Jodie Gerulaitis, Author at Country Bank- Made To Make A Difference

Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, is pleased to demonstrate its unwavering support for those affected by recent hurricanes, with a generous $10,000 donation to the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund. This contribution reflects the bank’s commitment to its motto, “Made to Make a Difference,” by providing assistance during times of need.

As Florida communities face the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene and the impending landing of Hurricane Milton, the urgency for support and relief efforts is paramount. Country Bank, under the leadership of Mary McGovern, President and CEO, is standing by those greatly impacted during this recent event. “We believe in supporting those greatly impacted during these weather-related events, especially when it matters most,” said Mary McGovern. “Our donation to the American Red Cross is not just a financial contribution; it’s a commitment to helping those in dire situations rebuild their lives and restore hope.”

The American Red Cross, a key player in disaster response, provides shelter, food, and emotional support to individuals and families affected by hurricanes. Country Bank’s donation is aimed at supporting the American Red Cross’s ability to provide immediate relief and long-term recovery services to impacted communities.

Country Bank encourages other local businesses and community members to join in the effort to support hurricane relief. Together, we can make meaningful difference and help those impacted recover from these challenging circumstances. Learn more at redcross.org.

Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, and the Worcester Red Sox Foundation recently held the 3rd annual, “POLICE VS. FIRE BASEBALL CLASSIC,” presented by the WooSox Foundation and Country Bank on Monday, September 16, AT Polar Park. A $15,000 donation was made to the Worcester Fire Department Memorials Care Fund, a Worcester-based nonprofit that supports the perpetual care and maintenance of fallen firefighter memorials throughout the city and their families.

“At Country Bank, we are deeply honored to support our community’s police officers and firefighters through events like the Police vs. Fire Baseball Classic, said Mary McGovern, President and CEO at Country Bank. These brave men and women selflessly serve and protect, and it is a privilege to contribute to the care and maintenance of memorials that honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Our commitment to this cause reflects our ongoing dedication to strengthening the communities we serve and supporting the heroes who safeguard them.”

“As this annual tradition grows, we find that the poignant ceremony and competitive baseball game are emerging points of pride in our community,” said WooSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg. We give wholehearted thanks to Country Bank for continuing their outstanding community service. Our police and firefighters have found an extraordinary way to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and then to honor their memory with a fiercely competitive, marvelously entertaining performance of our national pastime. Our community is unique in the central role played by these frontline heroes.”

Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, is pleased to announce that The Boston Business Journal has once again named Country Bankan honoree in its annual 2024 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 2023. Collectively, they gave $362 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 5, 2024, 96 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 51st, 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 Mary McGovern, President and CEO at Country Bank.

Country Bank President and CEO, Mary McGovern is pleased to announce that it has donated its 191 Sykes Street location in Palmer to Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School. The property, valued at $500,000, will be a valuable asset for the school and a significant contribution to the local community, enhancing the educational landscape and fostering growth. This act of generosity directly impacts the lives of the residents, making them an integral part of this initiative.

Country Bank consolidated its Palmer locations in 2022 and sought a meaningful purpose for the property. Through a collaborative effort with Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School and Country Bank, the decision was made to donate the building to the high school to support its expansion initiatives.

“We are thrilled to contribute to the growth and development of Pathfinder Tech,” said Mary McGovern, President and CEO of Country Bank. “By donating this property, we aim to support the educational opportunities available to the students and our local communities.”

Superintendent Eric Duda echoed this sentiment, stating, “This donation is a transformative moment for Pathfinder Tech and our community. Country Bank’s generous support not only aids in expanding our programs but also invests in the future of our students and the skilled workforce of tomorrow.”

The newly donated property will facilitate Pathfinder Tech’s expansion of adult evening education programs and provide additional office space. It will host classes, making education more accessible to adult learners in the community. Country Bank’s ATM will remain at this location to continue serving customers in Thorndike and Three Rivers sections of Palmer.

Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School is renowned for its commitment to high-quality career and technical education. Duda noted, “This new space will enable us to offer more specialized programs aligned with industry needs, benefiting both our students and community members seeking valuable adult education opportunities.” He added, “This is the first time in its more than 50 year history that Pathfinder Tech has expanded its capacity through a property acquisition, a crucial step in addressing the demand for skilled workers.”

