Peoples Bank is saying “thank you” to the individuals who give so much for the community by offering a new “Peoples Hometown Heroes Banking” program.

“We want to show our appreciation and respect for the sacrifices our local heroes make,” said Staci Matheney, Peoples Bank Senior Vice President Retail Sales & Services. “Hero stories play out in our communities every day. We want to reward those men and women who dedicate their time, energy, and lives to making our communities the best places to live and work.”

Peoples will honor active and retired members of the military, law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and teachers for their service.

Peoples Hometown Heroes Banking customers will receive special discounts and bonuses.

“Mention your hero status to any Peoples Bank associate and we will add the Hometown Heroes Banking perks to your new or existing personal checking account,” Matheney said.

In addition to a new banking program, the bank has launched a “Peoples Hometown Hero Award” campaign.

The public is invited to nominate a local hero now through Sept. 2, 2016 online at www.PeoplesBankHeroes.com.

Fourteen nominated heroes will be randomly selected from throughout the Peoples Bank market footprint to receive a special Hometown Heroes plaque and an opportunity to designate a $500 donation to the charity of their choice. Additional details and official rules may be found at www.PeoplesBankHeroes.com.

Peoples Bancorp Inc. is a diversified financial services holding company with $3.3 billion in total assets, 82 sales offices and 81 ATMs in Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky.

Peoples makes available a complete line of banking, investment, insurance and trust solutions through its subsidiaries – Peoples Bank and Peoples Insurance Agency, LLC.

Peoples’ common shares are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select MarketR under the symbol “PEBO”, and Peoples is a member of the Russell 3000 index of US publicly-traded companies.

Learn more about Peoples at www.peoplesbancorp.com.