Fourth Quarter 2014
Chairman Getting to Know the Incoming
A Q&A with Steve Reilly
Fourth Quarter 2014
Chairman Getting to Know the Incoming
A Q&A with Steve Reilly
CONNECTICUT BANKERS ASSOCIATION
COVER STORY
10 Waterside Dr. Farmington, CT 06032-3083 Telephone: 860-677-5060 • Fax: 860-677-5066
Getting to Know the Incoming Chairman A Q&A with Steve Reilly..................................................... 12
Chairman Chandler J. Howard
Second Vice Chairman Richard J. Cantele
FEATURES
First Vice Chairman Stephen P. Reilly
President & CEO Lindsey R. Pinkham
President & CEO Liberty Bank, Middletown
President & CEO Salisbury Bank, Lakeville
President & CEO Northwest Community Bank
Executive Vice President & Treasurer Thomas S. Mongellow First Senior Vice President & Secretary Colleen E. Clancy
Connecticut’s Banks Embracing Compliance Assistance....... 4 The Tech-Savvy Board: Helping Directors Understand Technology......................................... 8 How Does a Charged-off Checking Account Become a Minefield of Issues?............................................ 10 Watson Named FDIC Regional Ombudsman for New York Region...................................... 15
Connecticut Banking is an official publication of the Connecticut Bankers Association and is published quarterly by
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CONNECTICUT BANKING Editor
Colleen E. Clancy
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CBA Calendar................................................................ 8 Banks in the News........................................................ 16 Bankers in the News..................................................... 24 3
Connecticut Banking Magazine • Fourth Quarter 2014
Connecticut’s Banks Embracing Compliance Assistance By L. Robert Toffey
“As a new client of Compliance Alliance, we have found the program to be very helpful. It has been a great resource for information. The chat room allows for quick responses to issues and questions with staff members. Updates to the compliance world are provided daily and weekly, as well as through the monthly newsletter. Reviews of policies are done quickly with great feedback. We are looking forward to a long and successful relationship with Compliance Alliance.” — Dianne Cerruto, assistant vice president of compliance and risk management, Torrington Savings “We recognize that in order to proactively manage the complexities of the regulatory environment, we need to have the tools necessary to meet that challenge. Our research resulted in Liberty choosing to partner with Compliance Alliance. As a new user of the service, we have been impressed with the quality and timeliness of responses and the unlimited user access to the myriad of tools. We are confident that Compliance Alliance will assist us in cost-effectively enhancing our compliance monitoring program, as well as augment our compliance training program.” — Robin Faircloth, vice president and compliance officer, Liberty Bank “Compliance Alliance is a great resource for Thomaston Savings Bank. The website resources are relevant and easy to access. My staff has utilized many of the policies, procedures and other documentation. These resources have saved us a tremendous amount of time and effort. The Compliance Alliance staff is very responsive and helpful. Additionally, the alerts that are sent out also keep me up to date on regulatory issues.” — Stephen Lewis, president and CEO, Thomaston Savings Bank
W
ith the regulatory burden becoming increasingly heavy for the nation’s banks, institutions are forced to explore different options to ensure they have adequate coverage for all federal laws and regulations. Some have added compliance specialized staff – at a substantial cost in salary and benefits – while others have simply increased the workload for their existing employees. Staying up-to-date with changes has become more difficult with each new regulation, and working in this type of regulatory environment demands that you use every tool at your disposal to be successful. Enter Compliance Alliance – an exciting and innovative service that represents the unified efforts of state banking associations across the country to provide critical compliance services to their members. Compliance Alliance was formed with the belief that by working together, each banking association can more effectively reach its common goal of improving the competitive position of its member banks by helping ease their compliance and regulatory concern. There are now nine banks in Connecticut that utilize Compliance Alliance to help complete their compliance programs and help enhance their staff. “We recognize that in order to proactively manage the complexities of the regulatory environment, we need to have the tools necessary to meet that challenge,” said Robin Faircloth, vice president and compliance officer at Liberty Bank in Middletown. “Our research resulted in Liberty choosing to partner with Compliance Alliance. As a new user of the service, we have been impressed with the quality and timeliness of responses and the unlimited user access to the myriad of tools. We are confident that Compliance Alliance will assist us in cost-effectively enhancing our compliance monitoring program, as well as augment our compliance training program.” Compliance Alliance provides personalized responses to your compliance concerns by phone, email or a dedicated live chat hotline. In most cases, questions will be answered on the spot. Their extended office hours provide convenient times for your bank to contact them, regardless of your location. Additionally, with a comprehensive library of more than 850 tools and resources always available, you are covered anywhere from day-to-day functions to preparing your bank for an examination. Compliance Alliance provides policies, procedures, cheat sheets, checklists, risk assessments and much more to help complete your in-house compliance management program. What’s more, if there is a document you need and it isn’t available, they will create it for you – at no additional charge. Dianne Cerruto, assistant vice president of compliance and risk management at Torrington Savings, remarked: “As a new client of Compliance Alliance, we have found the program to be very helpful. It has been a great resource for information. The chat room allows for quick responses to issues and questions with staff members. Updates to the compliance world are provided daily and weekly, as well as through the monthly newsletter. Reviews of policies are done quickly with great feedback. We are looking forward to a long and successful relationship with Compliance Alliance.” The products on the Compliance Alliance website are produced inhouse, allowing questions to be answered by the creator. Each dedicated continued on page 6 4
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Connecticut Banking Magazine • Fourth Quarter 2014
Compliance Assistance continued from page 4
staff member at Compliance Alliance has banking, regulatory and/or legal experience, giving them the knowledge to answer your questions, but also empathize in understanding the challenges your bank is facing regarding new regulations and their implementation. In addition to products, Compliance Alliance also offers many services to its subscribing banks. For example, to help bankers with advertising reviews, they offer a review checklist. If the bank’s compliance officer is not comfortable or lacks the time to complete the review, a compliance specialist from Compliance Alliance can also complete the bank’s advertising review for them. A few of the many services they offer include a compliance calendar, daily emails with news and links to the recently posted website documents, weekly and monthly newsletters and links to all of the handbooks, manuals and regulatory guidance documents directly from the regulatory agencies.
