Worcester Business Journal

www.wbjournal.com Worcester Business Journal Giving Guide 2023 9 nine mortgage centers throughout Massachusetts and one commercial lending cen- ter and investment management office in Rhode Island. Today the institution offers a wide range of banking, investment and insurance services for businesses and individuals in person and via mobile devices, online and phone. According to its 2022 Community Impact Report, Rockland Trust gave $3.2 mil- lion in donations and committed $18.9 million in new investments to support low-income housing, $30 million to small business financing; $114 million to affordable housing; and $240 million to community development projects. In keeping with its original mission to promote and grow business activity, Rockland Trust sponsors an annual Small Business Big Dreams Contest in which an ambitious entrepreneur has the opportunity to win $20,000 to support their busi- ness dreams. Entrants must submit a detailed business plan that outlines its goals and objectives, marketing strategy, and how the company will impact the commu- nity. The contest is in its sixth year. While Rockland Trust has established itself as a strong, innovative, and for- ward-looking financial institution, it has also demonstrated a deep commitment to the community and non-profit organizations. Each year the bank offers up to sixteen $3,000 need-based renewable scholarships to students who are enrolling in a part-time or full-time undergraduate study for the first time at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-tech- nical school. The institution recognizes that some students are able to enroll in college but may not have the funds to finish. This year, Rockland Trust is hosting its 15th annual summer reading program, "Reading Makes Cent$," to encourage students entering grades 1 through 8 in Massachusetts to read and learn the value of saving their money. The student must read at least four books to qualify for the initial $10 account opening deposit. Students earn $2.50 in a Rockland Trust savings account for each book they read (up to 25 books) between June 1 and August 31; they record the books they've read in a journal available online or at any branch location. One of its most popular programs was created in 2011 by Julie Beckham, AVP/ Financial Education Development & Strategy Officer at Rockland Trust, who wrote a musical for elementary school students about saving, sharing, and spending money. Since November 2011, Beckham has performed Ms. Money & the CoinsÆ to nearly 200 elementary schools and 80,000 students. Parents and teachers can access the financial lessons delivered through an engaging musical curriculum via Ms. Money's Classroom, a virtual learning experience offered in English and Spanish. Commitment to community involvement filters down to Rockland Trust's more than 1700 employees who donated more than 11,000 volunteer hours in 2022. The bank offers all employees two paid volunteer days each year to devote time to their preferred non-profit organization. Organizations can request volunteer help through RockCorp, an employee-based volunteer group that will assist with specif- ic projects or events. Additionally, Rockland Trust offers a matching gift program to help raise money for causes that are important to them. Locally, in Worcester County, the Bank and related Charitable Foundation have contributed over $1 million in funding to Worcester County-based organizations since establishing a presence in the area in 2019. The Bank's Worcester team also volunteers on more than ten local non-profit organization boards throughout Worcester County, including the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, the Chamber of Commerce, Milford Regional Medical Center, Dress for Success, Worcester Business Development Corporation (WBDC), and others. "Rockland Trust has been around for more than 115 years. From day one, we have been a community bank, focused on helping all individuals and businesses through- out our footprint succeed," said Peter Staiti, senior vice president and commercial lending center manager. n To learn more, contact: Peter Staiti SVP, Commercial Lending Center Manager 100 Front Street, Worcester, MA | 508.769.5725 RocklandTrust.com/Worcester Member FDIC A Local Partner, Financing Businesses Across Worcester County Fitness Facility Real Estate Acquisition $4,150,000 Littleton, MA Recreational Facility Equipment & Working Capital $700,000 Worcester, MA Manufacturing Facility Equipment Purchase $250,000 Worcester, MA Restaurant Equipment & Working Capital $250,000 Whitinsville, MA Multi-Family Investment Real Estate Portfolio Refinance $1,800,000 Worcester, MA Residential Real Estate Construction 228 units $57,000,000 Worcester, MA Industrial Real Estate Construction 135,000 sq. ft. $13,545,000 Worcester, MA Retail Liquor Store Real Estate Refinance $350,000 Millbury, MA

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