Cornerstone Bank opens new branch at 195 Main Street in Shrewsbury

Cornerstone Bank has opened its 11th branch at 195 Main Street in Shrewsbury.

“We are thrilled to be able to welcome our many customers in Shrewsbury to this beautiful new location,” said Todd Tallman, CEO of Cornerstone Bank. “We pride ourselves on being caring members of the communities we serve, and look forward to growing and strengthening our relationships with residents and businesses in this town.”

Cornerstone Bank broke ground for its new Shrewsbury branch last July. The approximately 1,700-square-foot facility was designed and built by Solidus, Inc., which specializes in creating exceptional spaces for financial institutions.  

The full-service branch features two drive-up lanes with ATM capabilities and drive-up video tellers available during banking hours, dedicated lending and investment specialists, a coffee bar and EV charging stations. It’s open Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cornerstone Bank donates $15,000 to the Exchange Club of Spencer

Funds support the rebuilding of a basketball court damaged by a fire last summer

Cornerstone Bank has donated $15,000 to the Exchange Club of Spencer for the rebuilding of a basketball court on the grounds of the Spencer First Congregational Church. The court suffered severe damage during a five-alarm fire caused by a lightning strike on the church steeple in June of 2023, which destroyed the church and left the basketball court in ruins.

“The basketball court in Spencer was a vital recreation space for residents of all ages to come together to enjoy exercise and friendly competition in a safe, accessible location,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “Its destruction was a significant loss for the local community, and we’re happy to help contribute to its restoration.”

The project includes court surface reconstruction, hoop and backboard replacement, fencing, landscaping and benches.

Throughout the years, the Exchange Club of Spencer has been responsible for community improvements of all types, such as the beautification of town parks, the Town Hall clock restoration, children’s play spaces, Memorial Day flags and Spencer/East Brookfield Little League’s refreshment booth.


Cornerstone Bank promotes three employees to leadership positions

Cornerstone Bank recently promoted three employees to leadership positions. Rachel Briggs of Spencer was promoted from vice president to senior vice president, commercial loan operations. Kyle Hill, a resident of Brimfield, was promoted from vice president to senior vice president, retail loan operations. And Warren resident Jacqueline Croft was promoted from assistant vice president to vice president, Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), risk and security officer.

“We are committed to providing our employees with career growth opportunities, which makes these three promotions especially gratifying,” said Todd Tallman, CEO of Cornerstone Bank. “Rachel, Jacueline and Kyle are incredibly valuable to us, and we look forward to seeing their impact grow in their new roles.”

Briggs has been a Cornerstone Bank employee for 24 years. In her new role as senior vice president, commercial loan operations, she will oversee the operations and administration of the Commercial Lending Department, service the commercial loan portfolio and ensure compliance with regulatory and internal audits. Briggs has a B.S. in business administration from Worcester State University, and a certificate in banking and financial support services from the New England School of Financial Studies. As a community volunteer, she provides financial literacy education through Cornerstone Bank, works with local food banks and participates in Habitat for Humanity Playhouse Build projects.

Hill has worked at Cornerstone for 25 years. As senior vice president, retail loan operations, he will oversee and support the production, processing, underwriting, closing and servicing of residential loans. He is responsible for ensuring compliance with federal, state and local regulations, as well as internal policies and procedures, and collaborates with other departments and external partners to achieve the strategic goals of the organization.

Croft has 14 years’ of experience in the banking industry, with the last two at Cornerstone. In her new role as vice president, BSA, risk and security officer, she is responsible for managing the bank’s compliance with all aspects of the BSA, Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) and the USA PATRIOT Act. She maintains and implements the BSA/Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance program and security policies and procedures, and her team performs financial crimes investigations across the bank. Croft is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and a volunteer educator, providing financial literacy programs focused on fraud prevention for students and seniors.

Cornerstone Bank 2023 donations exceeded $506,000

Funds included scholarships and financial support for 169 community organizations and events

Cornerstone Bank announced its donations in 2023 totaled $506,475, benefitting 169 organizations, events and services in Central Massachusetts.

“We have long supported initiatives important to our community, our team, and our customers,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “In 2023, we had another successful and meaningful year of giving back to the communities we serve, both in terms of financial support and time.”

