FLORENCE — Florence Bank announced that Kiara Sonoda, Jessica Camp, Samantha Sanger, and Lynn Formel have been selected as recipients of the 2020 President’s Award.

The President’s Award is a tradition established by the bank in 1995, affording employees opportunities to nominate their peers for this prestigious honor, which recognizes outstanding performance, customer service, and overall contribution to Florence Bank. Sonoda, Camp, Sanger, and Formel were nominated by numerous colleagues at Florence Bank.

Sonoda is a teller operations manager and customer service representative at the downtown Northampton office and has been with Florence Bank for nine years. She attended the University of Massachusetts and is a figure-skating coach for the Skating Club of Amherst.

Camp is a credit analyst at the main headquarters and has been with Florence Bank for three years. She received her bachelor’s degree from Framingham State University.

Sanger is a customer records analyst at the main headquarters and has been with Florence Bank for 10 years. She attended the University of Phoenix.

Formel is a customer service representative at the Hadley branch and has been with Florence Bank for three years.

“These four employees showcase how hard work and determination truly pay off,” said Kevin Day, president and CEO of Florence Bank. “Their peers have praised their dedication, enthusiasm, and the impressive skill set they bring to their respective jobs each day.”

CHICOPEE — Florence Bank celebrated its third Hampden County branch Wednesday morning with a ribbon cutting highlighted by the presentation of a $5,000 donation to the Boys & Girls Club of Chicopee.

In attendance at the socially distanced event were Chicopee Mayor John Vieau, Florence Bank President and CEO Kevin Day, Branch Manager Kimberly Downing, community leaders, and bank employees, board members, and corporators.

“We are a local bank that is managed and staffed by people who live in the local communities we serve,” Day said. “We are part of a team of customers and employees who work together for the common goal of improving our local communities.”

The new branch at 705 Memorial Dr. is the third Florence Bank location in Hampden County to open since 2017, and about 1,000 of the bank’s roughly 5,000 current Hampden County customers live in Chicopee. While noting that technology has made online banking easier and more accessible, Day said Florence Bank built a new branch as a resource for those bank customers.

“We believe a physical location demonstrates our commitment to the financial well-being of this community and its people,” he explained. “Our staff is physically here to help our neighbors with their financial needs.”

The Chicopee branch has an open floor plan with two teller pods and innovative technology for quick cash handling. The location will also feature a drive-up ATM with SMART technology for easy depositing.

Along with Downing, other branch employees include Diane Afonso, assistant branch manager; Tracy Keefe, customer service representative and senior teller; Kiara Sonoda, teller operations manager; and Karen Willemain, senior teller.

“We’re thrilled to be here in Chicopee,” Downing said, “and we look forward to becoming part of the fabric of the city.”

FLORENCE — Florence Bank named Cynthia Malinowski as this year’s Community Support Award winner. Malinowski, vice president and branch manager of the downtown Northampton office, joined Florence Bank in October 1999 and has 33 years of banking experience.

The Community Support Award was established by the bank in 1997 as a means of formally recognizing employees who are active participants in community events and donate their personal and professional time to local not-for-profit organizations.

Each year, the award recipient can select a nonprofit organization of his or her choice, and the bank will donate to that organization. At Malinowski’s recommendation, Florence Bank will donate $500 to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. The mission of the Food Bank is to feed neighbors in need and lead the community in ending hunger.

Malinowski serves as an active member of the Greater Northampton Area Chamber of Commerce. She is also involved with the Easthampton Helping Hand Society and occasionally volunteers at the Easthampton Community Center.

“Cindy is the ideal choice for the Community Support Award,” said Kevin Day, president and CEO of Florence Bank. “Her positive energy, commitment to numerous local nonprofit organizations, and dedication to helping those in need within our community is exemplary.”

FLORENCE — Florence Bank promoted Anita Sedlak to the position of vice president, branch manager of the Easthampton office.

Sedlak brings extensive knowledge and skill to her new role. Prior to her recent promotion, she was the senior assistant branch manager at the Easthampton office. During her tenure at the bank, she has been the recipient of the Florence Bank Community Support Award, which is granted to employees who demonstrate superior levels of involvement in the community. She is a graduate of the New England School of Financial Studies.

