Page 31 - BusinessWest February 19, 2024

done in some of the areas listed above, and be a part of that work.
“The more I can roll up my sleeves, the
better I feel about who we’re giving to,” he told BusinessWest, adding that he is certainly selective about the groups and causes he gets involved with.
“In the beginning, it was because they asked me,” he said with a laugh. “Now, it’s more the groups that are working boards that have a vibrant cross- section of the community involved, and that I think we can benefit by being involved.”
That includes Revitalize CDC, which undertakes
a number of projects that fall into broad category of public health, including critical repairs on homes of low-income families with children, the elderly, military veterans, and those with special needs, but also initiatives involving interventions for adults and children with asthma, nutrition programs, and making home improvements that allow seniors to remain in their homes.
He is active with all those intiatives, but has carved out his own niche.
“My favorite thing is mowing the lawn — no one thinks to do that. It’s the curb appeal,” he said with a laugh. “I’m not a skilled laborer, and mowing the lawn is hard to screw up.”
to be part of a winning team, and to thank his wife, Sharon, for ... well, being understanding and tolerant of a schedule that has him on the road a lot, maybe three or four days a week and sometimes for several events on the same day during the busy season.
It’s a big part of the job, he said, adding quickly that the job, the travel, and the events involve two states and a much larger radius now that the bank has made a push into Connecticut, one that promises to involve more zip codes in the years to come.
What’s not necessarily part of the job — and this becomes clear in Bannister’s expense sheets and Senecal’s reaction to them — is his commitment
to getting very involved with several of the organizations that the bank ultimately writes checks to.
He admits to gradually learning how to say ‘no’ to those who ask him to serve on boards, but often, the answer is still ‘yes.’
Bottom Line
If Matt Bannister had to introduce himself at a third-grade career day, he might start by saying what he often tells people about his role: “I work at a bank, but I’m not a banker. And I absolutely love my job at the bank.”
Others who really know, people like Senecal and Colleen Loveless, president and CEO of Revitalize CDC, might be tempted to borrow the line used by his daughter and say that he saves lives.
Or ... they could keep it very simple, yet powerful — and introduce him as a Difference Maker.
That says it all. DW
Turning serious, he said the organization’s work is critical to improving health and quality of life in the region.
“Their work involves prevention more than treating the symptoms, which is what a good public-health person cares about,” he said. “It’s not as glamorous, and it’s harder to quantify, but it’s much more important work.”
As he talked about what he does for a living and within the community, Bannister made sure to thank the bank for giving him the opportunity
Since joining PeoplesBank, Matt Bannister has donated his time, energy, and talents to several nonprofits and causes, including Revitalize CDC.
2024 DIFFERENCE MAKER HONOREES
The Faces of Philanthropy in Western Mass.
Congratulations to all the 2024 Difference Makers, including our very own Matt Bannister.
Matt Bannister, PeoplesBank
Delcie Bean, Paragus Strategic I.T.
Linda Dunlavy, Franklin Regional Council of Governments
Dr. Fred and Mary Kay Kadushin, Feed the Kids
Scott Keiter, Keiter
Springfield Symphony Orchestra and Springfield Chamber Players Shannon Rudder, Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services
The Staff of Rock 102
Member FDIC bankatpeoples.com BusinessWest
2024 A11