Country Bank is excited to announced that it has partnered with the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce to offer a scholarship program for small businesses within the city.

Shelley Regin, SVP of Marketing and Public Relations at Country Bank, recently met with the President of the Chamber, Tim Murray, to discuss the bank’s commitment to the Chamber and small businesses throughout the region. As a result of this meeting, a new small business membership scholarship program was established.

“Throughout the pandemic, many small businesses have had to find ways to reduce expenses; some of those reductions included canceling their Chamber membership. To align with our ongoing mission to help small businesses thrive, the establishment of this scholarship program will help struggling businesses remain a Chamber member, as well as provide others an opportunity to become new members. As a long-time member of the Chamber, our staff has had the opportunity to benefit from the valuable programs and events that the Chamber offers; we feel this membership provides a vital connection to growing and supporting businesses within the city.” said Shelley Regin.

Scholarship funds will cover membership dues for one full year, provide members-only access to critical resources, programming, and the opportunity to attend various activities through the Chamber. In addition, the selected businesses of the Scholarship will have a chance to promote their company on the Chamber’s Radio Program (WCRN) with Hank Stoltz, and have their organization spotlighted through the social media platforms of both the Chamber and Country Bank.

“We are grateful to Country Bank for helping our Central Massachusetts area businesses at such a critical time. This program will allow the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce to continue to provide services and advocacy to these eligible businesses during this health and economic crisis,” stated Timothy Murray, President and CEO of the Chamber.

Scholarship applications are now being accepted by visiting www.worcesterchamber.org. All entries will be reviewed through a partnership committee consisting of the Chamber and Country Bank staff.

Hear the announcement of the Small Business Membership Scholarship with Shelley Regin of Country Bank and Tim Murray of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce here on Talk of the Commonwealth with Hank Stolz.

ABOUT THE WORCESTER REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce is the largest Chamber in New England representing more than 2,000 business members from all industries and of all sizes located in a service area of 35 cities and towns and other communities in Central Mass. and beyond. Worcester’s affiliate Chamber partners are Auburn, Blackstone Valley, Central Mass. South, Wachusett Area, and Webster Dudley Oxford. For more information, visit www.worcesterchamber.org.

Country Bank is proud to report donations and sponsorships for 2020, totaling $1.3 million. Through the bank’s philanthropic efforts, we provide support to local non-profits throughout the communities we serve; in 2020, more than 400 of these organizations received generous donations.

The pandemic has left businesses and individuals facing continued looming uncertainties. Many non-profits struggled from the economic fallout, and they looked to community partners like Country Bank for assistance. In total, we donated over $500,000 to area hospitals and first responder housing efforts to provide the financial and tangible emergency resources needed to support their mission during the pandemic.

Organizations receiving support included:

• Behavioral Health Network, Inc
• Boys and Girls Club of Worcester
• Christina’s House
• Greater Worcester Community Foundation
• Provision Ministry
• Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation
• Ronald McDonald House of Springfield
• The Springfield Rescue Mission
• Why Me and Sherry’s House
• Worcester Youth Center

Recognizing the importance and overwhelming need to help organizations that address hunger, we provided monetary donations to food programs throughout the region that exceeded $100,000.

The recipients of these funds included:

• Friends of the Homeless, Springfield
• Rachel’s Table
• St. John’s Food Program
• The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts
• The Mustard Seed
• Worcester County Food Bank
• Numerous local food pantries

“As a community partner, we care deeply about the sustainability of our communities. As such, and in recognizing the burdens that our communities have experienced throughout this year, we were honored to offer support during what has been the most stressful time in our history. Supporting and enriching our communities is not only a part of our mission; it’s simply who we are as an organization,” stated Paul Scully, President and CEO of Country Bank.

2021 will continue to provide challenges to the non-profit sector, and they will once again rely heavily on their community banking partners to help them with their mission to assist those they serve. Community banks are a critical resource and will be called upon to continue with much needed additional assistance in the new year.