Another Connecticut community banker, Stephen Lewis, president and CEO of Thomaston Savings Bank, commented on their experience so far: “Compliance Alliance is a great resource for Thomaston Savings Bank. The website resources are relevant and easy to access. My staff has utilized many of the policies, procedures and other documentation. These resources have saved us a tremendous amount of time and effort. The Compliance Alliance staff is very responsive and helpful. Additionally, the alerts that are sent out also keep me up to date on regulatory issues.” For added peace of mind, Compliance Alliance guarantees that once you have made your subscription payment, you will never be asked for any additional fees for any existing or future products. Compliance Alliance is unique in that member banks are allowed an unlimited amount of usernames and passwords for the interactive website,
allowing anyone in the bank to use the products and services. The CBA began offering this member service in January 2014 and the membership response has been fantastic. As a member, you will receive the attention and care you need when dealing with an increasingly regulated banking landscape. We cannot begin to imagine what the regulatory environment will look like in another few years. What we can be certain of is that Compliance Alliance is continuing to help our member banks navigate through these uncharted waters, thanks to their exceptional level of expertise and the support of banks and bankers around the country. Together, we can all help ensure Connecticut’s community banks continue to lead a long and profitable life. u L. Robert Toffey is the education coordinator at the CBA. For more information on Compliance Alliance, please contact him at 860677-5060 or via email toffeyr@ctbank.com.
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Connecticut Banking Magazine • Fourth Quarter 2014
The Tech-Savvy Board: Helping Directors Understand Technology By Jack Vonder Heide
D
irector responsibility for IT risk and strategy has become more consequential as customers migrate to electronic delivery channels. New laws, guidance and regulations require a higher level of board focus on the IT area. At the same time, many directors still classify themselves as technology novices. Technology is a continuum. People tend to develop a high degree of familiarity and expertise with technologies that were pervasive in their formative years. If a bank board is comprised of directors of varying ages, each member will generally bring a set of skills and a frame of mind that is characteristic of his or her generation. A 75-year-old director, for example, may have no idea how to use an iPhone. However, the same director would easily be able to drive a stick shift car. Ask this director how Wi-Fi works and you will get a blank stare. But if you ask how a Hi-Fi worked, you will get a detailed explanation of proper
warmup procedures, changing defective tubes, etc. Most bank directors I have worked with have the natural ability to understand technology, but many feel overwhelmed by the rapid pace of change and the increasing level of personal responsibility they must assume for an area with which they don’t feel fully comfortable. There are several steps that boards can take to improve the technical competence of directors and help them make better informed decisions. First, recruit an outside director who has a deep understanding of technology. An ideal candidate would be a C-level executive who is currently working in the field – one who oversees the IT area of a well-respected large or middle-market company. A publicly traded organization, is best because the executive will have some familiarity with regulatory issues. Second, form a board-level technology committee. This group would be chaired
Upcoming
CBA Calendar NOVEMBER
13-16 CBA Annual Meeting 27 Thanksgiving Day
DECEMBER 25
Christmas Day
JANUARY
1 New Year’s Day 7 CT Legislative Session Starts 19 Martin Luther King Day 22 New Leaders Awards Dinner 23 BankWorld
FEBRUARY 12 16 25
Lincoln’s Birthday Washington’s Birthday CFT Bankers’ Forum
MARCH 12 25
Call Report Seminar CFT Bankers’ Forum
APRIL 15 17 21
MAY 12 19 20 25
CSFM 2015 Graduation Women In Banking Flood Insurance Workshop
BSA/AML Seminar 2015 Director & Senior Officer Symposium CFT Bankers’ Forum Memorial Day
JUNE 3 8
JULY 3
CT Legislative Session Ends CFT Bankers’ Forum Independence Day Observed
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by the tech-savvy director and would include two or three other directors, plus key C-level officers from the technology, risk management, operations and business development areas of the bank. Third, ask each board member to identify the specific technology areas that they would like to understand better. Then provide one-on-one or small group training. Some board members are visual learners who like examples, while others learn better by reading. It is important to discern how each person learns best and provide them with the type of instruction that will help them absorb and retain the information. A good strategy for older directors is to explain technical topics in non-technical terms. I once worked with a board that was considering a proposal for increased bandwidth. Two of the directors could not grasp the concept until I said, “Imagine that that you are driving your car on Interstate 94 and all of a sudden traffic is reduced from four lanes to one lane.” There was an aha moment, and the bank got more bandwidth. Fourth, have a technology-focused presentation at every board meeting and at every board retreat. Some of these presentations should focus on current issues like cybercrime, system upgrades, etc. while others address longer range strategic issues. Fifth, decide what type of bank you are when it comes to technology. Do you want to be on the bleeding edge, where you will enjoy an early lead over your competitors by being the first bank in town to introduce something new? Do you want to be a quick follower that observes what other banks are doing, and then copies those new technologies that seem to be working for them? Do you want to be a straggler and wait until the last possible minute to give your customers what every other bank offers? Finally, prioritize technology initiatives that enhance the customer experience and improve the bank’s bottom line. Every bank has limited resources, and getting a double return on investment is a goal worth pushing hard for. A tech-savvy board is a successful board. u
Connecticut Banking Magazine • Fourth Quarter 2014
How Does a Charged-off Checking Account Become a Minefield of Issues? By Darlia Fogarty
W
e’ve recently been made aware of a process that quite a few banks have been doing for many years that could very easily cause the bank many issues with the regulatory agencies. Here is the scenario – banks have made it a policy to add the balance of a chargedoff deposit account to the principal of a loan the customer has at the bank. This policy presents a minefield of issues that must be addressed, including contractual language, UDAAP, safety and soundness and compliance issues (disclosures). This memo highlights some of the issues presented by this policy in light of the continued regulatory focus on overdraft programs. Just a few of the issues presented, by adopting this practice, in light of the continued regulatory focus on overdraft programs, are: With respect to overdrafts, banks need to follow GAAP and the Call Report guidelines and should be reporting these charged-off accounts as such. This, in a nutshell, means that these losses come out of the bank’s bottom line income. In an issuance from 2005, the FFIEC requires that an overdraft be charged off against current year’s income when the account is overdrawn for 60 days, as stated in the FFIEC guidance on overdrafts. Paying off an overdraft by adding principal to an existing loan effectively sidesteps
