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Welcome to Florence Focus! Here you'll find the scoop on what's going on in the Florence Bank community, including employees, non-profits in the region, community members, services, financial education, and events. We pride ourselves on our deep roots in the Valley, and want to share with you the stories of those who make us Florence Bank.
Recent
12/03/2024
Florence Bank Supports Mass Humanities with a $10,000 Gift
Florence Bank was honored to provide a gift of $10,000 to Mass Humanities to help the organization make history and culture more accessible to residents across the state.
5/9/2024
Florence Bank Donates $100,000 to the Iron Horse Music Hall
We are excited to announce a $100,000 donation to the Iron Horse Music Hall that will support a $750,000 capital campaign for renovations and updates to the well-loved music venue in downtown Northampton.
11/13/2024
Florence Bank Hires Meghan Parnell as Vice President / Credit Manager
Florence Bank is excited to announce the hiring of Meghan Parnell of Holyoke, who will serve as vice president / credit manager in the Commercial Lending department.
Read MoreAbout Cut These Costs When Facing Financial Hardships
11/22/2024
Florence Bank Hires Christopher Fager as Vice President / Commercial Loan Officer
Florence Bank is excited to announce the hiring of Christopher Fager of West Springfield, who will serve as a vice president / commercial loan officer in the Commercial Lending department.
10/30/2024
Florence Bank Donates $5,000 to Tech Foundry in its 10th Anniversary Year
We were proud to donate $5,000 to Tech Foundry of Springfield in its 10th anniversary year, supporting its newly established Innovation Fund to help enhance the organization’s digital literacy curriculum and grow its reach.
2/22/2024
Florence Bank is Excited to Support West Springfield’s 250th Celebration with Sponsorships
The city of West Springfield is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year with multiple grand festivities, and Florence Bank is excited to sponsor four of the events.
12/23/2023
Florence Bank Welcomes Andrew Sullivan of Wilbraham as Vice President / Commercial Lender
Florence Bank is pleased to welcome Andrew Sullivan of Wilbraham to our staff as vice president / commercial lender.
10/21/2024
Florence Bank Sponsors Cancer Connection’s Harvest Dinner and Silent Auction
We were proud to recently sponsor the Cancer Connection’s 2024 Harvest Dinner and Silent Auction with a $7,000 gift to support the organization that serves as a haven for people with a cancer diagnosis and their caregivers.
5/24/2024
We Awarded $150,000 to Local Nonprofits at Our 22nd Annual Customers’ Choice Community Grants Event
We were excited to award $150,000 to 40 area nonprofits through our annual Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program, in which bank customers cast votes to determine how funds are dispersed.
10/16/2024
About Chesterfield Community Food CupboarFlorence Bank Supports the Mental Health Association’s 26th Annual Wellness Classic Golf Tournament
We are proud to have supported the Mental Health Association’s 26th annual Wellness Classic Golf Tournament with a $5,000 sponsorship, helping the organization live into its mission to better the lives of people challenged by intellectual and developmental disabilities.
4/30/2024
Florence Bank Supports Revitalize CDC’s Capital Campaign and 2024 #GreenNFit Event
Florence Bank recently pledged a $25,000 gift to Revitalize CDC’s $3 million capital campaign, launched in 2023. Funds will be used to develop a 3,200-square-foot warehouse that will allow the Springfield-based nonprofit to better serve its audience of low-income families, seniors, veterans and those with special needs.
6/28/2024
Our 2024 Community Support Award Goes to Team Member Kim Baker of Hatfield
We were excited recently to present Florence Bank’s 2024 Community Support Award to longtime employee Kim Baker of Hatfield.
6/18/2024
Three Employees Lauded with the 2024 President’s Award
We are pleased to announce we recently presented the 2024 President’s Award to three staff members for exceptional service.
7/30/2024
Earn Cash and Rebates with Florence Bank Cashback Checking
With a Florence Bank Cashback Checking account, fees charged for ATM withdrawals outside of the Florence Bank ATM network are rebated. And, thanks to the two percent cashback bonus feature, you can earn up to $10 each month on any purchases made with your Florence Bank Visa Debit Card.
