


WHO KNEW THAT TURNING 100 WOULD FEEL THIS GOOD?
I am immensely proud of the outstanding accomplishments of First National Bank Alaska’s team. Few companies reach a century in business – especially in Alaska, where unique conditions abound. The pandemic has certainly been one of the most far-reaching events of our time. But our experienced team of directors, management and dedicated employees knows what it takes to help Alaskans in challenging times. From earthquakes to pandemics, through booms and busts, we roll up our sleeves and forge a plan to help all Alaskans shape a brighter tomorrow.
GROWING TOGETHER
Right: Since First National Bank Alaska’s opening in downtown Anchorage a century ago, the growth and history of the bank, the city and the state have been closely connected. Alaska has changed quite a bit in the 72 years between these photos. First National’s commitment to help Alaskans shape their tomorrows for a brighter future has not.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS
Left: Bank employees came together in early 2022 for the Centennial Celebration at Cuddy Family Park in Anchorage on the bank’s anniversary date, January 29, The festivities were capped off by a flurry of fascinating fireworks.
WE KNOW THAT BEING A GOOD CORPORATE CITIZEN MEANS MUCH MORE THAN WRITING A CHECK. IT MEANS MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OUR COLLEAGUES, CUSTOMERS AND COMMUNITIES IN WHICH WE LIVE AND PROVIDE SERVICE.
BETSY LAWER | BOARD CHAIR AND CEO/PRESIDENT
y pride in our team is matched by the gratification in First National being voted “Best Place to Work” for an unprecedented sixth year in a row and named a “Best Corporate Citizen” for a third year. We work hard to foster a culture where every team member feels valued; it’s part of our mission statement, and a major reason for our success. We know that being a good corporate citizen means much more than writing a check. It means making a difference in the lives of our colleagues, customers and communities in which we live and provide service.
In 2021, the bank achieved record assets and deposits, and an increase in net income for the fifth year in a row. First National expanded service to Alaskans with a new branch building in Healy and a new Loan Production Office in Ketchikan, adding to the roster of the 19 communities we serve. I’m proud of the bank’s growth and success. You’ll find detailed and expanded financial highlights on the next two pages.
There’s another team deserving recognition –Alaskans all across the state. Our friends and neighbors have also persevered in difficult and demanding times these last two years. Alaskans inspire us and we’re proud to call this state home.
It’s a new world. As always, our focus is on the road ahead. An unstable international situation, volatile oil prices, inflation, a tightening labor pool and everchanging cybersecurity threats will present unique challenges. Others remain to be seen, but with many economic indicators on their way up, we are also optimistic about the opportunities.
A century of experience has given the bank a solid foundation, and we’re ready to build on our success. Thank you for your continued trust and confidence in First National Bank Alaska.
Cheers to the next 100 years!
BETSY LAWER BOARD CHAIR AND CEO/PRESIDENT
SWEET SIX-CESS
For the sixth consecutive year, First National was voted “Best Place to Work” by Alaska Business magazine readers, and as “Best Corporate Citizen” for the third time.
First National entered the second year of a global pandemic with a steadfast commitment to supporting the communities and businesses across Alaska impacted by continuing economic challenges. The federal government responded with fiscal support to small businesses for a second time. First National continued efforts began in 2020 and originated another 3,058 Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program (SBA PPP) loans totaling $238.3 million, and assisted customers with $451.7 million in forgiveness relief. Bank deposits grew 22.4% in 2021 to $5 billion, representing our eighth quarter of asset growth, driving total assets to $5.6 billion. Despite lower net interest margins, higher volumes of earning assets and noninterest income, along with effective operating expense management elevated net income to $58.4 million for the year and a new record level.
Net interest income totaled $145.6 million, a 0.6% improvement despite the lower interest environment during 2021. Net interest margin decreased to 2.88% from 3.45% reflecting interest rate compression as maturing assets were replaced at current lower yields. Cash and short-term investments remained elevated to provide liquidity. Total loans decreased $84 million from the prior year as SBA PPP forgiveness outpaced new loan originations.
