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Cornerstone Bank has pledged $125,000 to the Center of Hope Foundation in Southbridge as part of its Hope Grows Here Capital Campaign. Cornerstone will donate $25,000 per year for the next five years, with funds used to upgrade and expand the facilities for people with disabilities and their families.

“We are proud to support the amazing work Center of Hope does in our community,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “This organization provides valuable services and opportunities so that everyone can become contributing members of the community and achieve the most fulfilling lives possible.”

The funds will be used to redesign and renovate the Center of Hope facilities to optimize square footage, increase occupancy and create an aesthetically pleasing, non-institutional environment. This will include improved accessibility, updated computer labs, enhanced security and access control systems and upgraded HVAC, ventilation and air quality systems.

“We are grateful for Cornerstone’s support as our goals are ambitious,” said Cindy Howard, President and CEO, Center of Hope Foundation. “There are currently 7,000 people with disabilities in Massachusetts who are not receiving services. This campaign will allow us to increase our capacity and give hope and opportunity to more people in an inclusive and safe environment.”

To support the Hope Grows Here campaign, visit thecenterofhope.org/campaign.

Pictured from left to right: Todd Tallman, CEO of Cornerstone Bank; Cindy Howard, President & CEO of Center of Hope; Chad Krause, Chief Program Officer.

Hybrid technology fuses the convenience of an ATM with the personal service of a bank teller

Cornerstone Bank just unveiled a new 'Interactive Teller Machine' (ITM) at its Park Avenue branch in Worcester.

“This new technology offers our customers the best of both worlds,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “The ITM works the same as an ATM, but with the added capability to connect with one of our interactive customer service representatives via live video chat.”

Using their debit cards, customers can conduct the same transactions at an ITM as at an ATM, including making deposits of cash or checks, performing internal transfers between accounts, checking balances or withdrawing money. The ITM has the added capability of providing cash in multiple denominations, including coins.

During regular bank hours, customers can choose to engage with an interactive customer service representative (iCSR) by text or video chat if they have questions, need help with any of the standard ATM transactions, want to make a loan payment or wish to transfer funds to a secondary customer with an account at the bank. Because the ITM features an ID scanner, customers can also connect with an iCSR to perform transactions without their debit card. All iCSRs are located at the Cornerstone Bank Operations Center in Southbridge.

“We want to provide our customers with as many secure options as possible to bank in ways that work best for them,” said Cornerstone Bank EVP of Retail Banking, Altaf Ahmed. “The ITM expands the offerings of a traditional ATM, is simple to use and offers greater versatility. It’s a technology that merges convenience with personalized customer service.”

Funds will support the Briarwood Golf Outing and 5K & Walk for Barton

Cornerstone Bank has donated a total of $8,750 to sponsor two fall events: the Briarwood Golf Outing at the Wachusett Country Club in West Boylston on Thursday, September 28; and the 5th Annual 5K & Walk for Barton, Fall Festival & Craft Fair in North Oxford on Saturday, October 14.

“It is a tremendous privilege to support both of these incredible organizations,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “The important work they each do is vital to the community, and we are proud to be part of these wonderful annual events.”

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

Cornerstone’s $7,500 sponsorship of the Briarwood Golf Outing will help Worcester-based Briarwood Continuing Care Retirement Community in its mission to provide the highest quality coordinated housing, health, wellness and support services to its residents.

The Bank’s $1,250 donation to the Barton Center for Diabetes Education, Inc., will be used to raise money to support camp operations, fund the campership program and provide financial assistance to children who would otherwise be unable to attend camp.

To learn more about Briarwood’s Golf Outing, visit briarwoodretirement.com. For more information about the Barton Center and the 5^th Annual 5K & Walk, visit bartoncenter.org.

RITE Student Checking encourages financial independence with special benefits

With school back in session, Cornerstone Bank is pleased to offer a new checking account designed for the unique needs of students⁴. The account offers a variety of features and benefits to help students get a strong start toward financial independence. The best part? It’s free⁵ for students ages 16 through 25.

“We are big proponents of financial literacy, so we wanted to create an account that makes it easier for students in high school and college to start banking on their own,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “Our RITE Student Checking Account is free⁵ for students until they’re 26 and comes with many benefits and money-saving perks they will really appreciate.”

