The Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers recently honored several community banks and supporters during its annual Inspire Awards gala celebration at the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel.

This celebration honors community bankers who are inspired to make exceptional, positive contributions to the people they serve, honoring the rich history and tradition of community banking and contributing to its ongoing success.

“The INSPIRE Awards provides a perfect opportunity to celebrate the many impressive ways we make a difference in our communities,” said PACB President and CEO Kevin Shivers. “Our community banks help your clients beat the odds every day, and this year’s ceremony recognizes the men and women who made 2024 one of the best years in PACB’s history. You helped Pennsylvanians survive the bumps and bruises of a shaky economy. When the large bank failures swamped the financial sector, each one of you helped to restore the public’s confidence in the banking system. You kept going forward, and you made a huge difference in our communities across Pennsylvania.”

The gala event featured keynote speaker Vince Papale, former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver and team captain, and Cassandra Coleman, executive director of the America250PA initiative.

Jay Miller of Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank received the banker of the year award, which is presented to a banker who plays a pivotal role over the years in supporting their community bank, as well as contributing to the growth of area schools and organizations and being engaged with the business and economic development of the region.

Jay Miller’s 40-plus years of experience in banking at JTNB is exceptional, but his commitment to his community began much earlier at the age of sixteen, volunteering with the Jim Thorpe Fire Department – and continues to serve in that capacity 51 years later.

Miller, who serves as senior vice president and compliance officer at JTNB, recently retired from the Jim Thorpe Borough Council after serving 34 years.

During his time as emergency services chair for the council, he was responsible for the purchase of two new fire engines.

In addition, he has been a longtime lector and Eucharistic minister of his local parish for a quarter of a century and takes communion to its homebound parishioners.