Shareholders’ Equity:
Noninterest income totaled $25.5 million, a 1.9% decrease from 2020. This decrease resulted from gains reported in 2020 on called securities. Excluding this activity, year-to-date noninterest income was stable to the prior year. Increased credit card spending drove bankcard income up for 2021, offsetting a decrease in loan origination and servicing income as mortgage refinancing activity declined.
Noninterest expenses totaled $90.8 million, a 0.7% annual decrease. Employee salaries decreased to normalized levels as staff overtime declined following the elevated SBA PPP and mortgage loan origination efforts. Building and equipment repair and maintenance were areas of focus resulting in savings year-over-year. The bank efficiency ratio at 53.06% remained steady with astute cost management in all other areas of operations.
Net income of $58.4 million, return on assets of 1.12%, and return on equity at 10.23% were strong achievements and demonstrate First National’s commitment to generating shareholder value year after year. Our leadership team and dedicated employees continually adapt and respond to unprecedented changing conditions. We celebrate our loyal customers who inspire us with their efforts to meet the challenges of these uncertain times. As it has for the last 100 years, our commitment to our customers, employees, and our shareholders remains our foundation for success.
Helping Alaskans succeed is at the heart of everything
First National’s means of delivering superior customer service has progressed. Where once it meant weighing nuggets in a back room, today the bank uses the latest technology and innovation to deliver banking whenever and wherever they need it. All provided by top-notch employees who are worth their weight in… well, you know.
century of experience has given First National a number of unique advantages: the foresight to see opportunities and challenges in the road ahead; the resources to respond to those challenges, and the flexibility and innovation to overcome the unexpected.
This report highlights how we’ve used these advantages to help shape a brighter tomorrow for our customers, employees and shareholders during 2021. The bank's help means different things to different Alaskans. It might be support with saving for college, securing financial relief, growing a business, or planning for a carefree retirement.
To First National, shaping tomorrow means listening to the Alaskans who count on us, understanding their plans and sharing their vision for a brighter future.
It's a strategy that’s worked pretty well for the last 100 years. We’re ready for the next 100, and beyond.
Running a bakery that serves the entire state and service members overseas, especially during a pandemic, has tested the skills of Alaska cAKe Studio owners Bill Waltz (l) and Will McDonald. First National and Metro Branch Manager Krissi Afu (inset) have worked shoulder to shoulder with Alaska cAKe as they’ve grown, helping streamline processes, secure accounts, and deliver a new point-of-sale system. “My favorite think about the bank is that they’re local,” said McDonald. “That’s always been important to me.”
AFTER THE SACRIFICES AND HARDSHIPS OF THE LAST TWO YEARS, ALASKA BUSINESS OWNERS HAVE A GROWING SENSE OF OPTIMISM ABOUT 2022 AND BEYOND.
As the second year of the pandemic drew to a close, First National Bank Alaska earned success by several measures: Assets reached a record level, as did deposits which grew by a remarkable 22%. Loans again topped the $2 billion level and net income was up. Leveraging opportunities and challenges presented by the unique financial environment of the pandemic, the bank stepped up its proactive approach to customer relationships. With that plan in place, we overcame the challenges of 2021 and increased our customer base.
ith face-to-face meetings still at a minimum, adaptation and innovation became the order of the day (one supervisor colorfully called his team members “Webex ninjas”). The bank’s team leveraged their knowledge from the first year of the pandemic to accomplish what former First National President Doug Longacre called the “best job ever” of strengthening customer relationships. “Competition is fierce,” Longacre said. “Our strategy included increasing our familiarity of our customers and their industries even more, and helping them look at the big picture. With our Alaska roots and 100 years of experience, we have a unique opportunity to add value to every relationship.”
This proactive approach to building strong business relationships paid dividends with current customers – and attracted new ones. After experiencing the First National difference when they came to the bank for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan (see
page 8), many non-customer businesses were impressed enough to move their business accounts to Alaska’s largest community bank, leading to a significant increase in new relationships. In fact, more than 840 new business accounts were opened in 2021.
