Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, announced a $10,000 donation to the Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation (QVCDC) to support various programs to help local communities in the region.

“The Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation is grateful for this generous donation from Country Bank. We appreciate Country Bank’s support for our initiatives and its investment in the economic growth and stability of the Quaboag Region,” stated Melissa Fales, QVCDC Executive Director.

To learn more about the various support programs the QVCDC offers, visit www.QVCDC.org.

Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, is pleased to announce recent promotions of several key team members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise in their respective roles. These promotions reflect the bank’s commitment to recognizing and developing talent within the organization.

Shane Elder has been promoted to First Vice President, Business Banking Team Lead. With over 11 years of experience in commercial lending and eight years in commercial lending management, Shane has proven himself as a valuable asset to the Business Banking Department. In addition to his role as Team Leader, he also oversees the Cash Management Sales Department.

Brett LoCicero has been promoted to First Vice President, Facilities and Security. With seven years of service to the bank, Brett’s expertise in managing facilities and security operations. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Nichols College and is pursuing his PMP (Project Management Professional) certification.

Justin Calheno has been promoted to Vice President, Retail Lending Business Development Officer. With an impressive 20 years of lending experience, including the last seven years with Country Bank, Justin brings a wealth of knowledge to his role. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Westfield State University and is currently attending the American Banker Association – Stonier Graduate School of Banking.

Antonio Palano has been promoted to Vice President, Retail Lending. Tony’s 15-year tenure at Country Bank showcases his commitment and dedication to the organization. Having progressed through various roles, he currently manages the Retail Lending Servicing and Operations Departments. Tony holds an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Springfield Technical Community College and is a 2023 graduate from the New England School of Financial Studies.

Cuc Nguyen has been promoted to Retail Banking Officer of the Paxton Banking Center. With over 16 years of banking experience, Cuc brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role. Her previous experience at Commerce Bank, Berkshire Bank, and DCU has equipped her with a deep understanding of frontline management and customer satisfaction. Cuc holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Finance from Southern New Hampshire University.

“We are excited to announce the promotions of Shane, Brett, Tony, Justin, and Cuc,” said Miriam Siegel, First Senior Vice President, Chief Culture and Development Officer of Country Bank. “We are thrilled to be able to recognize their hard work, dedication and contribution to the Bank’s success.  We are proud to support the commitment of all of our team members to their ongoing professional and personal growth leading them down all of the many career paths in community banking today.”

Country Bank congratulates these individuals on their well-deserved promotions and looks forward to their continued success in their new roles.

Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, recently announced its partnership and $20,000 in support of the Wonderfund of Massachusetts. The Wonderfund helps kids and teens served by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to enjoy childhood’s magical moments during the holiday season. The Wonderfund organization is an ordinary group of people on an extraordinary mission to bring the magic and meaning of childhood into the lives of children who have been impacted by trauma, abuse, and neglect.

Join the Wonderfund and Country Bank in making magic this holiday season for kids in foster care by donating a new unwrapped gift at any of its banking centers until December 15. Country Bank’s team will shop for gifts to join in the efforts, and donations will be delivered to DCF Offices in Springfield and Worcester to be distributed throughout Western and Central Mass.

“We are delighted about this partnership with the Wonderfund and the opportunity for our team and our communities to help us make a difference for children by putting a smile on so many faces,” said Jodie Gerulaitis, Vice President of Community Relations at Country Bank.

In addition to the toy drive, Country Bank donated over $100,000 to 17 local food pantries and $42,000 to local senior centers to support food insecurities, homelessness, and elders in its local communities during its annual Season of Difference Campaign.

If you would like to help make some magic, please visit https://wonderfundma.org.

Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, recently announced donations to 21 local senior centers throughout the region.

Supporting communities has been part of Country Bank’s mission since 1850, the bank is committed to the people, businesses and non-profits it serves.  A total of $42,000 in donations were made to local senior centers. These donations are made without restriction for those necessary items that may not be met within annual budgets.

