WesBanco Consummates Merger with First Sentry

Wheeling, WV, April 5, 2018 – Wesbanco, Inc. (Nasdaq:WSBC) (“WesBanco”), a diversified, multi-state bank holding company, and First Sentry Bancshares, Inc. (OTC Pink: FTSB) (“First Sentry”), a bank holding company with total assets of approximately $0.8 billion and headquartered in Huntington, WV, jointly announced today the consummation of WesBanco’s acquisition of First Sentry, as well as the appointment of Geoffrey Sheils as WesBanco’s Market President for Huntington and the surrounding area. Todd F. Clossin, President and Chief Executive Officer, of WesBanco and Geoffrey S. Sheils, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Sentry, made the joint announcement.

The merger, which was previously announced on November 13, 2017, was approved by all appropriate regulatory agencies, and, on February 9, 2018, by the shareholders of First Sentry. Under the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, First Sentry’s shareholders are to receive 1.5869 shares of WesBanco for each share of First Sentry common stock held. In addition, First Sentry’s Chairman of the Board, Robert H. Beymer, will become Chairman of the Huntington market advisory board for WesBanco, which will be comprised of the First Sentry board members to help ensure a smooth transition in the local market.

Todd Clossin, President and Chief Executive Officer of WesBanco, stated, “we are pleased to welcome the customers and employees of First Sentry to the WesBanco family. We look forward to providing our newest customers with a broader array of banking services, including expanded commercial and mortgage lending capabilities as well as trust and wealth management services. This merger fits perfectly with our strategic growth plans as it combines two institutions with solid credit quality and a strong focus on client service and community banking.”

“We are excited to become part of the team at WesBanco, and believe this partnership will benefit our customers and community,” said Geoffrey Sheils, former President and Chief Executive Officer of First Sentry Bancshares and WesBanco’s new Market President. “This merger provides our customers with enhanced products and services that have long been strengths of WesBanco, as well as new and expanded opportunities for our employees. WesBanco’s nearly 150 year history of demonstrated success as a community bank makes WesBanco the ideal partner for First Sentry.”

Robert H. Beymer, Chairman of the Board of First Sentry Bancshares, added, “we welcome WesBanco as our new partner in the community, and look forward to the additional resources and services which will greatly benefit our clients, employees, and community.”

Former branches of First Sentry Bank will continue to operate under the First Sentry Bank name until later in the summer of 2018, when they will be transitioned to WesBanco Bank in conjunction with the data processing and signage conversion. Subsequent to the conversion date, First Sentry customers will continue to conduct their regular banking transactions at First Sentry Bank’s former banking locations.

WesBanco’s merger with First Sentry, which enhances WesBanco’s position in the attractive Huntington, WV MSA and bridges its existing Charleston, WV and southeastern Ohio markets, creates a multi-state bank holding company of approximately $10.6 billion in total assets providing banking and wealth management services through 177 financial centers in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Prior to the merger with WesBanco, First Sentry operated five branches in West Virginia.

About WesBanco, Inc.

Founded in 1870, WesBanco, Inc. (www.wesbanco.com) is a multi-state, bank holding company with total assets of approximately $9.8 billion (as of December 31, 2017). WesBanco is a diversified and well-balanced financial services institution, with a community bank at its core, built upon a strong legacy of credit and risk management. WesBanco has meaningful market share across its key geographies maintained by its commitment to dedicated customer service and solid fee-based businesses. It also provides wealth management services through a century-old trust and wealth management business, with approximately $3.9 billion of assets under management (as of December 31, 2017), and serves as registered investment advisor to a proprietary mutual fund family, the WesMark Funds. WesBanco’s banking subsidiary, WesBanco Bank, Inc., operates 172 financial centers in the states of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. In addition, WesBanco operates an insurance agency, WesBanco Insurance Services, Inc., and a full service broker/dealer, WesBanco Securities, Inc.