Sedlak serves her community as treasurer of Easthampton Dollars for Scholars, finance committee member for the Easthampton Helping Hand Society and a board member of the Florence Bank Easthampton Branch Charitable Foundation.

“We are happy to have Anita take on this new role as vice president, branch manager,” said Kevin Day, president and CEO of Florence Bank. “Her knowledge of the Easthampton community and rapport with our customers make her the perfect choice to serve in this capacity.”

CHICOPEE — Florence Bank will open its third Hampden County branch at 705 Memorial Dr. in Chicopee on Monday, March 22, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony is slated for Wednesday, May 5.

“We’re very pleased to be expanding our presence in Hampden County,” said Kevin Day, Florence Bank’s president and CEO. “Our focus is on providing great customer service and helping to reinvigorate the community.”

A small number of bank employees, board members, and corporators will be present for the in-person, socially distanced ribbon cutting, along with Chicopee Mayor John Vieau.

The Chicopee branch has an open floor plan with two teller pods and innovative technology for quick cash handling. The location will also feature a drive-up ATM with SMART technology for easy depositing.

Kimberly Downing will serve as assistant vice president and branch manager for the new location. “Florence Bank is known for providing exceptional customer service, so of course I’m thrilled to be part of the team and represent the Florence Bank brand for people in Chicopee,” she said.

Downing attended Holyoke Community College and has 35 years of banking experience. She will manage the daily operations and growth of the branch. She serves as a committee member for McDonald’s Nature Preserve in Wilbraham.

“We are happy Kimberly chose to join the Florence Bank team,” Day said. “Her extensive banking experience and dedication to customer service will serve the Chicopee community well.”

Other employees who will staff the new location are Diane Afonso, assistant branch manager; Tracy Keefe, customer service representative and senior teller; Kiara Sonoda, teller operations manager; and Karen Willemain, senior teller.

In August 2017, Florence Bank opened its first branch in Hampden County at 1010 Union St. in West Springfield, and in December 2018, the bank opened its second location at 1444 Allen Street in Springfield.

“With the addition of a branch in Chicopee, our third in Hampden County, we can really say we’re here, and we’re going to be part of this community for a long time,” Day said.

Florence Bank has nearly 5,000 customers living in Hampden County, including 750 business customers, and Day said the bank looks forward to deepening its impact in the region and working with neighboring businesses.

FLORENCE — Florence Bank donated nearly $100,000 in 2020 to support a new food-distribution collaborative and nine other longtime nonprofits with a mission to feed people who are battling food insecurity in the Pioneer Valley.

The gifts have been made since March to organizations in all corners of the region, including the hilltowns, to help ease the economic strain brought on by COVID-19.

“We are so grateful. Without the support of donors, we would not have been able to continue our mission,” said Ruben Reyes, executive director of Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry in Chicopee, one of the recipients of bank funds. “COVID has affected us very hard. All of our fundraisers were canceled, and we were very worried about how to fund our programs.”

Compounding the problem, COVID-19 has also affected Lorraine’s clientele. Reyes said he is seeing an additional 200 to 300 families each month, and provides a month’s supply of groceries and dinners five nights a week to a total of 600 to 700 families. “We’re seeing a lot more families who typically would not need pantry services. They are coming to our doors for the very first time.”

In the spring, Florence Bank donated $50,000 to the Community Food Distribution Project created jointly by the Northampton Survival Center and Grow Food Northampton to help fund emergency food distribution in the early months of the pandemic.

The new collaborative makes food staples available through on-site distributions at nearly a dozen local sites. Northampton Survival Center and Grow Food Northampton established the organization in partnership with Community Action Pioneer Valley, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, the city of Northampton, and Northampton Public Schools. Grow Food Northampton and the Northampton Survival Center each received $25,000 from the bank.

Since May, Florence Bank has also made the following gifts to these local nonprofits: Easthampton Community Center, $7,500; Easthampton Congregational Church, $2,500; Open Pantry Community Services Inc. of Springfield, $1,000; Chesterfield Community Cupboard, $5,000; Amherst Survival Center, $10,000; the Gray House Market of Springfield, $5,000; the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, as part of Monte’s March, $1,000; Springfield Rescue Mission, $10,000; and Lorraine’s, which received $1,000.

