Litchfield, March 2012 - Litchfield Bancorp has announced the promotion of Tiffany Bierce-Hussey to customer service representative in the bank's Litchfield office.
Bierce-Hussey assumes her new duties after two years as senior teller in the bank's Oakville office. She began working at Litchfield Bancorp part-time while a student at Litchfield High School and joined the Oakville office full-time in 2006.
"I thoroughly enjoy working for a small community bank," Bierce-Hussey said. "Our community involvement and the wonderful relationships we have with our customers inspire me daily. I am really excited to be back in the Litchfield office."
Bierce-Hussey has taken a number of classes in banking at the Center for Financial Training, is a member of the Young Professionals Organization at the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, and is a 2011 graduate of the chamber's Leadership Northwest program, which develops leadership ability through monthly workshops, panel discussions and involvement with local organizations.
The Torrington resident is an officer in the Litchfield Bancorp Employee Club, served on the bank's Every Customer Counts re-branding committee and its Keep the Promise Committee and volunteers for the United Way of Northwest Connecticut.
A mutual savings bank with assets of $212 million, Litchfield Bancorp has full-service offices in Litchfield, Torrington, Oakville, Washington and Lakeville. For more information, go to LitchfieldBancorp.com or call 860-567-9401.
Margret Warner promoted to Litchfield Bancorp Branch Manager
Margret Warner, Litchfield Bancorp Branch Manager and Business Development Officer
Litchfield, March 2012 - Margret Warner has been promoted to the position of branch manager at Litchfield Bancorp's main office.
Warner, who has been with the bank since 2000, will retain her duties as business development officer, a position in which she assists businesses with their banking needs. As branch manager, she succeeds Paul McLaughlin, who has been promoted to chief operating officer.
"Margret continues to impress in all of the roles she plays at Litchfield Bancorp," McLaughlin said. "She is one of our most respected employees and has been an invaluable asset to the bank, and to customers."
Warner, a graduate of Hofstra University, was branch manager of Litchfield Bancorp's Washington Depot office from 2000 to 2005, when she was promoted to assistant vice president. She is a graduate of the Connecticut School of Finance and Management and graduates from the Stonier National Graduate School of Banking in June 2012.
Litchfield Bancorp is a mutual savings bank with assets of $215 million offering full service offices in Litchfield, Torrington, Oakville, Washington and Lakeville. To find out why Every Customer Counts, go to LitchfieldBancorp.com or call 860-567-9401.
Litchfield Bancorp’s Paul McLaughlin has been appointed chairman of the Board of Directors of the United Way of Northwest Connecticut.
It was a banner day for McLaughlin: the appointment came during the United Way board's annual meeting on Feb. 6, the same day McLaughlin was promoted to Chief Operating Officer at Litchfield Bancorp.
McLaughlin, known for his sense of humor, also presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to retired Litchfield Bancorp President Mark Macomber, who was cited for his contributions to the United Way. "Paul did us all proud from the podium, as he usually does," noted bank President Tom Villanova, "I can't think of a better way to kick off the latest phase of Paul's career."
Litchfield Bancorp is a mutual savings bank with assets of $215 million offering full service offices in Litchfield, Torrington, Oakville, Washington and Lakeville. To find out why Every Customer Counts, go to LitchfieldBancorp.com or call 860-567-9401.
~ LitchfieldBancorp.com ~
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Melissa Dodge promoted to Litchfield Bancorp
Torrington Branch Manager
Melissa Dodge, assistant manager at Litchfield Bancorp, has been promoted to branch manager of the bank's Torrington office.
Dodge succeeds Lisa Partrick, who has moved to the position of corporate secretary and administrative assistant to president and chief executive officer Thomas J. Villanova. According to Paul McLaughlin, the bank's senior vice president, Dodge brings many skills to her new position.
"Over the past 10 years, Melissa has thrived in every role and with every challenge she has faced at Litchfield Bancorp," McLaughlin said. "I am so proud of her accomplishments and I'm looking forward to her continued success in the Torrington market."
Dodge joined Litchfield Bancorp as a teller in 2001 and quickly earned a promotion to senior teller. She was promoted to the Litchfield office's head teller position in 2007 and in 2008 was named assistant manager.
"It's a great opportunity and I'm really excited to get the word out about the branch," Dodge said of her new job. "It's not just a business banking center, it's a full-service branch with a great staff. I cannot wait to introduce myself to the businesses and people in Torrington."
