Northwest Bank Celebrates Grand Opening of First Financial Center in Central Ohio

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Northwest Bank (NASDAQ: NWBI) has opened its first Central Ohio financial center at 5746 N. Hamilton Road in New Albany, marking the start of a broader Columbus-area expansion. The bank plans three additional Central Ohio locations by the end of 2026 and another in Q1 2027.

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The New Albany location is first of four set to open this year, with an additional Columbus location in Q1 2027.

NEW ALBANY, Ohio, July 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Northwest Bank leaders, local community partners and civic leaders gathered to ceremonially cut the ribbon, celebrating the grand opening of the bank's new financial center located at 5746 N. Hamilton Road in New Albany, Ohio.

As the first Northwest financial center in Central Ohio, the new construction reflects the bank's continued investment in the Columbus market and its commitment to put down deeper roots in the region. The New Albany location marks the beginning of Northwest's broader Central Ohio expansion, with three additional financial centers set to open by the end of 2026 and one planned for a Q1 2027 opening.

"This opening is an important milestone for Northwest Bank and a reflection of our investment and the momentum we're building in Central Ohio," said Lou Torchio, president and CEO of Northwest Bank. "We're proud to be a member of this community, and look forward to growing alongside our customers, partners and neighbors."

Designed with a modern, open-concept layout, the financial center creates a welcoming environment that supports a more personalized, relationship-focused banking experience. From its living room-style meeting spaces, designed for meaningful financial conversations, to its convenient self-service banking options, the financial center was built to help customers bank in a way that feels both personal and accessible.

"Northwest's approach to banking is grounded in personal relationships and a hospitality-focused experience, and this design allows our team to better connect with customers and deliver the relationship-driven service that differentiates us," said Urich Bowers, chief consumer banking and strategy officer for Northwest Bank.

During the ribbon-cutting event, speakers recognized local community partners and highlighted Northwest's longstanding commitment to the communities it serves. Through partnerships with organizations such as Healthy New Albany, New Albany Symphony Orchestra, New Albany Community Foundation, United Way of Central Ohio and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Ohio, Northwest is working to establish a strong local presence that extends beyond the financial center and reflects its commitment to being an active, engaged partner in the communities it serves.

"Even before opening our doors, we've made connections in Columbus, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen those relationships and support this community as we grow," said Jennifer Gibson, region president and executive director of retail banking for Northwest.

Northwest Bank plans to continue expanding its Central Ohio footprint with additional financial centers in Columbus, Gahanna and Westerville.

About Northwest Bancshares, Inc.

Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Northwest Bancshares, Inc. is the bank holding company of Northwest Bank. Founded in 1896, Northwest Bank is a full-service financial institution offering a complete range of business and personal banking products, as well as employee benefits and wealth management services. Northwest operates 152 full-service financial centers and 11 drive-up locations across Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio and Indiana, and provides customers with fee-free access to more than 55,000 ATMs. Northwest Bancshares, Inc.'s common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (NWBI).

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements with respect to Northwest Bancshares, Inc. (the "Company") including, without limitation, statements relating to the future business plans of the Company. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements are described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 under the section entitled "Item 1A - Risk Factors," and from time to time in other filings made by the Company with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only at the date of the release. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to publicly release any updates or revisions to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with regard to any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Media Contact: 
(814) 217-8998 
media@northwest.com

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SOURCE Northwest Bank

FAQ

What did Northwest Bank (NASDAQ: NWBI) announce about its New Albany, Ohio location on July 30, 2026?

Northwest Bank announced the grand opening of a new financial center in New Albany, Ohio. According to Northwest Bank, the site at 5746 N. Hamilton Road is its first financial center in Central Ohio and a key step in its Columbus market expansion.

How many new Central Ohio financial centers is Northwest Bank planning after the New Albany opening?

Northwest Bank plans four additional Central Ohio financial centers following New Albany. According to Northwest Bank, three locations are scheduled to open by the end of 2026, with another planned Columbus-area site targeted for a first quarter 2027 opening.

How does the New Albany financial center reflect Northwest Bank’s strategy in the Columbus market (NWBI)?

The New Albany center represents continued investment in the Columbus market and deeper regional roots. According to Northwest Bank, this location is the first step in a broader Central Ohio expansion and supports a personalized, relationship-focused banking model using a modern, open-concept design.

What community partnerships has Northwest Bank highlighted in connection with its New Albany, Ohio expansion?

Northwest Bank highlighted partnerships with several Central Ohio organizations. According to Northwest Bank, these include Healthy New Albany, New Albany Symphony Orchestra, New Albany Community Foundation, United Way of Central Ohio and Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Ohio to reinforce its community engagement.

What products and services does Northwest Bank (NWBI) offer alongside its Central Ohio expansion?

Northwest Bank offers a full range of business and personal banking products, plus employee benefits and wealth management. According to Northwest Bank, it operates 152 financial centers, 11 drive-up locations, and provides fee-free access to more than 55,000 ATMs across four states.

Where is Northwest Bancshares, the parent of Northwest Bank (NWBI), headquartered and when was it founded?

Northwest Bancshares is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio and was founded in 1896. According to Northwest Bank, it serves customers across Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio and Indiana, supporting its long-term strategy that now includes expansion in the Central Ohio region.