Business August 22, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 13 Thomas J. Shara, president and CEO of Lakeland Bank, has announced the relocation of Lakeland Bank’s operations and training departments to a site in Jefferson. “The opportunity to relocate our staff to a facility near our headquarters was a win for our colleagues and the bank as well as the Jefferson community,” said Shara. “The bank’s executive team was pleased the relocation would have minimal impact on our colleagues while helping to improve the appearance and business activity in this commercial zone.” Lakeland Bank colleagues and the board of directors joined Jefferson Mayor Russell Felter, local dignitaries, and landlord John Azarian at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 8. Guests were invited to tour the new office space and enjoy refreshments with the bank staff. Lakeland Bank purchases rights under the A&P lease to occupy the space at 5716 Berkshire Valley Road, which had been vacant since the A&P moved about 10 years ago. The bank finished extensive renovations to 27,000 square feet of the facility in June, and completed the relocation of staff to the new center in July. The bank is currently seeking a sub-tenant for the remaining 7,500 square feet. The renovation of the former supermarket space into an office environment included the installation of environmentally friendly day lighting. The use of day lighting will direct natural lighting to the center of the building. Studies show that natural light makes workers feel and work better, prevents eye strain, and boosts productivity. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program reports that day lighting can significantly cut lighting energy use for lighting building interiors, sometimes by up to 75 percent or 80 percent. For more information about the bank, visit lakelandbank.com. Lakeland Bank relocates operations, training Lakeland Bank celebrated the opening of a new Operations & Training Center in Jefferson with members of the community. After the Lakeland Bank teal ribbon was cut, President & CEO Tom Shara invited guests to tour the renovated space. Pictured left to right: Lakeland Bank board members Bruce Bohuny and Rob Nicholson, Chief Operations Officer Lou Luddecke, Chairman of the Board Mary Ann Deacon, Mayor Russell Felter, Landlord John Azarian, Lakeland Bank President & CEO Tom Shara, and Jefferson Police Chief William Craig and Captain Eric Wilsusen.