McGee named New Leader in Banking

THOMASTON — Thomaston Savings Bank employee Marissa McGee, VP, Senior Operations Officer, was named a New Leader in Banking by the Connecticut Bankers Association.

She was recognized during a special reception at BankWorld 2023, held at Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino on Jan. 12.

The Connecticut Bankers Association asks bankers throughout the state to nominate individuals they believe to be an outstanding employee, manager or business leader who is making a notable impact within their bank and community.

The CBA receives numerous nominations that are vetted by an independent panel of judges, none of whom are active bankers. After review, the panel selected 14 individuals as this year’s “New Leaders in Banking.”

“Marissa is truly deserving of this recognition. We greatly value her contributions to our team and are thrilled to have such an outstanding leader among our ranks,” said bank president and CEO Stephen Lewis, in a statement.

McGee has been with the bank for 18 years, beginning her career as a teller through Thomaston High School’s school-to-career program. She stepped into different roles, working in the Commercial Department and as a branch manager.

“Marissa’s success at the bank propelled her to a Senior Officer level, where she continues to oversee employees and procedures in the Operations Department,” bank officials said.

She received her Bachelor’s degree in Business & Technology from the University of Connecticut and earned a Master of Business Administration from Post University.

She is dedicated to giving back to the community, serving as the treasurer of the Salvation Army Litchfield Hills Unit and the Kettle Coordinator for the Thomaston Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign.

Bank foundation celebrates nonprofits

WINSTED — The Northwest Community Bank Foundation was funded and organized Jan. 1, 2022, by Northwest Community Bank and its Divisions, Collinsville Bank and Litchfield Bancorp, as a separate non-profit entity, AND extends the bank’s contributions to nonprofit agencies and organizations working to address the needs of the communities the bank serves.

Those non-profit organizations that received grants in 2022 were invited to “A Gratitude Gala,” hosted by the foundation, Jan. 10 at the American Mural Project in Winsted. Approximately 100 people, including representatives from various agencies and bank employees and board members attended the event in appreciation of the roles each plays in building up our local communities.

“In 2022 the new Foundation received 116 grant applications and awarded 66 grants totaling $425,000,” according to Foundation Board Chair Alan Colavecchio. “Beyond the financial support, our Gratitude Gala was held to express our appreciation in person to some of the people in the non-profit organizations who serve our communities with such dedication.”

According to bank and foundation president Stephen Reilly, “Combined with the $300,000 donated through the Bank’s traditional Corporate Giving Program, the Bank contributed $725,000 to non-profit organizations last year. It continues our long history of community involvement and support. It’s who we are.”

The first 2023 application cycle opens Feb. 15, with submissions due by April 1. Guidelines and eligibility information are available on the banks’ websites, from branch managers or by email at Foundation@nwcommunitybank.com.

Bank’s Fill-the-Basket ‘a huge success’

LAKEVILLE– Salisbury Bank helped its neighbors in need with another successful “Fill-the-Basket” food drive to benefit local food pantries.

All 14 branch offices located throughout the tri-state area collected food and cash donations during the months of November and December. Together, they were able to collect and donate over 1,424 non-perishable food and household items, and $524 in cash donations. In addition to what was collected at each branch location, Salisbury Bank also donated a total of $12,000 amongst the food pantry’s serving each area. All items collected, including monetary contributions, were donated directly to the local food pantries serving each area:

Center for Compassion (Dover Plains, NY); Deacon Jack Seymour Food Pantry (Newburgh, NY; Fishes and Loaves, Canaan; Fishkill Food Pantry, Fishkill, NY; Food of Life Pantry, Amenia, NY; Hudson River Housing, Poughkeepsie and Red Oaks Mill, NY; North East Community Center Food Access, Millerton, NY; Owl’s Kitchen, Sharon; People’s Pantry (Great Barrington, Mass.; Sheffield Food Assistance (Sheffield and South Egremont, Mass.; The Corner Food Pantry (Lakeville and Salisbury; and the Family of New Paltz, New Paltz, NY.

ASAP! receives grant from Torrington Savings Foundation

WASHINGTON — Torrington Savings Foundation recently awarded ASAP! a $10,000 grant in support of artsinfused educational programs in the city of Torrington.

These funds will sponsor hundreds of students throughout the city to participate in a wide variety of musical, performing, and visual arts programs, like Global Hand Percussion for special needs students at Torrington High School, Moving Through Feelings for Forbes Elementary Pre-K, and We Rise for the entire Torrington Middle School 6th grade.

ASAP!’s in-school and after school educational programs integrate the creative process with academics, opening the door to self-discovery, meaningful connection, and joyful learning, according to a statement.

ASAP! is an arts-infused education organization whose hands-on programming fosters awareness of how the arts, humanity and learning are interconnected.

To learn more, go to asapct.org.