It only takes $25 to open the account and there is no minimum monthly balance requirement⁶. Unlimited ATM surcharge reimbursements, as well as online and mobile banking³, mean the account works well for students attending school away from home.

Beyond banking benefits, which include rewards for everyday purchases and Early Pay with direct deposit, the RITE Student Checking Account also boasts valuable non-banking perks that both students and their parents will appreciate. These include discounts from local and national retailers*, cell phone protection^1,2, roadside assistance, ID Theft Aid^1,2, buyer’s protection and extended warranty^1,2, a health savings card and more.

“We know today’s students have a lot of expenses and stress, so we wanted to offer them a checking account that provides the services and security they need,” said Cornerstone Bank EVP, Retail Banking, Altaf Ahmed. “For example, if they pay their cell phone bill through their RITE Student Checking Account, the phone is covered for repair or replacement up to $400 per claim^1,2. It’s extras like these that can help provide peace of mind for students and parents, especially when students are leaving home for college.”

Applicants must be active students ages 16 to 25. Students who are 16 require a parent or guardian as a joint account owner. Monthly maintenance service charges are waived until the student reaches age 26, at which time a $6 monthly maintenance service charge will be assessed.

¹ Cell phone protection, personal identity theft benefit, and buyer’s protection and extended warranty are subject to additional terms and conditions as detailed in the Guide to Benefits, which can be found online at cornerstonebank.com/cornerstone-plus  or by asking a Bank representative.

² Insurance products are: NOT A DEPOSIT. NOT FDIC-INSURED. NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY. NOT GUARANTEED BY THE BANK.

³ Minors (16–17) have access to view transactions, mobile deposits, and transfers within Cornerstone Bank. When the minor reaches the age of 18, they will have access to all Online Banking features.

⁴ Applicant must be an active student aged 16-25. Students the age of 16 require a parent or guardian as a joint account owner.

⁵ No monthly maintenance service charge until age 26; at the attainment of age 26, a $6 monthly maintenance service charge will be assessed.

⁶If account balance is $0.00 or less for 60 consecutive days, the account will be closed.

*Participating merchants on BaZing are not sponsors of the program, are subject to change without notice, may not be available in all regions, and may choose to limit deals.

Cornerstone Bank will receive the Corporate Citizen Award and be honored among the most charitable companies in Massachusetts by the Boston Business Journal. This award, which will be presented on September 7 at the Seaport Hotel in Boston, recognizes the region's top corporate charitable contributors who have donated more than $100,000 each to the local community.

“Giving back to the community we serve is part of our foundation, so we’re proud to be recognized for our charitable contributions throughout 2022,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “Our giving efforts last year included nearly $500,000 in donations to local organizations such as the United Way of South Central Massachusetts, Worcester Community Action Council, Our Bright Future Inc., YMCA of Central Massachusetts, Worcester County Food Bank and others, as well as 16 scholarships to graduating high school seniors.”

“It is with honor that we present our list of the Top Charitable Contributors in Massachusetts—companies who gave $100,000 or more to Massachusetts-based charities in 2022,” said Boston Business Journal Market President and Publisher Carolyn Jones. “Collectively, they gave $423 million in cash contributions—a true example of the business community coming together to help those in need.  We are proud to celebrate these organizations who give both money and time to make the region a stronger and better place for all.

This year, there were 100 companies that qualified for the distinction. The honorees include companies from such industry sectors as financial and professional services, health care, technology, retail and professional sports. This is the third consecutive year Cornerstone Bank has received this recognition.

Cornerstone Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Christopher Mallon to senior vice president and program manager for the Capstone Planning Group. In this role, he helps oversee a variety of functions including business development, trading, compliance and strategic initiatives. The Sturbridge resident previously served as vice president and program manager.

“Chris came to us in 2019 with more than a decade of experience working at some of the industry’s largest asset management companies,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “Since then, he has continued to take on increased responsibilities and become a key member of our leadership team. His promotion is well deserved.”

Mallon has extensive experience positioning mutual funds, ETFs, managed accounts, stocks and bonds within client portfolios. He holds various licenses including his Series 7 Securities Brokers License, Series 65 Investment Advisor License, and Series 24 General Principles License.

A graduate of Providence College, Mallon is an active member of his community serving as a board member for United Way and coach for Sturbridge Youth Soccer. 

The Capstone Planning Group is a wealth management team conveniently located at Cornerstone Bank that provides objective recommendations based on each client's specific needs. Services include comprehensive financial planning, investment advice, retirement income planning, legacy and estate planning, insurance and more.