Florence Bank also nominated Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen to receive a $5,000 award from the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. Charitable Foundation, which the nonprofit has accepted.

“Florence Bank cares about its community, and in these unprecedented times, there’s nothing more important than helping our neighbors,” President Kevin Day said. “The pandemic has heightened food insecurity and has prompted many people who never before needed assistance to reach out for help.

“Florence Bank was founded on the idea of neighbors helping neighbors,” he added. “What better way to display that principle than to contribute to the organizations that are meeting the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors?”

FLORENCE — Florence Bank promoted Shelley Moreau to the position of vice president, mortgage compliance specialist in the Residential Lending department at the main office in Florence.

Moreau has been an employee of Florence Bank for 37 years. Prior to her recent promotion, she served as the assistant vice president, mortgage compliance specialist. She is a graduate of the American Bankers’ Assoc. Compliance School for Lending.

During her tenure at the bank, she has been the recipient of the President’s Award, which is awarded to employees who demonstrate superior levels of performance, customer service, and overall contribution to the bank. Moreau serves her community as treasurer and board member of the Hilltown Community Development Corp. in Chesterfield.

“We are thrilled to announce Shelley’s well-deserved promotion,” said Kevin Day, president and CEO of Florence Bank. “She is a dedicated and valued employee who consistently delivers great results. She has been an asset to the bank for many years, and I look forward to watching her progress even further in the years to come.”

FLORENCE — Florence Bank recently donated $10,000 to the Amherst Survival Center, which connects residents of Hampshire and Franklin counties to food, clothing, healthcare, wellness, and community, primarily through volunteer efforts.

Since mid-March, the Amherst Survival Center has focused its resources on food and nutrition programs, ensuring its ability to provide hot meals to go, daily access to fresh produce and bread, and full grocery shops from its food pantry in as safe a manner as possible.

This summer, the center established a strategic plan to address the steady rise of food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their plan entails doubling the food provided by the food pantry while also expanding grocery offerings to roughly two weeks each month. Additionally, the center will expand its staff in order to implement evening and weekend hours and integrate deliveries into the schedule with a goal of delivering food to 1,000 to 1,500 area residents per month.

“We had a very busy summer season,” said Lev Ben-Ezra, executive director of the Amherst Survival Center. “We’ve continued to see more and more people for lunch, and had many new households sign up for the Food Pantry, both to pick up on site and for our rapidly growing delivery program. With the help of our amazing volunteers and support staff, we spent the summer passing out produce, cooking up to 250 lunches per day, and in August alone, we delivered groceries to nearly 1,000 people.”

These efforts have been fueled by generous donations, Ben-Ezra added. “With support from organizations like Florence Bank, we’ll be able to expand our evening and weekend hours to facilitate access for those returning to work. By year end, we expect to serve 6,000 residents, a 50% increase from fiscal year 2019.”

Florence Bank President and CEO Kevin Day added that “we’re thrilled to support the Amherst Survival Center as they continue their important work and service the increased amount of food-insecure people in need. They’ve done an outstanding job throughout the pandemic and, during the summer alone, distributed more than 200,000 meals to community members. We’re proud to stand beside them and support their integral efforts to make sure we all have the food we need.”

FLORENCE — Florence Bank hired Jessica Wales to the position of vice president and branch manager of the Granby and Belchertown offices.

Wales studied at Ashworth College, where she received her bachelor’s degree in management, and is currently pursuing an MBA in marketing there. She is also a graduate of the New England School for Financial Studies.

She is a recipient of Florence Bank’s Community Support Award, an annual tradition established by the bank in 1997 that formally recognizes employees who are active participants in community events and donate their personal and professional time to local not-for-profit organizations. She was also recognized by BusinessWest in 2014 as a member of the 40 Under Forty, which celebrates young business and civic leaders in Western Mass.

Wales serves her community as a board member of the United Way of Hampshire County and is an active member of its finance and investment committee. She also serves as a committee member of both the Western Massachusetts Women’s Business Network and Cooley Dickinson’s Golf FORE Health.

“We are thrilled to have Jessica back with our Florence Bank family,” President and CEO Kevin Day. “Jessica is a hard worker who has not only impressed her peers but has also made a lasting impression on our customers. I know we will see excellent contributions from her in the years to come.”

