Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | Book of Lists 2021 | Worcester Business Journal 5 A D V E R T I S E M E N T L ast year, Bay State Savings Bank reached a signifi- cant milestone: our 125th anniversary. While our team initially had plans to celebrate this event in person with our local network of customers and neighbors, the pandemic said otherwise. Instead, we pivoted. We answered the call to support our city's businesses that were enduring financial hardship due to the impact of COVID 19. With the SBA Paycheck Protection Program, our Commercial Lending team processed more than 325 loans and provided over $30 Million in funds for business owners. Our branches remained open to safely service customers in person. We doubled down on our communications, keeping our customers informed online via website, social media, and email updates about in-branch safety protocol and ways to secure finances against fraud and identity theft, which had seen a national uptick. Amidst last year's efforts to support the community, we realized there was no better way to commemorate our Bank's 125th anniversary than to honor our one, true mission: be the community bank of choice. Since our establishment in 1895, our work has always been devoted to reinvesting in the communities that invest in us. We have continued to improve our approach toward personal banking over the last 125 years to meet our customers' specific needs for retail services, commercial services, and beyond. Since last year, Bay State launched several digital ini- tiatives focused on making our Bank more accessible to customers including our financial literacy Youtube series #FinanceFridays and the implementation of quick mobile payment technology Zelle within our online banking platform. Our Bank also launched multiple online initiatives to remain connected with customers amidst quarantine including a monthly financial literacy tutorial video series on Youtube, online homebuyer seminars, and virtual children's storybook read-alongs with Benjie. We have continued to grow our relationships with local organizations. Our staff volunteers time and pro- fessional expertise to serve on the boards of local non- profits and organizations including Mechanics Hall, the Worcester Historical Museum, Friendly House, Children's Friend, and Best Buddies. This year, our employees have donated regularly to nonprofits selected by Bay State each month, strategically based on when organizations are observing cultural events or cam- paigns in their calendar year. Entitled the #CasualforaCause campaign, our staff has donated to nonprofits including Girls Inc. of Worcester (for National Mentoring Month in January), American Heart Association (for Heart Month in February), YWCA of Central Massachusetts (for Gender Equality Month in March), Tower Hill Botanic Garden (for Earth Day in April), ALS Association MA Chapter (for ALS Awareness Month in May), and Open Sky Community Services' Safe Homes Program (for PRIDE month in June). Last year, the Bank and its Charitable Foundation also awarded over $230,000 in scholarships, grants, donations, and sponsorships. The Bank has enjoyed its ongoing participation with and support of local non- profits such as the Mustard Seed, Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester, LUK, Inc. and Simon Says Give Worcester, while also supporting our local sports teams such as the Worcester Bravehearts and the Worcester Railers. We are proud to have been recently recognized for our contributions. In March, Bay State Savings Bank received the award for Best Radio Campaign at New England Financial Marketing Association's annual Awards Gala. In 2020, we received a 5-star rating from national bank and credit union rating firm Bauer Financial, indicating excellence in capital adequacy, profitability, and community reinvestment. In 2018, Bay State Savings Bank was also named "Outstanding Community Partner" by Girls Inc. of Worcester and rec- ognized for being an Accredited Business for 50 Years by the Better Business Bureau. Bay State Savings Bank has four full-service branches in Worcester, with additional branches in Holden and Auburn, including an education-based branch at Auburn High School. We look forward to the future and continuing to be an integral part of our communities. n Bay State Savings Bank Street Address: 28 Franklin Street, Worcester, MA 01608 Phone Number: 800-244-8161 508-890-9090 (Español) Website: www.baystatesavingsbank.com Product or Service Description: Banking/Finance Number of Employees: 77 Head of Company and Title: Peter B. Alden, President/CEO Year Founded: 1895 BAY STATE SAVINGS BANK P H O T O S / B A Y S T A T E S A V I N G S B A N K Bay State's Commercial Lending team wears red in support of American Heart Association. Branch Manager Lauren Piehl is all smiles with mascot Benjie the Bay State Beagle. Branch staff Jack Hanna, Helenann Berthiaume, Michelle Swiderski, Khalil Sims, and Nate Strafer.

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