Berkshire Bank Helps Local Communities and Supports Small Businesses
For over 175 years, Berkshire Bank has supported its customers and communities during both good and difficult times. Today, this community bank has over 14 financial centers in Central Massachusetts with additional locations throughout Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Connecticut and Rhode Island. The bank combines extraordinary personal service with convenient, user-friendly technology and outstanding performance on environmental, social and governance matters.
Helping communities and supporting small businesses are important to Berkshire Bank, giving back to the local community in many ways. This year it enhanced its commitment and impact through its BEST Community Comeback program – a multi-year $5 billion commitment is focused on strengthening communities by fueling small businesses, community financing and philanthropy, financial access and empowerment, and environmental sustainability.
“Building stronger communities requires a better approach to banking. The people that work here are all local,” said Paul Kelly, Regional President of Berkshire Bank. “We’re very involved in the community and care about it, especially during the pandemic, working with the North Central Chamber and assisting other small businesses with their investments. People really needed our help, money, products, and good service, and they needed it fast. We were able to do that for our customers.”
Berkshire Bank provides business and consumer banking, mortgage, wealth management and investment services with a dedicated team of local professionals helping make 2022 a growing year for the bank. They provide products you would see at a large bank, but with the heart and attention of a community bank.
“Berkshire Bank is a leading socially responsible community bank,” said Alicia Jacobs, AVP Public Relations Officer. “Our employees volunteer throughout the year. Annually, we hold Xtraordinary Day, where the bank closes for the afternoon to assist with nonprofit projects throughout all our regions.” The bank also supports many nonprofit organizations with philanthropy to sustain vital community services. Since January 2022, the Berkshire Bank Foundation has provided nearly $2 million to support the needs of the community.
In addition, Berkshire Bank also launched the Center for Women, Wellness, and Wealth (CWWW) to offer client-focused events on wellness and financial planning, and partnerships with community organizations, specialized experts and thought leaders. Collectively, the Center inspires action to build greater financial stability, alignment and opportunity for women and Berkshire’s broader communities. Initiatives include development support, wellness programs, and complimentary portfolio reviews offered by Berkshire Bank Wealth Management.
“We want to be action-based,” said Kelly. “Our employees really love the fact that they can go out and do something for the community. Our local team members sit on boards and committees in the Central MA market and are able to support our community not just through donation, but through advice, loans, financial management and more. That’s important to us. I see us as a bank that tries to be a change agent and wants to make a positive impact. I believe that is what makes you a great community bank.”
As a community bank, being a part of the Chamber is also important. Berkshire Bank appreciates the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce’s impact on lives, businesses, and their employees.
“The North Central Chamber just really cares,” stated Kelly. “They’re about bringing people together, learning and communicating better and how to improve, and teaching people how to look through a different lens.” Kelly also stated the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce has built a very special team.
Individuals and businesses can learn more about Berkshire Bank and can find the nearest bank location by visiting www.berkshirebank.com or by calling 800-773-5601.