“We are so fortunate to have a community partner like Country Bank. Countless members of their staff have volunteered at our events and special projects that have ranged from holiday parties at the senior center to personally delivering boxes of food items to seniors in need. This donation helps to sustain our meal program, which over the past five years, has provided in excess of 38,000 home cooked meals for the seniors. Their commitment to service, volunteerism and community is what makes Country Bank the gold standard when it comes to being true “Difference Makers”, stated John L. Zienowicz, Ware Senior Center Executive Director

“We know what a difference this makes for the senior centers and we are honored to be able to support the great work that they do to help our seniors”, said Jodie Gerulaitis, Vice President of Community Relations at Country Bank.

In addition to its annual monetary support, Country Bank also sends teams of its “Difference Makers” to volunteer at local senior centers on a monthly basis.

About Country Bank

Country Bank is a full-service $1.7B with 17.0% Tier 1 Capital mutual community bank serving central and western Massachusetts with 14 offices in Ware, Palmer, West Brookfield, Brimfield, Belchertown, Wilbraham, Ludlow, Leicester, Paxton, Charlton and Worcester. Country Bank is a member of FDIC, DIF, and the SUM network. Country Bank can be reached at 800-322-8233 or online at countrybank.com.  

Country Bank Board Chair, James Phaneuf, is pleased to announce that the Bank’s Board of Directors recently became the first fully certified Board through Bank Director’s Certification Program.

The certification provides participants with a thorough grounding in corporate governance and important industry issues that greatly enhance the performance of individual directors. The Board completed the comprehensive training program this past year and was certified in September.

Participants must complete 31 designated online training videos and board briefs focused on the role of the Board, audit and risk, compensation, governance, and fiduciary responsibilities. In addition to Bank Director’s Online Training Series, participants must attend a day-long Corporate Governance Workshop in the Bank Director Certification Program or, alternatively, complete a virtual version of the program.

Completing the program and becoming a certified bank director sends a clear message to state and federal regulators that board members take their fiduciary duties seriously and want to be top-performing members of the Bank’s Board.

“Country Bank’s Board of Directors is deeply committed to the Bank’s continued growth and prosperity. They understand their responsibilities to ensure Country Bank remains one of the strongest Community Banks in the region. I look forward to the future with great optimism, knowing that we have such a dedicated group of business professionals and the difference they make for the Bank’s long-term success,” said James Phaneuf.

“Bank Director is grateful for Country Bank’s enthusiastic support for the Certification Program,” said Editor-at-Large Jack Milligan, who created the course curriculum. “This sends a very powerful message that the Country Bank Board of Directors takes its governance responsibilities seriously. It is a testament to our motto that ‘Strong Boards Build Strong Banks.’”

About Country Bank

Country Bank is a full-service $1.8B with 17.0% Tier 1 Capital mutual community bank serving central and western Massachusetts with 14 offices in Ware, Palmer, West Brookfield, Brimfield, Belchertown, Wilbraham, Ludlow, Leicester, Paxton, Charlton and Worcester. Country Bank is a member of FDIC, DIF and the SUM network. Country Bank can be reached at 800-322-8233 or online at countrybank.com.

About Bank Director

Bank Director reaches the leaders of the institutions that comprise America’s banking industry. Since 1991, Bank Director has provided board-level research, peer-insights and in-depth executive and board services. Built for banks, Bank Director extends into and beyond the boardroom by providing timely and relevant information through Bank Director magazine, board training services and the financial industry’s premier event, Acquire or Be Acquired. For more information, please visit BankDirector.com.

Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, is pleased to announce that its West Street Banking Center in Ware has been renovated to offer its customers a modernized banking experience. An Open House is scheduled for October 26, 2023, from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. It will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m. with local business partners and bank representatives, a food truck offering specialized donuts and apple cider, appearances by the Bank’s mascot, Buck and Smiley Ball from the Worcester Red Sox, giveaways, and a drawing for tickets to Old Sturbridge Village’s Christmas by Candlelight event. The public is invited to join the celebration.