Forward-looking Statements

Matters set forth in this filing contain certain forward-looking statements, including certain plans, expectations, goals, and projections, and including statements about the benefits of the merger between WesBanco and First Sentry, which are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those contained or implied by such statements for a variety of factors including: the businesses of WesBanco and First Sentry may not be integrated successfully or such integration may take longer to accomplish than expected; the expected cost savings and any revenue synergies from the merger may not be fully realized within the expected timeframes; disruption from the merger may make it more difficult to maintain relationships with clients, associates, or suppliers; changes in economic conditions; movements in interest rates; competitive pressures on product pricing and services; success and timing of other business strategies; the nature, extent, and timing of governmental actions and reforms; and extended disruption of vital infrastructure; and other factors described in WesBanco’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and documents subsequently filed by WesBanco with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Forms 10-Q for the periods ending March 31, June 30, and September 30, 2017. All forward-looking statements included in this filing are based on information available at the time of the release. Neither WesBanco nor First Sentry assumes any obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

MHC ACO to participate in Medicare Shared Savings Program

Innovative partnership using a quality-driven approach is designed to deliver the right care, in the right place, at the right time

HUNTINGTON, WV – More than 13,500 Tri-State Medicare beneficiaries will benefit from an innovative, highly coordinated, quality-driven approach to care as the MHC Accountable Care Organization began participation in January 2018 in the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP).

Launched by Medicare to advance the Affordable Care Act, the MSSP facilitates coordination and cooperation among providers both to improve the quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries and to reduce unnecessary costs. Its three-part aim is to promote:

  • Better care for individuals;
  • Better health for the population served; and
  • Containment of the growth in health care costs.

In an innovative regional partnership, Marshall Health, Huntington Internal Medicine Group and Cabell Huntington Hospital, Inc., have joined to create MHC Accountable Care Organization , LLC (MHC ACO) to participate in MSSP.  As part of the MSSP, MHC ACO, along with Marshall Health, Huntington Internal Medicine Group and Cabell Huntington Hospital will work with other health care providers to ensure that traditional Medicare patients in the Tri-State region attributed to MHC ACO receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

“With the number of Medicare patients across the region only continuing to grow, this partnership represents the major health care providers in our region coming together to best care for this vulnerable population,” said Joseph I. Shapiro, M.D., dean of the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and board chair for its faculty practice plan, Marshall Health. “This initiative is as much about improving and coordinating care as it is a cost-containment measure for the care of our seniors.”

HIMG is pleased to partner with Marshall Health and Cabell Huntington Hospital to jointly collaborate on MHC for the benefit of traditional Medicare beneficiaries within the region,” stated Mark Morgan, CEO, Huntington Internal Medicine Group. “We are excited about this partnership for our physicians, staff and ultimately each of those participants in the ACO. We believe this is a watershed moment within the community as these respective strong organizations work jointly, to improve the health and wellness of our community.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Marshall Health and HIMG in this innovative program that places patients at the center of their care,” said Kevin N. Fowler, president & CEO, Cabell Huntington Hospital. “MHC ACO is about leveraging the benefits/capabilities of information technology to proactively coordinate high-quality care for Medicare beneficiaries, especially those who are managing multiple or severe chronic conditions. Through this partnership, we will strive to enhance access and smooth transitions throughout the care continuum to improve patient outcomes and the patient experience.”

This more integrated, quality-driven approach means patient needs are at the forefront of our care approach.  It assures a pro-active relationship among patient and providers and offers assistance in navigating care across settings.

The Medicare Shared Savings Program rewards ACOs that improve outcomes and meet quality standards while containing overall health care costs.

Learn more by visiting mhcaco.org.

Jenkins Fenstermaker attorneys recognized by Best Lawyers®

Eleven attorneys from Jenkins Fenstermaker were selected by their peers to be included in The Best Lawyers in America © 2018.

The attorneys were recognized in the following areas:

  • Wesley F. Agee – Mergers and Acquisitions Law
  • Henry C. Bowen – Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers
  • Stephen J. Golder – Business Organizations (including LLCs and partnerships); Commercial Transactions/UCC Law; Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Real Estate Law
  • Lee Murray Hall – Insurance Law
  • Henry Kayes – Trusts and Estates
  • Brian S. Lindsay – Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants
  • Charlotte A. Hoffman Norris – Employment Law – Management; Health Care Law; Litigation – ERISA
  • Thomas E. Scarr – Bet-the-Company Litigation; Commercial Litigation; Employment Law – Management; Litigation – Construction; Litigation – ERISA; Litigation – Labor and Employment
  • Robert “Bo” Sweeney, Jr. – Commercial Litigation; Litigation – Construction; Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants
  • Barry M. Taylor – Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants
  • Steven Wellman – Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers

Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on an exhaustive peer-review evaluation. Lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed; therefore inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor. Corporate Counsel magazine has called Best Lawyers “the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice.”