A sampling of the donations Cornerstone made in 2023 includes:

  • $50,000 for the Worcester Community Action Council home heating assistance program
  • $36,483.60 (Cornerstone’s match of employee donations) for the United Way of South Central Massachusetts, supporting its vital community programs
  • $25,000 to the Center of Hope Foundation in Southbridge—the first year of Cornerstone’s five-year total pledge of $125,000 to upgrade and expand the facilities
  • $25,000 to support programs and services at the YMCA of Central Massachusetts, including The Achievers, Numbers in the Sun, LIVESTRONG and What’s for Dinner
  • $25,000 to Our Bright Future Inc. in Southbridge, committed to empowering children and developing future leaders through science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) initiatives
  • $15,000 to UMass Memorial Health for its nutrition-focused “Food is Medicine” program, which aims to provide higher-risk patients with access to healthy food options
  • $15,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass & Metrowest to support the organization’s 60th Anniversary Big Celebration and its Golf Fore Kids event
  • $12,500 to the EcoTarium in Worcester. This was the first of Cornerstone’s two-year pledge of $25,000 for construction of a traveling exhibit and redevelopment of its early learning play area
  • $12,500 to the Bridge of Faith Youth Center in Southbridge. This was the first of Cornerstone’s two-year pledge of $25,000 to support the organization’s mission

Cornerstone also provided $40,000 in scholarships to 16 local high school seniors with plans to pursue studies in business and finance, and held community-engagement events such as its “Stuff the Bus” school supply drive benefitting the Planting the Seed Foundation of Worcester.

Throughout 2023, Cornerstone held 204 financial literacy programs, up from 114 in 2022, for children, teens, adults and seniors throughout the area, donating a total of 568 hours. Cornerstone Bank also offers employees a “volunteer day” benefit through which they can spend a paid workday volunteering for a local non-profit. In 2023, 73 employees participated for a total of 498 hours, working with groups such as the United Way, Relay for Life, Community Harvest Project, Jacob Edwards Library and Habitat for Humanity.

In September, Cornerstone Bank received the Corporate Citizen Award and was honored among the most charitable companies in Massachusetts by the Boston Business Journal. In April, the bank received the Community Award from the Planting the Seed Foundation, which recognized Cornerstone’s commitment to homeless children and their families.

Cornerstone Bank mentors future entrepreneurs at Gateways Academy in Shrewsbury

Cornerstone Bank recently partnered with Gateways Academy, Inc., a small, private school in Shrewsbury, to support its small business program. In addition to donating a per-student stipend for materials, Cornerstone Bank’s Community Relations Manager, Nicole DiGregorio, along with employees from the finance, commercial, and marketing departments, provided weekly instruction to the students for business plan development and marketing.

“We gave each student $20 to create and sell a product at the school’s December 14 craft fair,” said DiGregorio. “I visited Gateways Academy once a week for 14 weeks, helping each student create a business plan that included a logo, tagline, target audience, budget, supplies list and product pricing. I loved seeing the confidence and excitement building in each student as they worked on their projects. We look forward to returning for more programs next school year.”

In addition to the business plan, DiGregorio taught the students about resources available to help support small businesses, conducted class-wide brainstorming, helped the students create advertising for the craft fair and worked with them on problem-solving skills. At the craft fair on December 14, students sold their products, raising over $1,200 that was donated back to the school for other programs.

“It is an honor for us to support innovative programs like this one at Gateways Academy and spark inspiration for future entrepreneurs,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “The school is one of 70 different local organizations we initiated or renewed partnerships with over the past year.”

Cornerstone Bank announces retirement of VP, Commercial Lender, David Sabourin

Cornerstone Bank announces the retirement of Vice President, Commercial Lender, David Sabourin.

“It has been a privilege to work with David over the last six years,” said Todd Tallman, CEO of Cornerstone Bank. “We thank David for his dedication to making sure his borrowers were always given everything they needed. We wish him the best as he embarks on the next chapter of his life.”

Sabourin, a resident of Northbridge, began his banking career over two decades ago and joined Cornerstone Bank in 2018. He has enjoyed every step of his career, especially when he was able to see the construction of a new building or the use of a new piece of equipment that he helped finance.

“As I begin the next chapter in my life, I am grateful for the years I have spent with colleagues and customers at Cornerstone Bank. I look forward to the joys of retirement and spending time with family.”

Cornerstone Bank recognizes 21 employees for dedicated service

Years of Service Award recipients honored during December 6 event

Cornerstone Bank recently honored 21 employees who hit a landmark in their tenure in 2023. The Years of Service Awards were presented on December 6 in Sturbridge. Cornerstone employees are honored for every five years of service.

“The dedication of these 21 employees is inspiring,” said CEO of Cornerstone Bank Todd Tallman. “We work to foster a culture of growth and development within our institution, and it is a true testament when we see the longevity of some of our team members. I congratulate them for their years— and some for their decades—of loyalty and commitment to our customers.”