“We are very excited to introduce a new and modern design within our Full-Service Banking Centers, expanding our ability to consistently provide sales and service solutions for our customers while supporting Country Bank’s promise to make a difference in delivering a world-class customer experience. Investing in this location is very important to us, not just because it is our flagship office, but because it will provide an enhanced banking experience for our customers while also reinforcing our commitment locally within the Town of Ware and surrounding communities, “said Russ Fontaine, SVP of Customer Experience and Retail Banking at Country Bank.

Country Bank is proud to support Revitalize CDC in Springfield. The CDC performs critical repairs, modifications, and rehabilitation on the homes and non-profit facilities of low-income families with children, elderly military veterans, and people with special needs.

“Revitalize CDC has supported so many families in our community by helping them to maintain safe and healthy homes. Meanwhile, they have spent decades themselves in need of a permanent home to be able to continue this important work and expand their offerings.  Country Bank is honored to contribute $25,000 toward providing Revitalize CDC with this new home.  We are confident that they will be able to broaden their impact exponentially with this building, along with increased storage capacity and the continued drive to do more for our neighbors in need,” stated Ben Leonard, Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking Team Leader at Country Bank and Vice Chair of the Revitalize CDC Board.

“All of us at Revitalize CDC could not express enough gratitude for Country Bank’s generosity! Your corporate partnership and support of our Capital Campaign to build a warehouse/distribution center will help us serve more families in need. Our appreciation is immeasurable for your trust in us and contribution to our mission,” stated Coleen Shanley-Loveless, President & CEO of Revitalize Community Development Corporation.

Country Bank is pleased to announce that The Boston Business Journal has once again named Country Bank an honoree in its annual 2023 Corporate Citizenship Awards, recognizing the region’s top corporate charitable contributors.

The Business Journal annually publishes this list to highlight companies that promote and prioritize giving back to their communities.

“It is with honor that we present our list of the Top Charitable Contributors in Massachusetts – companies who gave $100,000 or more to Mass.-based charities in 2022. Collectively, they gave $423 million in cash contributions – a true example of the business community coming together to help those in need.  We are proud to celebrate these organizations who give both money and time to make our communities a stronger and better place for all.” said Boston Business Journal Market President and Publisher Carolyn Jones.

During this year’s celebration on September 7, 2023, 100 companies qualified for the distinction by reporting at least $100,000 in cash contributions to Massachusetts-based charities last year, as noted above. This year’s honorees include companies from such industry sectors as financial and professional services, health care, technology, retail, and professional sports.

Country Bank, ranked 44th, employs 220 staff members within Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester counties. The Bank’s team of Difference Makers actively promote the Bank’s mission of making a difference in their communities by volunteering for various non-profits throughout the year.

“We are honored to be recognized by the Boston Business Journal for Country Bank’s philanthropic efforts. As a community bank, it is our mission to help make a difference in the lives of others,” stated Paul Scully, President and CEO at Country Bank.

Country Bank proudly supports the MA Farm Resiliency Fund. The Governor and Lt. Governor, in partnership with the community and the United Way of Central Massachusetts (UWCM), has established the MA Farm Resiliency Fund, to respond to the recent storm impact in Western and Central Massachusetts. This initiative aims to provide assistance to farms affected by the recent flooding and heavy rains that impacted an estimated 2,700 acres, across 100 farms, resulting in $15M in losses.

“The relief provided by the Farm Fund is going to be life-changing for so many Massachusetts farmers,” said Governor Healey. “The Lieutenant Governor and I spent time over the last several weeks traveling around the state to visit with farmers that have been affected so severely by these rains. We saw the damage, and we know how much of their livelihoods are at stake. That’s why I’m thankful to all of the organizations and foundations who have donated to the fund. It’s because of their support that Massachusetts farmers will be able to start fresh for the new season”, stated Gov. Maura Healey.

“Our goal with the Fund is to support farmers and communities by raising and distributing funds with urgency, as they are facing challenges right now. We are so grateful to Country Bank for immediately stepping up and joining us to address the losses for farms, food pantries and the rural communities who rely on a vibrant agricultural economy”, stated Tim Garvin, President & CEO, United Way of Central MA.