Our close interaction with customers has reinforced First National’s positive outlook on the year ahead. After the sacrifices and hardships of the last two years, Alaska business owners have a growing sense of optimism about 2022 and beyond, as economic indicators such as tourism, home construction, and others show positive trends.
Challenges remain, of course, such as the labor shortage and supply chain issues. But we know our customers and they know us. For a century, we’ve stood by our fellow Alaskans, no matter the challenge. That’s knowledge you can count on.
e could have used a warning at the beginning of 2021: “Please secure your seat belts. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.”
Navigating COVID-19 variants, everchanging pandemic protocols, labor shortages and supply chain issues made for an extremely turbulent year. Forecasting conditions for the next week, let alone the next month, was quite the challenge.
For First National, 100 years of local knowledge and experience has built a solid foundation to help adjust to unpredictable tests and trials. Adapting strategies to current conditions, finding new, innovative ways to put plans into place and evolving into a more efficient and successful business is a recipe that has allowed us to help our customers, employees and stockholders succeed for a century. Here are a few ways the First National team created success in 2021, bumps and all.
The name change of Cash Management to Treasury Management (TM) didn’t change their consistent efforts to provide Alaska businesses with an enhanced customer experience. TM conducts annual reviews around ACH and Remote Deposit capture to ensure appropriate customer limits, mitigating risk and fraud. The reviews are important but very laborintensive and time-consuming. Working with several other divisions, TM and the team were able to leverage available reporting to make the process less manual – reducing the review time by half and reducing fraud exposure for customers and the bank.
Merchant Services made important revenue gains in 2021, with the help of bank lenders and branch employees. With all on the lookout for customer opportunities, the unit added 200 new accounts, and merchant credit card revenue increased more than 39%.
COVID variants created a volatile environment over the year. Human Resources and Marketing had their work cut out for them, working closely to keep employees and customers informed of current branch operations and bank protocols. As always, the health and safety of all was First National’s top priority.
The two teams energized the bank’s talent acquisition referral program adding incentives to motivate our best source of referrals to address the severe labor shortage—the bank’s existing employees. The refreshed effort resulted in 31% of 2021 new hires coming through employee referral, providing much needed relief for short-staffed teams throughout the bank.
Working closely with the Business Development team, Marketing used a variety of platforms to inform and direct Alaska businesses to the Loan Relief page on FNBAlaska.com for information on how to apply for Paycheck Protection Program loans. These easy-to-find resources encouraged customers and non-customers alike to take advantage of First National’s extensive experience with PPP and expedite the application process.
Information Technology (IT) was still dealing with the aftershocks of the November 2018 earthquake in 2021. The 7.1 magnitude quake moved the 5,000-pound Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) several inches. The UPS, a critical part of First National’s disaster response housed at the Service Center in Anchorage, remained functional but needed to be shut down to be seismically secured. IT transformed a maintenance requirement into
an opportunity to conduct a rigorous business continuity test.
All bank processing systems were switched to the Disaster Response center at Johansen Branch in Fairbanks for almost a month, the bank’s most robust and significant contingency test ever. The test, a multi-divisional effort headed by IT, was an overwhelming success. If disaster strikes, First National has great confidence the bank can be fully run from the Fairbanks location.
As our history has shown time and again, when Alaskans need financial services most, First National will be ready to answer their call.
The entire First National team, focused on reducing expenses and increasing revenues, reached and exceeded the bank’s net income goal of $56.2 million. Here’s how some other of the bank’s hardy and energetic employee teams met the challenge:
• The Mortgage Lending team continued the strong performance in production and profitability seen in 2020, adding nearly $6 million in origination and servicing fees to the bottom line.
• Undaunted by supply chain issues, the Property Department managed to secure required materials
Enterprises
Yard began business in 1981 to tap into the huge potential they saw to support the local marine industry. They looked to expand recently to keep up with the overwhelming demand for their services. The local knowledge of First National and Homer Branch Manager Erik
helped navigate the waters of government rules and regulates and secure a major loan from a state agency. The expansion is complete and fuels economic opportunity to shape a brighter future on the
Peninsula and beyond.
and constructed a new building for the Healy Branch. The team also renovated space to open a Loan Production Office in Ketchikan, expanding the bank’s reach.
