Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1467276
BUSINESS PROFILES | APRIL 25, 2022 | HARTFORD BUSINESS JOURNAL 17 I t is common knowledge that the contemporary banking environment keeps changing, and perhaps never more than it does today. Meeting current challenges and needs, sustained by decades of experience, Northwest Community Bank and its divisions navigated through the height of the pandemic and entered into a new and exciting era. Within a carefully structured growth mode, the bank remains true to its mission and community banking roots. On January 4, 2021 there was a consolidation of three state banking charters under Northwest Community Bank. Collinsville Bank and Litchfield Bancorp became operating divisions of Northwest Community Bank. The three like-minded local banks, each with its own strong legacy dating back many decades, worked together to strengthen their financial capabilities, reach and services. They had first associated under Connecticut Mutual Holding Company. In the new structure, each bank maintains its brand and remains committed to their respective service areas. The combined bank has the ability to provide larger commercial loans and serve a greater number of business customers while maintaining traditional hands-on attention. President and CEO Stephen Reilly states, "Northwest Community Bank works hard to serve the whole business community – from small family-owned businesses to non- profit organizations to larger companies. Our complete range of business products, services and personalized options meets the needs of all kinds of commercial customers." As Mr. Reilly continues, "We are grateful for the work of our staff and the support of our loyal customers who helped make the merger successful. We continue to appreciate our employees, and together we make ourselves an integral part of the businesses and communities we serve. Looking forward, mutuality and the essential characteristics of true community banking remain at the core of our identity...and our vision. To further extend our community support, in January 2022 we formed a charitable foundation, Northwest Community Bank Foundation. The early response has been incredible." Northwest Community Bank is proud of its heritage and history in community building. The bank has been headquartered in Winsted, Connecticut since 1860, and today has branches in Avon, Granby, New Hartford, Simsbury and Torrington and a nationally recognized academic branch at Northwestern Regional High School in Winsted. Founded in 1850, Litchfield Bancorp, a Division of Northwest Community Bank, operates in Litchfield, Lakeville, Torrington, Washington Depot and Watertown. Established in 1853, Collinsville Bank, a Division of Northwest Community Bank, has branches in Canton, Collinsville and Farmington. United as one bank, one team, we are prepared to pave the way for our customers to achieve their goals. We offer the services of national and regional banks with a distinct advantage – the development of personal relationships with our customers. Member FDIC NMLS ID #510148 An Evolution of 170 Years in Relationship Banking Address: Main Office, 86 Main St.; Winsted, CT 06098 Phone: (860) 379-7561 Website: www.nwcommunitybank.com Product or Service: Commercial & Personal Banking Services No. of Employees: 160 Head of Company: Stephen P. Reilly, President & CEO Year Founded: 1850 Our Executive Management Team, left to right: James Rusiecki, EVP, Director of Treasury Management & Operations; Dawn Classen, SVP, Senior Human Resources Officer; Steve Zarrella, EVP, Chief Lending Officer; Maura Malo, EVP, Chief Operating Officer; Steve Reilly, President & CEO; Barbara Fradette, SVP, Corporate Secretary; Leslie Black, EVP, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer; and Paul McLaughlin, EVP, Chief Retail Banking Officer.