Community
2/10/2023
Florence Bank Donates $100,000 to Hampshire Regional YMCA
We are proud to have pledged $100,000 to Hampshire Regional YMCA to support its $1.5 million Mission Expansion Campaign to expand available program space by developing an outdoor exercise “airnaseum,” or open-air gymnasium.
6/18/2023
Florence Bank Pledges $50,000 to Grow Food Northampton
We are pleased to have pledged $50,000 to Grow Food Northampton to help people in the area who are food insecure access healthy, fresh and local food at a time when federal food benefits are scaling back to pre-pandemic levels.
10/30/2024
Florence Bank Donates $5,000 to Tech Foundry in its 10th Anniversary Year
We were proud to donate $5,000 to Tech Foundry of Springfield in its 10th anniversary year, supporting its newly established Innovation Fund to help enhance the organization’s digital literacy curriculum and grow its reach.
10/21/2024
Florence Bank Sponsors Cancer Connection’s Harvest Dinner and Silent Auction
We were proud to recently sponsor the Cancer Connection’s 2024 Harvest Dinner and Silent Auction with a $7,000 gift to support the organization that serves as a haven for people with a cancer diagnosis and their caregivers.
4/30/2024
Florence Bank Supports Revitalize CDC’s Capital Campaign and 2024 #GreenNFit Event
Florence Bank recently pledged a $25,000 gift to Revitalize CDC’s $3 million capital campaign, launched in 2023. Funds will be used to develop a 3,200-square-foot warehouse that will allow the Springfield-based nonprofit to better serve its audience of low-income families, seniors, veterans and those with special needs.
5/24/2024
We Awarded $150,000 to Local Nonprofits at Our 22nd Annual Customers’ Choice Community Grants Event
We were excited to award $150,000 to 40 area nonprofits through our annual Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program, in which bank customers cast votes to determine how funds are dispersed.
10/16/2024
Florence Bank Supports the Mental Health Association’s 26th Annual Wellness Classic Golf Tournament
We are proud to have supported the Mental Health Association’s 26th annual Wellness Classic Golf Tournament with a $5,000 sponsorship, helping the organization live into its mission to better the lives of people challenged by intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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9/20/2022
About This Argfhjghjghj A Proud Partnership Built Over Time
Read about our decades-long relationship with Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity and how we work together to help them achieve their mission.
12/18/2023
Florence Bank Helps Ice Out Hunger in the Valley Through Partnership with UMass Sports Properties and Massachusetts Hockey
Florence Bank is pleased to be partnering with UMass Sports Properties and the University of Massachusetts Hockey team to Ice Out Hunger in the Valley, and through this innovative new program, the bank will provide $9,500 in $500 grants to each of 19 food pantries across the region.
5/9/2024
Florence Bank Donates $100,000 to the Iron Horse Music Hall
We are excited to announce a $100,000 donation to the Iron Horse Music Hall that will support a $750,000 capital campaign for renovations and updates to the well-loved music venue in downtown Northampton.
2/22/2024
Florence Bank is Excited to Support West Springfield’s 250th Celebration with Sponsorships
The city of West Springfield is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year with multiple grand festivities, and Florence Bank is excited to sponsor four of the events.
12/03/2024
Florence Bank Supports Mass Humanities with a $10,000 Gift
Florence Bank was honored to provide a gift of $10,000 to Mass Humanities to help the organization make history and culture more accessible to residents across the state.
8/22/2022
Celebrating Valley Residents Who Amaze and Inspire Us
We're shining a light on folks in the Valley who have caught our attention with their perseverance, hard work, and dedication.
Business
4/30/20
From The Ground Up: Familiars Coffee and Tea
Danny McColgan knew tea. His business and life partner, Isaac Weiner, had experience as a barista. Together, they had the passion, knowledge, experience, and good taste to run their own coffeehouse.