The following 21 employees were recognized at the event:

25 Years

  • Heather Goguen
  • Kyle Hill
  • James Sandagato
  • Todd Tallman        

20 Years

  • Michael Sullivan

15 Years

  • Jessica Johnson            

10 Years

  • Scott Auen
  • Daniel D’Amico
  • Valerie Korzec
  • Thomas Langmeyer
  • Kerri Lee
  • Maria Martinez
  • Meredith Nordstrom
  • Stacie Partlow           

5 Years

  • Alexandria Dickson
  • Andrea Fournier
  • Brian Grady
  • Tracey Jeffries
  • Maria Salvatore
  • Lisa Stone
  • Julia Westwell

Cornerstone Bank pledges $25,000 to EcoTarium’s Capital Campaign

Funds will support a solar-powered traveling exhibit and an Early Childhood Science Learning Center

Cornerstone Bank has pledged $25,000 over two years to EcoTarium’s $10.5 million Third Century Capital Campaign – Phase III.

“As the only science and nature museum in Central Massachusetts, EcoTarium is a valuable community resource,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “It is our honor to make this pledge in support of the organization’s efforts to expand its facility and ensure it is here for generations to come.”

The funding from Cornerstone Bank will support the construction of a 6,000-square-foot, solar-powered traveling exhibit, and the redevelopment of the early learning play area into an Early Childhood Science Learning Center, including program expansion and an endowment dedicated to supporting children from birth to age eight and their families.

“We are grateful to Cornerstone Bank for its support of our work,” said EcoTarium President and CEO Noreen Johnson Smith. “As we approach the 200th anniversary of our organization in 2025, the completion of these projects will allow us to showcase the museum’s achievements over the years, and bring renewed awareness to our mission. We couldn’t accomplish this without dedicated community partners like Cornerstone Bank.”

Cornerstone Bank is committed to supporting causes that improve the quality of life for the residents of central Massachusetts. The bank frequently makes monetary donations and donations of goods or services to local schools, civic groups and church groups in the communities it serves.

Well-rooted in the Worcester community as the oldest organization dedicated to the study of science and nature, EcoTarium is a private, non-profit institution whose work continues to reflect the ideologies and vision adopted when it was founded almost 200 years ago.

Cornerstone Bank provides $5,000 for Winter Wonderland Masquerade Gala

Funds support the For One Child Foundation and The WellStorm, Inc.

Alexandria Dickson, marketing supervisor, Cornerstone Bank; Nicole Degregorio, community relations manager, Cornerstone Bank; Carla DelaCruz Davila, co-founder/president, The Wellstorm, Inc.


Pictured left to right: Alexandria Dickson, marketing supervisor, Cornerstone Bank; Nicole Degregorio, community relations manager, Cornerstone Bank; Carla DelaCruz Davila, co-founder/president, The Wellstorm, Inc. 

Cornerstone Bank is sponsoring the Winter Wonderland Masquerade Gala with a $5,000 donation. The event, which will be held on Saturday, December 2, at 6 p.m. at 55 Pearl Street in Worcester, benefits The WellStorm (TWS) in Southbridge and the For One Child Foundation in Auburn. 

“Not only are we proud to support these two deserving organizations, but also to raise awareness for the valuable work they do,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “We hope others will join by attending and sponsoring this fun and creative opportunity to ‘glam up’ for a great cause.”

TWS aims to bridge the gap of poverty and engage the community in building connections and support for individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health struggles and food insecurity. One way TWS does this is by supporting the community with the Bridge Fridge, which allows anyone in the community to access healthy food. The mission of the For One Child Foundation is to empower children by providing learning materials, educational technology and other classroom necessities to deprived schoolchildren, in order to holistically enhance their lives and allow for a better future.

The Winter Wonderland Masquerade Gala will include awards highlighting the work of each organization’s staff, volunteers and supporters, as well as raffles, silent auctions, food, drinks, music and dancing. Tickets are $75 each and can be purchased online at bit.ly/3S8biEg.

Cornerstone Bank receives Community Award from Planting the Seed Foundation

Cornerstone Bank today announced it has received the Community Award from the Planting the Seed Foundation. The award recognizes Cornerstone’s commitment to homeless children and their families.

“Planting the Seed Foundation’s commitment to improving the lives of families in need throughout our community grows bigger every year,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “It is our privilege to proudly support them with our Stuff the Bus and toy drive campaigns, and it is a tremendous honor to receive the Community Award.”

Planting the Seed Foundation gives out two Community Awards each year—one to a single person and the other to a community sponsor. Cornerstone Bank’s receipt of the award this year recognizes the company’s support of Planting the Seed with their donations from the annual school supply drive (backpacks, pencils, lunchboxes, etc.) and last year’s holiday toy drive.

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