Jenkins Fenstermaker, PLLC, provides representation in West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio, backed by more than 90 years of legal experience. Clients can find attorneys dedicated to quality, detail-oriented representation in business and commercial law; wills, trusts and estates; litigation; and labor and employment law.

HIMG welcomes physician Lois Weixler, D.O. and Donna Kaplan, FNP-BC

Huntington, W.Va. <January 24, 2018>: The Huntington Internal Medicine Group (HIMG) continues to expand its medical team by adding Family Nurse Practitioner Donna Kaplan and Dr. Lois Weixler to their practice.

Dr. Weixler earned her B.A. from Cornell University then went on to earn her D.O. from the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa. For over 20 years she has worked in the healthcare field with the most recent years focused on serving patients in the tri-state region.

Donna Kaplan has been taking care of patients for over 30 years and earned her degree from the University of South Florida College of Medicine. Ms. Kaplan is seeing patients alongside Julie Brewer, N.P. at HIMG’s Women’s Health office on Farmdale Road in Barboursville, WV. “We’re pleased to have another pair of outstanding providers join HIMG. The experience and reputation they bring with them is outstanding.” said Mark Morgan, CEO of HIMG. To learn more or to schedule an appointment with any of the physicians mentioned above please call 304-399-4600 or visit himgwv.com

HIMG is a thriving multi-specialty group practice founded in 1969 and now consists of more than sixty physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners in the areas of primary care, urgent care, and medical and surgical subspecialties. The physician group is considered to be the premier group practice in the tristate area including and around Huntington, W.Va. with a proven track record in attracting high caliber, qualified physicians. The HIMG Regional Medical Center is located at 5170 U.S. Route 60 East, Huntington, W.Va. 25705. For more information, visit www.himgwv.com.

Dr. Lois Weixler
Dr. Lois Weixler
 Family Nurse Practitioner Donna Kaplan
Family Nurse Practitioner Donna Kaplan

 

Mayor’s Council On The Arts Adopts Public Art Policy To Assist Artists

A citizen-based committee that has worked for the past three years to solidify the importance of the arts in Huntington has adopted a public art policy and master plan and launched an online inventory of potential locations to encourage the display of public art on city-owned property.

The Mayor’s Council on the Arts was formed by Mayor Steve Williams in fall 2014 as a natural outgrowth of two highly successful arts summits held in Huntington in prior years. The vision of the Council is to foster an environment where the arts permeate and enhance every aspect of the lives of citizens and are a part of all planning, strategic decision-making and governance.

One of the ways that can be achieved is by adopting a public art policy and master plan, said Margaret Mary Layne, chairwoman of the Mayor’s Council on the Arts.

“Public art plays a crucial role in any successful community,” Layne said. “It can serve to inspire the citizenry, create a sense of unity and purpose, encourage creativity, and celebrate the cultural heritage of the residents of this region.

Among other things, the master plan outlines a structure under which public and private entities can cooperate in the selection, location, installation, display and maintenance of public art. It also establishes an application process for a public art exhibit on city-owned property. Before submitting a formal application, artists will be required to submit a concept paper for their proposed exhibit for review and approval by the Mayor’s Council on the Arts’ Public Art Policy Subcommittee.

To help artists identify a potential location, the Mayor’s Council on the Arts has launched an online inventory of more than 25 locations in Huntington that are suitable for a public art exhibit. The inventory features an interactive map that includes a photo of the location, the dimensions and any restrictions.

It was created by Sam Ball, a senior at Marshall University who is majoring in graphic design in the School of Art and Design. Ball developed the online inventory through a two-part internship, first with the city’s Public Works Department to identify and document the locations and then with Bulldog Creative Services to embed the site images and descriptions into an interactive map.