the rule and masks the loss of income. This presents a safety and soundness issue because the bank may be over reporting income because the loss will no longer be reflected on the books. In essence, you are capitalizing a past due loan and calling it income. Additionally, the existing loan that has had the overdraft tacked onto the principal balance could well be considered as impaired since now the borrower has demonstrated that they do not have the ability to remain current on their debt obligations. Whether this practice is even permissible would be governed by the agreement between the borrower and the lender. Since each loan is unique, the bank will have to consult their counsel to determine their rights and remedies with respect to the specific loan. Often, banks assume that there is a provision in the loan agreement permitting this. Rather than assuming, the bank should carefully read the loan agreement to determine if this is accurate. Keep in mind, this action would not be considered in the same category as force placement of insurance. There is also a question of whether disclosures are necessary under Reg Z prior to converting the balance of the overdraft to a loan that accrues interest. As a reminder, Reg Z and Reg DD, of course, would only apply to consumer loans/accounts. With that being said, any fee for overdrafting an account must be disclosed per Reg DD. The official commentary to Reg DD provides: “Fees for overdrawing an account. Under §1030.4(b)(4) of this part, banks must disclose the conditions under which a fee may be imposed. In satisfying this requirement, banks must specify the categories of trans10
actions for which an overdraft fee may be imposed. An exhaustive list of transactions is not required. It is sufficient for an institution to state that the fee applies to overdrafts ‘created by check, in-person withdrawal, ATM withdrawal or other electronic means,’ as applicable. Disclosing a fee ‘for overdraft items’ would not be sufficient.” Any interest accrued by virtue of adding the amount to the principal of a loan, would likely be considered a “fee” for the overdraft that must be disclosed at account opening. Unless the bank disclosed the fact that an overdraft may incur interest charges, you would be in violation of Reg DD. Even if the possibility were disclosed on Reg DD, the program would then be a de facto overdraft line of credit. As such, you would likely need to provide Reg Z disclosures for open-end lines of credit. There is also a significant UDAAP concern with the practice of adding an overdraft balance to the remaining principal of an existing loan converting the overdraft balance to a loan that accrues interest. Under Dodd-Frank, an act or practice is unfair when: • It causes or is likely to cause substantial injury to consumers; • The injury is not reasonably avoidable by consumers; and • The injury is not outweighed by countervailing benefits to consumers or to competition. First, while there is no specific definition of “substantial injury,” it typically means that monetary harm has been sustained. In this case, the customer is being charged interest on a loan whereas before they were not. Second, the bank may say that the injury is “avoidable,” but regulators will not likely see it that way. In any case, it may not be “reasonably” avoidable, especially if the customer does not have the means of paying it off. Finally, the third test of the unfair analysis is to prove this is beneficial for the con-
Fourth Quarter 2014 • Connecticut Banking Magazine
sumer. It would be difficult to think of any situation where a consumer is better off for having to pay interest. Even if it is not “unfair,” a regulator may still find a UDAAP violation, as the practice can be abusive or even deceptive depending on how the program is administered. In any case, the bank is opening itself up for increased scrutiny for UDAAP. While there is no conclusive guidance on the practice of capitalizing an overdraft balance into an existing loan, the practice presents many issues that need to be addressed. During regulatory panels, regulators have said this is a practice that would cause “great concern” and we are aware of at least one bank that has had issues with regulators suggesting that this practice violates UDAAP. Even though this practice may have been going on for some time, banks need to re-evaluate the program in light of the tighter regulatory environment DoddFrank has created. u
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Chairman Getting to Know the Incoming
A Q&A with Steve Reilly
Q: A:
Tell our readers about your banking career.
Q: A:
Like many bank executives, you serve on many boards – how do you find the time?
Q: A:
Tell us about Northwest Community Bank, its history and the communities it serves.
My banking career began in 1986 when I joined Stamfordbased Union Trust Company as a teller in the Greenwich office. Shortly after graduating from UConn, I had several conversations with my sister and brother-in-law, who were both bankers at the time. Seeing the many opportunities that existed in this industry, I pursued an entry-level position and quickly became acquainted with the commercial lending team in Union Trust’s Greenwich office. I worked my way into that department and ultimately moved into a credit training program, which lead to a position as a commercial lender. After experiencing all that goes along with mergers when First Fidelity acquired Union Trust, including decision-making moving out of state, my interests turned towards going to work for a community bank. I had always admired the unique impact that community banks have in their communities and was attracted to being a part of this. I was very fortunate that Northwest Community Bank was seeking a commercial lending officer, and I accepted their offer to join the bank in 1996. I quickly became immersed in the local community and worked my way up to the role of president and CEO in 2010. It has been an incredibly rewarding career and one in which I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by a terrific team of dedicated community bankers.
The history of Northwest Community Bank dates back to 1860, with the founding of our taproot institution, Winsted Savings Bank. The bank was originally founded to help individuals and families build a solid financial base and purchase homes of their own. Over many generations, our mutual institution has enabled countless individuals and families throughout Northwest Connecticut to realize their dreams. Over time, and as our region grew, there evolved another tier of customers with the same hopes and dreams of those early families, just as determined to build a secure financial future for themselves and their associates. It was at that time that we began offering commercial services to these entrepreneurs, professionals and manufacturers seeking commercial lending opportunities to enable them to succeed in their chosen fields. Fast forwarding to 1996, Northwest Community Bank was the entity formed as a result of the merger of Winsted Savings Bank and Northwest Bank for Savings. We operate six branches in Winsted, Torrington, New Hartford, Avon, Granby and East Granby. In addition, we operate an academic branch at Regional 7 High School in Winsted. And I’m proud to say that, after over 150 years, we continue the work of our founding fathers, helping people in our community to realize their dreams every day.
