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.

To launch Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, the 2^nd annual Police vs. Fire Baseball Classic, presented by Country Bank at Polar Park on Sunday, August 27, raised $15,750 for Why Me & Sherry’s House, a Worcester nonprofit that provides resources and support to children battling cancer and their families.

The Worcester Police Officers defeated the Worcester Firefighters 14–3 in nine innings.

As the home team, the Worcester Fire Department selected Why Me & Sherry’s House to benefit from this year’s event in honor of retired Fire Captain Mark Wyco, who lost his daughter Bridget to childhood cancer in 1996.

After the game, the Worcester Red Sox and Country Bank presented the check for $15,750 to Rebecca Kuczarski, the Executive Director of Why Me & Sherry’s House.

They also presented the 2023 Paul Scully Most Valuable Player Award to Officer Ty Sterner, a southpaw who allowed just two hits and one run in six innings pitched.  The Worcester native, who has served in the Worcester Police Department for two years, was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 23^rd round of the 2014 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft from the University of Rhode Island.  However, a pair of Tommy John surgeries cut his professional baseball career short.

As the M.V.P., Officer Sterner won a Country Bank jersey, four V.I.P. tickets to a future WooSox game—at which he will be honored with the opportunity to throw a Ceremonial First Pitch—and a gift card to The Mercantile Restaurant.

“There was an extraordinary feeling at this year’s event,” said Dr. Charles A. Steinberg, President of the Worcester Red Sox and the WooSox Foundation.  “Our first responders are the heart and soul of Worcester, and we believe this friendly but competitive game will continue to grow into a civic treasure.  We thank our friends and founding partners at Country Bank for collaborating with us yet again on what has become one of the most fun—and impactful—events of the year.”

“Country Bank is honored to partner with the Worcester Red Sox Foundation in presenting the Police vs. Fire game,” said Paul Scully, President and CEO of Country Bank. “We have been a longtime supporter of the Police and Fire Departments across the many markets we serve. The critical work these departments do each and every day truly makes a difference for our communities. It is also our privilege to support Why Me Sherry’s House with this year’s donation to assist them in the great work they do for Childhood Cancer.”

At the inaugural game September 26, 2022, $15,680 was raised for the Manny 267 Foundation, which honors and celebrates the life of the late Worcester Police Officer Enmanuel “Manny” Familia, who made the ultimate sacrifice June 4, 2021, when he heroically dove into Green Hill Pond to attempt to save a drowning teenage boy.

In its first two years, the event raised $31,430 for local causes that hit home for Worcester’s first responders.

Country Bank is one of the WooSox’ 21 founding partners.  The WooSox Foundation and Country Bank also collaborate on the “Most Valuable Teachers” (MVTs) program, which recognizes extraordinary teachers in the region, as well as the “WooStars” program, which rewards nonprofits driving social change across Central Massachusetts.

So far in 2023, the WooSox Foundation has donated $88,760 toward the effort to conquer cancer.

Country Bank recently recognized nine local WooStars and the non-profits they are affiliated with at Polar Park to include: Mari Gonzalez – El Buen Samaritano Food Program, Inc., Jenna Rahkonen – HomeFront Strong, Brian Feeley – Miracle League of Western Mass, Todd Stewart – Camp Putnam, Sharon MacDonald – Guild of St. Agnes of Worcester, Inc., Anna Rice – Dismas House, Gina & John Connolly – Lou Gehrig Little League and Joseph Kenadek – Jack Barry Little League. Each non-profit was presented with a $5,000 donation.

“Country Bank and the Worcester Red Sox Foundation are passionate about supporting the communities we serve. The “WooStars” is a partnership program between our two organizations. It is so meaningful to us as our community members nominate the WooStars and support the non-profits they serve. In its third year, we have awarded 27 WooStars with $135,000 in donations. These community leaders are genuinely making a difference, and we are honored to support them,” said Shelley Regin, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Public 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 2023 WooStars.”

