Work Communication
Picture this: it’s late at night, well after 5:00 p.m., and you suddenly realize—you forgot to pass on crucial information that your team needs for their projects, or perhaps there’s a financial plan that needs urgent tweaking from your accounting department. It could be that someone on your team neglected to submit a proposal for your approval.
Splitting Up Money for More Balanced Financial Planning
Many Americans look at their bank accounts and fail to truly grasp their financial picture. A common misconception is that money in a checking account simply “sits there” waiting for the next purchase. However, if a large portion of liquid assets is used this way, it can lead to lost opportunities for growth. Instead of letting money stagnate, creating a sound financial plan can help maximize its potential as investment capital.
3 Ways for Small Businesses to Give Back to the Community
Giving back can prove beneficial for small businesses, and there are a number of great ways to serve the community.
Curbing Credit Card Debt
You’re certainly not alone if you carry more credit card debt from month to month than you’d like. Breaking the cycle is rarely easy, but the benefits of wiping burdensome debt off your personal balance sheet can be huge. Here’s how to get started. Take a Total List...
First United Promotes Laura Helmich
First United Promotes Laura Helmich to Director of Specialized Banking. Jason VanSickle, Managing Director of Financial Solutions, of First United Bank & Trust is pleased to announce that Laura Helmich has been appointed as Director of Specialized Banking. With...
Finture – Steps to Your Financial Future Launches
First United Bank & Trust is proud to announce the official launch of Finture – Steps to Your Financial Future, its enhanced financial education program, aiming to revolutionize financial literacy and support for local communities.
An Uncommon Story – Westwood Charm Boutique
Our Uncommon Stories Season 4 continues with Westwood Charm Boutique in Martinsburg, West Virginia. Thanks to the community’s support and some outside-the-box thinking, especially when it came to weathering the COVID-19 pandemic, the store demonstrates the importance, resilience, and strength found in local businesses.
How A Better Website Can Improve a Small Business
Every small business should invest time and money in a website. This crucial tool can make a profound difference for any company—without one, the entire venture could suffer. Therefore, a financial plan should always include a strong website. With this in place, attracting clients, boosting business, and increasing revenue may be easier. However, simply having a site isn’t enough—several other elements must also be in place to get the most out of it.
Tips To Build a Great Business Strategy
At some point during the life of a small business, owners realize that customers aren’t flowing in. There could be several reasons for this, but regardless, the financial plan is struggling, and profits are on the way down.
Bulls & Bears Newsletter – Third Quarter 2024
Get the latest market insights with our Bulls & Bears Newsletter, provided by First United Bank & Trust Wealth Management Advisors.
First United Community Dreams Foundation Supports Landon’s Library
The First United Community Dreams Foundation is proud to provide $5,000 in funding to the WGW Community Youth Cup in support of Landon’s Library Trust Fund.
Jamie Alt appointed to Marketing Engagement Manager
Jennifer Petrie, the Director of Marketing & Communications, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jamie Alt as the new Marketing Engagement Manager.
Jennifer Petrie takes the reins as Director of Marketing & Communications
Kimberly Moyers, Managing Director of Strategic Engagement, is excited to announce the promotion of Jennifer Petrie as the new Director of Marketing & Communications.
AJ Savopoulos promoted to Assistant IT Manager
AJ Tasker, Managing Director of Information Technology at First United Bank & Trust, is thrilled to announce that AJ Savopoulos has been appointed as the Assistant IT Manager. In this new role, AJ will manage daily IT applications, support initiatives to enhance customer value, and oversee the Bank’s infrastructure.
Putting Together Sales Projections and What To Do When These Aren’t Met
Your small business’s financial plan should include a segment for projected revenues and sales. Forecasting revenue and growth can be tricky, and while estimates are never a sure thing, being able to present investors with thoughtful, solid predictions could go a long way toward securing funding, Entrepreneur magazine notes.
Focus on Improving Business Energy Efficiency
Business owners may look for different ways to increase their bottom line, and some of this may be accomplished by cutting their current bills.
2024 First United Golf Tournament
First United Bank & Trust sponsored the 36th Annual Charity Golf Tournament at the Oakland Golf Club on Friday, July 12, 2024. This tournament has become a tradition and has raised over $700,000 for local charities. Participants enjoyed a challenging round of golf, and at the same time, raised needed funds to support numerous community projects. This year, the recipient of the tournament proceeds was the United Way of Garrett County, to which First United donated $ 47,500.