Q:
Northwest Community Bank is a member of a three-bank mutual holding company; please explain the governance challenges and opportunities for those readers not familiar with this form of ownership.
I have always maintained a philosophy that we were put on this earth for a reason and it is our obligation to leave our mark on the world and leave it a better place. For this reason, I have a strong sense of responsibility to serve on nonprofit boards, as their impact on our local communities is so important. And at Northwest, “community” is part of our name for very good reason. Our commitment to the community is something that we advocate very strongly for, and it starts at the top with me and my senior management team, along with our board of directors. As banking professionals, we have terrific experiences to share, which adds so much value to these organizations. Yes, it does add to the long list of meetings we all have to attend, but they are at the top of our lists; without our support, the vibrancy of the community and local economy would suffer. We all must find the time for volunteerism to make our communities better places to live and work.
A:
Northwest Community Bank is owned by CT Mutual Holding Company, Connecticut’s first multi-bank holding company, which was formed in 2001 to own 100 percent of the capital stock of Northwest and Litchfield Bancorp. In 2010, Collinsville Savings Society joined the holding company as the third bank operating under our holding company structure. Under CT Mutual Holding Company’s ownership structure, each affiliate bank has retained its name and state charter, and each bank’s board of directors and senior management staff continue to oversee the operations of their respective banks. The alliance has enhanced each affiliate bank’s ability to better serve its customers and to maintain its status as a profitable, independent institution durcontinued on page 14 13
Connecticut Banking Magazine • Fourth Quarter 2014
A Q&A with Steve Reilly continued from page 13
ing a time when the banking industry faces many challenges and continues to consolidate in an era of rapidly expanding technology. The banks’ identities to the public have, in essence, remained unchanged. What has changed is the creation of what we refer to as the “CMHC Service Bureau,” which serves all three banks. All back office functions have been successfully consolidated into the holding company and provide comprehensive services to all three banks in the areas of human resources, commercial credit administration, special assets, information technology, deposit operations, audit, accounting, loan servicing and residential mortgage lending.
Our marketing team is concentrating their efforts on Facebook and other social media tools as a means to communicate with this generation. We are also leveraging our relationship with our Region 7 academic branch and working with these students on their perspective of expectations of banking services over the next decade and beyond. It is a rapidly changing world of banking and we’re devoting a high level of energy to accommodate the demands of this generation.
Q: A:
In three words: “They love it!” The regulatory burden we all face in this business is enormous and one I think we will all agree is not going away any time soon. Although we continue to fight the regulatory battle side-by-side with organizations such as the CBA, we need to adapt to this new environment and our relationship with Compliance Alliance has been very helpful in this regard. For a very reasonable fee, they have provided us with compliance services in the areas of advertising, policies and procedures and helpful interpretation of the endless regulations we deal with each and every day. A recent example of the many benefits of this relationship is a recently completed compliance exam, where we needed to address a few minor issues, which Compliance Alliance took care of for us within a matter of days. The service has been excellent and one that is highly recommended by our compliance staff. u
Q: A:
What is the bank doing to attract the next generation of customers, the millennials?
Attracting millennials as customers is a significant area of focus for us as we strive to adopt the delivery channels that this generation expects, now and in the future. As we all understand from our own children in the 18 to 34 age band, their expectations of banking vary drastically from what we grew up with. This generation expects an instant response and the convenience of services in the palm of their hand, or shall I say, their smartphones. In order to attract business from the millennials, we recently introduced a new checking account targeted at this generation with services we feel they will find very attractive. We are also in the process of launching a new iBanking platform, which will include an attractive mobile app and remote check capture. 14
The bank recently subscribed to Compliance Alliance; how has it been received by your compliance personnel?
Fourth Quarter 2014 • Connecticut Banking Magazine
Watson Named FDIC Regional Ombudsman for New York Region
F
ederal Deposit Insurance Corp. veteran Rodney Watson has been named as the new regional ombudsman for the New York region. With over 30 years of varied FDIC experience, Watson is well suited to address and resolve concerns through the ombudsman role. Watson brings a wealth of experience as an FDIC-commissioned risk management bank examiner in the New York
region, as well as a working knowledge of the mission and laws associated with consumer compliance. His extensive background will help serve bankers and members of the public seeking ombudsman assistance. “I have tremendous respect for what bankers do every day, and I look forward to meeting and working with the bankers in the New York region,” Watson said. In announcing his appointment, Cottrell Webster, the director of the Office of the Ombudsman, said, “The number and complexity of his assignments over his FDIC career will provide a wealth of experience from which to serve bankers and members of the public seeking ombudsman assistance.” The FDIC’s Office of the Ombudsman was created by Congress in 1994 to serve as a confidential, neutral and indepen-
dent resource for individuals who have a question, concern or complaint about the FDIC regulatory process. FDIC Ombudsman Cottrell Webster and his staff of regional and senior ombudsmen are advocates for fair process and are available to help resolve banking issues in an informal, discreet manner. The FDIC is committed to being responsive to its primary stakeholders – insured depositors and the bankers who serve them – and encourage anyone with an unresolved banking issue to contact the Office of the Ombudsman, a group that performs independent, neutral and confidential reviews. Regional Ombudsman Rodney Watson may be reached at (917) 320-2699 in New York. FDIC Ombudsman staff in Washington, D.C., may be reached toll free at (877) ASK-FDIC. u
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Connecticut Banking Magazine • Fourth Quarter 2014
BANKSintheNEWS Farmington Bank celebrated the new ATM near the CCSU campus in New Britain. Bankwell President Heidi DeWyngaert (right) was a featured speaker on the topic of the recent Bankwell rebranding at the American Banker Financial Services Marketing & Innovation Symposium.
Chelsea Groton Bank accepted a local bank’s challenge to raise awareness for ALS research. President and CEO Michael Rauh and more than 70 employees participated in the challenge. Chelsea Groton Foundation donated $1,000 to the Connecticut chapter of the ALS Association and $500 to the ALS Soccer Cup in New London.