Country Bank announced that Mary C. McGovern, executive vice president, chief financial and operating officer, successfully completed the inaugural American Bankers Association (ABA) Wharton Leadership Lab at the University of Pennsylvania last week. She earned an ABA Wharton Executive Leadership Certificate, a prestigious credential that demonstrates her excellence in leadership and strategic planning.

The ABA Wharton Leadership Lab is a rigorous, immersive program that challenges executive bankers on the reality of leadership in today’s world at an Ivy League level. The program, which included 42 students, covers topics such as creating and sharing a vision, goal setting, managing talent, driving innovation, and sustaining meaningful relationships.

Mary is an influential executive leader with more than 30 years’ experience in the financial services industry. Her leadership has contributed to the bank’s continued success for the past 12 years. Mary’s participation in the ABA Wharton Leadership Lab reflects her commitment to continuous learning and professional development at a critical time in the industry as regulations, technologies and the work force continues to rapidly evolve.

“Mary’s commitment to Country Bank is admirable, with oversight of operations, finance, facilities, retail banking delivery and technology, she has continued to drive strategic change throughout the Bank,” said Paul Scully, President and CEO.  “On behalf of the entire team and the Board of Directors, we would like to congratulate Mary for this achievement and look forward to her continued leadership as we navigate the next few years in a challenging economy.”

Country Bank announced the recipient of the 2023 President’s Platinum Award. The Bank’s recognition program, “Above and Beyond,” encourages team members to look for coworkers who embody the Bank’s corporate values of Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Excellence, and Prosperity (iSTEP). Within this program, members can receive different levels of recognition: Silver Spotlight, Gold Star, and the President’s Platinum.

“Country Bank’s team members contribute to the Bank’s success in many ways throughout the year, and we are delighted to celebrate their contributions. The 2023 President’s Platinum award was presented to Crystal Mansfield, Customer Experience and Sales Support Specialist. Crystal embodies the Bank’s corporate values in every interaction she has. In addition, her nominator recognized her contributions to the organization, customers, and coworkers. The Country Bank team is extremely dedicated, knowledgeable, and committed to delivering the best service to their external and internal customers,” stated Paul Scully, President and CEO of Country Bank.

“I am extremely honored to have been named a recipient of the Presidential Platinum Award! Thank you to my colleague for nominating me and to Paul for selecting me to receive this year’s award. My focus is always on a positive customer experience. Supporting, listening to, and finding customer solutions is simply the best part of my job. I could not do what I do without all the amazing team members at Country Bank. I am humbled to receive this award and appreciate that Country Bank has a culture that supports and recognizes the contributions of the team,” said Crystal.

Country Bank is pleased to congratulate one of its Difference Makers, Dianna Lussier, Vice President of Risk, on her recent graduation from the American Bankers Association, Stonier Graduate School of Banking.

The ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking continues to lead the way as the industry’s preeminent graduate banking program. Professional development is important now more than ever, and Stonier delivers the highest standard of executive education through its highly regarded program. Graduates receive both a Stonier Diploma and a Wharton Leadership Certificate.

“During the past three years, I gained valuable insights into leadership, innovation, ethics, business strategy, and change management. I’ve learned new perspectives and skillsets and built meaningful connections with leaders in the banking industry across the country. I know these connections will be a great resource for me throughout my career. Thank you to Country Bank for providing me with this opportunity to advance my leadership and other developmental skills that will make a difference in my career, for my team, and the Bank,” said Dianna.

“We couldn’t be prouder of Dianna for her dedication to the completion of the American Bankers Association Stonier School of Banking.  She has worked hard over the course of this three-year program designed to enhance her leadership skills as a Banker, a risk professional and a thought leader for the Bank.  Dianna has always been enthusiastic about the learning opportunities offered by the Bank through her career at Country Bank and we are appreciative of her continued commitment to excellence,” said Miriam Siegel, FSVP, Chief Culture & Development Officer