PeoplesBank lauded by Boston Business Journal for charity

Date: 12/12/2014

HOLYOKE – The Boston Business Journal honored PeoplesBank with a “Top Corporate Charitable Contributor” award for the seventh time in a row.

The bank was recognized along with other recipients at the publication’s annual Corporate Citizenship Summit on Sept. 10 at the Westin Copley Place hotel. Douglas Bowen, president and CEO of PeoplesBank accepted the award, on behalf of the bank’s more than 250 associates.

“Even in a region with a long history of corporate generosity, these companies stand out,” Gale Murray, publisher of the Boston Business Journal, said. “The Boston Business Journal is honored to highlight their contributions and provide a forum to discuss this important facet of our civic life.”

Susan B. Wilson, first vice president of Corporate Responsibility at PeoplesBank, said, “Through our Community Care Program, we have contributed millions of dollars to local nonprofit organizations that provide services to the residents of Hampden and Hampshire counties. Our bank associates are committed to the community through their own generosity as well. They enthusiastically volunteer their time to help local schools, teach financial education classes, clean up parks, plant trees, and help revitalize neighborhoods.”

Wilson said the bank’s charitable giving program focuses on academic excellence, community vibrancy, and environmental sustainability as well.

She also noted that PeoplesBank associates devote an average of 6,000 hours to volunteer work each year, and 48 of the bank’s officers serve on the boards of directors and committees of 115 area nonprofit organizations.