Dodge is a graduate of the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Northwest program and is attending the Connecticut School of Finance and Management, a two-year management-training program sponsored by the Connecticut Bankers Association.
She is active with the Chamber of Commerce's home show committee and young professional's organization. She is also vice president of the Litchfield Bancorp employee club.
Litchfield Bancorp is a mutual savings bank with assets of $209 million offering full service offices in Litchfield, Torrington, Oakville, Washington and Lakeville. To find out why Every Customer Counts, go to LitchfieldBancorp.com or call 860-567-9401.
Litchfield Bancorp's board of directors has promoted Lisa Partrick, manager of the bank's Torrington branch, to Corporate Secretary.
Partrick, who has worked at Litchfield Bancorp for a total of 19 years, succeeded Marilyn Mitchell, who retired after 30 years at the bank, on Jan. 1.
"I am pleased with the selection and know full well the challenge she will face in filling those shoes," the bank's new president and chief executive officer Thomas J. Villanova said of Partrick. "I am confident she will rise to the challenge."
As corporate secretary, Partrick serves as administrative assistant to Villanova and secretary to the board of directors.
Partrick was a courier at the bank from 1990 to 1992 before accepting a position in the operations department at Albany Savings Bank. In 1994, she returned to Litchfield Bancorp as a teller and has since held several positions at the bank, most recently the Torrington office branch manager. In 2006, she graduated from the CT School of Finance and Management.
In addition to managing the Torrington branch, Partrick assisted in the credit and collections department, reporting directly to Villanova, formerly the bank's executive vice president and chief operating officer. Villanova succeeded Mark Macomber as president and chief executive officer on Jan. 1.
Partrick and Villanova have for 11 years represented Litchfield Bancorp in the management of the annual BLN Charity Golf Tournament. Partrick was chairman of the 2011 tournament, which raised $23,000 for local causes.
"Given Lisa's commitment to the bank and the work ethic she has demonstrated over the years, I am pleased to have her serve as my administrative assistant and as secretary to the board and look forward to her joining me and supporting my efforts to continue the remarkable success of (Macomber) and (Mitchell)."
Litchfield Bancorp is a mutual savings bank with assets of $209 million offering full service offices in Litchfield, Torrington, Oakville, Washington and Lakeville. To find out why Every Customer Counts, go to LitchfieldBancorp.com or call 860-567-9401.
Thomas Villanova, the new president and chief executive officer of Litchfield Bancorp, participates in Tuesday's Junior Achievement program at Litchfield Intermediate School. BZ photo
Twenty-two representatives of Litchfield Bancorp spent the morning Tuesday at Litchfield Intermediate School presenting Junior Achievement curriculum to 300 students in grades 4-6.
Bank employees, executives, directors and associates volunteered their time to teach financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship as a way to help prepare students for life in a global economy.
“By sharing their financial commitment, time and knowledge, Litchfield Bancorp is helping to prepare these students to be contributing individuals in their own community,” said Peter Blum, district manager for Junior Achievement of Southwestern New England.
Among the volunteers in the classrooms were Litchfield Bancorp's new president and chief executive officer Thomas Villanova, recently retired president and CEO Mark Macomber, and board of directors President Donald Mayland.
Jane Hinkel of Litchfield, a member of the board of directors at Litchfield Bancorp, volunteered her time in Tuesday's Junior Achievement program. BZ photo
All of the volunteers participated in a Junior Achievement training session that prepared them to deliver age-appropriate lessons about personal finance and the business world.
It was the first time that Litchfield Bancorp has participated in “JA in a Day” program at a school, although many bank associates have volunteered on an individual basis at schools in the area.
"I think it was a great learning experience for the students and for the volunteers," said Alan Landau, a Litchfield businessman. "The kids were terrific and were willing to listen and learn about the importance of financial literacy. It was a valuable program and one I hope we can do again."
Junior Achievement is the world's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make intelligent academic and economic choices.
JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. JA reaches four million students per year in 124 markets across the U.S., with an additional 5.8 million students served by operations in 119 other countries worldwide.
Below, Litchfield Bancorp senior vice president Paul McLaughlin, top, and Litchfield businessman Alan Landau participate in the Junior Achievement program. BZ photos
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Reilly Succeeds Macomber as Head of
CT Mutual Holding Company
LITCHFIELD - The Connecticut Mutual Holding Company has named Stephen P. Reilly as its new president and chief executive officer.
