News & Events

Lee Bank Foundation Awards $43,500 in Grants During Third Funding Cycle of 2024 Enhancing Support for Community Initiatives

Lee, Mass. (October 11, 2024) – The Lee Bank Foundation has announced the allocation of $43,500 in grants to eleven organizations serving the Berkshire region, marking its third funding round of 2024. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, will bolster local initiatives addressing critical community needs.

The following organizations are recipients of the Lee Bank Foundation grants:

• Berkshire Children’s Chorus
• Berkshire Natural Resources Council
• Berkshire Pulse
• Child Care of the Berkshires
• Goodwill of the Berkshires and Southern Vermont
• Junior Achievement of Western MA
• Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health
• Pediatric Development Center
• People’s Pantry
• The Brien Center
• Volunteers in Medicine

Nonprofit organizations interested in applying for the next round of funding can access the application and additional details via the Community Impact section of Lee Bank's website at www.leebank.com/community-impact/donations-sponsorships.html. The application deadline for the next cycle is December 1st, 2024.

Applicants must hold 501(c)(3) nonprofit status to qualify for grant consideration. The Foundation prioritizes programs that aim to narrow income and opportunity disparities within the Berkshire community. Funding requests should align with the Lee Bank Foundation’s focus areas, which include education, food security, economic development, health services, and mentorship initiatives. Each organization is eligible to receive grant funding once within a 12-month period.

Established in 2021 to uphold Lee Bank’s commitment to community reinvestment, the Lee Bank Foundation has awarded a total of 161 grants amounting to $803,100 since its inception. For more information about the Lee Bank Foundation and its community initiatives, please visit www.leebank.com.

Lee Bank Announces Key Promotions and Internal Reorganization to Enhance Customer Experience and Brand Identity

Lee, MA – August 16, 2024 - Lee Bank is eager to announce our comprehensive initiative to reimagine our Consumer Banking Division. This endeavor is designed to enhance customer experience and strengthen our brand identity by optimizing our product offerings, improving delivery channels, and bolstering our outreach. Additionally, we are centering our focus on exploring new ways to connect with our customers and engage with the community we serve.

Key Promotions:

Michelle “Shelly” Bombardier – Lee Branch Manager

Shelly Bombardier has been promoted to the position of Lee Branch Manager. With a combined 17 years of experience at Lee Bank, Shelly brings a deep understanding of our customers' needs and a strong local connection. Shelly’s ability to anticipate and problem solve will further strengthen our team’s ability to better foresee and support our customers’ needs. Outside of work, Shelly enjoys traveling to visit her granddaughter in Boston and watching her participate in her favorite sports.  When she isn’t helping customers and visiting her granddaughter, she is spending time with family and friends.

Shelly’s promotion follows the retirement of Lorita Trombly, who has dedicated 11 years to managing the Lee branch of Lee Bank, always with excellence and our customers in mind. After devoting over 40 years to the banking industry, Lorita looks forward to enjoying more time with her family and engaging in volunteer work during her well-earned retirement. Lorita’s positivity and smiling face in the branch will be missed. The Bank and customers alike thank Lorita for her many years of service to our community and wish her the very best in this new chapter.

Alison Brigham – VP of Brand Experience and Community Impact

Alison Brigham has been promoted to Vice President of Brand Experience and Community Impact. In Alison’s seven years at Lee Bank her work has helped the Bank embody our core values. As we enhance our processes and delivery channels, she will ensure we remain true to our roots and the brand that has brought us where we are today. Additionally, Alison's role involves showcasing our community impact through the Lee Bank Foundation's contributions, which provide valuable funding to the local non-profit ecosystem. In her personal time, Alison is dedicated to community service, serving on various boards including Link to Libraries, Flying Cloud Institute, New England Financial Marketing Association, EforAll, and the Finance Committee for the Town of Lenox. She is also an accomplished equestrian, competing in regional and national riding competitions with her horse, Eloise, and enjoys reading and spending time outdoors.

Lee Bank Foundation Awards $56,700 in Grants During Second Cycle of 2024 Enhancing Support for Berkshire-Based Nonprofits’ Community Initiatives

Lee, Mass. (July 3, 2024) -- The Lee Bank Foundation has announced the allocation of $56,700 in grants to ten organizations serving the Berkshire region, marking its second funding round of 2024. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, will bolster local initiatives addressing critical community needs.

The following organizations are recipients of the Lee Bank Foundation grants:

• Berkshire Bounty
• Berkshire South Regional Community Center
• Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Western MA
• Blackshires
• Community Access to the Arts
• Elizabeth Freeman Center
• Focus is Our Children
• Greenagers
• Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires
• Roots Rising

Nonprofit organizations interested in applying for the next round of funding can access the application and additional details via the Community Impact section of Lee Bank's website (https://www.leebank.com/community-impact/donations-sponsorships.html). The application deadline for the next cycle is September 1st, 2024.

Applicants must hold 501(c)(3) nonprofit status to qualify for grant consideration. The Foundation prioritizes programs that aim to narrow income and opportunity disparities within the Berkshire community. Funding requests should align with the Lee Bank Foundation’s focus areas, which include education, food security, economic development, health services, and mentorship initiatives.

Each organization is eligible to receive grant funding once within a 12-month period.

Established in 2021 to uphold Lee Bank’s commitment to community reinvestment, the Lee Bank Foundation has awarded a total of 150 grants amounting to $759,600 since its inception. For more information about the Lee Bank Foundation and its community initiatives, please visit www.leebank.com.

Lee Bank Holds Annual Meeting, Elects Four New Corporators

Lee, Mass (May 20, 2024) – Lee Bank held their annual meeting on Tuesday, April 30^th. During that time, the board of trustees elected four new corporators all of whom have accepted their roles.

New corporators, nominated by the board’s governance committee, include:

Linda Tyer Clairmont, a resident of Pittsfield, who works as the Executive Director of Workforce Development and Community Education at Berkshire Community College.

Leigh A. Doherty, who resides in Great Barrington and is the Executive Director at Literacy Network of South Berkshire.

Sarah Eustis is a long-time resident of Great Barrington. She is the founder and CEO of Main Street Hospitality.

Thomas K. Farley, a Stockbridge resident and owner of Tom Farley Land Design Inc.

Corporators are intended to represent a cross-section of Lee Bank’s depositors. They are responsible for electing the trustees and officers of Berkshire Financial Services (Lee Bank’s holding company). They approve any changes in the Bank's bylaws or corporate structure, but they have no financial stake in the corporation.

For a full list of Lee Bank corporators and trustees, visit: https://www.leebank.com/about-us/meet-our-board-of-directors.html

Lee Bank Foundation Allocates $50,070 in First Grant Cycle of 2024

Supporting Berkshire-Based Nonprofits’ Community Initiatives

Lee, Mass. (April 17, 2024) -- The Lee Bank Foundation has allocated $50,070 to eleven Berkshire-area organizations during its initial funding round of 2024, reinforcing its commitment to community development. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, will bolster local programming aimed at addressing critical community needs.

The recipients of the Lee Bank Foundation grants are as follows:

• Berkshire Botanical Gardens
• Berkshire County Historical Society
• Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative
• Berkshire Nursing Families
• Downtown Pittsfield Cultural Association
• Latinas 413
• Literacy Network of South Berkshire
• Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center
• Railroad Street Youth Project
• ROOTS Teen Center
• Sonrisas

Organizations interested in applying for the next round of Foundation funding, with a deadline of June 1st, can access the application and further details via the Community Impact section of Lee Bank's website (https://www.leebank.com/community-impact/donations-sponsorships.html).

To qualify for grant consideration, applicants must hold a 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. The Foundation prioritizes programs that aim to narrow income and opportunity disparities within the region. Funding requests should align with one or more of the Lee Bank Foundation’s primary focus areas:

• Education and literacy
• Food security and nutrition
• Economic growth and development
• Health and human services
• Mentorship, internship, and "school-to-work" initiatives
•  

Organizations are eligible for grant funding once within a 12-month period.