FLORENCE — Florence Bank donated $5,000 to Chesterfield’s Community Food Cupboard, which was recently established by Chesterfield’s Council on Aging and a group of volunteers, the Community Cupboard Support Team, to help needy families access food during the COVID-19 crisis. The team includes members of the Select Board, trustees of the Chesterfield Library, along with Council on Aging board members and the Chesterfield Finance Committee.

When the Chesterfield Community Food Cupboard was initiated, it solely offered dry and canned foods and has recently integrated dairy, eggs, fruits, and fresh vegetables. “With many families finding their incomes reduced, the need to travel to larger stores several miles away has become a difficult option,” volunteer Denise Cormier said. “Our small food cupboard has become a valuable resource for locals as they appreciate being able to get food in their own community rather than having to ask for help at a food bank in a neighboring town.”

Janice Gibeau, director of Chesterfield’s Council on Aging, noted that “the creation of the Cupboard has been both a family affair and a community affair. The Cupboard has been a go-to place for nourishment and ‘food for the mind’ as we provided books and games while libraries were closed. Many people reported that they use the Cupboard because of safety concerns with large grocery stores. We hope to continue into the fall while we seek an indoor site with heat and other utilities.”

Florence Bank President and CEO Kevin Day added that “we are pleased to be able to contribute to the newly established Community Food Cupboard so they can support the people of Chesterfield and the hilltowns with the essential, fresh foods they need.”

FLORENCE — Florence Bank promoted Jennifer Halpin to the position of Employee Relations officer in the Human Resources department at the main office in Florence.

Halpin joined Florence Bank in 2014. Prior to her recent promotion, she served as the Employee Relations manager. She holds a bachelor of business administration degree from UMass Amherst.

During her tenure at the bank, she has been the recipient of the President’s Award, which is awarded to employees who demonstrate superior levels of performance, customer service, and overall contribution to the bank.

“We are thrilled to see Jennifer’s career progress with the bank as she begins her new role as Employee Relations officer,” said Kevin Day, bank president and CEO. “Her consistent performance, dependability, and expert knowledge have made her an integral asset.”

FLORENCE — Florence Bank announced that Rebecca Albro was recently selected as a recipient of its President’s Award.

The President’s Award was established by the bank in 1995, affording employees the annual opportunity to nominate their peers for this prestigious honor that recognizes outstanding performance, customer service, and overall contribution to Florence Bank.

Albro, who was nominated by numerous colleagues, is a teller operations manager and customer-service representative in the main branch in Florence. She began work at Florence Bank in 2014.

“For nearly six years, Becky has been a reliable asset to our organization,” Florence Bank President Kevin Day said. “Her ability to manage and encourage others is admirable. Becky is the consummate employee to receive the President’s Award.”

FLORENCE — Florence Bank donated $7,500 to the Easthampton Community Center to support its Food Pantry Program that serves 22 towns throughout the Pioneer Valley.

The Easthampton Community Center’s Food Pantry currently provides food each month to 6,000 food-insecure individuals in need, including more than 600 children in the greater Easthampton area through the Kid’s Summer Pantry Program.

The Easthampton Community Center has been a dependable resource in the Easthampton community for 46 years. The core of the Community Center’s mission is to provide services and assistance to residents through its Food Pantry, Community Care Kitchen, and Clothing Closet programs. Additionally, the Community Center serves as a meeting space for community groups and celebratory gatherings.

“We are pleased to be able to contribute to the Easthampton Community Center so they can continue to serve the people of the Greater Easthampton area with the essential resources offered through their Food Pantry,” said Florence Bank President and CEO Kevin Day.

Added Robin Bialecki, Easthampton Community Center’s executive director, “since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Easthampton Community Center has seen a huge influx in the number of individuals in need. Donations like this from Florence Bank will help keep our mission sustainable and strong during this challenging time.”

FLORENCE — Florence Bank announced that Dawn Harrington was recently selected as a recipient of its President’s Award.

The President’s Award was established by the bank in 1995, affording employees the annual opportunity to nominate their peers for this prestigious honor that recognizes outstanding performance, customer service, and overall contribution to Florence Bank. Harrington was nominated by numerous colleagues.