4/26/20
From The Ground Up: Salmon Studios
Sam Ostroff founded Salmon Studios and is both a leader and a laborer there, but he’ll tell you his most critical role in the organization is serving as head of crisis management. That’s because everything the Florence metalwork company creates has never been made before—by anyone—and often, the ingenuity creates quandaries.
4/29/20
One Home for Small Business Success
When Cal and Anne Potter turned on the pumps at their first gas station more than 50 years ago, they couldn’t have imagined how much of an impact that small business would make on the local community.
4/28/20
From The Ground Up: Camp Howe
At the end of every one- or two-week session at Camp Howe, there are always a handful of young people who head home with something they’ve never had before: A recognition award.
4/27/20
From The Ground Up: Crimson & Clover
At Crimson & Clover farm, co-owner Nate Frigard is focused as much on growing relationships with customers as he is on growing lettuce, strawberries, and herbs.
4/24/20
Allergy and Immunology Associates
Florence Bank gave Dr. Jonathan Bayuk and his physician partners a shot at success in 2014, and they turned it into a thriving allergy and immunology practice in Western Massachusetts.
4/25/20
From The Ground Up: Florence Dental
George Falk founded Florence Dental Care in 1974 in a historic home right on Main Street in Florence. His son, Benjamin, was four years old. Ben’s jobs included vacuuming the carpets and sweeping the parking lot in front of the building.
4/23/20
From The Ground Up: Local Burger
Jeff Igneri of Florence knows it’s important to keep up with the trends in the restaurant industry. That’s how he’s made Local Burger of Northampton, Massachusetts, a local success.
Personal
12/10/2018
Hit the ground running for the New Year: Three goals for your finances
As the new year sneaks up, it’s a good time to reflect on your financial goals for next year.
7/06/2020
Gifts to Spark Excitement and Build Financial Responsibility
The financial habits and money management skills kids learn can follow them for the rest of their lives. If you want to get your kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews off to a great start, giving financially-themed gifts is always a good idea.
12/07/2019
Supporting Charities During the Holiday Season
For some people, the holidays can be a tricky time. Motivated by the seasonal spirit, you want to support your favorite charity, but lack the funds to make a meaningful impact. However, while monetary donations are always appreciated, many organizations need more than cash to make a difference.
7/1/2020
Three Facts on Personal Finance
Do you feel financially secure? If the answer is no, you’re not alone! Here are three facts that people get wrong most often when it comes to finances.
6/5/2020
Effective Money Tips For Parents To-be
You planned the baby shower and painted the nursery… but are your finances in order? Whether it’s your first or fifth, having a baby requires a little financial planning. To make sure you’re ready to support your bundle of joy, check out these effective tips for organizing your finances!
6/15/2020
Teens and Money: Checking and Savings Accounts
One of the first steps toward real freedom (and adulthood) is having a checking and savings account in your own name. These accounts allow you to save money, make purchases, and pay bills efficiently.
4/24/2020
Food Shopping: The Blind Spot in Our Spending Plan
While meals are of course a necessity, take a look at your food-buying habits. Odds are that there’s room to save.
6/10/2020
College Planning 101
Most parents have already heard the bad news: a college education has never been more expensive. The good news is that there’s a lot parents can do to help their children and make the costs of college more manageable.
7/30/2024
Earn Cash and Rebates with Florence Bank Cashback Checking
With a Florence Bank Cashback Checking account, fees charged for ATM withdrawals outside of the Florence Bank ATM network are rebated. And, thanks to the two percent cashback bonus feature, you can earn up to $10 each month on any purchases made with your Florence Bank Visa Debit Card.
7/25/2020
Stop Wasting Money on These Things Now
It’s possible you’re spending money on things you don’t really need. Save yourself some money by giving them up and redirecting those dollars toward your savings, retirement, or investment accounts.
5/30/2022
Is it time to open a checking or savings account for our children?
If you want to equip your kids with the tools to be financially secure adults, a good place to start is with a savings and/or checking account.