Established in 2021 to uphold Lee Bank’s longstanding commitment to community reinvestment, the Lee Bank Foundation has distributed 140 grants totaling $702,900 since its inception.

Lee Bank Foundation Distributes $46,300 in Final Grant Funding Round of 2023

Grants awarded to ten Berkshire-based nonprofits for their community programming.

Lee, Mass. (January 11, 2023) -- Lee Bank Foundation has awarded $46,300 to ten Berkshire area organizations for their final-round of 2023 community funding. Recipients were awarded grants ranging from $1,000 to $7,500 to support their local programming.

The following organizations received funding from Lee Bank Foundation:

• 18 Degrees
• Barrington Stage Company
• Berkshire Agricultural Ventures
• Berkshire Community Action Council
• Berkshire Grown
• Berkshire Immigrant Center
• Berkshire Innovation Center
• Construct
• EforAll
• WAM Theatre

The deadline to apply for the first round of 2024 Foundation funding is March 1st. The application and more information can be found on the Community Impact section of Lee Bank's website (https://www.leebank.com/community-impact/donations-sponsorships.html)

To be considered for grant awards, applicants must be a (501)(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Foundation is focused on funding programs that work to bridge income and opportunity gaps in our region. Funding requests should reflect one or more of Lee Bank Foundation’s primary focus areas:

• Education and literacy
• Food security and nutrition
• Economic growth and development
• Health and human services
• Mentorship, internship and “school to work” initiatives

Applicants are only eligible to receive grant funding once in a 12-month period.

Lee Bank Foundation was established in 2021 to support Lee Bank’s long-standing mission of community reinvestment. In its third year, 2023, the Lee Bank Foundation contributed a total of $171,800 in grants into the community. Since its 2021 inception, the Foundation has distributed 129 grants totaling $650,330.

Lee Bank Elects Four New Corporators

Lee, Mass (November 3, 2023) – The board of trustees of Lee Bank have elected four new corporators all of whom have accepted their roles.

New corporators, nominated by the board’s governance committee, include:

Juan Carlos Gonzalez who worked in the banking industry in Colombia. Since moving to the Berkshires he has been focused on empowering the Latin-X community through resources for financial mobility and stability.

Jeffrey R. Minkler is a long-time resident of Stockbridge. He is a co-owner of Arcadian Shop in Lenox and enjoys spending time hiking, paddling, and biking around the Berkshires.

Baljit “Jesse” Singh has years of business and entrepreneurial experience including owning a car wash in Canaan, CT and the Sunoco and Car Wash in Great Barrington.

Marcela Urrea is a community health worker at VIM Berkshires. In her work she connects patients with necessary resources and strives to create more equitable community systems that empower patients to lead healthy lives.

Corporators are intended to represent a cross-section of Lee Bank’s depositors. They are responsible for electing the trustees and officers of Berkshire Financial Services (Lee Bank’s holding company). They approve any changes in the Bank's bylaws or corporate structure, but they have no financial stake in the corporation.

For a full list of Lee Bank corporators and trustees, visit: https://www.leebank.com/about-us/meet-our-board-of-directors.html

Lee Bank Foundation Distributes $36,000 in Third Grant Funding Round of 2023

Grants awarded to eight Berkshire-based nonprofits for their community programming.

Lee, Mass. (October 10, 2023) -- Lee Bank Foundation has awarded $36,000 to eight Berkshire area organizations for their third-round of 2023 community funding. Recipients were awarded grants ranging from $1,500 to $10,000 to support their local programming.

The following organizations received funding from Lee Bank Foundation:

• Community Development Corporation of South County
• Community Recreation Association - Dalton CRA
• Flying Cloud Institute
• Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires and Southern Vermont
• Literacy Volunteers of Berkshire County
• The Brien Center
• Volunteers In Medicine Berkshires
• Walking Our Talk

The deadline to apply for the next round of 2023 Foundation funding is December 1st. The application and more information can be found on the Community Impact section of Lee Bank's website (https://www.leebank.com/community-impact/donations-sponsorships.html)

To be considered for grant awards, applicants must be a (501)(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Foundation is focused on funding programs that work to bridge income and opportunity gaps in our region. Funding requests should reflect one or more of Lee Bank Foundation’s primary focus areas:

• Education and literacy
• Food security and nutrition
• Economic growth and development
• Health and human services
• Mentorship, internship and “school to work” initiatives

Applicants are only eligible to receive funding once in a 12-month period.

Lee Bank Foundation was established in 2021 to support Lee Bank’s long-standing mission of community reinvestment. In its second year, 2022, the Lee Bank Foundation contributed a total of $248,720 in grants into the community. Since its 2021 inception, the Foundation has distributed 119 grants totaling $602,830.

Lee Bank Foundation Distributes $50,000 in Second Grant Funding Round of 2023

Grants awarded to twelve Berkshire-based nonprofits for their community programming.

Lee, Mass. (July 6, 2023) -- Lee Bank Foundation has awarded $50,000 to twelve Berkshire area organizations for their second-round of 2023 community funding. Recipients were awarded grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to support their local programming.

The following organizations received funding from Lee Bank Foundation:

• Becket Athenaeum
• Berkshire Bounty
• Berkshire Center for Justice
• Berkshire Children’s Chorus
• Berkshire Community Diaper Project
• Berkshire County Arc
• Berkshire South Regional Community Center
• Community Access to the Arts
• Elizabeth Freeman Center
• Greenagers
• Mass Audubon- Pleasant Valley
• Roots Rising

The deadline to apply for the next round of 2023 Foundation funding is September 1st. The application and more information can be found on the Community Impact section of Lee Bank's website (https://www.leebank.com/community-impact/donations-sponsorships.html)

To be considered for grant awards, applicants must be a (501)(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Foundation is focused on funding programs that work to bridge income and opportunity gaps in our region. Funding requests should reflect one or more of Lee Bank Foundation’s primary focus areas:

• Education and literacy
• Food security and nutrition
• Economic growth and development
• Health and human services
• Mentorship, internship and “school to work” initiatives

Applicants are only eligible to receive funding once in a 12-month period.

Lee Bank Foundation was established in 2021 to support Lee Bank’s long-standing mission of community reinvestment. In its second year, 2022, the Lee Bank Foundation contributed a total of $248,720 in grants into the community. Since its 2021 inception, the Foundation has distributed 111 grants totaling $566,830.

To the Editor:

Financial news headlines have been dominated in recent weeks by troubled, shareholder-driven banks facing collapse. However, alarm bells in the Wall Street financial sector do not necessarily translate across to Main Street community banks, which operate on a different playing field.

In fact, community banks chartered in Massachusetts provide additional consumer protections for their customers’ deposits. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) protects customers' deposits up to $250,000 and is available to all banks nationwide. Uniquely, Massachusetts-chartered savings and cooperative banks have access to the Depositors Insurance Fund (DIF), which fully insures deposits above the FDIC limit.

Lee Bank is a member of both insurance programs, as are most community banks in the Berkshires. These safeguards, along with our overall fiscal health, business culture and reasoned approach to risk, can help our customers be confident in our stewardship of their funds. 

Bank failures often occur when the value of a bank's assets falls below the market value of the bank's liabilities (obligations to creditors and depositors). Thankfully, community-based banks are insulated from many issues threatening larger, shareholder-driven institutions.

Chuck Leach
President, Lee Bank

Lee Bank Promotes Three to First Vice President

Lee, Mass. (March 21, 2023) – Lee Bank has promoted three long-tenured staff members, Paula Gangell-Miller, Christine Quetti and Brandy McKie, to the role of First Vice President in their respective departments.

Paula Gangell-Miller has been promoted to First Vice President of Deposit & Retail Operations. Paula first joined Lee Bank in 1988 and has held numerous roles from customer-facing to behind the scenes, which provides her, her current team and her colleagues with a backstop of deep banking knowledge. She always puts the bank, her customers and her colleagues first.

