PeoplesBank Named A Top Charitable Contributor, Volunteer Hours Donator

HOLYOKE, Mass.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--PeoplesBank has moved up the list as a top corporate contributor and is second in Massachusetts for the number of volunteer hours donated to the community, according to the Boston Business Journal.

“You could just write a check, but you would never see the faces that it affects. So, I think it is really important to be involved on a personal level.”

“When the economy plummets into recession, one learns the true meaning of corporate civic engagement,” stated Michael G. Olivieri, Publisher of the Boston Business Journal. “Many companies have stayed the course despite economic pressures. This is largely for one reason: Their giving has become ingrained in their company’s operations. The giving is part of who they are. We want to recognize leaders in corporate giving, not just in pure dollars, but also in terms of vision, effectiveness and passion.”

At the 2009 Corporate Citizenship Summit, PeoplesBank was named number 38 in the state and number 2 in Western Massachusetts for contributions of approximately $700,000. The other Western Massachusetts companies recognized were MassMutual Financial Group (11) and Friendly Ice Cream Corporation (52). The bank was also named number 2 in the category of “Companies with the Highest Volunteer Hours” and number 8 in the category of “Most Generous Employees.” “These accomplishments demonstrate, on a profound level, our shared values and the impact we have within our communities,” stated Douglas A. Bowen, President and CEO of PeoplesBank. “Being recognized for our community involvement feels good. Giving back to our communities feels even better.”

On an annual basis, PeoplesBank employees donate over 6,700 volunteer hours to organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, The Salvation Army, and local public schools. “Without actually volunteering you would never connect with the people you help,” suggested Karen Buell, Internet Branch Officer. “You could just write a check, but you would never see the faces that it affects. So, I think it is really important to be involved on a personal level.” As a member of the Leadership Team of the Northampton Area Young Professionals, Ms. Buell introduces young professionals to volunteer opportunities in the community.

About

PeoplesBank, the largest mutually chartered bank in Western Massachusetts, is a leader in green values, sustainable energy financing, and charitable giving. Founded in 1885, the bank takes its responsibility to the environment seriously and has financed over $20 million in wind and hydroelectric power generation in recent years and will build its first Green Branch in Springfield in 2009. Two additional Green Branches will be built in Northampton and West Springfield over the next three years.

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