PeoplesBank recognized by ABA for green practices

Date: 10/30/2013

HOLYOKE – PeoplesBank’s green values were nationally recognized during the American Bankers Association’s (ABA) Annual Convention in New Orleans, La., on Oct. 21.

Douglas Bowen, president and CEO and Sheila King-Goodwin, senior vice president were presented with a Community Commitment Award for its endeavors in the Sustainable Banking category. It was the first time the ABA chose a bank for such recognition.

The bank’s environmental sustainability efforts were highlighted during the presentation, including the more than $60 million wind, hydroelectric, and solar power project financed by the bank; its e-recycling program; re-greening efforts; famers’ markets; and three LEED registered branches. In all three communities, the bank’s green construction was the first of its kind and encouraged other similar projects.

Bowen stated that the ABA Sustainable Banking Award was a tribute to the actions of the organization’s 250 employees.

“Some of our employees have spent long hours figuring out the complex transactions necessary to finance green energy projects and learning how to build and operate LEED registered offices,” he said. “Many have volunteered to plant trees and clean parks, and our Environmental Committee has done a great job supporting our environmental sustainability efforts. At PeoplesBank, we say we have passion for what is possible, but our deeds are what make that statement a reality.”

For Janice Mazzallo, senior vice president of Human Resources at PeoplesBank, green values not only help the community, they attract great employees as well. “Over and over,” Mazzallo noted, “Our strongest prospects tell us that they are coming to PeoplesBank because our values align with theirs.”

Current employees also report that the bank’s environmental sustainability initiatives help them to feel much more engaged.

“For me, as well as many of my co-workers, the emphasis on green values is the single greatest source of pride in this organization,” Sean St. Marie, Deposit Operations officer at PeoplesBank, said. “It differentiates, defines, and inspires us to be part of the solution for our community and for our planet.”