Christine Quetti has been promoted to First Vice President of Audit & Compliance. Chris initially started with Lee Bank in 1986, having the responsibility as the bank’s internal auditor for many years before taking a few years away to raise her two sons, and then rejoining in 2012. She has been a front row witness to the bank’s growth and progression. Her tenure with the bank is a testament to her loyalty and commitment.

Brandy Mckie has been promoted to First Vice President of Retail Banking. Brandy joined Lee Bank in 2010 and has grown from the Universal Banker/Teller role to Branch Manager and now to running the entire branch network and all Retail channels. She has also played an essential role in several renovation and construction projects including the new branch construction in Pittsfield.

“All three of these individuals exemplify who we are as a bank. They operate with an incredible attention to detail, perform at a high level every day, are never afraid to roll up their sleeves to assist their colleagues and all have shown long term loyalty to Lee Bank.”, says Lee Bank President Chuck Leach.

About Lee Bank

Established in 1852, Lee Bank is a leading community focused bank in Berkshire County. As one of the few remaining local and independent full-service banks in the area, our intention is to empower employees, customers, and our community by delivering local banking with service, sincerity, and simplicity. Lee Bank has branch offices in Lee, Stockbridge, Great Barrington, Pittsfield, and Lenox.

Lee Bank has been named “Best Employer in the Berkshires” by the Berkshire Eagle Reader’s Choice awards from 2017-2022 and claimed the title of “Best Bank in the Berkshires” in 2021 & 2022.  For more information, see www.leebank.com.

Lee Bank Names New Senior Vice President of Consumer Banking

 Lee, Mass. (March 3, 2023) – Lee Bank is pleased to announce a new addition to its consumer banking team. Cheryl Martin has joined the Bank as the SVP of Consumer Banking and will be based out of the Main Office located at 75 Park Street in Lee.

Cheryl was previously employed at Berkshire Bank where she most recently served as the SVP of Bank Operations. Cheryl is looking forward to making a positive impact in our community with Lee Bank’s consumer banking team.

Cheryl is a lifelong Berkshire County resident. She currently resides in Lenox with her Cavapoo puppy, Beau. Cheryl attended Bentley University where she received her bachelor’s degree in Corporate Finance and Accounting and went on to complete her MBA. Cheryl enjoys running and playing tennis, a sport she has been involved with since childhood. She has also served on the board of the local Dollars for Scholars chapter and appreciated the opportunity to work with the students and local donors.

“We are thrilled to have someone of Cheryl’s caliber joining the Lee Bank family. She brings just the right blend of high-level banking knowledge and expertise but at the same time aligns with our culture which enables us to stay true to our community banking roots and DNA.”, says Lee Bank President, Chuck Leach.

About Lee Bank

Established in 1852, Lee Bank is a leading community focused bank in Berkshire County. As one of the few remaining local and independent full-service banks in the area, our intention is to empower employees, customers, and our community by delivering local banking with service, sincerity, and simplicity. Lee Bank has branch offices in Lee, Stockbridge, Great Barrington, Pittsfield, and Lenox.

Lee Bank has been named “Best Employer in the Berkshires” by the Berkshire Eagle Reader’s Choice awards from 2017-2022 and claimed the title of “Best Bank in the Berkshires” in 2021 & 2022.  For more information, see www.leebank.com.

Lee Bank Foundation Distributes $45,670 in Final Grant Funding Round of 2022

Grants awarded to ten Berkshire-based nonprofits for their community programming.

Lee, Mass. (January 19, 2023) -- Lee Bank Foundation has awarded $45,670 to ten Berkshire area organizations for their fourth-round of 2022 community funding. Recipients were awarded grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to support their local programming. Included in the awards are a series of Arts Access Grants for arts and culture organizations to expand access to programming for underserved audiences.

The following organizations received funding from Lee Bank Foundation:

• 18 Degrees
• Berkshire Community Action Council
• Berkshire County Head Start
• Berkshire Grown
• Berkshire Immigrant Center
• Berkshire Pulse
• Business Professionals of America, Massachusetts Association
• Extra Special Teas
• Latinas 413
• Literacy Network of South Berkshire

The deadline to apply for the first round of 2023 Foundation funding is March 1st. The application and more information can be found on the Community Impact section of Lee Bank's website (https://www.leebank.com/community-impact/donations-sponsorships.html)

To be considered for grant awards, applicants must be a (501)(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Foundation is focused on funding programs that work to bridge income and opportunity gaps in our region. Funding requests should reflect one or more of Lee Bank Foundation’s primary focus areas:

• Education and literacy
• Food security and nutrition
• Economic growth and development
• Health and human services
• Mentorship, internship and “school to work” initiatives
• Arts and culture

Applicants are only eligible for funding once in a 12-month period.

Lee Bank Foundation was established in 2021 to support Lee Bank’s long-standing mission of community reinvestment. In its second year, 2022, the Lee Bank Foundation contributed a total of $248,720 in grants into the community. Since its 2021 inception, the Foundation has distributed 93 grants totaling $477,330.

Lee Bank Foundation Distributes $70,700 in Second Grant Funding Round of 2022

Grants awarded to thirteen Berkshire-based nonprofits for their community programming.

Lee, Mass. (July 6, 2022) -- Lee Bank Foundation has awarded $70,700 to thirteen Berkshire area organizations for their second-round of 2022 community funding. Recipients were awarded grants ranging from $1,000 to $12,500 to support their local programming. Included in the awards are a series of Arts Access Grants for arts and culture organizations to expand access to programming for underserved audiences.

The following organizations received funding from Lee Bank Foundation:

• Berkshire Black Economic Council
• Berkshire South Regional Community Center
• Berkshire Bounty
• Community Health Programs
• Construct
• Elizabeth Freeman Center
• Flying Cloud Institute
• Goodwill of the Berkshires and Southern Vermont
• Link to Libraries
• South Community Food Pantry

Additionally, Arts Access Grants of $1,000 each were awarded to Berkshire Theatre Group, BODYSONNET, and Norman Rockwell Museum.

The deadline for the next round of 2022 Foundation funding is September 1st. The application and more information can be found on the Community Impact section of Lee Bank's website (https://www.leebank.com/community-impact/donations-sponsorships.html)

To be considered for grant awards, applicants must be a (501)(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Foundation is focused on funding programs that work to bridge income and opportunity gaps in our region. Funding requests should reflect one or more of Lee Bank Foundation’s primary focus areas:

• Education and literacy
• Food security and nutrition
• Economic growth and development
• Health and human services
• Mentorship, internship and “school to work” initiatives
• Arts and culture

Applicants are only eligible for funding once in a 12-month period.

Lee Bank Foundation was established in 2021 to support Lee Bank’s long-standing mission of community reinvestment. In its first year, 2021, the Foundation awarded a total of $228,610 in grants and the Bank contributed an additional $84,000 in sponsorships.

Lee Bank Adds Welcomes Mortgage Originator to Pittsfield Team

Lee, Mass. (June 30, 2022) – Lee Bank is pleased to announce a new addition to its mortgage lending team. Evan Collins has joined the Bank as a mortgage originator and will be working out of the Pittsfield branch, currently located at 75 North Street.

Evan was previously employed as a sales associate at Piretti Real Estate and Stone House Properties. He has been involved in real estate sales in Berkshire County for seven years. Evan is looking forward to exploring a different side of the local real estate market in his new position with Lee Bank. His background and insights will be great assets to the Lee Bank lending team.

Evan is a lifelong Berkshire County resident. He currently resides in Lenox with his wife, Becki, and their two daughters, Mila and Catalina. In addition to his real estate sales experience, Evan earned a degree in Business Administration from the Isenberg School of Management at University of Massachusetts. Evan is an avid golfer and enjoys wood working and gardening. He considers himself an “expert foodie” and proficient home chef. He volunteers as a coach for his daughters’ basketball teams. 