Farmington Bank’s East Hartford branch office received a Beautification Award from the East Hartford Beautification Commission. Michele Johnson, chief risk officer at Bankwell, and Detective Mark Solomon, CT Financial Crimes Task Force, co-presented an identity theft seminar to inform the community about the latest financial scams and provide helpful hints on protecting identity. Chelsea Groton Bank announced a series of new product, service and technology enhancements designed to meet the growing demand for mobile and online banking services, beginning with the launch of its new website.
Connecticut Mutual Holding Company was honored as the Business Leader of 2014 at the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce Celebration of Success. Dime Bank Foundation awarded a $2,500 grant to High Hopes Therapeutic Riding.
Essex Savings Bank announced the distribution from the directors’ portion of the Community Investment Fund, amounting to $44,000. Total distributions for the year will amount to $223,373 and $3.9 million since the 1996 inception of distributing 10 percent of aftertax net income.
Chelsea Groton Bank announced the winners of the 2014 Chelsea Groton Bank scholarship. Fifteen outstanding high school seniors were each awarded a $500 scholarship.
First County Bank was the presenting sponsor at the Annual Norwalk Seaport Association’s Oyster Festival.
First County Bank sponsored the 2014 Norwalk Summer Concert Series. Farmington Bank employees taught the fundamentals of financial literacy to students at Dr. Franklin H. Mayberry School.
Chelsea Groton Foundation awarded grants to 59 nonprofit organizations from Eastern Connecticut and Southern Rhode Island, totaling $117,128. Including these donations, the foundation has provided nearly $1.8 million in total grants since 1999.
Farmington Bank announced its 2015 sponsorship of the Eternal Flame at the National Iwo Jima Memorial Monument.
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First County Bank employees donated over 95 backpacks, bundles of school supplies and over $200 to purchase additional supplies for the backpacks, to the Human Services Council for Needy Children in Norwalk.
Fourth Quarter 2014 • Connecticut Banking Magazine
First Niagara Bank served as a cornerstone sponsor for the 2014 Connecticut Open tennis tournament and hosted “First Niagara Night.”
First County Bank announced the addition of a new ATM, available to the public, in The Ferguson Library in downtown Stamford.
First County Bank employees donated books and the First County Bank Foundation awarded a $5,000 grant to Greenwich Alliance for Education.
Ion Bank Foundation awarded the Naugatuck Fire Department a $1,695 grant that enabled the department to acquire an automated external defibrillator.
First Niagara Bank served as presenting sponsor of Hartford Public Library’s One Big Summer Night Gala. Jewett City Savings Bank President and CEO Kevin Merchant presented a $5,750 check to Griswold public schools in support of the Griswold High School drama department.
First Niagara Bank announced a combined partnership grant of $100,000 to the Norwalk Education Foundation and Norwalk Community College Foundation.
First County Bank was selected as a 2014 Top Workplace.
Jewett City Savings Bank opened a new state-ofthe-art branch office in Plainfield. The Liberty Bank Foundation presented the Donald B. Wilbur Scholarship to Xulia “Jack” Cao.
Gateway Community College held a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the official opening of the First Niagara Library and Learning Commons. The library’s name is in recognition of First Niagara’s $500,000 charitable grant to Gateway Community College Foundation.
First Niagara Bank was presenting sponsor for The State of Girls Speaker Series, a five-part speaking series based on a groundbreaking report by the Girl Scouts Research Institute.
First Niagara Bank, along with Manchester Community College and the town of Manchester, were presented with a Connecticut Main Street Center Award of Excellence in the “Main Street Partnerships” category for its contribution to “MCC on Main.”
First Niagara Bank employees present a sponsorship check to New Canaan Nature Center to support its upcoming Fall Festival.
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The Liberty Bank Foundation presented $28,000 in grants to four New Haven nonprofits. Of that total, $20,000 was awarded to the citywide BOOST! Initiative.
The Liberty Bank Foundation leads collaborative to boost summer youth employment in Meriden and Wallingford.
continued on next page
BANKSintheNEWS
The Milford Bank partnered with the Milford 375th committee to design a limited edition coin commemorating Milford’s anniversary.
continued from previous page
Rockville Bank Foundation awarded a grant to the Housing Education Resource Center.
Salisbury Bank and partner The Carrot Project financed Ironwood Farm in Ghent, New York, and Alewife Farm in Clinton Corners, New York.
Rockville Bank Foundation donated $15,000 to the Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity in support of Habitat’s mission of “Building More Than a House.”
Newtown Savings Bank sponsored and participated in the 2014 Relay For Life of Newtown. The Newtown Savings Bank employee team raised a total of $9,853 for the American Cancer Society, surpassing their $7,500 goal.
Newtown Savings Bank employees took part in the 2014 United Way Day of Action.
Salisbury Bank held a number of Community Shred Days in various locations. In total, approximately 39,000 pounds of paper was shredded and recycled.
Salisbury Bank awarded $4,000 scholarships to Patrick Purdy, Erica Sullivan, Gregory Camillone and Andrew Coon.
The Housing Development Fund held an Art & Essay Competition inviting students to answer the question, “what does home mean to you?” The Savings Bank of Danbury sponsored the competition and awarded scholarships to the winners.
Newtown Savings Bank held a VIP Networking Event, where guests enjoyed hearing economic updates from bank President John Trentacosta.
Northwest Community Bank, Litchfield Bancorp, Collinsville Society for Savings and The Connecticut Mutual Holding Company raised $509 participating in Jeans Friday for an 11-year-old girl who had a kidney transplant.
Savings Bank of Danbury participated in the Mad Hackers event. The bank raffled off two 3D printer kits during the event.
The Carrot Project and Salisbury Bank and Trust Company partnered to provide loans through the Greater Berkshire Agriculture Fund to two farms in Litchfield County, Maple Hollow Farm and Chubby Bunny Farm.
