Daily News

Country Bank Donates Building to QVCDC

WARE — Country Bank announce it has donated its former building, located at 65-71 Main St., Ware, to the Quaboag Valley Community Development Corp. (QVCDC).

“The bank is looking forward to the development of this property as a creative, innovative space for artists and crafts people to practice and teach, as well as display their work,” said Paul Scully, president and CEO of Country Bank.

The retail space is currently being revitalized and will provide incubator space to three new small businesses to help them begin their journey. The plans for the retail space include a pottery studio that will work in conjunction with Workshop 13 on pottery classes for the public, an art gallery with a coffee shop, and an additional space for another artistic business.

The QVCDC also received a $75,000 grant from the MassDevelopment Collaborative Workspace program to help with the renovations taking place in the new space. The new businesses are expected to open this summer, and will provide opportunities for people of all ages to experience arts and cultural activities on Main Street.

“This prime location promises to be an important component to the revitalization of the downtown area. It enhances the collaboration with the bank, the town of Ware, and the QVCDC that started with E2E Education to Employment, the Holyoke Community College workforce-training satellite facility that Country Bank donated space for two years ago,” said Sheila Cuddy, executive director of the QVCDC. “We are so pleased to cultivate this community partnership aimed at enhancing the quality of life for the residents of Ware.”