Picture This

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Strong Partnership

In 2024, Monson Savings Bank (MSB) continued its strong support of one of its community partners, Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services (MLKFS). The bank supported the MLKFS Be Love Project and the inclusion of the Springfield-based nonprofit in BusinessWest’s 2024 Giving Guide, and was a platinum-level sponsor of the organization’s first-ever Reunion Weekend, a three-day celebration.

Pictured: MLKFS President and CEO Shannon Rudder (second from right) with, from left, MSB’s Wil Morales, President and CEO Dan Moriarty, and Kylie LaPlante.

Caring Gesture

Florence Bank pledged a gift of $100,000 to Caring Health Center of Springfield and officially presented the award on Dec. 19 at the center. Among those at the check presentation were Caring Health Center President and CEO Tania Barber (pictured) and other leaders of the organization; Florence Bank President and CEO Matt Garrity (pictured) and other bank officials; and local dignitaries. The event underscored the need for health equity in the region’s diverse communities, and Barber told those in attendance that the bank’s donation offered the center a significant step toward the completion of its capital campaign.

Caring Health Center President and CEO Tania Barber (at left) and Florence Bank President and CEO Matt Garrity

Legendary Hall of Fame Award

At its 2024 convention, Maaco announced the recipient of the annual Tony Martino Legendary Hall of Fame award. Joe Houghton, owner of Maaco West Springfield in Massachusetts, was selected for this honor, which was created to recognize individuals who are not only exceptional brand ambassadors, but who serve as a positive influence for both the brand and their local community. As a veteran, Houghton (pictured at center with his team) devotes his time to supporting fellow veterans in his community. The center was also recently recognized by the Springfield Regional Chamber as a Super 60 honoree.

As a veteran, Houghton (pictured at center with his team) devotes his time to supporting fellow veterans in his community.

Haulin’ 4 Hunger

Advantage Truck Group employees recently delivered hundreds of non-perishable meals to seven community food pantries through its Haulin’ 4 Hunger program, including Our Community Table in Westfield. Since its inception in 2012, the Haulin’ 4 Hunger program has provided more than 80,000 meals and counting to help those in need.

Pictured: the Haulin’ 4 Hunger team of Advantage Truck Group employees and business partners, including Cummins, Dennis K. Burke, G. Lopes Construction, Global Partners, SelecTrucks of New England, UniBank, and Worcester Railers.

Community Commitment Award

Pictured: Community Bank Chief Human Resource & Administration Officer Maureen Gillan-Myer accepts the award during ABA’s annual convention on Oct. 29 in New York City.

Community Bank’s community-development program was nationally recognized with a 2024 ABA Foundation Community Commitment Award from the American Bankers Assoc. Foundation. Community Bank was chosen for its efforts in the volunteerism category. In 2023, the bank broke records for volunteerism and philanthropic investments across its network of more than 200 branches.