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BUSINESS PROFILES | APRIL 25, 2022 | HARTFORD BUSINESS JOURNAL 21 T om Senecal, President and CEO of PeoplesBank, is on a mission to make business banking simple. "We know how to do it. It's a combination of having the most innovative business banking tools and technologies backed up by an incredibly experienced team of commercial bankers. We have an incredibly talented group that has helped just about every type of business succeed." Being local is something else that makes PeoplesBank unique. "Our decisions are made here, not in some big bank's back- room, miles and miles away from here," explains Frank Crinella, Executive Vice President, Chief Lending and Credit Officer at PeoplesBank. "We know the community and we know the business environment. Our customers get the service they need, fast, and that makes a bottom-line difference." Being responsive is just one of several advantages that the commercial banking team can bring to customers, according to David Ference, First Vice President, Commercial Banking, at PeoplesBank. "It's the knowledge and experience our team of 18 commercial bankers and business bankers have gained from working with so many ventures and across industries. That said, every business is unique, and we learn and understand what it will take to help our customers succeed. In that way, we're not just commercial bankers. We're also valued advisors." PeoplesBank also has a unique and nearly acquisition-proof structure. As a mutual bank, PeoplesBank cannot be bought or sold, and has no investors to divert profits to. Those profits can therefore be invested in technology, customer service and the communities that the bank serves. "We are a $3.6 billion bank that has grown almost all of that organically by building trust in the community and with customers," Frank explained. "Not only do I support my team of business bankers, our CEO stays involved, too. He wants to know what we are doing to help our customers succeed. We've built a team of trusted advisors and a suite of innovative products that are second to none. That's what the name PeoplesBank means." "From Greenwich to Granby and beyond, we have been having a major economic impact in Connecticut for years," Tom explained. "We were somewhat a best-kept business secret until recently." In summarizing PeoplesBank's future, he is still focused on simply doing more. "We have been named a 'Best Local Bank' year after year. I believe we earn that award every year through service – service to the community and service to our customers. That has worked for us so far, and we will do more of it in the future." Learn more about how PeoplesBank makes business banking simple at bankatpeoples.com/business. Member FDIC. Member DIF. Equal Housing Lender. Measuring Success One Business at a Time Address: 330 Whitney Ave. Holyoke, MA 01040 Phone: 413.538.9500 Website: bankatpeoples.com Product or Service: Financial Services No. of Employees: 300-plus Head of Company: Tom Senecal Year Founded: 1885 PeoplesBank's West Hartford Banking Center Located at 102 LaSalle Road. Tom Senecal, President & CEO; David Ference, First Vice President, Commercial Banking; Frank Crinella, Executive Vice President, Chief Lending & Credit Officer