“Breaking ground on this new branch is more than just the start of construction — it’s a sign of our ongoing investment in the Belleville area,” said Marcie Barber, Juniata Valley Bank president and CEO. “We look forward to serving local families, businesses, and organizations with the same care, trust, and dedication that have defined JVB for generations.”

The new branch, located at 4305 E. Main St. in Belleville, is designed to provide customers with a modern, convenient banking experience while maintaining the personal service and community focus that JVB has been known for over the past 157 years. Once complete, the location will offer personal and business banking, consumer and mortgage lending, wealth management, and digital banking support.

The groundbreaking ceremony brought together community leaders, JVB executives, and local residents to celebrate the bank’s expansion. Guests had the opportunity to hear from leadership about JVB’s vision for the branch and the role it will play in strengthening community connections.

“We operate our bank with four very simple principles which help us embody what I believe is community banking; we strive to be capable, caring, connected, and committed,” shared Barber. “We are happy to be in the community, and we’re certainly happy to be in this very accessible and very nice site with the Sharps.”

Sentinel photo by LIV SUYDAM Nearly three dozen people gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking for the new Juniata Valley Bank location.

According to Barber, Belleville has become a destination, as Sharp Shopper and other retail establishments develop the area, bringing in visitors from Lewistown, Huntingdon, and even State College.

Despite not having a physical presence in Belleville, Juniata Valley Bank has been serving the area for more than 40 years.

“Even though this building is going to be new, we are not new to Belleville,” said Matt Waddell, vice president, portfolio manager and credit officer at Juniata Valley Bank. “We have employees like myself who live here, and we already have lots of customers here. And, we look forward to serving many, many more in the years to come.”

With the addition of the Belleville branch, JVB’s network will grow to 16 locations, further reinforcing the bank’s mission to “deliver reliable, community-focused financial solutions” across Central Pennsylvania.

JVB has been serving the financial needs of Central Pennsylvania since 1867. The bank operates 15 community offices across Juniata, Mifflin, Perry, Huntingdon, McKean, and Potter Counties, with the new branch expanding its reach to 16 locations. JVB is a wholly owned subsidiary of Juniata Valley Financial Corp.

Sentinel photo by LIV SUYDAM Juniata Valley Bank President and CEO Marcie Barber addresses the crowd at the groundbreaking ceremony.

“So, from all of us at JVB, we’re excited to grow with you, right here in the heart of Big Valley in Belleville,” explained Will Campbell, vice president and regional lending executive of the Centre region.

Sentinel photo by LIV SUYDAM Matt Waddell, vice president, portfolio manager and credit officer at Juniata Valley Bank, addresses the crowd at the groundbreaking ceremony.

Sentinel photo by LIV SUYDAM Will Campbell, Juniata Valley Bank vice president and regional lending executive of the Centre region, addresses the crowd at the groundbreaking ceremony.