5/10/2022
Understanding Different Types of Student Loans
If you or a family member will be attending college soon, you’ve probably noticed that the sticker price for a college education has risen considerably in recent years. Though the costs can be steep, a college degree is a good investment in the student’s future.
1/05/2019
Creative Ways to Lower Holiday Spending
A little bit of creativity and energy can get you through the holidays without draining your wallet.
News
08/08/2023
Tim Deshaies Honored with Florence Bank’s 2023 Community Support Award
Please join us in congratulating Tim Deshaies, our director of Retail Operations, who was honored at our annual meeting with the 2023 Community Support Award for his activism with for- and nonprofits in the region.
7/01/2023
Jim Hickey Promoted to Senior Vice President / Director of Marketing
We are proud to announce that vice president / director of marketing operations Jim Hickey of South Deerfield has been promoted to lead the bank’s marketing efforts as senior vice president / director of marketing.
1/03/2024
Florence Bank Hires Ashley Swett of Ware as Manager of Customer Service Center
We are pleased to announce that Ashley Swett of Ware has been named manager of Florence Bank’s Customer Service Center at the main office in Florence.
5/5/2023
Florence Bank Celebrates 150 Years of Doing Business with Special Giveaway
To commemorate 150 years in business, Florence Bank is drawing on its partnership with the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield to offer a chance for 12 community members to win complimentary use of the popular venue’s birthday room.
5/1/2023
Candace Pereira Named Vice President / Commercial Lender
Candace Pereira of East Longmeadow has been promoted to the role of vice president / commercial lender after working with us as assistant vice president / commercial portfolio manager in the Commercial Lending department since 2017.
11/13/2024
Florence Bank Hires Meghan Parnell as Vice President / Credit Manager
Florence Bank is excited to announce the hiring of Meghan Parnell of Holyoke, who will serve as vice president / credit manager in the Commercial Lending department.
4/3/2023
Emily Tower Named Manager of Florence Branch
Emily Tower of Bernardston has been promoted to the position of vice president / branch manager of our main office in Florence.
7/18/2023
Ryan Hess Named Vice President / Commercial Team Leader
We are pleased to announce that Ryan Hess of Springfield has joined the staff as vice president / commercial team leader.
8/29/2023
Three Employees Honored with Florence Bank’s 2023 President’s Award
We’ve very proud of three employees who were recognized this year for exceptional service with the 2023 President’s Award.
12/23/2023
Florence Bank Welcomes Andrew Sullivan of Wilbraham as Vice President / Commercial Lender
Florence Bank is pleased to welcome Andrew Sullivan of Wilbraham to our staff as vice president / commercial lender.
2/9/2024
Florence Bank Promotes Andre Motulski of Broad Brook, Connecticut, to the Role of Vice President / Controller
Florence Bank is pleased to announce that Andre Motulski of Broad Brook, Connecticut, has been promoted to the role of vice president / controller.
6/18/2024
Three Employees Lauded with the 2024 President’s Award
We are pleased to announce we recently presented the 2024 President’s Award to three staff members for exceptional service.
06/28/2024
Our 2024 Community Support Award Goes to Team Member Kim Baker of Hatfield
We were excited recently to present Florence Bank’s 2024 Community Support Award to longtime employee Kim Baker of Hatfield.
11/22/2024
Florence Bank Hires Christopher Fager as Vice President / Commercial Loan Officer
Florence Bank is excited to announce the hiring of Christopher Fager of West Springfield, who will serve as a vice president / commercial loan officer in the Commercial Lending department.
Fraud Awareness
1/05/20
What To Do If You Think You've Fallen Victim to Fraud
If you are a Florence Bank customer and suspect your account with us has been comprised by online crime, please—even if you have only the slightest suspicion—make your first call to our customer service team.
1/01/20
Getting Ahead of Fraud
Fraud keeps finding unsuspecting victims. At least three to five times a day, we get calls from customers who have been tricked into giving out their private account information, and money has been stolen from them—sometimes thousands of dollars.