Reilly, president and CEO of Winsted-based Northwest Community Bank, will assume this additional position on January 1. He will fill the role held by Mark Macomber, who on December 31 is retiring as president and chief officer of both the holding company and Litchfield Bancorp.
The Connecticut Mutual Holding Company, established in 2001, was the first alliance of its kind to be formed in the state. Litchfield Bancorp and Northwest Community Bank were the original members, and the holding company expanded in 2010 with the addition of Collinsville Savings Society.
The entity has allowed the three banks to remain well capitalized and strong while still maintaining their unique identities. Member banks gain efficiencies and market strength through shared resources, and increased lending capabilities. "We've realized tremendous efficiencies by consolidating many back-office functions. As a result, we have a very sound infrastructure that has us well poised for the future." Reilly said.
Looking forward to assuming his new role, Reilly also said that he is "expecting to build on the excellent foundation that Mark Macomber was instrumental in creating." Macomber has led the holding company since its inception. According to Macomber, "Steve has always been an enthusiastic contributor to the holding company. He is a conservative banker with a real vision for the future. Most importantly, he has the confidence of all the CMHC managers today and is a terrific choice based on merit and character." While Reilly succeeds Macomber at the holding company, Tom Villanova will succeed Macomber at Litchfield Bancorp.
Litchfield Bancorp has announced that Robert E. Teittinen has joined the bank as chief lending officer. A Litchfield resident, Teittinen joins Litchfield Bancorp after six years as a senior vice president at Union Savings Bank.
Teittinen is a 27-year veteran of banking, and is known locally for his expertise in helping small to mid-sized businesses with commercial lending. At Litchfield Bancorp, Teittinen will be responsible for growing the bank's commercial loan portfolio while maintaining its stable risk model.
Executive vice president and chief operating officer Thomas J. Villanova, who has overseen the bank's commercial lending program and will be moving into the role of president and chief executive officer on Jan. 1, sought out a seasoned lender. "A tough economy requires someone with a lot of experience," Villanova said. "Bob not only has that experience but is also well respected in the marketplace"
Prior to joining Litchfield Bancorp, Teittinen's position at the Union Savings Bank Litchfield branch (which merged with First National Bank of Litchfield in 2010) included responsibility for the bank's commercial loan portfolio as well as overseeing a staff of 20 covering commercial, industrial, small business and commercial real estate markets.
Earlier in his career, Teittinen worked at regional banks Banknorth, Webster and Shawmut.
Mixed in with his long banking career, he also spent eleven years in private business, which Teittinen considers an invaluable asset when it comes to commercial lending. According to Villanova, "Bob's experience in business is an advantage in commercial lending: he can really identify with the needs of small and mid-size business owners."
Teittinen was inducted into to the Chamber of Commerce of Northwest Connecticut's Hall of Fame in 2008. He currently serves on a number of boards and committees in the community, including the chamber's foundation, the Naugatuck Valley Development Corporation, and Easter Seals of Greater Waterbury.
Litchfield Bancorp is a mutual savings bank with assets of $209 million offering full service offices in Litchfield, Torrington, Oakville, Washington and Lakeville. To find out why Every Customer Counts, go to LitchfieldBancorp.com or call 860-567-9401.
Marilyn Mitchell corporate secretary for Litchfield Bancorp, (center) was recently honored by Mark Macomber, Litchfield Bancorp president & ceo (left) and Donald Mayland, Litchfield Bancorp chairman of the board of directors (right).
After 30 years with Litchfield Bancorp, assistant to the CEO and corporate secretary Marilyn Mitchell will be retiring at the end of December.
Mitchell, a Harwinton resident, has held a number of positions at the bank over the course of three decades, including most recently as assistant to outgoing president Mark Macomber. The two began working together when Macomber was appointed president and chief executive officer in 1994 and Mitchell was named his assistant.
"It's been such a pleasure and a learning experience working for Mark," according to Mitchell. "particularly because of all that he is involved in. I feel fortunate for the opportunity." Macomber, likewise, holds Mitchell in high regard. "Marilyn has been my right hand for 18 years and has made me a more effective president and the bank a better bank," Macomber said. "She is professional, highly responsive and dedicated to our institution."
