Worcester Business Journal

8 Giving Guide 2019 Worcester Business Journal www.wbjournal.com Nonprof it Status 2019 (continued) S ince 1850, Country Bank, a state-chartered, mutual savings financial institu- tion, has been in the relationship business. Not only does Country Bank build rapport with all its customers through a vast portfolio of financial products and services, but it is also deeply rooted in the communities it serves. Adhering to its founding principles and core values, Country Bank embraces iSTEP: Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Excellence and Prosperity. "These principles serve as a guiding light for the Bank regarding business decisions, customer interac- tions, community support and our financial foundation," said Paul F. Scully, presi- dent and CEO. With a strong belief that healthy communities thrive, Country Bank invests in those organiza- tions that strive to address a plethora of needs in the underserved. "We look at each community and determine how we can make a difference in the lives of these individuals," Scully said. In 2018, the Bank donated $1 million to more than 454 non-profit organizations. Some of those organizations include the Special Olympics; Hearts for Heat; the Salvation Army; the Friends of the Homeless; the Mustard Seed; and St. John's Food Program for the Poor. "Every organization, especially a community bank, under- stands the impact that it can make in giving back to local non-profits. It's been ingrained in us for years," Scully said. "We continue to look at new opportunities to enhance our philanthropy." Country Bank is also doing its part to raise awareness of the opioid crisis. The institution has brought Chris Herren's Project Purple to 11 local high schools. The project aims to help those with addictions navigate the journey to wellness and offers substance abuse prevention programs. While Country Bank gives back to many local organizations, it has expanded its reach to the international community. For the last five years, a group of employees have traveled to Haiti in collaboration with the Be Like Brit Foundation to build houses for homeless families. "This has a positive effect on people. They are honored to be involved," said Scully. In addition to corporate giving, Country Bank employees individually play a key role in fulfilling the institution's philanthropic mission through a variety of volunteer efforts. More than 75 percent of the Bank's employees, approximately 235 staff mem- bers, provide manpower, time and financial support to several different non-profit organizations. The Country Bank Employee Charitable Giving Program has raised more than $30,000 through jean days, bake sales and raffles. Employees have also packed back- packs for the homeless, served meals at the Boys and Girls Club and Ronald McDonald House and biked from Springfield to Boston to honor fallen police, fire and first responders. "Last year, we volunteered a total of 1,115 hours," Scully said, "These efforts embody what Country Bank is all about." Country Bank also brings its financial acumen into local schools. Staff offers financial literary classes at more than 30 local elemen- tary schools. "Employees meet with the students and explain the power of saving," Scully said. Every year approximately 1,500 high school students benefit from "Credit for Life," a program that teaches students the importance of a budget and how their credit score impacts everyday life experiences. Employees also conduct seminars at senior centers to help older Americans identify and avoid scams. Scully emphasized that investing in the community builds relationships and spurs growth. "Every community we are in has similar but different needs," said Scully. "We like to balance all the pieces. It's just the right thing to do." Headquartered in Ware, Massachusetts, Country Bank now has offices in Belchertown, Brimfield, Charlton, Leicester, Ludlow, Palmer, Paxton, Ware, West Brookfield, Wilbraham and Worcester. n COUNTRY BANK Relationship Building Through Community Investment Fly Worcester WELCOME TO OUR WORCESTER FAMILY, DELTA. Welcome, Delta! Starting August 2, Delta is offering nonstop flights to Detroit from Worcester Regional Airport. Delta joins American Airlines and JetBlue to offer more destinations than ever before, connecting travelers like you to the world. Learn more at flyworcester.com. Print SIZE - I LIVE – TRIM 9 x 5.5 BLEED – Worcester Business Journal_Welcome

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