First Commonwealth changed dramatically, every unit responded  positively to being part of one unified identity. Most importantly,  the focus of First Commonwealth, to build strong communities,  remained intact. Every First Commonwealth employee understands  and embraces the philosophy that personalized service is a First  Commonwealth tradition that transcends corporate identity. To reinforce its historical commitment to building strong  communities, First Commonwealth adopted a program to publicly  recognize employees who so generously have given their time and  talent to improving their communities. In addition to the awards,  First Commonwealth made significant contributions to civic and  charitable organizations throughout its seventeen-county market  area. Specific contributions were made in the name of the award  winning employees to charities of their choice. BARBARA NICHOLS SAYS SHE  SCREAMED WHEN WORD ARRIVED  that she had received the Golden Tower  Award. “Luckily,” she jokes, “it was after  hours.” Extremely honored to be recog- nized for her efforts to improve her  community, Barbara believes First  Commonwealth is right to encourage its  employees to be community servants. She  is very involved in marketing and produc- ing her local children’s theatre program. In  addition, she teaches Sunday school and  serves on the boards of the YMCA and the  New Castle Playhouse. “I have a good life,”  she says, “and I have always felt I should  give something back to the community.”  2003 Annual Report 5 BARBARA NICHOLS COMMUNITY FINANCIAL MANAGER , Downtown New Castle Office