Latest news with #BerkshireBank
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Berkshire Bank recognizes employee for over 400 hours of volunteering
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A Berkshire Bank employee has been recognized as the 2025 Volunteer of the Year for her generosity and dedication to volunteer work within the community. On Wednesday, the bank announced that Vice President and Consumer Lending Compliance Officer Heather Hans was selected for this year's award as part of National Volunteer Week. Hans received this honor in recognition of her participation in a variety of company-sponsored events and organizations, and her donation of over 400 hours in 2024 to volunteering. Celebrate office heroes on National Administrative Professionals Day Berkshire Bank said that in 2024, 100% of employees volunteered in their communities, a milestone for the company. Over 11,500 hours of service were put into more than 250 company-sponsored projects in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Vermont, and Rhode Island. 'Helping others doesn't have to be a big gesture,' Hans said. 'I believe it's the little things that make the difference, and Berkshire does too, which is why I'm so grateful to work at this organization. That's who we are.' Nineteen other employees were honored for volunteering over 150 hours in 2024 as members of the 2025 Volunteer Honor Roll. To show appreciation for Hans' dedication, the Berkshire Bank Foundation said it plans to make a $1,000 contribution to the American Cancer Society of the Capital Region of New York, one of the organizations Hans volunteered for the most. Each member of the 2025 Honor Roll will also select a nonprofit for the foundation to donate $250 to. 'Our 2025 Volunteer of the Year is a shining example of Berkshire's values in action,' said Lori Kiely, Managing Director of the Berkshire Bank Foundation. 'Her commitment to giving back to our communities is what we mean when we say, 'Where you bank matters.' Supporting our communities is a key component of our culture across the organization.' WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Berkshire Bank grants $20K in support of Square One's campaign
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Berkshire Bank Foundation recently awarded $20,000 to the 'Back to Square One' capital campaign to support their mission to invest in education and economic mobility. EPA climate grant freeze impacts Springfield funding that includes combatting asthma Square One is the region's oldest non-profit organization that is committed to providing all children and families the chance to succeed in school, work, and life. They do this by producing educational programs, family support services, health and fitness resources, and a voice in the community. The non-profit announced in March of 2023 its plans to expand access to high-quality early learning and care for children and families. Since then, the 'Back to Square One' capital campaign has successfully secured over $13 million to build a new early learning and family support center in Springfield's south end, which is slated to open in June. The new center will be the same location where Square One once stood before the 2011 tornado. 'This gift represents Berkshire Bank's strong support for our mission and vision for the future of the families who live and work here,' says Kristine Allard, Vice President of Development & Communication for Square One. 'We know that our new campus will play a vital role in positioning our region's young children for long-term success. We are so grateful to our friends at Berkshire Bank for all they do for Square One and so many other charitable organizations in the Pioneer Valley.' 'When we invest in the communities that we serve, we know it helps strengthen the neighborhoods where we all live and work,' said Lori Kiely, Managing Director, Berkshire Bank Foundation. 'Square One delivers inclusive access to vital services that prepare the next generation to fulfill its potential and contribute to the success and vibrancy of our community.' Jim Hickson, Berkshire Bank's Regional President in the Pioneer Valley, agreed: 'Square One 's new facilities are critical to ensuring it can continue to address the growing needs of our region's children and families, delivering research-based solutions, and developing needed services that promote education, health, safety, holistic development and self-reliance.' WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Berkshire Bank announces renewal of 'Adopt-A-Classroom' sponsorship
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Berkshire Bank leaders announced the renewal of its 'Adopt-A-Classroom' sponsorship by presenting the donation to Square One staff and preschool students on Monday. Square One received a $5,000 gift from the company's officials, including the regional president and foundation head, emphasizing Berkshire Bank's support towards early childhood education. The donation will be used to offset the costs of classroom supplies, technology, and professional development. This is the quirkiest city in Massachusetts 'Developing the next generation of leaders takes many hands,' said Square One Vice President of Development & Communication, Kristine Allard. 'We are so grateful to Berkshire Bank and all of the wonderful supporters who share in our mission and vision, by providing our children with all the tools and resources they need to be successful.' Square One was founded in 1883 and has been committed to providing high-quality education to children starting from a young age. The program currently provides daily learning services to over 500 infants, toddlers, and school-aged children. 'We are so pleased to support the important work of Square One because we know that investing in the education and development of our children today will help create a better tomorrow in the Pioneer Valley and beyond,' said Jim Hickson, Berkshire Bank Pioneer Valley Regional President. To learn more about Square One or to make a donation, visit WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Experts warn about romance scams ahead of Valentines Day
WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – As Valentines Day approaches, a warning about looking for love in all the worng places. Scammers could turn to dating websites and apps to target vulnerable individuals and steal their money. Scammers are getting more creative in how they steal money. They are using AI chatbots to talk to more people and identify potential victims. With just one click or swipe you could find yourself talking to someone behind a fake profile. This was true for one Sprinfield resident's friend who met somone online and began texting them come to find out they were not who they said they were. 'They were sending them models, pictures online. Never wanting to Facetime and if they did facetime all they did was show their eyes,' said Jazica Wyche of Springfield. AI programs can simulate voices, generate images, or create fake video footage, making dating profiles seem realistic even when they aren't. Experts say these fake dating profiles are how scammers gain someone's trust. 'They will figure out exactly what makes you happy, what makes you sad, what you need. And they will use that,' said Head of Berkshire Bank's Security and Fraud Investigations Unit, Tina Martin. Martin adds, once they've got you hooked, they'll move away from communicating on the dating site and start messaging with you elsewhere, so there's no trace of suspicious behavior. They then will start having you send money for an emergency they've had, travel expenses, or invest your money to make you more money. They may even pretend to date someone for weeks or months to pull the scam off. 'They are going to want you to either cash out them the money or Venmo them or one of the money moving platforms, or they're going to want you to wire the money or they want you to take the cash out or the money out of the bank and take it to Bitcoin cash machines, all of those,' said Martin. This will make it difficult for banks to trace the money back. Experts say to look out for potential red flags such as not being able to meet in-person or they start to show affection or love very quickly. If someone does start asking for money, experts say its best to immediately disconnect. And nver provide your social or confidential information. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Berkshire Bank to debut Super Bowl ad featuring Derrick White
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Berkshire Bank is set to make a splash during Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9 with a new TV spot promoting Berkshire One, its digital-first banking platform. The ad will feature Olympic gold medalist and NBA champion Derrick White, the bank's newest brand ambassador, highlighting the perks and benefits of banking with Berkshire One. Viewers in central and eastern Massachusetts, Berkshire County, New York's Capital Region, and Vermont will get an exclusive first look at the commercial during the Big Game. The ad aims to showcase how Berkshire One is revolutionizing digital banking with a range of premium features, including: Cell phone insurance coverage Stream On! – a promotion that offers up to $15 per month toward qualified streaming services for 24 months A $200 Big Game bonus for opening a new checking account 'If banking were a sport, Berkshire One would be our championship lineup,' said Sumant Pustake, executive vice president, chief strategy and marketing officer at Berkshire Bank. 'Catch the new Berkshire One TV spot and see for yourself how Berkshire Bank is changing the game.' White, known for his leadership and excellence on and off the court, brings his winning mentality and dedication to teamwork to the Berkshire One brand. As a brand ambassador, he will help promote the suite of digital banking solutions designed to make banking more convenient, secure, and accessible. In addition to its no monthly account fees and no minimum balance requirements, Berkshire One offers enhanced fraud protection and ATM fee reimbursements, making it a game-changer in digital banking. For more details on Berkshire One and its benefits, visit their website. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