18
Savings Bank of Danbury celebrated the grand opening of its Sullivan Road branch.
Savings Bank of Danbury held an official ribbon cutting to commemorate the opening of their newest branch in New Milford.
Savings Bank of Danbury raffled off an iPad Mini at the New Milford Village Fair Days.
Savings Bank of Danbury employees participated in Waterbury Reads, a program of Literacy Volunteers of Greater Waterbury, which is funded by a grant from the Savings Bank of Danbury Foundation.
The SI Financial Group Foundation, Inc. donated $2,500.00 to The Norman Bird Sanctuary scholarship program.
Savings Institute Bank & Trust broke ground on a new branch location in Tolland.
Simsbury Bank adopted Tariffville Elementary School to deliver Junior Achievement’s business and economics program to 275 students from kindergarten through sixth grade.
Simsbury Bank employees embraced the company’s first Healthy Steps Challenge to help promote health and wellbeing. A grand total of 6,659,350 steps were logged throughout the challenge.
Simsbury Bank was the Business Expo Sponsor at the 2014 Septemberfest Festival held in Simsbury. Savings Institute Bank & Trust announced they are the lead sponsor of The Pie Run on Thanksgiving morning at the Newport County YMCA. The Pie Run is sponsored by the bank and the Middletown High School cross country team. Senator Kevin Witkos recognized 11 Simsbury students as winners of their school essay contest, sponsored by Simsbury Bank.
As part of a corporate new hire volunteer initiative program at the Savings Bank of Danbury, over a two-day period, 16 employees made 260 sandwiches at the Dorothy Day Hospitality House in Danbury. The SI Financial Group Foundation, Inc. donated $5,000.00 in support of the memory care/ rehabilitation project at the Fairview Odd Fellows Home of CT.
Savings Institute Bank & Trust awarded Camp Care a grant to help the Therapeutic Riding Program receive on-going premier accreditation by PATH International.
19
Simsbury Bank provided Granby High School scholarship award winner Joseph Lavitt with a check for $1,000 for his tuition to the University of Connecticut.
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BANKSintheNEWS
Martin Geitz, president and CEO, Simsbury Bank, discussed back to school budgeting and savings tips for college students with Audrey Washington of NBC Connecticut.
Simsbury Bank was presenting sponsor of Simsbury Main Street Partnership's 6th Annual Taste of Simsbury.
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Thomaston Savings Bank sponsored the First Annual Bristol Boys and Girls Club Wiffle Ball Tournament.
Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, Inc. awarded a $1,500 grant to Bethlehem Park and Recreation.
Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, Inc. awarded a grant to St. Paul Catholic High School to fund the purchase of an iPad, educational software, installation of a mounted projector and a whiteboard.
Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, Inc. awarded a grant of $2,000 to the Waterbury Youth Services System, Inc.
Simsbury Bank was presenting sponsor of the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center 2014 Summer Concert Series.
Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, Inc. awarded a $1,500 grant to the Hispanic Coalition. Simsbury Bank was named Top Workplace for a second year in a row by the Hartford Courant and FOX CT.
Start Bank unveiled the bank’s new graphic brand identity, which will be seen throughout Greater New Haven in a new ad campaign.
Thomaston Savings Bank celebrated 140 years of community banking.
Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, Inc. awarded a grant to the Watertown Art League, Inc.
Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, Inc. awarded a grant of $1,500 to the Trumbull-Porter Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution to help restore the gravestones in the Old Burying Ground in Watertown.
Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, Inc. awarded a grant to the Plymouth Police Department to fund the purchase of a patrol bat shield.
Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, Inc. donated $150,000 to the Thomaston Track Committee.
Thomaston Savings Bank announced the availability of a new ATM in the lobby of the Warner Theatre in Torrington.
Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, Inc. awarded the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Waterbury a grant for $2,000.
20
Torrington Savings Bank awarded $10,000 college scholarships to Phoebe Ivain and Nicholas LaMothe, both class of 2014 graduates of Torrington High School.
Union Savings Bank partnered with Ability Beyond as a silver-level sponsor of their 2014 Safari Gala.
Union Savings Bank partnered with the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra in an ongoing community outreach program that presented a series of preconcert lectures. In addition, Union Savings Bank sponsored an evening of music by world-renowned American composer George Gershwin.
Union Savings Bank partnered with the American Red Cross for the bank’s Annual Blood Drive.
Union Savings Bank awarded Brenda Arnold of Newtown $500 as part of its “Happy Debit Days” sweepstakes.
Union Savings Bank awarded Hector Rodriguez of Danbury $500 as part of its “Happy Debit Days” sweepstakes.
Union Savings Bank volunteer teams put in a full day of hard work at the United Way Day of Action 2014.
Union Savings Bank families, friends and local neighbors came together to enjoy the Portuguese Day Parade, a bank-sponsored community event.
Union Savings Bank awarded Eddie Pittman of Danbury $500 as part of its “Happy Debit Days” sweepstakes.
Congratulations to the Union Savings Bank fundraising team for coming in third place for the most funds raised for Ann’s Place 5K. Union Savings Bank partnered with the Bridgeport Bluefish to present the Hometown Heroes Program.
Union Savings Bank honored local firefighters, representing the Where Angels Play foundation, as “Hometown Heroes.”
Union Savings Bank partnered with the Charles Ives Authority for the Performing Arts on its Ives Concert Park’s 2014 Summer Concert Series.
Union Savings Bank was honored to be part of Western Connecticut State University’s ribbon cutting ceremony for their new Visual & Performing Arts Building.
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United Bank announced that the Business After Hours it hosted with the Hamden Regional Chamber of Commerce was an overwhelming success. Four nonprofits received $1,000 each from the Rockville Bank Foundation.
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BANKSintheNEWS
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United Bank held an official ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the newly renovated branch in Vernon.
William H.W. Crawford, IV, CEO, United Bank, publicly recognized Alice Kalas, as she has been a customer of legacy Rockville Bank – now United Bank – for over 50 years.
