The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency issued a request for proposals for new construction or the rehabilitation of mixed-use projects seeking financial support. This year, its focus is on smaller cities such as Bethlehem, Reading and Harrisburg.

With credit unions and financial institutions expanding their reach and footprint into areas previously occupied by traditional banks, some say publicly owned banks create another unequal business climate for an initiative loaded with risks. However, some plans are underway to potentially bring publicly-owned banks to several states and municipalities.

BB&T Corp. shareholders approve a merger of BB&T and Georgia-based SunTrust Banks Inc. valued at $66 billion, putting both companies a step closer to officially becoming Truist Financial Corp., the new name of the combined company. Additionally, about 40,000 employees at both companies will each receive $1,500 bonuses.

Santander will close one branch location in Bethlehem to consolidate its services with a Santander branch one mile away at 924 Eaton Ave. in Bethlehem.

ESSA Bank & Trust, a subsidiary of the holding company ESSA Bancorp Inc., said Tuesday that it had closed its Nazareth office at 14 South Main St. and relocated to 76 South Main St.

Under its collaboration with Honeycomb Credit, Pennsylvania Downtown Center members – such as downtown development groups – can take part in Honeycomb’s Main Street Champion program, which unlocks capital for local businesses.

Despite low unemployment levels, local businesses showed a considerable drop in enthusiasm about the economy in a recent survey.