The collaboration between Country Bank and Pathfinder Tech underscores the importance of community partnerships in fostering educational and economic growth. By repurposing the property, both organizations are investing in the future of education and community development. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on September 13, 2024 to celebrate the property transfer and the partnership’s success. The event was attended by local dignitaries, including Senator Jacob Oliveira, State Representatives Todd Smola and Aaron Saunders, and other key figures, who expressed their support for local businesses working with educational institutions.

Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, and the WooSox Foundation recently announced the 2024 WooStars, a program that supports non-profit leaders throughout the region.

Country Bank and the Worcester Red Sox recently recognized nine local WooStars and the non-profits they are affiliated with at Polar Park to include: Kathy Chapman – Pawsitively 4 Pink, Sharon Bryant – FosterCare Essentials, Jessica Horton – Worcester Challenger Division Baseball, Jennifer Baublitz – HomeFront Strong, Brandon Robbins – Ginny’s Helping Hand, Inc., Suchitra Mumford – ArtSpace Maynard, Donna Bulger – Clear Path for Veterans New England and Julie McDonald – The Juniper Outreach Foundation. Each non-profit was presented with a $5,000 donation.

The WooStars program reflects our shared dedication, as it allows community members to nominate outstanding individuals to recognize their contributions to the communities they serve and to contribute to the nonprofits they support. Now in its fourth year, this program has recognized 36 WooStars, providing $180,000 in donations. We are proud to stand behind these community leaders who are making a significant impact,” stated Jodie Gerulaitis, Vice President of Community Relations at Country Bank.

“Country Bank has been an ideal community partner,” said Dr. Charles A. Steinberg, President of the Worcester Red Sox and the WooSox Foundation. “Our WooStars partnership sheds the light on some wonderful organizations—and that’s in addition to our collaboration on our Police vs. Fire Baseball Classic and our MVT program that supports our Most Valuable Teachers. We thank our friends at Country Bank, and we salute our 2024 WooStars.”

About Country Bank

Country Bank is a full-service $1.8B mutual community bank serving central and western Massachusetts with 14 offices in Ware, Palmer, West Brookfield, Brimfield, Belchertown, Wilbraham, Ludlow, Leicester, Paxton, Charlton, Springfield and Worcester. With a commitment to personalized service and community involvement, Country Bank offers individuals, businesses, and municipalities a comprehensive range of banking products and services. 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 the Worcester Red Sox

The Worcester Red Sox are the Triple-A affiliate of baseball’s beloved Boston Red Sox. Their inspiring and aspiring players live locally, most in the heart of Downtown Worcester, and play at Polar Park, the city’s sparkling new year-round venue that opened in 2021. The club and the WooSox Foundation are proud to be partners with Country Bank on many community endeavors.

Country Bank’s President and CEO, Mary McGovern, is excited to announce the promotion of Julie Sanders Yi, CPA, to Chief Financial Officer. Julie, who joined Country Bank in 2012 as the First Vice President and Controller, has made significant contributions to the Finance Department. Her exceptional performance led to her promotion in 2021 to Senior Vice President, where she demonstrated her ability to drive results in the Operations Department as well. Julie’s journey from a First Vice President to the Chief Financial Officer is a testament to her dedication and the organization’s potential for growth and success.

Julie brings a wealth of experience to her new role; with 23 years in finance and various roles, she has significantly impacted the organization. She graduated from the University of Nevada Las Vegas with a Bachelor Degree in Accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant, a testament to her expertise and dedication to the field.

“Julie’s promotion to Chief Financial Officer is a well-deserved recognition of her exceptional leadership and expertise,” said Mary McGovern, President and CEO of Country Bank. Throughout her tenure at Country Bank, Julie has consistently demonstrated her commitment to excellence and ability to drive results. She is a role model for our corporate values of Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Excellence, and Prosperity. Her deep understanding of finance and strategic mindset, which will guide us into the future, make her the ideal candidate for this critical role.”

As Chief Financial Officer, Julie will oversee all financial operations of Country Bank, including financial planning and analysis, budgeting, and financial reporting. She will drive the bank’s financial strategy and ensure long-term financial stability.

