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74 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 A t Country Bank, company culture and core values focus on relationship-building with its customers, community, and dedicated team, which form the foundation for its success. State-chartered and locally owned and operated, Country Bank embraces these traits, a key reason for the organization's impressive 172-year longevity. One of the most capitalized financial institutions in the state with assets of $1.7 billion, Country Bank acquires its funds from and lends to the communities in which it operates. e Bank understands the needs of local families and businesses and makes decisions based on those needs. Furthermore, Country Bank epitomizes its commitment to the community by placing customers first and building relationships through its core values of Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Excellence, and Prosperity - iSTEP. What began in 1850 as e Ware Savings Bank has grown into a more extensive operation whose footprint extends from Western to Central Massachusetts. Headquartered in Ware, the Bank has offices in Belchertown, Brimfield, Charlton, Leicester, Ludlow, Palmer, Paxton, West Brookfield, Wilbraham, Springfield, and Worcester. Much like larger financial institutions, Country Bank offers an array of products for consumer and commercial customers, including mortgages, commercial loans, rewards checking and savings accounts, money markets, CDs, cash management services, online account opening, and debit cards. Additionally, in keeping with the growth of technological innovations, Country Bank features convenience through its eBanking platforms, such as a mobile app, online banking, cash management services, and ATMs to help its customers bank whenever and wherever they want. Equally important as the financial services Country Bank offers is its commitment to the community. e institution has provided time, talent, and treasure to local non-profit organizations throughout its 172-year history. To address the ongoing food crisis, Country Bank announced a $1 million pledge to the Worcester County and Western Mass Food Banks in June 2021. Total donations for 2021 exceeded $1.1 million; more than 300 organizations received financial assistance, and bank employees logged 478 volunteer hours. According to Paul Scully, president and CEO of Country Bank, these philanthropic endeavors represent the institution's commitment to the local community. He said, "Our goal is to give back to the community collectively in an impactful and meaningful way." e Boston Business Journal has recognized the Bank as a top 100 Charitable Organization for the past five years. Supporting Businesses While the Bank has weathered many storms – recessions, war, stock market crashes, social and political upheaval - the arrival of the pandemic posed the most significant challenge to date. As a result, commercial entities suffered substantial financial, physical and emotional disruption. Country Bank immediately went into action and helped more than 450 business customers with the Payment Protection Program (PPP). Country Bank has supported the local business community in Worcester for more than 50 years. Recently, their Commercial Lending in Worcester worked with Russ Haims, President of Hampton Properties, LLC., with the purchase of the Becker College Campus. "e purchase of Becker College's Worcester Campus was one of the most complicated yet impactful transactions of my COUNTRY BANK: Committed to the local community 315 Main Street, Worcester, MA 508.753.7486 countrybank.com Paul F. Scully, President and CEO Year Founded: 1850 "Our goal is to give back to the community collectively in an impactful and meaning ful way." S P O N S O R E D P R O F I L E S