Company Notebook

ESB to Partner with Hometown Bank

EASTHAMPTON — Easthampton Savings Bank, the wholly-owned subsidiary of ESB Bancorp Inc., and Hometown Bank, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Hometown Community Bancorp Inc., jointly announced they will form a strategic partnership through the merger of their holding companies. After this transaction is completed, the combined mutual holding company will have more than $1.7 billion in assets and more than $180 million in equity capital, with a branch network of 23 offices located throughout Central and Western Mass. and Northeast Conn. ESB and Hometown will merge mutual holding companies, but will continue to run their banks independently and autonomously. The announcement follows ESB’s 2015 acquisition of Citizens National Bank in Putnam, Conn.

Center for EcoTechnology Hosts Blue Jean Ball

SPRINGFIELD — More than 50 contractors, builders, and green specialists filled EcoBuilding Bargains in Springfield on Oct. 2 for the first-ever Blue Jean Ball. The event, which featured food, beer, a raffle, and live entertainment, was created to thank partners who have helped the Center for EcoTechnology build a greener community. “We wanted to have a space to genuinely thank all of our partners who help us save energy and reduce waste,” said Green Building Sales Manager Susan Ash. “It’s because of them that we are able to have such an impact on this community.” The Center for EcoTechnology offers a host of services to new-construction contractors who want to build green. Services include HERS ratings, LEED certification and LEED AP services, passive-house certification, code testing, infrared scanning, Energy Star certification, energy-performance design consultation, modular-plant Energy Star certification, and more. Details can be found at www.cetonline.org.

Green Earth Computers Relocates, Expands

NORTHAMPTON — Kiernan Gulick-Sherrill, owner of Green Earth Computers, recently announced that the business is expanding by two technicians and moving from Amherst to Northampton in order to better serve clients in a much larger office space. The move to 20A Crafts Ave. will provide a more central location for many customers and make it easier for Green Earth staff to schedule on-site visits with clients across the Valley, Gulick-Sherrill said. The location is also more spacious, allowing for additional retail space for refurbished laptops, cables, and accessories. Green Earth has also welcomed two new technicians to the team in response to the growing demand. Greg Schwartz has previous experience at a variety of tech companies, including TechCavalry and College Pro Computers, where he worked alongside Gulick-Sherrill. Daniel Cottle is a Hampshire College graduate with more than 10 years of experience in computer and small-electronics repair. He previously worked in the Hampshire College Information Technology Department. Green Earth Computers was created in 2009 and offers on-site and drop-off computer repair services as well as remote assistance. The business promotes sustainability and offers computer-recycling services. It also specializes in repair and replacement of computer screens and charge ports, as well as batteries. For more information, call (413) 282-8324 or visit www.greenearthpc.us.

NUVO Shareholders OK Merchants Merger

SPRINGFIELD — The shareholders of NUVO Bank & Trust Co. overwhelmingly voted to approve the merger agreement between NUVO and Merchants Bancshares Inc., the parent company of Merchants Bank, and the related bank-merger agreement between NUVO and Merchants Bank pursuant to which Merchants Bank will acquire NUVO. The shareholders of NUVO approved the merger agreement by the affirmative vote of the holders of 84.5% of the outstanding shares of NUVO. Of the shares voted, approximately 97.6% of the shares were voted in favor of approval of the transaction. Consummation of the merger, which is subject to regulatory approval and the satisfaction of the other conditions of the merger agreement, is expected to occur on or about Nov. 30.

Farmington Bank Opens First Branch in Region

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Farmington Bank opened its first branch office in Western Mass., located at 85 Elm St. in West Springfield. “Farmington Bank’s new office in West Springfield will offer a complete line of consumer and commercial banking products,” said John Patrick Jr., chairman, president, and CEO of Farmington Bank. “In addition, we look forward to partnering with the Western Massachusetts community through the philanthropic activities of the Farmington Bank Community Foundation and the volunteer efforts of our Farmington Bank employees.” The West Springfield facility is the new home of Farmington Bank’s Commercial Services office, led by Michael Moriarty, senior vice president, commercial team leader, and regional executive, and its Western Mass. Mortgage Sales department, led by Brian Risler, assistant vice president and mortgage sales manager. Farmington Bank’s West Springfield office will be managed by Nikki Gleason, assistant vice president and branch manager. Gleason is a 15-year local banking professional, and comes to Farmington Bank from Hampden Bank, where she served as branch manager of its West Springfield branch. Gleason studied at Springfield Technical Community College and is a graduate of the New England School for Financial Studies.