“Although Evan will be based out of Pittsfield and predominantly focused on supporting Lee Bank’s mortgage lending efforts there, he is poised to support growth throughout our footprint in all business lines including retail banking, commercial banking and financial wellness. We’re thrilled to have Evan here at Lee Bank”, says Lee Bank President, Chuck Leach.

About Lee Bank

Established in 1852, Lee Bank is a leading community focused bank in Berkshire County. As one of the few remaining local and independent full-service banks in the area, our intention is to empower employees, customers, and our community by delivering local banking with service, sincerity, and simplicity. Lee Bank has branch offices in Lee, Stockbridge, Great Barrington, Pittsfield, and Lenox.

Lee Bank has been named “Best Employer in the Berkshires” by the Berkshire Eagle Reader’s Choice awards from 2017-2021 and claimed the title of “Best Bank in the Berkshires” in 2021.  For more information, see www.leebank.com

Lee Bank Foundation Distributes $83,750 in First Grant Funding Round of 2022

First funding round supports twelve Berkshire area organizations and all Pittsfield Public Schools

Lee, Mass. (May 10, 2022) -- Lee Bank Foundation has awarded $83,750 to twelve Berkshire area organizations and an additional grant to Pittsfield Public Schools in its first-round of 2022 community funding. Recipients were awarded grants ranging from $1,000 to $16,000 to support their local programming. Included in the awards are a series of Arts Access Grants for arts and culture organizations to expand access to programming for underserved audiences.

The following organizations received funding from Lee Bank Foundation:

• Berkshire Center for Justice
• Berkshire Community Diaper Project
• Berkshire Concert Choir
• Berkshire County Arc
• Berkshire Historical Society
• Berkshire Family YMCA
• Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity
• Community Access to the Arts
• Great Barrington Public Theater
• Greenagers
• Roots Rising
• The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

Arts Access Grants of $1,000 each were awarded to Berkshire Concert Choir, Berkshire Historical Society, and Great Barrington Public Theater. Additionally, Lee Bank Foundation announced a $16,000 grant to the Pittsfield Public Schools -- $1,000 for each school serving children and adults in Pittsfield, to coincide with the groundbreaking of the new Lee Bank branch on South Street.

The deadline for the next round of 2022 Foundation funding is June 1. The application and more information can be found on the Community Impact section of Lee Bank's website (https://www.leebank.com/community-impact/donations-sponsorships.html)

To be considered for grant awards, applicants must be a (501)(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Foundation is focused on funding programs that work to bridge income and opportunity gaps in our region. Funding requests should reflect one or more of Lee Bank Foundation’s primary focus areas:

• Education and literacy
• Food security and nutrition
• Economic growth and development
• Health and human services
• Mentorship, internship and “school to work” initiatives
• Arts and culture

Applicants are only eligible for funding once in a 12-month period.

Lee Bank Foundation was established in 2021 to support Lee Bank’s long-standing mission of community reinvestment. In its first year, the Foundation awarded a total of $228,610 in grants and the Bank contributed an additional $84,000 in sponsorships.

Lee Bank Underscores Pittsfield Investment with Branch Groundbreaking and Foundation Gift

Lee, Mass. (May 3, 2022) – Lee Bank has begun construction on its new branch on South Street in Pittsfield, and, simultaneously, the Lee Bank Foundation is making a gift of $16,000 to Pittsfield Public Schools.

“This branch is a long-term community investment and a vote of confidence for Pittsfield, alongside many other businesses and community organizations that are investing in the city,” said Chuck Leach, president of Lee Bank. 

Meanwhile, Lee Bank Foundation has announced a $16,000 grant to the Pittsfield Public Schools -- $1,000 for each school serving children and adults in Pittsfield.

“By supporting the city’s public schools, we’re making a ground-up commitment to the education system in Pittsfield,” said Alison Brigham, treasurer of the Lee Bank Foundation. “Our Foundation is intended to do just this: to direct money where it will make an impact.”

The new Lee Bank branch in Pittsfield will replace the existing branch office on North Street with a free-standing facility, drive-up services, community meeting space and ample parking. The current branch will remain open for business until construction is complete.

Although the project is impacted by construction cost increases, as a community bank Lee Bank is free of shareholder expectations that might have otherwise curbed, delayed or downscaled the project.

“We are very fortunate that we can take the long view,” said Leach. “This is less about profitability and more about our commitments to the Pittsfield community and our customers. And if a bank branch can serve as a community resource, we would like to provide that.”

Allegrone Construction has been awarded the design and construction contract for the project, and construction is expected to be completed by next summer.

Ilana Steinhauer, Executive Director of VIM Berkshires and newly elected Lee Bank trustee

Steinhauer Joins Lee Bank board; five new corporators elected

Lee, Mass (April 27, 2022) – Ilana Steinhauer, executive director of VIM Berkshires, has been elected to the board of trustees of Lee Bank, and five new corporators have been named.

Steinhauer, a family nurse practitioner, worked in a private medical practice in the Boston area before joining VIM, a nonprofit based in Great Barrington. She earned her master’s degree in nursing from Simmons College and a bachelor’s degree in religion from Wesleyan University. She lives in Sheffield with her husband and two sons. VIM provides health care, free of charge, to low-income adults in the Berkshires who are uninsured or underinsured.

New corporators, nominated by the board’s governance committee, include:

Nicole Antil of Richmond, owner of Antil Creative, a consultancy specializing in branding, communications, culture, and strategy. She also serves as chief creative officer for Graham-Pelton, a nonprofit fundraising and management consulting firm. A graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute with a degree in design, she is also a 2017 graduate of the Berkshire Leadership Program. She has previously worked in marketing roles at Maxymillian Technologies and began her career as an interior architect in the Washington D.C. area. She is also a member of the board of Community Health Programs and she volunteers for EforAll.

Melissa Agosto, a resident of Pittsfield, is director of finance for Austen Riggs Center in Stockbridge.  An accountant, she has also held financial leadership positions at Canyon Ranch, the College Internship Program and in private accounting practice. She earned her accounting degree from the University of Puerto Rico. She is also a graduate of the 2019 class of the Berkshire Leadership Program. 

Michelle Decepida of Pittsfield, systems engineer, is deputy program manager for engineering at General Dynamics Mission Systems in Pittsfield. A graduate of the Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering, she earned her undergraduate engineering degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She worked previously at Pratt & Whitney and other firms. She serves as executive board member and treasurer of Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity and as event coordinator for the General Dynamic Mission Systems Early Career Employee Resource Group.

Mauer Desai, Pittsfield native and resident, entered the hospitality business full-time in 2009 after graduating from Bridgewater State University. He converted the Ramada Inn in Pittsfield to a Best Western Plus and serves on the governor's committee within the Best Western brand. In 2019, the Desai family bought the Black Swan Inn, a lake-side boutique in Lee, and he helped oversee construction and brand management for the Courtyard by Marriott in Lenox. Desai also holds a certificate in hospitality administration from American Hotel and Lodging Association, one of the most prestigious certificates in the hospitality sector. He lives with his family in Pittsfield.

Tannya Romero, a Pittsfield resident and native of Ecuador, works as a quality assurance specialist for Berkshire Sterile Manufacturing.  As a digital training management technician, she has worked for Achieve TMS East. She worked previously in residential support for Berkshire County Arc. Romero earned her bachelor's degree in biology with a concentration in pre-medical professions from MCLA, and she earned her associate's degree in biology from BCC.  She completed the Bio-Diversity URM Intern leadership program with Partnership Inc., a Boston-based leadership program focused on multicultural leadership development. She is a Spanish-language interpreter for VIM, and has mentored science students at BCC, and has served on the BCC Alumni Board. She has volunteered for Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) and for Berkshire Community Action Council. She is the co-founder of Latinas413, a nonprofit dedicated to igniting the collective power of Latinas to expand their social and economic capital across Berkshire County. 