Mitchell holds the distinction of being the only Litchfield Bancorp employee to have worked under three presidents. She was originally hired in 1968 by then president H. Curtis Ferris. In the late 70's and early 80's Mitchell staffed the bank's satellite office at the Crutch and MacDonald Drug Store, which was located at the time on the corner of Routes 202 and 63. She left the bank at one point to work as a secretary in the medical field, and in 1988, the bank's CEO at the time, Howard Kerpelman, asked her to return as a commercial loan clerk and to train to become the corporate secretary, a position she assumed in 1991.
In 1998, Mitchell was promoted to assistant vice president, and in 2001 she added the duties of corporate secretary of Connecticut Mutual Holding Company, which includes Litchfield Bancorp, Northwest Community Bank and Collinsville Savings Society.
Mitchell called her colleagues an extended family and praised the bank's management and board of directors for creating an atmosphere where she could flourish as an employee.
"It has been a lifetime of enjoyable work, fun and friendship with my fellow employees and the many wonderful customers I have served over the years," Mitchell said. "It's part of me and I'm part of it," Mitchell said of Litchfield Bancorp.
Litchfield Bancorp is a mutual savings bank with assets of $209 million offering full service offices in Litchfield, Torrington, Oakville, Washington and Lakeville. To find out why Every Customer Counts, go to LitchfieldBancorp.com or call 860-567-9401.
Mark E. Macomber was the right man at the right time to lead Litchfield Bancorp out of a dire situation in 1994, the year he was named president and chief executive officer. Struggling with financial problems, the bank was given one year by federal regulators to get back on solid ground. For the newly-promoted Macomber, it was a challenge he was prepared for.
Mark E. Macomber
"Mark did it in six months," recalled Donald Mayland of Lakeville, chairman of the bank's board of directors.
"The secret to his success, I believe, is that he surrounded himself with the very best talent he could find."
That talent included Thomas J. Villanova, who will succeed the retiring Macomber as president and chief executive officer on Jan. 1, 2012. One of Macomber's first decisions as the bank's leader was to hire Villanova as a vice president and commercial lender in July 1994. With Villanova and other new hires on board, it wasn't long before the bank's fiscal health improved and regulators were satisfied.
Thomas J. Villanova
"Mark is the type of manager who wants that kind of talent around him," Mayland said. "He and his new management team went quickly to work getting on profitable footing and growing it every year."
Macomber's moves not only solved the bank's financial problems, they also created a high level of morale that continues today, according to Mayland.
"I do not believe that you could enter any workplace and find a group of people who are more dedicated to their jobs and to each other," Mayland said. "This is clearly the strongest legacy Mark leaves us."
One of the key members of Macomber's team has been Paul McLaughlin, who has advanced through the ranks to senior retail banking officer and senior vice president. McLaughlin often represents the bank at public events and said that while Macomber is demanding of his staff, he cares about them personally and professionally.
Staff, McLaughlin said, responds by working harder for the good of the bank. "Mark has always been one to lead by example," McLaughlin, who called Macomber his mentor, said. "Work hard and have fun is something he asks of all of us. He gets to know us and truly cares for us. He is forthcoming and honest and someone we want to make proud of us."
Macomber's leadership capability was evident from the start of his run as president and chief executive officer, according to Jane Hinkel of Litchfield, who serves on the board of directors.
"As a leader, Mark has always believed in delegating and not micro-managing," Hinkel said. "However, the ultimate responsibility has always rested on Mark's shoulders. The true test of the consummate professional, Mark is a good listener. Thoughts, ideas, outside comments, suggestions were always weighed carefully and incorporated into the process of how to become a more meaningful community bank."
Macomber's management style has long been admired by Connecticut Banking Commissioner Howard Pitkin. According to Pitkin, Macomber has retained his modesty despite so many accomplishments in banking, a trait not always found among banking executives.
"Success sometimes expands the ego, however, Mark has always kept his feet on the ground, been accessible, and always been a gentleman," Pitkin said. "His passion for banking and to do things right the first time have contributed to his success but, more than anything, his integrity and honesty have paved the way to where he's brought Litchfield Bancorp."
Macomber, who is retiring on Dec. 31 after a banking career of 35 years, used the momentum from restoring Litchfield Bancorp to profitability to become not only a leader in the banking business statewide but nationally as well. Leadership positions Macomber assumed at both levels resulted from the strong management team at the bank.