• Wealth Management leveraged remote technologies to increase efficiencies within the department and build stronger customer relationships in difficult times.
• Several divisions worked together to create and launch a new version of Business Online Banking, with enhanced navigation, security and user interface to add significant value to the customer experience. This initiative included an
overhaul of the enrollment process, making it easier for customers to convert to Business Online Banking and manage their finances anytime, from anywhere.
Shaping tomorrow in 2021 meant being ready to adapt quickly to meet whatever the next twist or turn might present. It’s nothing new to First National; that’s how we’ve been able to help Alaskans succeed for over a century.
hen the economic upheaval of the pandemic hit in early 2020, small businesses found relief through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a loan program administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA). First National Bank Alaska helped more than 2,400 businesses obtain PPP loans totaling nearly $347 million dollars that year.
The SBA stopped accepting applications in August 2020, but it soon became clear the pandemic’s economic effects were still severe. In late December 2020, Congress appropriated more money for PPP assistance with the program to begin in February 2021. The First National team was ready once more to help Alaska businesses when they needed it most during Phase II of PPP lending.
Armed with the experience from Phase I and a new, secure online application process in place, First National set out to make the Phase II process smoother and more efficient for Alaskans. Business owners could conveniently input information directly into a new application through software specially acquired by the bank.
The SBA often changed the criteria throughout the application period, and incomplete information could delay the loan processing. First National’s team of PPP experts was up to the task. Before each application was submitted, First National reviewed the information to make sure it was complete and met the latest SBA criteria, reducing the amount of denied applications and expediting the application approval process.
“I’ve never seen a team so dedicated to their mission,” said Chad Steadman, Senior Vice President and Corporate Lending Director. “These much-needed loans could mean the difference between Alaskans keeping their jobs or not. We’ve been helping our neighbors succeed for 100 years, and
After 43 years at the helm of Alyeska Tire, Jerry and Carla Wortham (on the right) stepped down to enjoy a well-earned retirement, and Craig and Bethany Wortham took on the mantle of full ownership. Running a family business is one thing, and selling it is quite another, even when the sale stays in the family. The business had deposits, multiple loans (including a PPP loan), merchant services, and other interaction with the bank. To help navigate the surprisingly complex process, the Worthams turned to Regional Branch Manager Tim Redder (inset) and the experts at First National Bank Alaska.
“The process was painless, especially considering the scope and size of the transaction,” Craig Wortham said. “I am not sure they could have made the process any easier. For them, it was clear it was about us and our business.”
this is a great example of how we come through for them.”
The intensive effort was worth it. In 2021, First National processed 3,058 PPP loans for businesses in the Great Land, totaling more than $238 million, the highest volume and dollar amount among the state’s financial institutions. Add that to our 2020 efforts and the bank has assisted our neighbors with more than 5,500 applications which resulted resulting in more than $585 million in PPP loans.
Receiving a PPP loan was one part of the program. The Loan forgiveness portion was just as important to these businesses and First National. If the borrowing business met certain
specific criteria on how loan funds were used, the SBA would forgive the entire amount of the loan. As program details evolved, the bank’s team kept customers informed and led them through the loan forgiveness application. In 2021, First National helped with 3,802 applications resulting in more than $378 million in loans forgiven. The loan forgiveness program continues in 2022.
One way of shaping tomorrow’s success is to stand together during the tough times. That’s what Alaskans do. And it’s what First National has done for 100 years.
“THESE MUCH-NEEDED LOANS COULD MEAN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ALASKANS KEEPING THEIR JOBS OR NOT. WE’VE BEEN HELPING OUR NEIGHBORS SUCCEED FOR 100 YEARS, AND THIS IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF HOW WE COME THROUGH FOR THEM.”
CHAD STEADMAN SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR CORPORATE LENDING DIRECTOR
or much of the year, branch staffing levels were extremely thin between the wax and wane of protocols for COVID variants, quarantine times, and an extremely tight labor market. First National didn’t just survive these immense challenges, it thrived, thanks to the adaptability and commitment of the bank’s team of more than 600 hardworking Alaskans.