Corporators are responsible for electing the trustees and officers of Berkshire Financial Services (Lee Bank’s holding company). They approve any changes in the company's bylaws and changes in the corporate structure, but they have no financial stake in the corporation.

Lee Bank Names New CFO

Lee, Mass. (Feb 3, 2022) – Lee Bank has named Charles Bashara of Pittsfield to the position of Chief Financial Officer.

Bashara succeeds Trad Campbell, who joined Lee Bank in 1994.

“We’re thrilled to have Charly join us, particularly given his hometown roots and long-term commitment to the Berkshire County community” said Chuck Leach, president of Lee Bank. “It’s an extra bonus to us that we can hire a talented CFO from within Berkshire County.”

Leach commended Campbell for being a “key component in Lee Bank’s success through the years and helping us to set the tone for our culture with his humility, approachability and long-term loyalty to the organization.”

A Berkshire County native, Bashara was most recently vice president of profitability at Berkshire Bank, where he also held positions as a senior financial analyst and treasury specialist. His prior work included financial management positions at Crane Currency in Dalton and General Dynamics in Pittsfield. He has also held the professional designation as a Chartered Financial Analyst, CFA, since 2017.

Bashara, a product of Taconic in Pittsfield fulfilled a lifelong dream as he went from a college baseball walk-on to signing a professional minor league contract in 2010. He played at three levels within the Milwaukee Brewers organization as a relief/starting pitcher, highlighted by a 2010 Arizona Summer League Championship and All-Star selection.

A graduate of Northeastern University in Boston, Bashara earned his B.S. in business administration, which included a co-op internship with MFS Investment Management.

As a volunteer in the community, Bashara has coached youth baseball, served as a mentor for local business owners through the EforAll entrepreneurship program, and has participated in many employer-driven volunteer days. Bashara is also the Treasurer of Terpsichore Dance Center, Inc. of Pittsfield.

Lee Bank Foundation Announces $68,560 in 4^th Quarter Community Funding; $228,810 in Total Funding for 2021

Fourth funding round supports twelve Berkshire area organizations

Lee, Mass. (January 5, 2022) -- Lee Bank Foundation has awarded $68,560 to twelve Berkshire area organizations in its fourth-round of 2021 community grant awards. Recipients were awarded grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 to support their local programming. Included in the awards are a series of Arts Access Grants for arts and culture organizations to expand access to programming for underserved audiences.

The following organizations received funding from Lee Bank Foundation:

• 18 Degrees
• Barrington Stage Company
• Berkshire Busk!
• Berkshire Community Action Council
• Berkshire Immigrant Center
• IS183 Art School
• Latinas413
• Literacy Network of South Berkshire
• Mass MoCA
• NAACP Berkshire County Branch
• Railroad Street Youth Project
• Youth Education and Sport (YES) Initiative

Arts Access Grants of $1,000 each were awarded to Berkshire Busk! and IS183 Art School.

In its first year, the Lee Bank Foundation received over 90 grant applications for its four rounds of funding. The deadline for the first round of 2022 Foundation funding is March 1. The application and more information can be found on the Community Impact section of Lee Bank's website (https://www.leebank.com/community-impact/donations-sponsorships.html)

To be considered for grant awards, applicants must be a (501)(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Foundation is focused on funding programs that work to bridge income and opportunity gaps in our region. Funding requests should reflect one or more of Lee Bank Foundation’s primary focus areas:

• Education and literacy
• Food security and nutrition
• Economic growth and development
• Health and human services
• Mentorship, internship and “school to work” initiatives
• Arts and culture

Applicants may submit only one application in a 12-month period.

Lee Bank Foundation was established in 2021 to support Lee Bank’s long-standing mission of community reinvestment on behalf of organizations working to improve the lives of Berkshire region organizations and the people they serve. In 2021, the Foundation awarded a total of $228,610 in grants and the Bank contributed an additional $84,000 in sponsorships.

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Join us as we share information, tips and tricks on how to spot a scam.

Banks Never Ask That

Lee Bank Foundation Announces $40,500 in Community Funding; Dec. 1 is Next Application Deadline

Third funding round supports nine Berkshire area organizations

Lee, Mass. (October 6, 2021) -- Lee Bank Foundation has awarded $40,500 to nine Berkshire area organizations in its third-round of 2021 community grant awards. Recipients were awarded grants ranging from $1,000 to $13,500 to support their local programming. Included in the awards are a series of Arts Access Grants for arts and culture organizations to expand access to programming for underserved audiences.

The following organizations received funding from Lee Bank Foundation:

• Alliance for a Viable Future
• Berkshire Area Health Education Center
• Berkshire Innovation Center
• Berkshire Museum
• Berkshire Pulse
• Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire
• Extra Special Teas
• Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires & So. Vermont
• Shakespeare & Company

Arts Access Grants of $1,000 each were awarded to Berkshire Pulse and Shakespeare & Company.

To date, the Lee Bank Foundation has received over 75 grant applications for its first three rounds of funding. The deadline for the final round of 2021 Foundation funding is December 1. The application and more information can be found on the Community Impact section of Lee Bank's website (https://www.leebank.com/community-impact/donations-sponsorships.html)

To be considered for grant awards, applicants must be a (501)(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Foundation is focused on funding programs that work to bridge income and opportunity gaps in our region. Funding requests should reflect one or more of Lee Bank Foundation’s primary focus areas:

• Education and literacy
• Food security and nutrition
• Economic growth and development
• Health and human services
• Mentorship, internship and “school to work” initiatives
• Arts and culture

Applicants may submit only one application in a 12-month period.

Lee Bank Foundation was established in 2021 to support Lee Bank’s long-standing mission of community reinvestment on behalf of organizations working to improve the lives of Berkshire region organizations and the people they serve. In 2020, Lee Bank awarded $179,000 in funding to area nonprofits and for Covid-19 relief efforts. In 2021, the Foundation projects awarding $250,000 in grants and the Bank expects to award an additional $70,000 in sponsorships.

Lee Bank Foundation Announces $64,500 in Community Funding; Sept. 1 is Next Application Deadline

Second funding round supports eight Berkshire area organizations

Lee, Mass. (July 9, 2021) -- Lee Bank Foundation has awarded $64,500 to eight Berkshire area organizations in its second-round of 2021 community grant awards. Recipients were awarded grants ranging from $2,000 to $12,500 to support their local programming.

The following organizations received funding from Lee Bank Foundation:

• Berkshire Bounty
• Berkshire County Historical Society
• Berkshire South Regional Community Center
• Elizabeth Freeman Center, Inc.
• Flying Cloud Institute
• Music in Common
• New Stage Performing Arts Center Inc.
• Volunteers in Medicine Berkshires

To be considered  for grant awards, applicants must be a (501)(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on funding organizations that work to bridge  income and opportunity gaps in our region. Funding requests should reflect one or more of Lee Bank Foundation’s primary focus areas:

• Education and literacy
• Food security and  nutrition
• Economic growth and development
• Health and human services
• Mentorship, internship and “school to work” initiatives;
• Arts and culture

Applicants may submit only one application in a 12-month period.

Online applications and information can be found here. 

Lee Bank Foundation was established in 2021 to support Lee Bank’s long standing mission of community reinvestment on behalf of organizations working to improve the lives of Berkshire region organizations and the people they serve. In 2020, Lee Bank awarded $179,000 in funding to area nonprofits and for Covid-19 relief efforts. In 2021, the Foundation projects awarding $250,000 in grants and the Bank expects to award an additional $70,000 in sponsorships.

Lee Bank Names New VP to Expand Financial Wellness Services for Clientele Across Wider Income Range

Matthew Freitag leads bank initiative to offer more inclusive money management services to customers 

Lee, Mass. (July 6, 2021) -- Lee Bank has named a new financial wellness officer who will broaden the bank’s financial planning and money management services to area residents with a broad range of incomes and needs.