Although his duties required frequent travel to represent organizations such as the Connecticut Community Bankers Association, the Connecticut Bankers Association and the
American Bankers Association, Macomber never had to worry about the bank not meeting the needs of its customers while he was away.
"He was able to delegate responsibilities to people with the certain knowledge that they would be carried out," Mayland said. "Tom Villanova quickly became one of those people."
Macomber and Villanova, executive vice president and chief operating officer since 2005, complement one another by employing different management styles, according to Mayland. Seventeen years of working with Macomber, Mayland said, has left Villanova prepared for the bank's top job.
"Things will change under Tom's leadership, but that is to be expected when a new leader has a strong personality of his own," Mayland said. "But different doesn't mean less effective. Mark built the team and Tom is the perfect person to take it over."
The bank has invested heavily in Villanova's education as a banker, sending him to America's Community Bankers National School of Banking, the American Bankers Association Senior Leadership Program, and a number of other programs. It was all part of a plan for the future, according Hinkel.
"As far back as 2002, Mark established a framework for Tom to develop into the position of CEO," Hinkel said. "He gave Tom the tools and guidance to fulfill the necessary requirements for the role of CEO all the while utilizing Tom's strengths as senior loan officer."
Locally, Villanova is chairman of the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce of Northwest Connecticut and served a co-chairman of a United Way campaign. His experience at the bank and track record of community involvement has prepared him well for the president and chief executive officer's job, according to Macomber.
Macomber also cited Villanova's involvement with the Connecticut Mutual Holding Company, a consortium allowing Litchfield Bancorp, Northwest Community Bank in Winsted and the Collinsville Savings Society in Canton to pool resources and create efficiencies.
"He worked extremely well with Steve Reilly, president and CEO at Northwest Community Bank, when Steve was that bank's chief lending officer," Macomber said of Villanova. "Together they initiated and completed our efforts to consolidate all credit, loan origination, and loan servicing functions at the holding company level."
Under Villanova's leadership, the bank is certain to remain a community leader in Northwest Connecticut. Involving the bank and its employees in the lives of area residents, particularly those served by non-profit causes, has been a top priority of Macomber's.
"Mark is, in my opinion, the consummate CEO, the intelligent, professional, knowledgeable leader Litchfield Bancorp has been the beneficiary of, and because of his leadership, his successor, Tom Villanova, will continue to serve the bank and the community in an exemplary way," Hinkel said.
Though retirement beckons, Macomber will remain a fixture at the bank by retaining a seat on its board of directors, a move Mayland endorsed and Villanova supported.
"When Mark let me know of his intention to retire, we discussed his staying on the board of directors; something I strongly desire," Mayland said. I discussed Mark's staying on the board with Tom and he immediately expressed his strong desire to have this happen as well.
"The point being that Tom is sure of himself and also desires having the best talent possible as part of his team, something that makes me rest very easy about the bank's future."
Litchfield Bancorp is a mutual savings bank with assets of $220 million offering full service offices in Litchfield, Torrington, Oakville, Washington and Lakeville. To find out why Every Customer Counts, go to LitchfieldBancorp.com or call 860-567-9401.
Despite a few soggy players, the Nights Under The Lights weekend, sponsored by Litchfield Bancorp was a great success. This popular yearly event features the Litchfield High School varsity and junior varsity fall sports teams at night games under the lights.
Paul McLaughlin, Senior VP at Litchfield Bancorp presented a check to Berta Andrulis Mette, board member of Plumb Hill Playing Fields and a happy group of field hockey and soccer players before the games, pictured from left to right top row: Nick Hula, Andrew Gauvain, Quin McCarthy and bottom row: Lily Deering, Marissa Quesnel, Jenny Cappello, and Kirby Bunnell
Litchfield Bancorp has sponsored the event for the past 2 years and provides funding for operating costs. "This is a great event, all the teams really enjoy the excitement of the lights and night games. It's very rewarding to be part of it," said Paul McLaughlin Senior V.P. at Litchfield Bancorp.
The bank would also like to acknowledge the efforts of The Friends of Plumb Hill Playing Fields and the Cowboy Café volunteers who help organize the event as well as O&G Industries for furnishing the lights.
Litchfield Bancorp is a mutual savings bank with assets of $220 million offering full service offices in Litchfield, Torrington, Oakville, Washington and Lakeville. To find out why Every Customer Counts, go to LitchfieldBancorp.com or call 860-567-9401.