Harrington, a senior mortgage underwriter in the main office’s Mortgage Origination department, joined Florence Bank in 2016 and has 19 years of banking experience. She earned her associate degree in legal studies from Bay Path University.

“Dawn has been a reliable asset to our organization since day one,” said Kevin Day, president of Florence Bank. “Her energy is boundless, and her ability to encourage her team is admirable. Dawn is the consummate employee to receive the President’s Award.”

FLORENCE — Florence Bank announced that Matthew Pittenger was recently selected as a recipient of its President’s Award.

The President’s Award was established by the bank in 1995, affording employees the annual opportunity to nominate their peers for this prestigious honor that recognizes outstanding performance, customer service, and overall contribution to Florence Bank. Pittenger was nominated by numerous colleagues.

Pittenger is the senior information technology specialist at the main headquarters in Florence and has worked at Florence Bank for six years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from UMass Amherst. Pittenger also holds a Comptia A+ certification, which is the industry standard for establishing careers in information technology and the preferred qualifying credential for technical support and operational roles.

“Matt is a perfect example of how hard work and determination truly pays off,” said Kevin Day, president and CEO of Florence Bank. “His peers have praised his dedication, enthusiasm, and the impressive skill set that he brings to the job each day. We’re happy to have Matt as part of our team, and the President’s Award is the perfect milestone to showcase his service to the bank.”

FLORENCE — Florence Bank announced that David Cisek was recently selected as a recipient of its President’s Award.

The President’s Award was established by the bank in 1995, affording employees the annual opportunity to nominate their peers for this prestigious honor that recognizes outstanding performance, customer service, and overall contribution to Florence Bank. Cisek was nominated by numerous colleagues.

Cisek, a senior accounting associate in Florence Bank’s main office, has been with the bank for five years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in ethnic and gender studies and a master’s degree from Westfield State University. In addition, he also serves as an adjunct professor at Westfield State’s Department of Ethnic & Gender Studies.

“The long list of comments we received about David tells the story — from ‘he consistently goes above and beyond’ to ‘his enthusiasm and commitment to his job puts everyone in a positive, happy mood,’” said Kevin Day, president of Florence Bank. “David is a true asset to the bank, and the President’s Award is well-deserved.”

FLORENCE — Florence Bank has pledged $50,000 to the YMCA of Greater Springfield to help fund the new wellness and childcare center that opened at Springfield’s Tower Square on Dec. 5.  

The new, state-of-the-art facility includes a 15,000-square-foot education center that serves infants through elementary-school students. Additionally, the facility includes a new, 12,000-square-foot wellness center with premium strength and conditioning equipment in a space that overlooks the city. Community support will also allow the organization to build an endowment fund to ensure fiscal strength for its growing camp programs and facilities. 

The YMCA in Springfield, established in 1852, currently serves more than 15,000 members and program participants. In addition to the Springfield-based programs, the YMCA of Greater Springfield operates the Scantic Valley YMCA, Wilbraham Early Learning Center, Stony Brook Acres Camp in Wilbraham, and Camp Weber in West Springfield. 

“We are pleased to be able to contribute to the YMCA of Greater Springfield to help the organization continue to fulfill their mission and grow in the center of Springfield,” said Florence Bank President Kevin Day.

FLORENCE — Florence Bank has named Patricia Covalli its Community Support Award winner. Covalli, a collections officer, joined the bank in February 2015 and has 25 years of banking experience.

The Community Support Award was established by Florence Bank in 1997 as a means of formally recognizing employees who are active participants in community events and donate their personal and professional time to local not-for-profit organizations.

Each year, the award recipient has the opportunity to select a not-for-profit organization of his or her choice, and the bank makes a donation to that organization. At Covalli’s recommendation, Florence Bank will make a donation to Soldier On. The mission of Soldier On, based in Leeds, is to provide formerly homeless veterans with permanent, supportive, sustainable housing.

Covalli serves her community as an active member of the United Way of Hampshire County. She also serves as a fundraising volunteer for Florence’s Look Park and volunteers at Northampton’s Interfaith Cot Shelter.

“Patty is the ideal choice for the Community Support Award,” said Kevin Day, president of Florence Bank. “Her positive energy, commitment to numerous local nonprofit organizations, and dedication to helping those in need within our community is exemplary.”