Matthew R. Freitag, a certified financial planner™ and Cheshire native, has been named vice president, financial wellness. He works with Lee Bank customers to assist them in achieving better financial stability and devising personalized financial plans, regardless of income. This service is offered at no cost to customers of Lee Bank.

“The pandemic has shown us just how fragile some people’s financial circumstances are,” said Chuck Leach, president of Lee Bank. “We want to clear up any misperception that financial planning services are only for the wealthy. We aim to be an inclusive financial resource to help strengthen all of our customers’ circumstances, which in turn strengthens our community.”

Financial planning encompasses an array of money matters: budgeting, debt management, savings, tax questions, college planning, social security strategies, investment and retirement planning. 

“As we come out of Covid, many of our customers are reckoning with their financial futures after pandemic-related money challenges,” said Freitag. “For many people, their bank is already a trusted financial partner, and we can build on this foundation. Even for those who weathered Covid-19’s impact, it may be time for some financial evaluation and adjustment. This is a truly unique offering for a community bank but also a natural extension of Lee Bank’s longstanding approach to putting clients and customers first.”

Freitag will be based at Marble House in Lee but is available to meet with customers at any Lee Bank branch, in Great Barrington, Stockbridge, Lee, Lenox and Pittsfield, by appointment. 

In addition to his work with Lee Bank, he will also collaborate with October Mountain Financial Services, providing wealth portfolio management and financial planning to Lee Bank customers with substantial assets.  Lee Bank and October Mountain Financial Services have a longstanding strategic alliance with shared clients. 

Most recently a senior client advisor at RINET Company LLC in Boston, Freitag is a graduate of Bentley University, where he earned a master’s in personal financial planning. He earned his bachelor’s degree in finance, with a focus in ethics and social responsibility, also from Bentley, where he graduated cum laude. He now resides in Lenox

Lee Bank Foundation Awards $56,500 to Berkshire Organizations in First 2021 Funding Round

Lee, Mass. (May 25, 2021) -- Lee Bank Foundation has awarded a total of $56,500 to 12 Berkshire-based community organizations, in the foundation’s first 2021 round of grants.

Recipients were awarded grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to support their work on social justice issues, environmental conservation, food and housing security. Included in the awards are a series of Arts Access Grants for arts and culture organizations to expand ticket access for underserved audiences.

Recipients include:

• Berkshire Center for Justice
• Berkshire Community Diaper Project
• Berkshire Grown
• Berkshire Natural Resource Council
• Community Access to the Arts 
• Construct 
• Greenagers
• Roots Rising 

Arts Access Grants of $1,000 each were awarded to: the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Norman Rockwell Museum, WAM Theater and Berkshire Theatre Group.

“It was great to see proposals from such a wide range of organizations,” said Foundation board member Jenn Gomez. “We look forward to seeing how our awardees put the funds to use to further their mission and benefit our community.”  

Lee Bank received more than 40 grant applications for its first funding round. The deadline for the second round of 2021 Foundation funding is June 1. The application and more information can be found on the Community Impact section of Lee Bank's website. 

Lee Bank Foundation was established in 2021 to support Lee Bank’s long standing mission of community reinvestment on behalf of organizations working to improve the lives of Berkshire region organizations and the people they serve. In 2020, Lee Bank awarded $179,000 in funding to area nonprofits and for Covid-19 relief efforts. In 2021, the Foundation projects awarding $250,000 in grants and the Bank expects to award an additional $70,000 in sponsorships.

Lee Bank Establishes Foundation to Build on Community Reinvestment

$250K in Lee Bank Foundation Grants Projected in 2021; Branch-based Sponsorships Will Provide Another $70K to Community Organizations

Lee, Mass. (March 9, 2021) -- Lee Bank is amplifying its longstanding community reinvestment efforts with the creation of the Lee Bank Foundation, after a record year of contributions to the Berkshire nonprofit community.

In 2021, Lee Bank projects distributing $250,000 through the Foundation, a more formal entity for community donations. In 2020, Lee Bank awarded $179,000 to community organizations, following several years of steady growth in funding.

“Lee Bank’s community contributions stretch back to its origins in 1852, but establishing Lee Bank Foundation sharpens our focus even further,” said Chuck Leach, president of Lee Bank. “The Foundation also simplifies the application process for organizations doing meaningful work to support our Berkshire community.”

The Foundation has its home at the Marble House, a former residential property at 102 West Park St. Purchased by Lee Bank in 2018, the building was recently renovated by Allegrone Construction. The property offers gathering spaces for community groups, bank staff, board meetings and special events.

Marble House will also be home to a new financial wellness service, for which hiring is under way.

In recent years, Lee Bank has typically set aside at least 5 percent of its annual net income for the support of area nonprofits. This giving has been on the rise: in 2020, Lee Bank contributed nearly $179,000 to community nonprofits; in 2019, $145,000 and in 2018, $120,000. Last year, Lee Bank’s distributions included $50,000 to the Covid-19 Emergency Response Fund for Berkshire County.

The Bank has supported more than 200 programs and organizations in recent years, including Greenagers, Community Access to the Arts (CATA), Berkshire Humane Society, Berkshire Immigrant Center and others.

The Foundation will be funded at $5 million by Berkshire Financial Services (Lee Bank’s parent company), with the goal of providing $250,000 in grants annually to nonprofits.

“The timing for creation of the Lee Bank Foundation could not be better,” said Jake McCandless of Lee, a Foundation board member. “After a year of turmoil and uncertainty with Covid-19, nonprofits supporting our community and our neighbors will benefit from a streamlined process that supports their vital missions now and into the future.”

In addition to a 2021 grant goal of $250,000, Lee Bank’s employee-driven, branch-based sponsorships will continue as in the past, with a $70,000 projection this year. 

“In addition to Foundation funding, our branch-based sponsorship awards are recommended by employees, based on their awareness of local needs and activities in their branch communities,” said Leach.

Lee Bank Foundation President, Chuck Leach and Treasurer, Alison Brigham

 The Foundation’s board of directors includes Chuck Leach (president), Alison Brigham (treasurer) Nina Garlington (secretary) and Jake McCandless (director). Additional directors will be named in coming months, including at least one additional Lee Bank employee.

“Our goal is to empower our employees, customers and community, with excellent service, with simplicity and sincerity,” said Leach. “Lee Bank Foundation is another means for us to meet this commitment.”

For more information about the Lee Bank Foundation, visit the Community Impact page on the Lee Bank website. 

The Foundation’s application for funding can be found here.

Any questions can be submitted to our Marketing Manager and Lee Bank Foundation Treasurer Alison Brigham, at [email protected].

Roundtable on Feb. 11: How Community Banks Reinvest Your Money to Strengthen local Economies

Lee Bank Participates in the “Community Banking Roundtable,” a virtual conversation happening Feb. 11, from 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Register here for this free webinar, which takes place via Zoom.

Sponsored by the E.F. Schumacher Society for New Economics, the talk includes a panel of several area banking leaders, including Lee Bank President and CEO Chuck Leach.

“Unlike their Wall Street counterparts, community banks are often owned and operated by members of the local community who understand the needs of their neighbors and are well-equipped to make lending decisions that benefit local consumers and producers,” says the Schumacher Society. “Put simply, big banks remove capital from communities while community banks circulate it, invigorating the local economy.”

Roundtable participants also include Jay Anderson of Pittsfield Cooperative and Rick Cantele of Salisbury Bank and Trust Company, who will talk about the defining characteristics of community banks, compared with “big banks” that are obligated to shareholders.

These speakers represent the three Berkshire area banks that partner with BerkShares Inc. to distribute local Berkshares currency throughout the region. These banks’ scale and focus encourage and facilitate this partnership.

This conversation will be moderated by Alice Maggio, former director of BerkShares, Inc., a corporator of Lee Bank, and member of the Schumacher Center’s Board of Directors. This free webinar will take place from 2:00 to 3:30 PM EST via Zoom. Register here.