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Litchfield Bancorp announces leadership change
Donald K. Mayland, Chairman of the Board of Litchfield Bancorp, has announced that President and Chief Executive Officer Mark E. Macomber will retire on Dec. 31 after 18 years at the bank and more than 35 years in banking. Thomas J. Villanova, currently Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, has been selected to succeed Macomber as President and Chief Executive Officer.
Mark E. Macomber
Macomber, President and CEO since 1994, will remain on the bank’s board of directors. Villanova, the unanimous choice of Macomber and the board for the bank's top job, will assume his new duties on Jan. 1.
Thomas J. Villanova
Villanova, of New Hartford, has been Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since 2005. He joined the bank as a Vice President and commercial lender in 1994 and was promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer in 1997. Villanova is a graduate of Williams College, America's Community Bankers National School of Banking at Fairfield University and of the American Bankers Association senior leadership training program. He has been active in the community and has been heavily involved with the Chamber of Commerce of Northwest Connecticut, the United Way of Northwest Connecticut, the Connecticut Business Development Corporation, and the Litchfield Hills Economic Development Partnership. He was co-chaiman of the United Way’s Annual Campaign in 2009 and is the current chairman of the Northwest Chamber’s board of directors.
Macomber, of Bethlehem, joined Litchfield Bancorp as executive vice president in 1993 after working at banks in Newport and Providence, Rhode Island. He is also President and Chief Executive Officer of the Connecticut Mutual Holding Company, a partnership that includes Litchfield Bancorp, Northwest Community Bank in Winsted and Collinsville Savings Society in Canton.
Serving the community has been a priority for Macomber, who has been involved with the Chamber of Commerce of Northwest Connecticut, serving as its chairman in 1997-1999, the United Way of Northwest Connecticut, serving as its first president in 1999-2000, and the Connecticut Junior Republic, among other organizations. During his tenure as President and Chief Executive Officer, Macomber served a term as Chairman of America's Community Bankers, a national trade organization then representing 1,000 financial institutions, and led a merger of that organization with the American Bankers Association in 2007. He is also a past President of the Connecticut Community Bankers Association and a past Chairman of the Connecticut Bankers Association.
Litchfield Bancorp is a mutual savings bank with assets of $220 million offering full service offices in Litchfield, Torrington, Oakville, Washington and Lakeville. To find out why Every Customer Counts, go to LitchfieldBancorp.com or call 860-567-9401.
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Litchfield Bancorp promotes Jane Vannini
Jane Vannini, Oakville Assistant Branch Manager for Litchfield Bancorp
Litchfield Bancorp is proud to announce that Jane Vannini has been promoted to Assistant Branch Manager of the Oakville office.
"Jane is well-known for her willingness to do whatever it takes to help someone with their banking needs", said Paul McLaughlin, Litchfield Bancorp senior vice-president. "She is also very involved in the community and has received a number of service awards."
Vannini joined Litchfield Bancorp in 2000 as a customer service representative in the Litchfield office and moved to the Oakville office in 2006. Her promotion to Assistant Manager is an acknowledgement of her strong work ethic and sincere efforts to give customers excellent service.
This June, Vannini received the Paul Harris Fellowship, a Rotary International award, which is the Watertown Rotary's highest individual honor.
In addition, Jane has served as chair of the Watertown Rotary service committee for two years and as chair for the bank's employee fund drive for United Way.
Last year, she graduated from the Northwest CT Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Northwest program and completed a group project on the economic impact of tourism in the northwest corner of CT, which helped provide research and support for the development of a welcome center in Torrington.
Vannini has a degree in marketing from the University of Connecticut and lives in Torrington with her husband and family.
Litchfield Bancorp is a mutual savings bank with assets of $220 million offering full service offices in Litchfield, Torrington, Oakville, Washington and Lakeville. To find out why Every Customer Counts, go to LitchfieldBancorp.com or call 860-567-9401.
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Litchfield Bancorp Awards High School Scholarships
Litchfield Bancorp is pleased to announce the seven area high school students who have received scholarships to further their secondary school education.
The 2011 senior scholarships were awarded to Anne LaGattuta - Litchfield High School, Breann Beardslee - Wamogo Regional High School, Edward Anderson - Shepaug Valley High School, Jessica Levay - Watertown High School, Monika Kalinowska - Torrington High School, and Nickole Amon - Housatonic Valley Regional High School.