Webster Bank, the Official Bank of UConn Athletics and the University of Connecticut Alumni Association, showcased the university’s dual national basketball championship trophies from the 2013-2014 season at several banking center locations throughout Connecticut. Webster Bank was named Best Mortgage Company by The Bristol Press and Best Bank by The New Britain Herald.
Webster Bank celebrated two renovated banking centers in New Milford. Ribbon cutting events were held at 53 Main St. and 169 Danbury Road. A “Shred Day” was later held at the Danbury Road location to help prevent identity theft and to help the community go green.
Webster Bank hosted two interns from High School Inc. in downtown Hartford for the third summer in a row.
Webster Bank was named Best Bank by The Waterbury Observer. Webster Bank held an open house, inviting the community to see its renovated banking center on Park Road in West Hartford.
Webster Bank continued its series of seminars on Elder Financial Abuse Prevention. Steven Taylor, vice president, banking center manager in Bloomfield, talked about the seminars with Brad Davis on WDRC-AM.
Webster Bank financed the construction and renovation of the newly opened Path Academy Windham, Connecticut’s newest charter school.
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Webster Bank held a Shred Day in New Milford
RE
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Fourth Quarter 2014 • Connecticut Banking Magazine
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Connecticut Banking Magazine • Fourth Quarter 2014
Christine Chivily
Jennifer DeGirolomo
Daniel DiGirolamo
Karen Scatamacchia
Lisa McDonnell
Matthew L. Oxx
Ann Mitrione
Michael Brandt
Michelle Solo
Rachel Carlson
Jessica DeConto
Jeff Frenette
Matt Morrell
Kim Demers
Elaine Brunelle
Kristen Scott
Dana Chapel
Lynn Giroux
Diane Arnold
Michael Panciera
James T. Healey Jr.
Patience P. McDowell
Karen Critelli
Alan Zvonkovic
Robert J. Granata
Karen M. Kelly
RoseMary Ogden
Brian Kinahan
Joseph Tarzia
John Bonora
Christine Chivily was promoted to senior vice president, chief credit officer at Bankwell; Jennifer DeGirolomo was promoted to branch manager; Daniel DiGirolamo was promoted to vice president, commercial credit team leader; and Karen Scatamacchia was named mortgage loan originator. Lisa McDonnell joined as assistant vice president, cash management sales officer; Matthew L. Oxx as vice president, director of financial reporting; and Ann Mitrione as vice president, branch manager. The board of directors of Bankwell Financial Group, the bank’s holding company, announced that Michael Brandt joined the company’s board. Michelle Solo, chief risk officer, received the Sacred Heart University College Alumni Leadership Award. Rachel Carlson, assistant secretary and retail lending operations administrator, and Jessica DeConto, marketing representative at Chelsea Groton Bank, graduated from the two-year Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program. Jeff Frenette joined the bank as senior vice president, director of technology, and Matt Morrell joined as vice president, retail lending sales manager. Kim Demers was named assistant vice president,
marketing manager. Elaine Brunelle was promoted to assistant secretary, Waterford branch manager, and Kristen Scott was promoted to assistant secretary, Center Groton branch manager. Scott is a member of the 2015 class of the Connecticut School of Finance and Management and she holds certificates from the Center for Financial Training. Dana Chapel, assistant vice president, regional sales and service manager and Niantic branch manager, was named a 2014 Woman of FIRE. Chapel is a graduate of the Connecticut School of Finance and Management Lynn Giroux, senior vice president, chief administrative officer at Essex Savings Bank, was named a 2014 Woman of FIRE. Diane Arnold was promoted to vice president, senior commercial loan officer. She is a graduate of the Connecticut School of Finance and Management. Michael Panciera was appointed vice president, commercial loan officer at Farmington Bank. The bank also announced the election of James T. Healey Jr. and Patience P. “Duby” McDowell to the respective boards of directors of the corporation and the bank. 24
Karen Critelli was appointed executive vice president, chief financial officer at Fairfield County Bank, and Alan Zvonkovic was appointed associate vice president, call center manager. Robert J. Granata was named president, chief operating officer at First County Bank by the board of directors. Karen M. Kelly was named vice president at First County Bank Foundation and RoseMary Ogden was named secretary. Brian Kinahan and Joseph Tarzia joined the bank as mortgage loan originators. Rosalia Aiello was appointed as vice president and operations risk and senior compliance officer. John Bonora, senior vice president, chief risk and chief credit officer, was honored at the “40 under 40” Event. T. David Constant and Steven Ferguson were added to the small business banking team at First Niagara. Nicholas Sentementes joined the bank as vice president of middle market equipment finance for the New England and TriState regions. Michael M. Dwyer and Daniel J. Fosina joined as senior vice presidents of corporate banking for the Tri-State Region. Phil Tracz, first vice president and senior product manager for consumer deposit products/product
Fourth Quarter 2014 • Connecticut Banking Magazine
T. David Constant
Steven Ferguson
Nicholas Sentementes
Michael M. Dwyer
Daniel J. Fosina
Phil Tracz
Nancy Viggiano
Dawn Orsini
Nancy Vazquez
Leigh-Bette Maynard
Stephen Rednak
Jennifer MacKenzie
Sara Guild
Jeri Coleman
Ed Amato
Shirley Theriault
Michael Levinson
David Carlson
Barry J. Abramowitz
Mark Gruttadauria
Kathleen Katrenya
Sonia Myers
Kelly Snoke
Dana Rosenbergen
Scott Wozena
Richard J. Cantele, Jr.
