Worcester Business Journal

W o r c e s t e r 3 0 0 : C i t y o f I n n o v a t o r s 83 F or more than 125 years, Bay State Savings Bank has worked to enhance the customer's experience, develop new products for every stage of life, evolve delivery channels and build community relationships. ose core principles have helped the Bank remain a cornerstone of the communities it serves and effectively address the financial and personal wellness of all its customers. Commercial and retail customers can find a complete range of products at Bay State Savings Bank, from checking and savings accounts, money markets and CDs to IRAs, mortgages, and a variety of loans. Customers who prefer to bank electronically have access to online and mobile banking, including safe and easy person- to-person payments with Zelle. e Bank is also very active on social media! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Tik Tok provide easy ways to stay in touch. Bay State Savings Bank takes pride in its place in the local community. Headquartered in Worcester, Bay State's "heart is here," according to Peter B. Alden, President and CEO. "Worcester is our home, and it has been from the start. is city is special, and we're proud to be part of it." e Bank has four branch locations in Worcester, one in Holden, and one in Auburn. In addition, an in-school branch at Auburn High School helps to prepare banking students for life beyond the classroom by providing a professional training ground, practical knowledge and confidence to enter the business world. A clear commitment to community is evidenced by Bay State's involvement in numerous local non-profit organizations and endeavors. Its Charitable Foundation, established in 2003, has distributed more than $700,000 in grants and scholarships since its inception. e Bank's "Champions for Children" program was created in 2004 and has raised more than $110,000. e social distancing constraints of the pandemic didn't slow the Bank down. In 2021, the Bank hosted a "CEO Soak" in which local business leaders participated in an ice bucket challenge. e event raised more than $7,000 for the ALS Association of Massachusetts, and the Bank is looking to double that figure in 2022. ree years ago, the Bank introduced Benjie, its canine mascot, to the community. Benjie celebrates his birthday in June with a month-long birthday fundraiser. His first birthday celebration raised more than $6,000 for NEADS, a non-profit that features an array of service dog programs and produces service dogs for individuals with disabilities. In 2021, Benjie's birthday bash raised more than $10,000 for Clear Path for Veterans New England, whose mission is to reconnect returning veterans to their communities through social, emotional, spiritual, occupational, intellectual, and physical wellness programs. "Casual for a Cause," a fundraising initiative started in 2021, allows the Bank's employees to participate in giving back to the community as well. On Fridays, employees are invited to "dress down" and donate to a specific charity; each month a new non-profit is chosen as the recipient for the funds. e Bank encourages customers to participate as well. As part of this initiative, employees have also been able to volunteer for local organizations, including Tower Hill Botanical Garden, Girls Inc. of Worcester, and Be Like Brit. To date, the effort has supported 13 local non-profits and raised just under $25,000. Bay State Savings Bank – since 1895, our home has been Worcester, and taking banking personally has never been more important. n BAY STATE SAVINGS BANK: Serving the Community With Heart 28 Franklin Street Worcester, MA 01608 1.800.244.8161 1.508.890.9090 (Español) www.baystatesavingsbank.com Peter B. Alden, President & CEO Year Founded: 1895 "Worcester is our home, and it has been from the start. is city is special, and we're proud to be part of it." - Peter B. Alden, President and CEO S P O N S O R E D P R O F I L E S

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