In addition, the Litchfield Bancorp Progress Cup was awarded to Melanie Torres, a senior at Litchfield High School. This special award is given to a student at Litchfield High School who shows the most progress during the academic year.
"It is incredibly rewarding to give out the scholarships at each high school's award ceremony", said Paul McLaughlin, Senior Vice President at Litchfield Bancorp. "The students are so proud of their achievements and we're glad we can play a part in helping students defray their college costs."
The recipients are selected based on a combination of academic progress, leadership, future college plans and financial need.
Litchfield Bancorp is a mutual savings bank with assets of $220 million offering full service offices in Litchfield, Torrington, Oakville, Washington and Lakeville. To find out why Every Customer Counts, go to www.litchfieldbancorp.com or call 860-567-9401.
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‘Community Counts’ @ Litchfield Bancorp
At Litchfield Bancorp’s "Community Counts" you can learn about free events in your community and register for them right online. You can also tell the bank what kinds of programs you'd like in your community, and even cast your vote to help support local charities. www.litchfieldbancorp.com
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16th Annual Community Day
hosted by Litchfield Bancorp
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Perfect weather combined with free entertainment and refreshments drew a large crowd to Litchfield Bancorp's 16th annual Community Day celebration on June 4.The bank sponsors the event as a way to acknowledge the community for its support. More than 500 people turned out for what has become a much-anticipated local tradition.
"The event was another success, everyone works really hard to make Community Day memorable" Litchfield Bancorp Senior Vice President Paul McLaughlin said. "We always have great live music thanks to Jacque Williams our DJ and entertainment from the Forbes Flyers, something for everyone."
Children played in inflatable fun houses set up on the lawn in front of the bank, had their faces painted by bank employees and snacked on hot dogs, soda, popcorn and snow cones served by the staff of Litchfield Bancorp.
Returning for another year of entertaining were the Forbes Flyers from Torrington, snapping their jump ropes to the sound of music, this award-winning team of jump-ropers displayed their talent throughout the afternoon.
"We had another great crowd, we handed out more hot dogs this year than in the past, and having good weather never hurts" said McLaughlin. "I know I always look forward to Community Day, and it appears that I am not the only one!"
Litchfield Bancorp proudly announces a series of free programs that offer arts enrichment to children, promote recycling, and contribute to financial health. The programs are being offered as part of the bank's initiative to support the interests and needs of the community.
"This type of programming is something a small community bank can do at a grass roots level and the feedback we get from the community will help us do that," said Mark Macomber, president and ceo of Litchfield Bancorp. Details of the free programs can be found at www.litchfieldbancorp.com/community.
The programs are offered under the theme "Community Counts," and members of the community are encouraged to visit the site regularly, or sign up to receive notifications to get the latest information on upcoming programs and events.
June programs include a sneaker-recycling event, to be held in conjunction with the Litchfield Hills Road Race. Old sneakers will be recycled into re-generated material that is used for athletic and playground surfaces. Donations should be brought to the collection point at the top of the Litchfield Green on race day, June 12 between 10 and 2pm, to help this worthy cause.
An upcoming event for children is Oil Drum Art, lead by visual artist Susan Rosano. Students will create ecology-themed designs and paint them on recycled oil drums with the help of the artist. The workshops will be offered in June at four locations: Lakeville, Washington, Litchfield and Torrington. It is geared toward ages 7-11, but others are welcome to register.
Also during the months of June through August, Litchfield Bancorp will match the first $10 deposited into a children's savings account as part of the American Banker's Association 'Race To Save.'
'Community Counts' is on-going and Litchfield Bancorp will be announcing more free programs and events on its special Community Counts website page. Programs and events will focus on three themes: Green Begins @ Home, a series of grassroots recycling programs; Art of Discovery, which offers children's arts programs; and Your Financial Health, talks for adults about real life financial issues faced by families today.
The bank is interested in feedback from the community and will consider new events based on comments and requests received on the site. The bank will also make donations to deserving local charities that have been chosen by visitors to the site.
Litchfield Bancorp is a mutual savings bank with assets of $220 million offering full service offices in Litchfield, Torrington, Oakville, Washington and Lakeville. To find out why Every Customer Counts, go to www.litchfieldbancorp.com or call 860-567-9401. Community Counts programming can be found at www.litchfieldbancorp.com/community.