New leaders emerged to adjust to the changing environment. Employees stepped up to maintain the high level of service customers expect from First National.
• Branch Operations worked with fellow employees on a daily, sometimes hourly, basis on how to best juggle branch resources to meet customer needs.
• Branch managers often split their days between several branches to lend support –because it was the right thing for the bank and its customers.
• When the Cordova Branch was short-staffed during the summer, an Anchorage Personal Banker flew down to help for two weeks. He returned to Anchorage and accepted a position at one branch but
barely spent a day there –he was needed at another right away.
• Loan officers covered positions at other branches and processed payments to ensure personal, timely and accurate service.
• Branch employees stepped up to take calls coming into the bank’s Centralized Call Center, an essential part of customer service.
“During this demanding time, our branch team members were selfless, highly adaptable
and passionate about helping their fellow Alaskans,” said Senior Vice President and Treasury Management and Anchorage Branch Administration Director Elaine Kroll. “Branches had to pivot continually, yet still provide outstanding service to our customers. My heart was amazed by our entire team’s ‘CAN DO’ spirit.”
“BRANCHES HAD TO PIVOT CONTINUALLY, YET STILL PROVIDE OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO OUR CUSTOMERS. MY HEART WAS AMAZED BY OUR ENTIRE TEAM'S CAN DO SPIRIT.”
ELAINE KROLL SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, TREASURY MANAGEMENT AND ANCHORAGE BRANCH ADMINISTRATION DIRECTOR
the bank’s high level of customer service through the ups and downs of 2021 staffing levels.
Left: Branch Lending Operations Manager Julie Wheeler (l.) helped branches across the state daily with decisions on how to best distribute human resources to meet staffing challenges. That sometimes included Mortgage Loan Processor Brittney Hoffert (mid.) and Universal Teller Wendi McCollum (r.), Wheeler’s co-workers at the Kenai Branch.
Below: Alaska Black Caucus President/ CEO Celeste Hodge Growden accepts a $25,000 presentation check from Vice President Natasha Pope and Donations Committee Chair David Haynes for the organization’s Equity Center capital campaign. The center will provide a service hub for people of color, and provide office space to organizations and individuals at below market rate.
President D. H. Cuddy helped guide First National Bank Alaska through changes and challenges for 64 years. Through all this time, one message was steadfast: The bank could only be as successful as the communities it serves and a partnership to ensure the success of both is essential. That philosophy holds true today, more than ever.
hat’s one reason the bank’s investment in Alaska communities through charitable gifts, activity and community sponsorships, and in-kind donations have averaged $1 million a year since 2012. From helping the Food Bank of Alaska feed hungry Alaskans to supporting American Red Cross’s disaster response efforts to assisting Boys and Girls Clubs of Alaska, First National invests in nonprofits across the state.
But that’s not the only or even the most important way the bank supports Alaska’s communities. Our employees are Alaskans, integral players in the towns, cities and villages where they live and work. They serve on PTAs and organize volunteer drives, donating their time and treasure to help their neighbors succeed.
That’s why we’re especially proud that, for the seventh reporting period in a row, a
span of 21 years,
First National has earned an “Outstanding” rating, the highest possible, from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for its compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act. The act ensures banks meet the credit needs of their communities, especially low- and moderateincome neighborhoods. From providing loans to building low-income housing to taking
time to volunteer in our local neighborhoods and schools, First National continues to strive toward excellence in community development.
Community is at the core of everything we do. It’s an essential part of shaping a brighter tomorrow for all Alaskans.
Above: D. H. Cuddy stood at the helm of First National as President and Chair from 1951 to 2015, more than half of the bank’s history. His keen economic insight and commitment to the bank’s employees, communities and shareholders helped First National become Alaska’s largest locally owned and operated financial institution.
