Company Notebook

Holyoke Mall Releases Community Impact Report

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Mall released its 2024 Community Impact Report, highlighting the results of the center’s collaboration with Western Mass. nonprofit community organizations over the past year. In 2024, the Holyoke Mall hosted almost 200 nonprofit events and partnered with more than 30 local organizations that utilized the center for meeting space, fundraising, and awareness campaigns. In addition to the record number of events, the mall also welcomed an increase in visits for 2024, at 7.9 million. Guests traveled from all over New England, the Northeast, and even from Florida, South Carolina, Virginia, and Arizona. The mall welcomes not-for-profit organizations looking to benefit from the center, whether for a tabling opportunity, for fundraising and awareness campaigns, or to host a large event in the common area. Event space and tabling are free for nonprofit use. Groups are asked to fill out and submit the required paperwork at www.holyokemall.com/community.

UMass Downtown Opens in Amherst

AMHERST — UMass Downtown, a multi-purpose retail, event, and meeting satellite space in downtown Amherst, opened on Feb. 11 at 108 North Pleasant St., in the town’s central business district. The welcome center for prospective UMass Amherst students and their families will serve as a boutique retail satellite and campus information center during regular business hours and a hub for town-gown interaction with community members. In the evenings, the space will regularly host small lectures, readings, and workshops. Micah Ariel James has been appointed director of UMass Downtown, which is managed by the Office of Community Relations and University Events in partnership with UMass Auxiliary Enterprises. A recent transplant to the Pioneer Valley, James most recently served as the inaugural Outreach and Equity coordinator for the city of North Liberty, Iowa, from 2021 to 2024.

Liberty Bank Announces 2024 Community Impact

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. — David Glidden, president and CEO of Middletown-based Liberty Bank and president of the Liberty Bank Foundation, announced that the bank and its charitable foundation achieved another record year, with $4.8 million in corporate sponsorships and grant awards, as well as teammate volunteerism. Liberty Bank invested approximately $2.7 million in corporate sponsorships, donations, and other initiatives to more than 400 community organizations in Connecticut and Massachusetts. This includes their strong and ongoing community partnerships with the American Cancer Society, YMCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs, cultural and arts groups, business and industry organizations, and professional sports teams. The Liberty Bank Foundation awarded 141 grants totaling nearly $2.1 million, investing in programs and services that assist thousands of lower- to moderate-income children and families in the areas of education and training, affordable housing, and food security. This was Liberty’s highest dollar amount awarded in a single year. Liberty Bank teammates logged 15,928 hours in volunteerism in 2024 with 631 organizations. One hundred percent of Liberty teammates participated in some kind of community volunteer activity in 2024. The bank invested $15.5 million in the development of various affordable-housing projects and solar-energy projects, and provided capacity building to several community-development financial institutions; invested $46.8 million in lending to a variety of affordable-housing developments; took part in 313 community-outreach activities covering various aspects of financial education; and offered 90 Academy of Small Business classes for first-time entrepreneurs.

PeoplesBank, Cornerstone Bank Merge Holding Companies

HOLYOKE — PeoplesBank and Cornerstone Bank announced they have completed the merger of their holding companies and will now operate under PeoplesBancorp, MHC. The holding company will have more than $6 billion in assets. However, PeoplesBank and Cornerstone Bank will continue to operate independently under their own names and brands, and there will be no changes from a customer perspective. Both banks are adding new branches. Cornerstone Bank added a new branch in 2024 and expects to add another in the second quarter of 2025. PeoplesBank is opening two new banking centers in January and February. With the completion of the merger, PeoplesBank Chairman and CEO Tom Senecal remains chairman and CEO, Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman has become president, and Brian Canina has become chief operating officer of PeoplesBancorp, MHC, and will remain president of PeoplesBank. Both banks’ customer account information, branch banking, and digital access remain the same.

Country Bank Donations Top $900,000 in 2024

WARE — Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Mass., reported more than $900,000 in donations for 2024. The bank’s philanthropic efforts supported local nonprofits across its communities, with 462 organizations receiving grants throughout the year. In addition to financial contributions, Country Bank team members dedicated 1,958 hours of volunteer service, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to giving back. Furthermore, 39 team members served on 95 nonprofit boards and committees, actively contributing their time and expertise to advance these organizations’ missions. Recognizing the importance of financial literacy, Country Bank hosted seven Credit for Life Fairs for more than 2,000 high-school seniors, educating them on credit, budgeting, and the long-term impact of financial decisions. Additional classes were conducted at various schools across the region and Christina’s House, a home for women and children who are homeless or near homelessness. As part of its annual Season of Difference campaign, Country Bank partnered with the WonderFund to support those involved with the Department of Children and Families system throughout Central and Western Mass. Through this collaboration, the bank contributed more than $20,000, reinforcing its commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families. Among the organizations receiving support were Junior Achievement, EcoTarium, Main South CDC, Venture Community Services, Why Me/Sherry’s House, Boys & Girls Clubs, Behavioral Health Network, Way Finders, HomeFront Strong, United Way of Pioneer Valley and Central Massachusetts, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Worcester County Food Bank, Juniper Outreach, Square One, Friends of the Homeless, along with 22 senior centers and 23 food pantries across the region.

Freedom Credit Union Gives More Than $194,000 in 2024

SPRINGFIELD — Throughout 2024, Freedom Credit Union contributed financial support to dozens of local charitable organizations throughout the four counties of Western Mass., donating more than $194,000. Additionally, Freedom employees recorded more than 600 hours of volunteer time in 2024. The 2024 total donated includes more than $130,000 through corporate giving initiatives, more than $11,000 in member and employee donations through Freedom’s Month of Giving campaigns, and more than $53,000 through local branch and department discretionary fund donations. Supported organizations include Alzheimer’s Assoc.; Baystate Foundation – Rays of Hope; Baystate Health; Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicopee, Ludlow, and Springfield; Children’s Advocacy Centers – Franklin County and Hampden County; Clinical Support Options (Friends of the Homeless); Cooley Dickinson Hospital; Elms College; Food Bank of Western Massachusetts; Gándara Center; Gray House; Greater Springfield and Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity; Greenfield Community College; Make-A-Wish; Miracle League of Western Massachusetts; National MS Society; New North Citizens Council; Ronald McDonald House; Shriners Children’s New England; Spirit of Springfield; Springfield Jazz Fest; Springfield Museums; Springfield School Volunteers; Stanley Park of Westfield; Town of Ludlow 250th celebration; Town of West Springfield 250th celebration; Western New England University; Westover Galaxy Community Council; and YMCAs in Springfield and Greenfield.

Community Bank Reports Charitable Giving for 2024

DEWITT, N.Y. — Community Bank announced that its charitable giving, in conjunction with its parent company and affiliated subsidiaries, totaled more than $3.9 million in 2024. More than 2,200 nonprofit organizations that provide essential services to the communities the company serves received support through sponsorships and donations. The bank’s parent company, Community Financial System Inc., includes the companies OneGroup Insurance, Benefit Plans Administrators, and Community Bank Wealth Management. Among last year’s charitable-giving efforts, more than $200,000 was given to United Way agencies across the company’s footprint through a combination of corporate contributions and employee payroll deductions. Beyond financial support, Community Bank branches often host charitable drives and events as a way for employees, customers, and community members to participate in charitable-giving efforts. Employees across Community Financial System Inc. also volunteer their time to a variety of local nonprofits, including cultural, civic, economic-development, and social-service organizations and charities. In 2024, the organization’s team members committed more than 17,800 hours to volunteer initiatives to give back to their communities, and more than 405 team members served on not-for-profit boards and committees.