A Financial Foundation: That’s What I Want
Establishing a solid financial foundation means ensuring you’ll have enough money to live comfortably. So, it’s important to have a plan to protect your financial security, whether you have a lot of money or only a little. Your Investments: A Good Place To Start...
Coming Up With the Best Payroll Solution for Your Business
An organization has many different options when considering how to handle payroll accounts. If you run a sole proprietorship or have very few employees, you may consider doing it yourself, and it doesn’t hurt if you’re also quite good with numbers. As you hire more people or find your math skills lacking, you may pursue other options, such as in-house or third-party handling and all the software and expenses that come with them.
Amanda McKenzie takes the helm as our new Director of HR!
First United Bank & Trust is thrilled to announce the promotion of Amanda McKenzie to the position of Director of Human Resources. With 20 years of experience in both banking and human capital, Amanda brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role.
Introducing Meagan Ward – Our Newest Addition to the Morgantown Team!
Jason Rush, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer at First United Bank & Trust, is proud to introduce Meagan Ward as the newest member of the Company’s business and commercial banking division serving the greater Morgantown area.
Not All Is Lost in Unemployment
If you have a financial plan in place to catch you, that’s great, but most Americans don’t even have a regular savings account or rainy day fund, let alone enough to get them from one job to the next.
3 Effortless Tips To Bolster Small Business Sales This Summer
All year round, growing sales and increasing brand loyalty is a goal. However, for some small businesses, the summer can be the season when purchases start to slip. As a result, you may want to find some cost-effective ways to change that.
Financial Tips To Get Your Start-Up on Solid Ground
As an entrepreneur, you likely want to create a successful, prosperous small business. However, you may be concerned about giving it a shot, either because you’ve done it before or because you aren’t confident of the many important steps along the way.
NFIB: Small Business Optimism Starts To Climb
Recent history hasn’t been too friendly to small businesses across the country. While the economy has been tough—and consumers have been hesitant to spend their hard-earned cash—conditions have started to improve. The sentiment of small business owners has started to creep up throughout the nation. This trend follows one of the harshest winters in recent memory, which constrained the economy even further. Thankfully, it appears that a better situation is on the horizon.
Julie Peterson Appointed Chief Credit Officer at First United Bank & Trust
Carissa Rodeheaver, Chief Executive Officer, President, and Chairman of the Board for First United Bank & Trust is pleased to announce that Julie Peterson has been named as Chief Credit Officer.
Bringing a Business Into the Online Universe
Many business leaders are all too familiar with various online tools, yet numerous administrators fail to utilize these solutions regularly. Despite the development of a wide range of user-friendly platforms over the years, some company officials are set in their ways, which may prove to be costly down the line. By investing in online solutions, a firm can instantly extend its reach. And, while it might seem difficult to learn what it takes to manage everyday tasks on the web, an organization that reviews all of its options may profit.
How To Build a Better Budget
Proactive financial planning and investing strategies are essential to keep enough money in your accounts and make sure it grows in a way that suits your prospective needs.
College Budget Breakdown: The Cost of Education
According to the College Board, last year, the cost to attend in-state public colleges averaged $25,290 for the 2017-2018 year and private colleges averaged $50,900. Wondering what goes into those costs? It’s time to do the math on college and the means of getting there. Visit our blog to learn the 5 main categories to consider.
Helping Your Business Grow at a Consistent Pace
Keeping up with consumer requests is important, particularly for businesses that want to expand. While it is crucial to find ways to help your company grow, your firm may profit if it takes a gradual approach to extend its reach.
Financial Tips for the Newly Single
If your marriage has ended and you find yourself single again, it’s important to make sure that all your financial arrangements reflect your new status. Taking the time to reassess your financial situation can help you build a secure and independent future. Here are a...
Getting Educated on Financial Tools and Banking Instruments
Efforts to increase financial literacy for all age groups is on the rise as more reports find that, across the board, people don’t know how banking tools work or how they might be beneficial.
Optimizing Your Online Presence
To stand out to web viewers, a company should consider the benefits of a simple approach.
An Uncommon Story – Trilogy Innovations
The fourth season begins by spotlighting Trilogy Innovations, a groundbreaking tech company located in West Virginia.
The Ins and Outs of Retirement
There comes a time in every working professional’s life when the idea of retirement becomes a reality, rather than just an abstract concept regarding permanent unemployment past the age of 65. For more people that consideration should come sooner in order to better plan for the future.
College Graduates Could Be Ideal Employees for Small Businesses
Small businesses are forced to deal with the tough task of hiring new employees early on during the startup phase. Finding the right talent can be challenging, and making a mistake here could have serious consequences in a number of areas throughout the company.