Ware, MA – Country Bank announced today that Miriam Siegel has joined their team as the Senior Vice President of Human Resources.

With 26 years in the financial services industry,  Ms. Siegel is an experienced human resources professional. Ms. Siegel’s work experience is enriched by her Bachelor’s Degree in Business with a minor in Psychology from the State University of New York at Albany. She is also a Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) and Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) from WorldatWork.

For 21 years, Ms. Siegel worked at United Bank. She began her career as a payroll clerk and worked her way through the ranks until she found her passion within the human resources department. Her time at United Bank made a significant impact on her approach to human resources. “I live and work by the philosophy that your most valuable assets are your people.” stated Ms. Siegel. “I am very excited to be back at a local community bank where employees and customers come first.”

Ms. Siegel owned The Village Store Café in Wilbraham which she owned operated with husband. During that time, they began a run/walk – the “Cup to Pint Fun Run” to support local charities.  The recipients for this annual fundraising event, The Children’s Museum in Wilbraham, the Livestrong Program at the Scantic Valley YMCA and the Wilbraham Hampden Academic Trust (W.H.A.T.), have all received donations from the event.

Ms. Siegel is a member of the Massachusetts Bankers Association (MBA), WorldatWork and the New England Human Resources Assocation (NEHRA) and serves on the Board of Directors for the Behavioral Health Network (BHN) in Springfield.

“Miriam’s extensive expertise in human resources within the financial services industry makes her a perfect fit for Country Bank.” stated Paul Scully, CEO and President of Country Bank. “We are thrilled to have her join our team; we know that Miriam will be an esteemed resource for Country Bank and its employees.”

Ms. Siegel resides in Wilbraham with her husband and step-daughter and has two grown daughters. She  enjoys mountain biking and is a licensed real estate agent.

Ware, MA – Country Bank announced that it donated $50,000 to the Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation to assist them in their commitment to economic development and helping small businesses grow and prosper in the Quaboag Hills Region. The QVCDC offers many great programs to help small businesses which include training programs such as computer courses, how to write a business plan or individual consulting in addition to offering small business loans.

“We want to acknowledge and express our deep appreciation for this major donation. Country Bank’s support of Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation reflects their deep commitment to the community, and support for activities that are designed to strengthen the business fabric of the region and improve the day to day lives of Quaboag region residents.” states Sheila Cuddy, QVCDC Executive Director.

To learn more about how the QVCDC might be able to assist your business, please visit: qvcdc.org

(Pictured: Alex Martinez, QVCDC, Jodie Gerulaitis, Vice President, Community Relations Country Bank, Sheila Cuddy, QVCDC Executive Director, Gail Farnsworth-French, QVCDC and Janice Hills, QVCDC.)

Ware, MA – To celebrate the holiday season this year, Country Bank decided to mix things up a bit. During the month of December, Country Bank’s very own Ca$h Cab visited their branch locations to have some fun with their customers. The Country Bank Honda Pilot was transformed into a “Ca$h Cab” and provided an opportunity for customers and non-customers to take a “virtual cab ride” with various members from the Senior Management team. They were asked 10 financial literacy questions for a chance to win some extra dough. “This was just a little way for us to show our appreciation to our customers while having some fun and offering financial education. The extra spending money during the holiday season was also very much welcomed by our passengers.” states Shelley Regin, Senior Vice President of Marketing.

To continue its support of financial education, they are launching a new website on January 17th which includes digital financial literacy modules on a variety of topics such as, savings, retirement, budgeting, investments, mortgages, taxes, insurance, etc. “These modules will provide the knowledge and skills needed to develop stronger financial capability and gain a better understanding of how to use our products and services.” states Jodie Gerulaitis, Vice President, Community Relations.

To learn more about these great new, free education modules, please visit countrybank.com/financial-education

(Pictured: From left to right: Shelley Regin, SVP of Marketing, Jodie Gerulaitis, VP, Community Relations, cab passenger Nathan Scott and Phil Goncalves, SVP of Commercial Lending.)