Financial Education
10/17/2022
Don’t Miss Out on the Home of Your Dreams—Lock, Before You Shop
Florence Bank is the only bank in the region that has a pre-approval program with a rate lock, and it can easily mean the difference between buying the home of your dreams or settling for something less.
10/08/2022
Five Easy Ways To Cut Monthly Expenses
Ever notice how your monthly expenses always seem to equal whatever salary you’re making, even after you get raises? The phenomenon is called “lifestyle creep” and it can keep you from reaching financial goals.
10/07/2022
Five Ways Millennials Can Build A Brighter Financial Future
Many Millennials, who graduated during a time of job scarcity and enormous student debt, are more than a little skittish about financial matters. Still, there’s a lot that today’s 20-somethings can do to build a brighter financial future.
10/06/2022
Financial Tips For The Sandwich Generation
If you find yourself squeezed between caring for your children and caring for your aging parents, you’re part of what’s now referred to as the Sandwich Generation.
10/5/2022
Reducing Seasonal Energy Costs
For many of us, winter means high energy bills, but sitting in the dark or turning off the heat are not your only options. Here are some ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency and save money during the cold months.
10/4/2022
Five Ways To Redefine Yourself As A Saver
Restricting spending to the finite boundary of a paycheck is the foundation of sound money management, actually doing it can be extremely difficult.
10/3/2022
Why Minimalism Is The New Way To Save
If your house is filled with clutter, you probably know you won’t make the cover of Better Homes and Gardens, but you may not be aware that it could be costing you money too.
10/2/2022
How To Manage Finances Through The Years
There are certain times in life when particular money management areas need special focus. Whatever your situation, it’s important to plan ahead to accommodate the coming changes in your financial situation.
9/30/2022
Money Missteps - A Great Thing To Happen To A Kid?
While the outrage at a teenager spending an entire pile of birthday money on one pair of jeans is understandable, you might want to look at it as a good thing. Sound crazy?
9/29/2022
A Step-By-Step Guide To Making A Holiday Budget
If you recently looked at the calendar and realized gift-buying season is closer than you thought, don’t worry. We are here to help you organize your finances by making an effective budget.
9/28/2022
Five Big Mistakes Even Smart People Make With Credit Cards
Despite the popularity of credit card accounts, it’s easy for holders to make mistakes that can cost them money. These are the top blunders to avoid.
10/10/2022
HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan: Pros & Cons
Did you know that in the process of maintaining your property and paying your mortgage each month, you’ve accumulated valuable equity in your home? And that you can borrow money using that equity as collateral?
10/24/2022
Gaining Perspective on the Mortgage Process
When you’re shopping for a home, the fun part is looking at all the different real estate listings. The hard part, of course, is making all the choices involved in selecting a mortgage product. That’s why we wanted to help you gain some perspective on the process.
News articles you need to meet your financial goals. (h2)
We're not just here for your banking needs, we're also here to help you learn everything you can about your financial needs. Whether it's our personal finance center, or our educational programs designed to maximize retirement, we're always thinking about how to make your financial life just as happy as the rest of your life.
Baby, It's Cold Outside:
Reducing Seasonal Energy Costs
Reducing Seasonal Energy Costs
Baby, It's Cold Outside:
Reducing Seasonal Energy Costs
Reducing Seasonal Energy Costs
Read More about Reducing Costs
Baby, It's Cold Outside:
Reducing Seasonal Energy Costs
Reducing Seasonal Energy Costs
Baby, It's Cold Outside:
Reducing Seasonal Energy Costs
Reducing Seasonal Energy Costs
Read More about Reducing Costs
Baby, It's Cold Outside:
Reducing Seasonal Energy Costs
Reducing Seasonal Energy Costs
Baby, It's Cold Outside:
Reducing Seasonal Energy Costs
Reducing Seasonal Energy Costs
Read More about Reducing Costs
Financial education
Information you need to meet your financial goals.
We're not just here for your banking needs, we're also here to help you learn everything you can about your financial needs. Whether it's our personal finance center, or our educational programs designed to maximize retirement, we're always thinking about how to make your financial life just as happy as the rest of your life.