Rosa Hoag
James Koulouris
Debbie Hartman
Cheryl Bishop
development and management, completed the CBA/BAI Graduate School of Retail Bank Management program through Furman University. Nancy Viggiano, president and CEO of The First National Bank of Suffield, was the winner of a $500 BFS Group Drive To 125 charity check at the Connecticut Bankers Association’s Annual CEO Dinner. Ronald J. Moccio Jr. was named to the position of senior vice president and chief financial officer. Dawn Orsini, vice president of retail banking at Ion Bank, graduated from the American Bankers Association Stonier Graduate School of Banking in Philadelphia. Vincent Saggese and David Rogers of Ion Investments have been named as Five Star Wealth Managers for 2014. Nancy Vazquez was appointed assistant vice president at Liberty Bank; Leigh-Bette Maynard was appointed vice president; Stephen Rednak was appointed assistant vice president; Jennifer MacKenzie was appointed assistant vice president; Sara Guild was promoted to vice president and manager of the retail support team; Jeri Coleman was appointed vice president of the commercial loan services operation; Ed
Amato was appointed first vice president, risk management; Shirley Theriault was appointed first vice president, residential underwriting, and was also named a 2014 Women of FIRE; Michael Levinson was appointed vice president and portfolio manager; David Carlson was named first vice president of the technology and operations group; and Barry J. Abramowitz was appointed executive vice president, information technology and operations. Mark Gruttadauria joined The Milford Bank as an assistant vice president in its commercial lending department. Kathleen Katrenya and Sonia Myers were promoted to first vice president at Naugatuck Valley Savings and Loan. Kelly Snoke was promoted to vice president and Dana Rosenbergen was promoted to assistant secretary. Snoke is also a recent graduate of the Connecticut School of Finance and Management. Scott Wozena joined the bank as vice president, controller. The Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce named Richard J. Cantele, Jr., president and CEO of Salisbury Bank and Trust Company and Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. its 2014 Business Person of the Year. 25
Steve Essex was promoted to senior vice president at Salisbury Bank, and Rosa Hoag joined the bank as assistant vice president, branch manager. James Koulouris joined the Savings Bank of Danbury as assistant vice president, mortgage operations. Debbie Hartman, assistant vice president, branch manager, was appointed manager of the new branch located in Milford. Cheryl Bishop was hired as vice president and branch manager at the Savings Institute Bank & Trust; Brooke Cropley was promoted to education, training and development assistant; and Gene Michael Deary was hired as vice president and director of retail lending. State Sen. Kevin Witkos honored Simsbury Bank senior vice president Terry L. Boulton at her retirement celebration with a state of Connecticut General Assembly citation. Boulton was honored for many years of service in the banking industry. Michael O’Leary joined Simsbury Bank as a mortgage loan advisor, and Christina Brown joined as assistant vice president and cash management officer. continued on page 26
Connecticut Banking Magazine • Fourth Quarter 2014
BANKERSintheNEWS
continued from page 21
Brooke Cropley
Gene Deary
Christina Brown
Michael O’Leary
Christine Bascetta
Jo-Anne L. Smith
Jeff Paz
Alex Dafilis
Meghan Underwood
Dan Granucci
Kim Syrop
Denise Kaufman
Sumakshi Vali
Desiree Wolfe
Timcia F. Hall was promoted to vice president, store manager at TD Bank; Tania H. Eaton was promoted to vice president, store manager; Jennifer V. Maudsley was promoted to assistant vice president, store manager; Thomas J. Wrenn was named assistant vice president; Robert C. Rainey was appointed vice president, business development officer in the SBA Lending Division; and Christopher Marone joined as store manager. Alyson Zibell-Santorso was promoted to the position of Infinex Financial Group Consultant at Thomaston Savings Bank. Christine Bascetta was hired as assistant vice president of commercial lending at Torrington Savings Bank. Jo-Anne L. Smith was hired as vice president, senior commercial real estate loan officer at Union Savings Bank; Jeff Paz joined as vice president, region manager, commercial lending; and Alex Dafilis, main office, and Meghan Underwood, reserve team, were promoted to assistant branch managers and retail banking officers. Nitin Mhatre, executive vice president, head of community banking at Webster
Timcia F. Hall
Robert C. Rainey
Christopher Marone
Alyson Zibell-Santorso
Nitin Mhatre
Edward Wilson
Robert Maglio
John Habermann
Jim Smith
Adam McLaughlin
John Jezowski
Peter Hicks
David L. Oliver
Bob Bogino, chairman, Simsbury Bank; Sen. Kevin Witkos; Terry L. Boulton; and Martin Geitz, president and CEO, Simsbury Bank.
Bank, was appointed to the board of directors of the Consumer Bankers Association. Edward Wilson and Robert Maglio were named senior portfolio managers at Webster Private Bank. John Habermann was promoted to senior vice president, market manager, community banking at Webster Bank. Jim Smith, chairman and CEO, was acknowledged by the city of Waterbury and the state of Connecticut for his leadership efforts regarding economic development investments in the Brass City that are creating jobs and housing, and improving quality of life issues. Dan Granucci, vice president, senior financial consultant, was named to the Fairfield County Business Journal/Westfair Communications’ “40 Under 40” list. Kim Syrop, senior vice president, fraud mitigation and loss management, has been named Investigator of the Year by the Connecticut Chapter of the International Association of Financial Crime Investigators. Denise Kaufman, senior vice president, personal banking regional manager, joined the Stamford Chamber of Commerce’s Women Business Power Council Steering Committee. Sumakshi Vali, senior vice president, manager of Bristol/New Britain banking center market, is now vice president of the board for the Literacy Volunteers of Central 26
Connecticut. Desiree Wolfe, senior vice president, community banking product management, has been elected to serve on the board of the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame. Adam McLaughlin was promoted to senior vice president, commercial banking. He also received the “40 Under 40” award from the Hartford Business Journal. John Jezowski, senior vice president at Webster Private Bank, was elected to the board of directors of the Estate and Business Planning Council of Hartford, Conn. Jim Smith, chairman and CEO, issued a challenge to community banks to support The ALS Association and the Blazeman Foundation for ALS with an ice bucket challenge. Carol Carver was promoted to senior vice president, commercial banking; James Lane was promoted to senior vice president, commercial real estate; Sean Mulready was promoted to senior vice president, commercial real estate; and Peter Hicks was promoted to senior vice president, senior relationship manager, commercial banking. The bank announced the election of William Atwell and Elizabeth Flynn to the board of directors. David L. Oliver joined Windsor Federal Savings as senior vice president, retail banking. u
Fourth Quarter 2014 • Connecticut Banking Magazine
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