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www.wbjournal.com Worcester Business Journal Business Profiles 2014 9 C linton Savings Bank is known to take a long-term approach when it comes to protecting the interests of its customers and the community. Supporting the region's business landscape is particular- ly critical, because its stability is required to secure a strong future for everyone. Offering financial solutions that meet the real-world needs of individuals and families also strengthens the overall health of Worcester County. So it should be no surprise that CSB recently redoubled its efforts to cultivate another key component of the area's economic future by making a significant investment in the financial literacy of local students. Robert J. Paulhus, Jr., President & CEO of Clinton Savings Bank, explains that educating students about financial matters helps them become fiscally responsible and savvy young adults, and prepares them to be informed citizens, responsible workers, and local leaders. "Investing in this relationship is just part of CSB's continuing com- mitment to the families, businesses and towns we serve." Teaching students about money is nothing new for CSB. In 1989, the Bank opened a full service in-school branch at Nashoba Regional High School in Bolton and worked with educators to develop its instructive Banking Program. In that acclaimed program, participating pupils work as bank tellers under the direct supervision of the Bank's in-school branch staff, taking deposits and explain- ing bank products – like CSB's student accounts, Get Real Checking and Get Real Savings – to their peers. The program has been so effective that CSB recently expanded and opened a second in-school branch, this time at Tahanto Regional High School in Boylston. As Superintendent Nadine Ekstrom notes, "Clinton Savings Bank's financial lit- eracy program is a tremendous, practical learning experience that prepares students for life after school, whether they are attending college or entering the workforce." Because it is never too early to save, CSB also connects with students well before they enter middle and high school. Last year they enhanced those efforts at local schools – including Clinton Elementary and Florence Sawyer School – by introducing younger children to Scratch the Savings Cat, a cartoon mascot who encour- ages them to save money and shows them the value of putting money aside for later. Yet investing in the next generation is not just a matter of financial education for Clinton Savings Bank. As a community bank, its mission includes encouraging stu- dents to become contributing members of society. That is why the Bank recently launched a new program called CSB's Champions that is designed to recognize the accom- plishments and achievements of our local youth for their successes in school, sports, the arts or the community. Each month, a new CSB Champion is applauded on AMP 103.3 Radio, in ads placed in their hometown paper and Baystateparent Magazine, and online at CSB's website, Facebook page and Twitter feed. Anyone can nominate an individual or group of stu- dents by emailing marketing@clintonsavings.com, and the program has quickly gained traction. The first four CSB Champions include: • The Shrewsbury High School cheerleaders, mid Wachusett League and Central Regional champions; • Ms. Elizabeth Bennett's First Grade Class at Berlin Memorial School for fundraising to help local families who are less fortunate; • Clinton High School Junior Rachel McGown, for her volunteerism and fundraising efforts for local and over- seas charities; and • Tyler Yalian, a student at the Doctor Franklin Perkins School in Lancaster, for volunteering at several local charities. All these initiatives, when combined with its proven banking solutions, illustrate the holistic, long-range approach CSB takes to community commitment. Whether the Bank is enabling families to buy their dream homes, helping local companies compete with the help of its pow- erful suite of business banking tools, supporting the area's non-profits, or preparing the next generation to handle its finances, Clinton Savings Bank is always investing in a solid tomorrow for all of us. n Clinton Savings Bank: Real Investments In The Region's Future c L I N t o N , m a clinton savings Bank Address: 200 Church St., Clinton, MA Phone: 888-744-4272(4CSB) Website: www.clintonsavings.com Product or Service: Banking/Financial Services No. of Employees: 116 Head of Company: Robert J. Paulhus Jr., President & CEO Year Founded: 1851 Clinton Savings Bank's new program, CSB Champions, is an investment in tomorrow by paying tribute to local youth for their achievements, accomplishments and volunteer efforts.