The new building, expected to open this winter, will be located at 195 Main Street

Cornerstone Bank broke ground on its 11^th location at 195 Main Street in Shrewsbury on Monday, July 31, 2023. The new branch in Shrewsbury, which is being built and designed by Solidus, Inc., is expected to be completed this winter.

“We are excited to start the construction for this new location,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “We have a lot of customers in Shrewsbury and look forward to playing a more direct role in this vibrant town.”

Cornerstone Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Sutton resident Daniel D’Amico to vice president, commercial banking officer. In this role as a commercial lender and commercial services manager, he has a unique depth of knowledge regarding various elements and collaborations within the bank, allowing him to provide a high level of service for all customers. He expertly assists customers with their lending and commercial banking needs along with the help of his team below him. He was previously the assistant vice president, commercial banking officer.

“Dan began his career in the banking industry 17 years ago and has been with us since 2013,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “From his experience in both commercial lending and commercial services, he supplies exceptional advice and solutions to his customers while creating meaningful and long-lasting relationships along the way.”

D’Amico received a B.S. in criminal justice from Worcester State University. He is a Certified Fraud Examiner through the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, as well as a graduate of The New England School for Financial Studies.

“I am proud to be a member of the Cornerstone Bank Commercial Services team,” said D’Amico. “The work our experienced staff does to help businesses operate efficiently and grow is second to none, and it is an honor to partner with our amazing clients.”

By providing clients with the responsive support and extensive and enhanced commercial banking services they need, Cornerstone Bank simplifies banking so business owners can focus on what matters most to them: their businesses, employees, and customers.

D’Amico is also treasurer of the Worcester Young Businessmen’s Association and a board member of the Rainbow Child Development Center.

A total of $40,000 was awarded to students to assist with college expenses.

Cornerstone Bank is proud to announce the 16 recipients of its college scholarships program for local high school graduates. Each was awarded $2,500 to assist with college expenses.

“We are proud to be able to help students in our community continue their education, and wish these 16 exceptional graduates continued success,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “We extend our congratulations to all members of the Class of 2023.”

This is the list of the 2023 scholarship recipients and their high schools:

• Nicholas Berg, St. John’s High School
• Camden Blum, Worcester Academy
• Julia Canty, Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School
• Joseph Collard, Wachusett Regional High School
• Emma Drake, Shepherd Hill Regional High School
• Katelyn Fountain, Quaboag Regional Middle High School
• Claire Hill, Tantasqua Regional High School
• Cameron Hoekstra, David Prouty High School
• Ryan Kelley, Tantasqua Regional High School
• Molly Ledbetter, Leicester High School
• Luke Miller, Shepherd Hill Regional High School
• Ethan Minarik, Bartlett High School
• Anushri Mohan, Wachusett Regional High School
• Zara Rivett, Clearway School
• Haley Soden, Tantasqua Regional High School
• Tyler Woodbury, Mount Greylock Regional School

To be considered for a scholarship, each student had to:

• Be a 2023 high school graduate
• Anticipate being a full-time student at an accredited, degree-granting institution of higher education
• Anticipate studying in a business or financial field
• Demonstrate achievement and high standards in academics, extracurricular activities and community involvement
• Submit an official transcript and GPA from their guidance office
• Submit a one-page essay

Contributions can be made at any branch through August 4

Cornerstone Bank is holding a “Stuff the Bus” school supply drive through August 4 at all its branches. Collected supplies will be donated to the Planting the Seed Foundation of Worcester for distribution to local children before the start of the 2023–24 school year.

“We want to ensure students in our community have the tools they need to succeed in school,” said Todd Tallman, CEO of Cornerstone Bank. “The costs for supplies can add up quickly, causing stress for both parents and children, as well as teachers. We encourage everyone in our community to donate, so we can help kick off the coming school year with a positive start.”

The community is encouraged to donate new school supplies such as pens, pencils, backpacks, notebooks, crayons, markers, folders, glue, etc., at any of Cornerstone’s 10 branch locations in Charlton, Holden, Leicester, Rutland, Southbridge, Spencer, Sturbridge, Webster and Worcester.

Planting the Seed Foundation, a 100-percent volunteer, non-profit organization, is committed to improving the lives of families in need throughout Worcester and central Massachusetts.