Greetings,                                                             

With 2021 well under way, I hope you will join me in looking forward, with cautious optimism. At Lee Bank, the past year of uncertainty has reinforced for us that our customers, employees, neighbors, families and community continue to be the heartbeat of who we are. They have proved their strength ten times over in 2020, and this year, we will further elevate our commitment to our community.

All of us here at Lee Bank sincerely thank you for bearing with us as we have balanced employee and customer safety while living up to our duty as an essential business. The past year has heightened the importance of our longstanding, core values:  empower employees, customers and the surrounding Berkshires, so that all can thrive.

Here’s my commitment to you: as a locally-based bank that is not beholden to shareholders, and not tempted to “scale up” in new regions, we will remain focused on being Berkshire County’s Premier Relationship Bank. This commitment is working. The Covid-19 crisis has shown that community banks are crucial to our local, regional and national economy. Organizations like ours are wired to problem-solve, build deeper connections and to be reliable sources of advice and direction.

In 2020, Lee Bank was able to process and distribute $30 million in federal Paycheck Protection Funds to 348 area businesses last year. Many loan recipients were Lee Bank customers, and some were not. There are sectors of our Berkshire economy that will continue to struggle for some time, and we are now at work processing additional 2021 PPP funding. We have worked with our customers in many other ways as well, to help them lessen the financial impacts of the pandemic. We will continue to do so.

In addition, we also distributed nearly $179,000 in funds to area nonprofit organizations that were working with such dedication during the past year. Of this amount, $50,000 went to the Covid-19 Emergency Response Fund for Berkshire County.

As more customers stayed close to home in 2020, our bank’s digital and online services were invaluable to our customers, and this year we expect to develop even more robust online tools. But online banking will never replace our people. Face-to-face is where we build and maintain our strongest customer relationships. It’s where we deepen our commitment to customers’ financial health and well-being.

This year, we embark on a new three-year strategic plan. We will implement a number of initiatives centered on our culture of purpose. These new efforts will have positive, direct and meaningful consequences as we prepare to enter a post-Covid economy.

Our commitment reflects who we were 170 years ago, with Lee Bank’s founding, and it’s still who we are in 2021. As we look ahead to a recovery of our country and our community, we will be sharing some impressive initiatives with you. So please watch for our good news, which will signal that we are redoubling our impact in the Berkshires.

Meanwhile, we look forward to seeing you in 2021.

Sincerely,
Chuck Leach
President &CEO
[email protected] 
(413)243-9201

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, unfortunately this year we have seen an uptick in various forms of fraud. It is not uncommon for scammers to take advantage of times of crisis and disaster. Below are links to information about some of the more common scams that we have seen recently:

FTC Scam Alerts

How to Spot Fake Check Scams

Banks Never Ask That

Phishing- Don't Take the Bait

Unemployment Insurance Scams

Lee Bank recently announced the formalization of its Community Impact Dividend, which totaled $93,617 in 2017.  That amount is approximately 5% of the bank’s net income. The dividend represents a commitment by the bank to strengthen the community by contributing financially to local non-profit organizations. The bank will continue to set aside 5% of its net income each year as a community impact dividend.

Bank President and CEO Chuck Leach commented: “I’d like to stress that Lee Bank has always given back to the community, and always will.  This is simply a formalization of that practice.  Because we are not beholden to shareholders with varying agendas in far-flung geographies, we are free to return capital to our communities. In addition, our headquarters is in Berkshire County so decisions are made here and with a heavy focus on and understanding of what is good for our fellow stakeholders in this area code. Underpinning all of our decisions is our long-term commitment to Berkshire County, so it only makes sense that we pay a share of our earnings back to the community. This concept is in complete alignment with our mission and our strategic objectives. Our success is inextricably tied to the strength of Berkshire County and the Community Impact Dividend signifies Lee Bank’s 100% commitment to galvanizing and strengthening our ecosystem.”

While Lee Bank contributes to a wide spectrum of groups, events and organizations, it gives priority to organizations that provide social services to low and moderate-income residents, and those involved in economic development activities.  Secondary consideration is given to organizations that provide cultural and recreational opportunities to residents of Berkshire County and do not have the ability to raise significant funds outside of Berkshire County. 

In addition, Lee Bank supports the Berkshire United Way’s annual campaign by matching employee contributions. In 2017, 100% of the bank’s employees donated to the United Way.

About Lee Bank

Established in 1852, Lee Bank is a leading community focused bank in Berkshire County. As one of the few remaining local and independent full-service banks in the area, Lee Bank provides premier financial services to businesses and individuals in Berkshire County and upholds a superior level of simple, direct and exemplary personal customer service. Lee Bank has branch offices in Lee, Stockbridge, Great Barrington, Pittsfield, and Lenox and a mortgage loan office in West Springfield.

Stop by any Lee Bank location to enter. Each branch will choose TWO WINNERS (one from each age group) for a fabulous prize!

Entries are due by November 22nd and winners will be chosen on November 24th.

Click here for Entry Form.

Click here for the Coloring Contest for Age 8 and under.

Click here for the Coloring Contest for over Age 8.

LEE, Mass. (July 6, 2017) – Lee Bank is pleased to announce that it has partnered with Gradifi, a Boston-based leader in student loan pay down benefits programs, to offer student loan debt relief as part of its employee benefits package. The independent community oriented bank is among the first in Berkshire County to offer this new and differentiating benefit that holds particular appeal to millennials and those entering the workforce.

“As an independent community bank without the pressure of expansion into new geographies, shareholders, and quarterly earnings, we’re able to truly focus on our employees and the Berkshire community. We fully appreciate how hiring and retaining the right people has made our organization successful for 165 years. Student loan relief is a relatively new and highly coveted benefit in today’s marketplace and we are thrilled to offer it to our employees,” said Lee Bank’s President and CEO Chuck Leach.

Lee Bank joins more than 130 progressive workplaces in the U.S. that are now providing Gradifi’s SLP Plan™ (Student Loan Paydown) to attract and retain top talent, and the number is growing monthly. Gradifi’s student loan debt relief plan was recently endorsed by the American Bankers Association (ABA).

A proprietary consumer survey conducted by the ABA found:

57 percent were more likely to work for a company offering it

• 62 percent were more likely to use the services of a company offering the benefit to employees; and
• 67 percent would recommend a company’s services to friends and family

“We hope this added benefit will improve the quality of life for our employees and in turn benefit our community, as ultimately it may enable our employees to put roots down and invest in our local backyards sooner and with a greater impact,” said Leach.

About Gradifi

Gradifi is a best-in-class, student loan repayment solution aimed at tackling the nation's $1.4 trillion student loan problem. Gradifi helps employers attract and retain talent by enabling them to make direct contributions to their employees’ student loans and accelerate the pay-off of the debt. A wholly owned subsidiary of First Republic Bank (NYSE:FRC), Boston-based Gradifi is a pioneer of this employee benefit and the SLP Plan™ (Student Loan Paydown). To learn more, visit www.gradifi.com.

 About Lee Bank

Established in 1852, Lee Bank is a leading community focused bank in Berkshire County. As one of the few remaining local and independent full-service banks in the area, Lee Bank provides premier financial services to businesses and individuals in Berkshire County and upholds a superior level of simple, direct and exemplary personal customer service. Lee Bank has branch offices in Lee, Stockbridge, Great Barrington, Pittsfield, and Lenox and a mortgage loan office in West Springfield.

Lee Bank was named the Massachusetts Small Business Association’s top lender in the second quarter of 2013. For four consecutive years, Lee Bank has been designated the leading originator of loans for first-time home buyers in Berkshire County by the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency. To learn more, visit www.leebank.com

We’re pleased to share the news that our friends at St Germain Investments (parent company of October Mountain Financial Advisors here in the Berkshires) have been named to the 2017 Financial Times 300 Top Registered Investment Advisors. They join financial advisory firms from 37 states and Washington, D.C. in being selected as one of the nation’s 300 top RIA’s. 18 firms in Massachusetts earned this recognition, and they are one of only three located west of the metro Boston area.  Details may be accessed via a link in the following page

Read More

If you think it doesn’t happen, it does. 570 times per hour to be exact.

