NewHavenBIZ

HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | NEWHAVENBIZ.COM | ECONOMIC OUTLOOK SURVEY NBT Bank is proud to sponsor the 7th annual Hartford Business Journal Economic Forecast Survey and are honored to contribute the expertise of our Chief Economist Kenneth J. Entenmann, CFA® to the conversation. It almost goes without saying that these are unprecedented times, but we can see from the results of this survey that the overall mood in Connecticut is trending positive. Despite the impediments so many have encountered, over the past 20+ months, there is still a lot to celebrate. While some of the challenges we faced in 2021, such as higher costs and worker shortages, will carry over into 2022, we will also continue to adapt to the new norms in our personal and professional lives as certain aspects of social distancing and remote working seem to be part of the "new normal." Overall, the Connecticut economy is moving in the right direction, and I am proud of what NBT Bank has contributed to the local economy as we continue our efforts to build a strong presence here in the state. In this past year we created 17 new jobs and moved into previously vacant office and branch space in West Hartford and Glastonbury. We plan to add more jobs and occupy additional space as we move forward and further invest and remain committed to Connecticut and the privately held small businesses. As a community bank, giving back and supporting the organizations that make our communities better places to live and work are among our core values. In addition to volunteering our time, during our tenure in Connecticut, NBT Bank has supported over 50 local nonprofits and we will continue to support these and more local nonprofits going forward. In June we marked a milestone with the grand openings of NBT's Connecticut Regional Headquarters in Suite 224 at Corporate Center West, 433 South Main Street, West Hartford, and a full- service branch located at 2670 Main Street in the heart of the Glastonbury's central business district. In addition to commercial and business financial services, the Regional Headquarters in West Hartford also offers retail banking. With our experienced staff, we are able to support the many businesses and industries here in the state. Our work is the result of many years of investment in the belief that NBT Bank is the right fit for businesses and communities throughout New England. We began to serve the New England region in 2009 with the opening of our Vermont Regional Headquarters in Burlington. Since then, the bank has expanded our presence primarily through organic growth. Today, NBT has approximately 170 employees and $2.0 billion in loans throughout Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Connecticut in addition to our presence in western Pennsylvania and headquarters in Norwich, NY, which dates back to 1856 with over $12 billion in total assets. With over 140 locations throughout the Northeast in seven core states, we have the scale and investment capability necessary to compete successfully in today's financial services arena, specifically commercial lending, wealth management, including a national 401(k) record keeping platform through Epic Advisors, and insurance. It is our local decision-making capabilities coupled with our numerous years of knowledge and experience that allow for a distinct understanding of the local marketplace and fast execution. Through experience and our performance driven, consultative approach, NBT Bank can offer your company a solid partnership that provides unique and personalized banking solutions that meet your specific needs and goals. I'd like to take a moment to extend my sincere thanks to the community and our customers for the support we have received. We look forward to sharing even more success in this new year! Respectfully, Andreas Kapetanopoulos Regional President, NBT Bank Member FDIC Partnering with Connecticut's future. One business at a time. nbtbank.com

• Cover