ANCHORAGE
907-777-4362
Dimond Branch
8725 Old Seward Hwy.
P.O. Box 100720
Anchorage, AK 99510-0720
Eastchester Branch
1821 Gambell Street
P.O. Box 100720
Anchorage, AK 99510-0720
Metro Branch
360 K Street, Suite 100
P.O. Box 100720
Anchorage, AK 99510-0720
Muldoon Branch
1100 Muldoon Road
P.O. Box 100720
Anchorage, AK 99510-0720
North Star Branch
5850 Westover Avenue
JBER, AK 99506-1603
Northern Lights Branch
1210 W. Northern Lights Blvd.
P.O. Box 100720
Anchorage, AK 99510-0720
South Center Branch
201 W. 36th Avenue
P.O. Box 100720
Anchorage, AK 99510-0720
U-Med Branch
3650 Piper Street, Suite 100
P.O. Box 100720 Anchorage, AK 99510-0720
BETHEL
Kuskokwim Branch
700 Front Street
P.O. Box 286
Bethel, AK 99559-0286
907-543-7650
CORDOVA
Cordova Branch
528 First Street
P.O. Box 360 Cordova, AK 99574-0360
907-424-6700
EAGLE RIVER
Eagle River Branch
11412 Business Blvd.
Eagle River, AK 99577-7720
907-689-5200
FAIRBANKS
Golden Valley Branch
1300 Washington Drive
P.O. Box 82487
Fairbanks, AK 99708-2487
907-459-7100
Johansen Branch
430 Merhar Avenue
Fairbanks, AK 99701-3166
907-450-7300
GLENNALLEN
Glennallen Branch
Mile 187 Glenn Hwy., Suite C P.O. Box 85
Glennallen, AK 99588-0085
907-822-7350
HAINES
Haines Branch 123 Main Street P.O. Box 70 Haines, AK 99827-0070
907-766-6100
HEALY
Healy Branch
Mile 248.2 W. Parks Hwy. P.O. Box 460 Healy, AK 99743-0460
907-683-7750
HOMER
Homer Branch 3655 Heath Street Homer, AK 99603-7667
907-235-5800
JUNEAU
Juneau Regional Branch
840 W. 10th Street
P.O. Box 21248
Juneau, AK 99802-1248
907-586-5400
Valley Centre Branch
8990 Glacier Hwy.
Juneau, AK 99801-8030
907-790-8000
KENAI
Kenai Branch
11408 Kenai Spur Hwy. Kenai, AK 99611-7799
907-283-6800
KETCHIKAN
Ketchikan
Loan Production Office
1621 Tongass Avenue West Flight Bldg., Ste. 100 Ketchikan, AK 99901
907-220-1640
KODIAK
Kodiak Branch
218 Center Avenue Kodiak, AK 99615-6312
907-486-7900
PALMER
Palmer Branch
303 W. Evergreen Avenue Palmer, AK 99645-6954
907-746-8900
SEWARD
Seward Branch
303 4th Avenue
P.O. Box 69 Seward, AK 99664-0069
907-224-4200
SITKA
Sitka Branch
318 Lincoln Street Sitka, AK 99835-7545 907-747-7000
SOLDOTNA
Soldotna Branch 44501 Sterling Hwy. Soldotna, AK 99669-7938 907-260-6000
VALDEZ
Valdez Branch
101 Egan Drive P.O. Box 37 Valdez, AK 99686-0037 907-834-4800
WASILLA
Wasilla Branch
775 E. Parks Hwy. Wasilla, AK 99654-8191 907-352-5900
Corporate Headquarters
101 W. 36th Avenue P.O. Box 100720 Anchorage, AK 99510-0720
Operations Center
1751 Gambell Street P.O. Box 100720 Anchorage, AK 99510-0720
FNBAlaska.com 1-800-856-4FNB (4362)
Connect with us @FNBAlaska
First National Bank Alaska is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veterans.
The bank’s multi-part mission is to safekeep depositors’ money, provide all legitimate financial services to the community consistent with bank resources, furnish employees with competitive salaries and a pleasant working environment, and earn a proper return for shareholders. For more than a century our commitment to the mission has served our customers, our employees, our communities and our shareholders well.