If you are a senior yourself or know someone close to you that might need support please take a minute and read page 2 of this article:

Berkshire Senior, Volume 34, Number 6, June 2017

Take it one step further and wear PURPLE today to show your support of the beloved elders in our lives!

Bank promotes three key leaders and addition of mortgage officer

Lee, Mass. (May 22, 2017) – Lee Bank recently announced the promotion of three key leaders within the company and the addition of a mortgage officer to support its continued growth in 2017.

Susie Brown has been named to the position of senior vice president, human resources and administration, Paula Gangell-Miller has been named to the position of vice president, community banking - retail operations, and Paula Lewis has been named to the position of first vice president, retail lending. They have a combined 70 years of tenure with Lee Bank, one of the few remaining local and independent full-service banks in the Berkshires.

In addition, Kathy Kelly has joined Lee Bank as a mortgage officer in its Pittsfield office. Kelly has been a mortgage professional for most of her banking career, with First Agricultural Bank, Legacy Banks, and most recently Berkshire Bank.

Brown has been employed at Lee Bank for more than 37 years and has worked in many areas of the bank, including operations, human resources, building and maintenance, security, and administration. As senior vice president of human resources and administration, Brown will continue to oversee human resources, administration and security, and management of board meetings and governance processes for Lee Bank and its holding company, Berkshire Financial Services.

Gangell-Miller joined Lee Bank 29 years ago and has been involved in many facets of the bank throughout the years, having held positions as teller, operations supervisor, community banker, branch manager and area manager, in addition to her new role as vice president of community banking - retail operations.

Lewis joined Lee Bank in 2012 as vice president of mortgage loan operations. In her new position as first vice president of retail lending, she will oversee residential lending and will sit on Lee Bank’s ALCO committee as well as its executive loan committee.

“I am pleased to announce these well-deserved promotions and to welcome Kathy Kelly to the Lee Bank team,” said President Chuck Leach. “I’m confident that Kathy will not only mesh with but also enhance our culture just as Susie Brown, Paula Lewis and Paula Gangell-Miller have for many, many years. Lee Bank is very fortunate to have an extremely valuable culture of loyal, dedicated employees who are not only outstanding contributors in the workplace, focused on continued excellence in serving our customers, but also to our Berkshire community,” Leach said.

About Lee Bank

Established in 1852, Lee Bank is a leading community focused bank in Berkshire County. As one of the few remaining local and independent full-service banks in the area, Lee Bank provides premier financial services to businesses and individuals in Berkshire County and upholds a superior level of simple, direct and exemplary personal customer service. Lee Bank has branch offices in Lee, Stockbridge, Great Barrington, Pittsfield, and Lenox and a mortgage loan office in West Springfield.

Lee Bank was named the Massachusetts Small Business Association’s top lender in the second quarter of 2013. For four consecutive years, Lee Bank has been designated the leading originator of loans for first-time home buyers in Berkshire County by the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency. For more information, see www.leebank.com

Susie Brown, Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Administration 

Paula Lewis, First Vice President of Retail Lending

Paula Gangell-Miller, Vice President of Community Banking, Retail Operations

Kathy Kelly, Mortgage Officer

Lee, Mass. (May 11, 2017) – Lee Bank announces that Bruce J. Marzotto, senior vice president of commercial lending, has been named a Community Bank Hero by The Warren Group and Banker & Tradesman. Community Bank Heroes is an annual award that honors the achievements, commitment, and dedication of financial professionals who go above and beyond for their institution and community.

Award recipients are nominated by their peers and selected by Banker & Tradesman’s editorial board; this year’s class of 13 winners comes from community banks throughout Massachusetts.

Marzotto has been with Lee Bank for 10 years and has worked in banking in Berkshire County for 40 years. After receiving his Associate’s degree at Berkshire Community College, he continued his education through banking courses with the American Institute of Banking as well as the New England School of Banking at Williams College. As former treasurer of the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, Great Barrington Little League and the Boy Scouts of America-Troop 23, Marzotto is continuing his community involvement as a trustee of the newly organized Great Barrington Municipal Affordable House Trust. He lives in Great Barrington with his wife Judy and sons Mark and Kevin.

“It is a great honor to receive any award that has the word community associated with it, and in this case it’s Lee Bank’s commitment to our community that makes this award even more special,” said Marzotto.

The Community Bank Heroes awards will be distributed at a dinner event on May 23 at the Hyatt Regency Boston hotel. Recipients will be featured in the May 22 issue of Banker & Tradesman. To see a full list of the Community Bank Heroes and for more information about the awards dinner, click here

About The Warren Group

The Warren Group collects and compiles data on real estate sales and ownership throughout New England. They offer a range of real estate products, information services and printed and online publications, including the weekly newspaper Banker & Tradesmanand monthly magazine The Commercial Record. The company also produces and organizes trade shows and events for a variety of industries, including bankers, mortgage brokers, credit unions and lawyers. Based in Boston, the company was established in 1872 and is now in its fourth generation of family ownership and management.

About Lee Bank

Established in 1852, Lee Bank is a leading community focused bank in Berkshire County. As one of the few remaining local and independent full-service banks in the area, Lee Bank provides premier financial services to businesses and individuals in Berkshire County and upholds a superior level of simple, direct and exemplary personal customer service. Lee Bank has branch offices in Lee, Stockbridge, Great Barrington, Pittsfield, and Lenox and a mortgage loan office in West Springfield.

Lee Bank was named the Massachusetts Small Business Association’s top lender in the second quarter of 2013. For four consecutive years, Lee Bank has been designated the leading originator of loans for first-time homebuyers in Berkshire County by the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency. For more information, see www.leebank.com

It’s a first-in-kind crime prevention technology that can detect illegal gunfire over a wide geographic area, collecting the data and relaying it to the local police force. We are pleased to support this program knowing that it will help improve the quality of life for everyone who lives and works in and around Pittsfield.

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“In spite of the demographics in Berkshire County, Lee Bank continues to buck the trend by logging substantial new customer growth both from full-time residents as well as second home owners.” Click here to read full article from this week’s Berkshire Record.

Lee Bank’s Chuck Leach and other business leaders from around Berkshire County spent time with Representative Smitty Pignatelli and Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash to discuss challenges and opportunities for economic development in Berkshire County. Secretary Ash as well as Governor Charlie Baker’s entire administration are making a concerted effort to look beyond Boston to promote jobs and responsible economic development. Lee Bank is proud to have been part of the conversation and to have the chance to discuss the region where many of us proudly live and work every day.  Thanks to Jane Iredale Cosmetics for hosting and for all of the local business leaders for attending!

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Yesterday October Mountain Financial Advisors & Lee Bank hosted a "Starting an Endowment" Lunch & Learn which is one in a series of workshops that Liana Toscanini, founder of the Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires, has organized. It was well attended by 19 individuals representing 11 nonprofits from Berkshire County & Connecticut. Some of the topics discussed were:

• Why establish an endowment?
• Why and what donors may five?
• Donor cultivation and stewardship...
• Policy Guidelines
• How to hire a manager

Thank you to all who attended - we look forward to another great collaboration soon.

Stockbridge Bowl is a 372 acre lake and a priceless amenity enjoyed throughout the year by residents and visitors alike. This is the type of natural resource that makes the Berkshires so compelling, and is fundamental to the economic vitality of the region. However, the silt accumulation and weed growth caused by restrictions at the outlet threaten to turn this lake into a marsh if not addressed. Lee Bank and October Mountain Financial Advisors are pleased to be able to support the Stockbridge Bowl Association's restoration efforts, whose benefits will accrue to the entire county.

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