The public art inventory; public art master plan and application documents; and more information about the Mayor’s Council on the Arts, including its membership, can be found on the City of Huntington’s by clicking here.

Jenkins Fenstermaker attorneys and firm recognized by Chambers and Partners USA

Four Jenkins Fenstermaker attorneys were recognized in the 2017 Chambers and Partners USA publication for their work in litigation. The firm was also recognized in the areas of general commercial and employment litigation.

Lee Murray Hall focuses her practice on insurance coverage, insurance defense and bad faith defense. Her insurance defense practice includes municipal liability claims, motor vehicle and trucking claims, premises claims, construction accidents, deliberate intent and medical malpractice claims. She currently serves as the president of the West Virginia Board of Law Examiners and is a member of the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel and the International Association of Defense Counsel.

Thomas E. Scarr practices in the areas of commercial litigation, products liability, toxic tort and labor and employment law. He currently serves on the West Virginia State Bar Board of Governors and is a member of the Defense Research Institute and the Defense Trial Counsel of West Virginia.

Robert H. Sweeney Jr. focuses on general civil litigation, with a concentration in the defense of mesothelioma and asbestos claims, construction disputes and defending employers in deliberate intent suits. He is a member of the West Virginia Defense Trial Counsel and Contractor’s Association of West Virginia. Sweeney has also been trial counsel in every asbestos trial group in West Virginia since 2003.

Charlotte Ann Hoffman Norris practices in the areas of commercial litigation, insurance coverage, products liability, professional licensure and malpractice, healthcare and labor and employment law. She also recently expanded her areas of practice to include special education law, as an extension of her employment law practice and issues of disability accommodation. Norris is a member of the West Virginia Defense Trial Counsel, the Defense Research Institute, and the Counsel of Parent Attorneys and Advocates.

Chambers and Partners has published guides to the legal profession since 1990, and it now covers 185 jurisdictions. Chambers researchers identify and rank the world’s best lawyers and law firms based on in-depth, objective research.

About Jenkins Fenstermaker

Jenkins Fenstermaker, PLLC, provides representation in West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio, backed by more than 90 years of legal experience. Clients can find attorneys dedicated to quality, detail-oriented representation in business and commercial law; wills, trusts and estates; litigation; and labor and employment law.

Pullman Square a non-smoking campus

Effective December 1, 2017, take in a breath of fresh air at Pullman Square! By popular demand and in order to improve the atmosphere, Metropolitan Partners, owner and manager of Pullman Square in collaboration with Cabell-Huntington Health Department, is making Pullman Square a non-smoking campus. The smoke-free environment will make this fun shopping, dining and entertainment center a healthier place for all to enjoy.

United Way hosting second Huntington’s Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Competition

HUNTINGTON – Victory may be sweet, but the competition could be even sweeter as several local businesses compete for the honor of Huntington’s Best Chocolate Chip Cookie, all to raise money for United Way of the River Cities.

This second annual competition is set for Thursday, Nov. 16.

Several businesses in downtown Huntington are set to sell their own versions of the classic chocolate chip cookie during normal business hours. Folks who buy cookies will have the opportunity to rate them. At the end of the event, the cookie with the best average rating will win the title.

All proceeds from the competition benefit United Way of the River Cities.

“This is a fun, easy way to support the life-changing work of United Way of the River Cities. We had a really great turnout last year and couldn’t wait to do it again this year,” Matt Ward, United Way’s director of development, said in a news release. “We want to thank our local businesses for their support and encourage everyone to try out their recipes.”

Participating businesses include:

  • Bow Love Children’s Boutique, 905 4th Ave.;
  • Butter It Up, Heritage Station;
  • First Sentry Bank, 823 8th St.;
  • Glenn’s Sporting Goods, 1040 3rd Ave.;
  • Old Main Emporium, 842 4th Ave.;
  • The Red Caboose, Heritage Station; and
  • T.K. Dodrill Jewelers, Pullman Square.

United Way of the River Cities is a nonprofit organization, the mission of which is a fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in its community. To learn more about the United Way of the River Cities or to donate visit unitedwayrivercities.org.