“I am honored and excited to take on the role of Chief Financial Officer at Country Bank,” said Julie Sanders Yi. “I am grateful for Mary’s trust and confidence in me. I look forward to working closely with the talented team at Country Bank to continue driving our success and delivering value to our customers.”

Julie’s promotion comes at a time of significant growth and change for Country Bank. With her extensive experience and expertise, she will be instrumental in guiding the bank’s financial decisions and positioning it for continued success. Julie resides in Holden with her two children and her partner. She is an avid runner and enjoys gardening and being outdoors with her family.

Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, is pleased to announce the opening of its fourth banking center in Worcester at 1393 Grafton Street. The new location will officially open on Monday, June 3, 2024.

Country Bank’s expansion in Worcester is a testament to its commitment to reinvesting in its communities and providing a valuable resource for customers and community members. Country Bank offers a comprehensive full-service support team equipped with banking center specialists trained to assist customers with all their banking needs, and ensuring financial security and exceptional customer service.

Country Bank invites the public to participate in a week-long celebration filled with exciting activities and giveaways. Customers and visitors can participate in drawings for local gift cards, WooSox tickets, giveaways, and free delicious treats from Wholly Cannoli. The Worcester Red Sox’s Smiley Ball and Country Bank’s mascot, Buck, will be on hand to entertain on Friday, June 21 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. All are invited to join in the June 18 ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3 p.m. attended by dignitaries and members from Country Bank’s team and Board of Trustees.

In addition to its commitment to customer service, Country Bank actively supports the City of Worcester through philanthropy and volunteerism efforts. The bank has made generous donations and has dedicated numerous volunteer hours to various community causes. Country Bank is one of the 21 founding partners of the Worcester Red Sox, and an active supporter of more than 210 local nonprofits in 2024.

Nathan Bourgeois, Retail Banking Officer, will lead the new Worcester location assisted by Lily Figueroa, Assistant Manager. Nathan joined the bank as the Assistant Manager at the Tatnuck Square location in 2022 and is ready to welcome new and existing customers to the Grafton Street Banking Center. Nathan is an active volunteer for a variety of Worcester nonprofits, attends after-hours business events, and enjoys making connections with colleagues in the city.

The Grafton Street Banking Center hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Extended hours are offered through ITMs at this location from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Country Bank, a leading financial institution in Western and Central Massachusetts, announced the appointment of four new corporators and a new trustee at its Annual Meeting on Monday, March 11, 2024.

James Phaneuf, Chair of the Board welcomed the new corporators to the Bank, stating, “We are thrilled to have these accomplished individuals join our team. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will contribute to the continued success of Country Bank.”

Ivon Gois, President of Gois Broadcasting, brings a wealth of experience to the Bank. Based in Worcester, Mr. Gois operates 12 radio stations in New England and is well-known for his contributions to the media industry, ethnic and racial diversity work and his and financial expertise.

Mechilia K. Salazar, CEO/Director of Hope for Youth and Families Foundation in Springfield, is a respected leader in the nonprofit sector. Ms. Salazar’s previous role as CEO of the Ludlow Boys and Girls Club demonstrates her commitment to serving the marginalized and under banked communities. She often serves as the bridge between local businesses and the communities they serve.

Samalid Hogan, a business consultant/CEO, and principal at Greylock Management in Ludlow, is a seasoned professional with a strong track record of success. Ms. Hogan’s leadership as past President of the Springfield Rotary Club and her involvement on various boards further highlight her dedication to making a positive impact. Her passion for empowering small businesses has made her a respected leader in the industry.

Walter Pacheco, a prominent figure in the hospitality industry, owns several Western and Central Massachusetts restaurants and investment properties. Mr. Pacheco’s extensive business acumen and local ties make him a valuable addition to the Bank.

In addition to the new corporators, President-elect Mary C. McGovern was appointed to the Board of Trustees. Her expertise and leadership will help guide the Bank’s strategic initiatives and ensure its continued growth as she takes over as President on April 1, 2024.

Country Bank is excited about the new appointments and looks forward to these individuals’ valuable insights into the markets it serves. With their combined expertise and dedication, the Bank is well-positioned to continue to make a difference in serving its customers and communities for another 175 years