Florence Bank

Valley Beat Blog

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.

Read MoreAbout How To Stay Cybersafe During COVID-19

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.

Read MoreAbout Easthampton Community Center

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.


Read MoreAbout Cut These Costs When Facing Financial Hardships

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.


Read More

9/20/2022

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. 


Read MoreAbout The 411 on 401(k)s

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.

Read MoreAbout Readers' Choice Award

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.

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.

Read MoreAbout Reducing Seasonal Energy Costs

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.

Read More 

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.

Read MoreAbout Chesterfield Community Food Cupboard

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.

Read More

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.

5/19/2023

$150,000 Awarded to Local Nonprofits at 21st Annual Customers’ Choice Community Grants Event

In the 21st year of our Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program, we awarded $150,000 to 46 area nonprofits in honor of Florence Bank’s 150th anniversary.

Read More

About Amherst Survival Center

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.

Read More

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.

Read More


About This Article

CEO Kevin Day at Community Food Project
4/27/2020

Community Food Distribution Project

The Community Food Distribution Project (CFDP) is a collaboration between Northampton Survival Center and Grow Food Northampton.

Read MoreAbout This Article

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!

Read More

Two people hand's passing food to each other
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.

Read More

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!

Read MoreAbout This Article

Donation presentation to YMCA of Greater Springfield
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.

Read MoreAbout This Article

Amherst Survival Center Donation Check
4/30/20

Amherst Survival Center

We’re proud to announce the we recently donated $10,000 to the Amherst Survival Center!

Read MoreAbout This Article

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. 

Read More

Community Rowing team
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.

Read More


Donation presentation to Harmony House
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.

Read MoreAbout This Article

Mayor Sarno and John Heaps jump ball at Greenleaf
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.

Read MoreAbout This Article

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.

Read More

5/19/2023

$150,000 Awarded to Local Nonprofits at 21st Annual Customers’ Choice Community Grants Event

In the 21st year of our Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program, we awarded $150,000 to 46 area nonprofits in honor of Florence Bank’s 150th anniversary.

Read More

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.

Read More

Business

Owners of Familiars coffee and tea
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.

Read MoreAbout This Article

Sam from Salmon Studios
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.

Read MoreAbout This Article

Male car mechanic
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.

Read MoreAbout This Article




Sunset at Camp Howe
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.

Read MoreAbout This Article

Nate from Crimson & Clover
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.

Read MoreAbout This Article

Dr Jonathan Bayuk
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.

Read MoreAbout This Article




Dr Ben from Florence Dental
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.

Read MoreAbout This Article

Jeff, owner of Local Burger in Northampton, MA
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.

Read MoreAbout This Article













Personal

Notebook reading New Year Goals
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.

Read More

About This Article

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. 

Read More

About This Article

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.

Read More

About This Article

Man using a calculator and holding cash
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.

Read More

About This Article

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!


Read More

About This Article

Teen holding cash and giving the thumbs up sign
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.

Read More

About This Article

man food shopping
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.

Read MoreAbout This Article

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.

Read More

About This Article




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.

Read More

About This Article

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.

Read More

About This Article

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. 

Read More

About This Article

Graduation cap above money
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. 

Read More

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.

Read More

News

Florence Bank Retail Staff Photo
3/24/2022

Retail Banking Team Personnel Changes Announced

Florence Bank recently announced several key personnel changes within its retail banking team.

Read More

Jim Hickey Photo
12/21/2021
Jim Hickey Named VP/Director of Marketing Operations
 
Florence Bank has hired Jim Hickey to serve as VP/Director of Marketing Operations.

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

Alissa Fuller Photo
4/1/2022
Alissa Fuller Named AVP/Compliance and CRA Manager
 
Florence Bank has hired Alissa Fuller to serve as AVP/ Compliance and CRA Manager.

7/6/2022

Jean Monska Promoted to Manager of Easthampton Office

Jean Monska has been promoted to lead the Easthampton branch as branch manager. 

Read More

7/18/2022

Kyle Toelken Named Manager of Belchertown Office

Kyle Toelken has joined us as Assistant VP/Manager of our Belchertown office. 

Read More 

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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. 

Read More

About This Article
















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.

Read MoreAbout This Article

Women talking on phone
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.

Read MoreAbout This Article

Woman knitting
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.
 
Family sitting together and smiling
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.

Read MoreAbout This Article

Children playing during the winter time
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.

Read MoreAbout This Article

Woman with hands raised in a mountain setting
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. 

Read MoreAbout This Article

Woman smiling while folding laundry
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.
 
Family of four together
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.

Read MoreAbout This Article

Woman throwing snowball at man
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.

Read MoreAbout This Article

Mother and daughter playing
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?

Read MoreAbout This Article

Woman on her phone and laptop
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.

Picture of someone's hands holding multiple credit cards.
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.

Read MoreAbout This Article

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?

Read More

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

Baby, It's Cold Outside:
Reducing Seasonal Energy Costs

Read More about Reducing Costs










Baby, It's Cold Outside:
Reducing Seasonal Energy Costs

Baby, It's Cold Outside:
Reducing Seasonal Energy Costs

Read More about Reducing Costs














Baby, It's Cold Outside:
Reducing Seasonal Energy Costs

Baby, It's Cold Outside:
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.

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