Worcester Business Journal

www.wbjournal.com Worcester Business Journal Giving Guide 2021 7 local organizations. The Bank donated $100,000 to local food pantries, $10,000 to the Salvation Army, and $30,000 to iStep for Community Initiatives. While first responders worked diligently on the front lines, citizens and businesses also contributed extraordi- nary services to their local communities. Country Bank vowed to ensure that their efforts during this critical time were acknowledged publicly. Country Bank created the Our Community Heroes Campaign to recognize "exceptional acts of service by local individuals in the region and the continued fight against the COVID-19 pandemic." More than 200 nominations were submitted and included a variety of individuals and businesses in several different sectors. Each week from May 11, 2020 to June 15, 2020, a new hero was selected and received a $250 gift card to the local business of their choice. Additionally, Country Bank donated $250 to a COVID-19 relief organization – medical, food pantry or homeless shelter – in their name. The first two Community Heroes were registered nurse from Baystate Wind Hospital Noelle Grace Efantis, and Michelle and Jay Demore, owners of Demore's Automotive Center. Paula Perrier, Director of Child Development Services at the YMCA Tri- Community Child Development Center was hailed for her community efforts during the pandemic. Benjamin Mead, Operations Manager of Environmental Services at St. Francis Hospital; Alan Tracy, Pioneer Valley USO Director at Westover Air Reserve Base; and the Directors and Transit Care Specialists at Beers & Story Funeral Home of Palmer were also recognized for their outstanding efforts to help others during these challenging times. During this health crisis, the Bank provided more than $1.3 million in donations and sponsorships to more than 450 organizations, 250 care packages for the home- less and 400 gift cards to local businesses. Additionally, Country Bank directed $450,000 in donations to local COVID relief efforts and will continue to seek other ways in which it can help the community. "As a community partner, we care deeply about the sustainability of our commu- nities. As such, and in recognizing the burdens that our communities have experi- enced throughout 2020, we were honored to offer support during what has been the most stressful time in our history," said Paul Scully, President and CEO of Country Bank. "Supporting and enriching our communities is not only a part of our mission; it's simply who we are as an organization." n A century ago, brothers Eudore and George Fontaine moved to the United States from Canada, eager to start a construction company. During the early years, the brothers constructed private homes and, in time, grew their busi- ness and their reputation. Today, Fontaine Bros. has become one of the largest commercial construction firms in Central & Western Massachusetts. Throughout the last 88+ years, Fontaine Bros. has left an indelible footprint across Central and Western Massachusetts with a wide range of construction projects. As a construction management/general contracting firm, Fontaine Bros. has been a key contributor to a number of sectors. Fontaine Bros. has been commissioned to construct schools, colleges & universi - ties, and many historic restoration projects. The firm has constructed some of the largest high schools in the state, including Worcester South High Community School, Chicopee Comprehensive High School. Fitchburg High School, and more than 20 others. Fontaine has just broken ground on the new Doherty Memorial High School, the largest single construction project in the City of Worcester's history. The firm's history also includes shaping the Worcester skyline through the construction of the original University of Massachusetts Medical School and the Worcester County National Bank (Worcester's "glass tower"). Vice President David Fontaine, Jr., noted that the firm has done extensive work to provide high-quality facilities for the school-age population in Worcester and sur - rounding towns, including Auburn, Marlborough, Northbridge, Shrewsbury, and Sturbridge. Libraries in Chicopee, Holyoke, Leominster, Shrewsbury and South Hadley bear the Fontaine Bros. footprint as well. Fontaine Bros. portfolio also boasts several municipal buildings, including town halls, fire stations, public safety facilities and correctional institutions. Since the early 2000s, Fontaine Bros. has become known as a leader in green con - struction, earning industry kudos for its environmentally friendly practices. In 2011, the firm received co-recipient honors from Preservation Massachusetts for revitaliz- ing Berkshire Hall at the Berkshire School. The following year, Fontaine Bros. shared the BSA design award for its work on the Net Zero Energy John W. Olver Transit Center in Greenfield. Fontaine Bros. has applied the same passion for excellence in construction to its philanthropic efforts. In recent years, the firm has supported the United Way, TJ O'Connor Animal Control Facility, the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, Nativity School of Worcester, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Link to Libraries, Baystate Children's Hospital, Forest Park Zoo and Ronald McDonald House. Additionally, Fontaine Bros. is proud to be one of the founding sponsors of the Boston Red Sox Triple A team, the Worcester Red Sox (WooSox). In addition to its inaugural sponsorship, the firm will offer more than 12,000 tickets to Worcester pub - lic school students to enjoy a complementary day at the park. Fontaine Bros. also treats fans of the Springfield Thunderbirds, an American Hockey League (AHL) team, to free game tickets. The firm provides more than 6,000 tickets to students for a special school day game. During the holidays, Fontaine Bros. participates in toy drives during which they have collected hundreds of toys. "We have donated the toys to the day care program at South High School in Worcester," said Fontaine. While Fontaine Bros. has a long and exemplary record of charitable giving, the firm has committed to taking its efforts to the next level. In addition to its traditional day-to-day giving, the firm is launching a large-scale endeavor that will enhance its philanthropy and highlight the construction industry at the same time. "We are sharpening our focus and recently established the Fontaine Community Foundation," said Fontaine. He and Liz Wambui, who has been named the director of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Impact, will spearhead the Foundation. "Liz will encourage minorities and women to join the construction workforce. She has recruited for the trades in the past and follows people through their careers from training to advancement," Fontaine said. "She will help me steer the Foundation. We'll be able to raise money and donate more." The Foundation will involve employees in its philanthropic efforts as well. "We will allocate a portion of the Foundation to be distributed by each employee. They can then direct their donation in Fontaine's name to the cause of their choice," he said. "This is part of our mission." Fontaine pointed out that many companies offer a "match" when employees donate to a particular organization or charitable cause. "But we are taking a different approach. The funds from us are for them to donate as they wish. This strategy hope - fully will get young people familiar with giving. They will have a chance to see the impact their donation can make." Since 1933, Fontaine Bros. has worked to build a company that focuses on building solid relationships with its clients, subcontractors, architects, suppliers and field per - sonnel. Four generations later, the company continues to embrace its original mission of excellence. Fontaine Bros.' commitment to doing its best every single day applies to both its business operations as well as its charitable giving efforts. Fontaine said, "It's important to make an impact in the communities in which we work and where we employ people. It's always been an important part of who we are." n FONTAINE BROS.: Four generations of integrity, quality and consistency

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