Hartford Business Journal

26 Hartford Business Journal • November 25, 2019 • www.HartfordBusiness.com and the United Way, as well as serving on boards and committees and engaging in other volunteer eff orts in the community. Luria added that the Bank has also created a volunteer recognition grant program that funds micro grants to an employee's choice of organization. Originally a small local fi nancial institution, Webster Bank has grown into a large regional bank with $29.9 billion in assets. Luria believes that profi tability and investment in the community go hand-in-hand. She said, "If we invest the right way with the right intention, we build trust and a cycle of confi dence. We partner with the community and the relationship comes full circle. It is the right thing to do." Luria encourages other companies to create and foster corporate social responsibility within their organizations in an inclusive way by engaging their employees and understanding what makes them tick. To establish supportive partnerships, she suggests setting clear goals and developing a well-thought out plan. "It's important to be clear on your goals and be responsible stewards in support of your community," she said. Much like George Bailey who put the needs of others ahead of his own, Luria and Webster Bank employees have set — and met — a high bar for philanthropic giving. For Luria personally, she has found a career that truly fi ts her skill set and passion. "You have to feel good about what you are doing. I believe everything you do in your career path gets you ready for the next step," she said. • *The opinions and views are those of the authors, and are not intended to provide specifi c advice or recommendations for any individual. " " "Each year, bank employees have donated 130,000 volunteer hours in their various activities with JA, area food banks and the United Way, as well as serving on boards and committees and engaging in other volunteer eff orts in the community." Sponsored Content WEBSTER BANK INTELLIGENCE SERIES | Successfully building relationships with non-profi t organizations and health and human services agencies earned Kathryn Luria the prestigious George Bailey Distinguished Service Award from the American Bankers Association (ABA) Foundation. |

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