Florence Bank
Connecting with our communities.
Welcome to the Valley Beat! Here you’ll find the inside scoop on Florence Bank’s services, personal finance, people, nonprofits in the region, community members and events! There are so many good stories that come out of our work at the bank – the Valley Beat is where these stories will live. Check back often to stay up-to-date with our latest news and articles.
Recent
1/5/2023
Unlimited Opportunity. One Engaging Workplace.
Our employees like coming to work because it feels good to be valued, recognized, and supported. That sense of being nurtured has led a few of our team members down a career path they might never have imagined as the right fit for them.
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.
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.
Read MoreAbout Cut These Costs When Facing Financial Hardships
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.
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.
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.
1/30/2023
Nicolle Marceau Named Manager of Granby Branch
We’re pleased to announce that Nicolle Marceau has been promoted to branch manager of our Granby branch.
7/1/2023
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.
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.
1/17/2023
Matthew “Matt” Garrity Named President and CEO
We are pleased to announce that Matthew “Matt” Garrity has been named President and CEO of Florence Bank.
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.
1/23/2023
Jessica Wales Named Manager for King Street Branch as Lee McCarthy Announces Retirement
We’re pleased to announce that Jessica Wales of South Hadley has been promoted to branch manager of the bank’s King Street branch in Northampton. She will replace Lee McCarthy, who is retiring in April.
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.
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.
6/2/2022
Boys & Girls Club of West Springfield
We’re proud to announce that we recently donated $5,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of West Springfield!
5/1/2020
Supporting Food Insecurity In The Valley
Since the start of the new year, we have continued our efforts to support food insecurity within the region. In 2021, donations totaling $40,000 have increased our overall giving in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to $140,000.
4/28/20
Easthampton Community Center
We’re happy to share that we recently supported the Easthampton Community Center’s Food Pantry Program with a $7,500 donation!
4/29/20
YMCA of Greater Springfield Partnership
We’re excited to announce that we recently pledged $50,000 to the YMCA of Greater Springfield to help fund their new wellness and childcare center.
4/30/20
Amherst Survival Center
We’re proud to announce the we recently donated $10,000 to the Amherst Survival Center!
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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.
4/18/2020
Northampton Community Rowing
When the sun rises on the Connecticut River in the summer and fall months, oftentimes the day’s new light reveals rowers in sculls, skimming along the river, stroking in unison. Chances are the men and women are from Northampton Community Rowing, a local nonprofit for experts and novices alike.
4/22/2020
Harmony House of Western Massachusetts
We’re proud to have recently pledged $7,500 to the Harmony House of Chicopee to help fund a renovation and expansion that will allow the nonprofit to improve services and care for more terminally ill individuals who live alone or lack a capable caregiver.
4/20/2020
Greenleaf Community Center
We teamed up with the City of Springfield’s Parks and Recreation Department and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame to unveil a new basketball court at the Greenleaf Community Center in Springfield.
7/6/2022
Florence Bank Donates $50,000 to the Easthampton Community Center
Florence Bank has donated $50,000 to the Easthampton Community Center through its Florence Savings Easthampton Branch Charitable Foundation, Inc.
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
12/10/18
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.
7/06/20
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.
12/07/19
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.
7/1/20
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.
6/5/20
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!
6/15/20
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.
4/24/20
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.
6/10/20
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.
5/25/20
Raising Money Smart Kids
We all want our kids to be financially-savvy adults one day, but it’s become increasingly difficult in today’s swag culture. Here are some ideas to begin your child’s journey toward financial independence.
7/25/20
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.
5/30/20
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.
5/10/20
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.
1/05/19
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.
7/5/2022
President & CEO Kevin Day Announces Retirement
Florence Bank has announced that President and CEO Kevin R. Day will retire on November 25, 2022, and a focused search is underway for a new leader.
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.
1/30/2023
Nicolle Marceau Named Manager of Granby Branch
We’re pleased to announce that Nicolle Marceau has been promoted to branch manager of our Granby branch.
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.
7/18/2022
Kyle Toelken Named Manager of Belchertown Office
Kyle Toelken has joined us as Assistant VP/Manager of our Belchertown office.
8/8/2022
2022 President's Award Recipients
Nicholas Andrus, Tiffany Poirier, and Shaina Snape are this year's recipients of the President's Award.
8/15/2022
Linda Bushey Receives 2022 Community Award
Florence Bank supports nonprofits across the Valley, and we encourage our employees to be civic-minded as well.
1/17/2023
Matthew “Matt” Garrity Named President and CEO
We are pleased to announce that Matthew “Matt” Garrity has been named President and CEO of Florence Bank.
1/23/2023
Jessica Wales Named Manager for King Street Branch as Lee McCarthy Announces Retirement
We’re pleased to announce that Jessica Wales of South Hadley has been promoted to branch manager of the bank’s King Street branch in Northampton. She will replace Lee McCarthy, who is retiring in April.
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.
10/1/2022
How To Get The Most Of Your Money In 2022
The beginning of a New Year is a great time to reflect on your financial goals for the next twelve months. If you’re carrying debt, a little prep now will provide peace of mind in the months to come.
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.
