Greenfield Cooperative Bank Celebrates 120 Years of Community Dedication at Annual Meeting

Greenfield Cooperative Bank proudly marked its 120th year of serving the community at its annual meeting held on June 17th. 

“A lot has transpired since the bank was founded in 1905 – two World Wars, two influenza pandemics, fourteen economic recessions, and twenty-one U.S. Presidents,” said Tony Worden, GCB President & CEO. “Through good times and difficult times, Greenfield Cooperative Bank continues to be there for our customers, our employees, and the community.”

The meeting highlighted GCB’s strong financial performance over the past year, while emphasizing that the true strength of the bank lies in its people – both customers and employees. Over the last year, GCB has made significant investments in people and technology to ensure it remains relevant and poised for the future, providing customers with the products and services they need to achieve their financial goals, from purchasing a first home to preparing for retirement.

Commitment to Community Shines Bright

The central theme of the annual meeting was GCB’s profound “Commitment to Community.” In 2024, the bank proudly supported 215 local organizations, increasing its charitable giving over 10%. Employee volunteerism also saw a significant increase, with team members dedicating their time to organizations such as Franklin County Community Meals and the Amherst Survival Center.

GCB deepened its dedication to fostering homeownership and strengthening local communities. The bank highlighted the impactful work of Victor Rodriguez, whose First Time Homebuying sessions have empowered numerous individuals. These vital sessions were made possible through collaborations with key community partners including Valley Community Development Corp., Way Finders, Holyoke Housing Authority, and Springfield Partners for Community Action.

Throughout the year, GCB branches also served as collection points for various community initiatives, supporting organizations like Stone Soup Cafe, All Our Kids Inc., and Toys for Tots.

Investing in the Future: Technology, Financial Literacy, and Employee Growth

Greenfield Cooperative Bank remains at the forefront of providing an exceptional banking experience by investing in innovative programs, ideas, and technology.

The bank also stepped up its efforts in financial literacy, with employees volunteering with Junior Achievement and the bank offering comprehensive financial literacy tools on its website. Furthermore, GCB demonstrated a conscious commitment to its employees by investing in their continuing education and providing paths for career advancement.

Looking ahead, Tony Worden stated, “As we celebrate 120 years, we are not just looking back at our rich history, but enthusiastically looking forward to the future. Our continued investment in our people, technology, and community partnerships ensures that Greenfield Cooperative Bank will remain a vital resource for generations to come.”  

Additionally, the Annual Meeting successfully concluded with the election of several corporators and directors, further strengthening the bank’s leadership for years to come. Those elected include:

Corporators

Incumbents:

Kevin D. Parsons, Esq.

New candidates:

Laura Smiarowksi
Jessica Thompson
Lisa Kmetz

Directors

Incumbents:

Kevin O’Neil
Keith Finan
Daniel Graves, Esq.

The Annual Meeting wrapped up on a high note, fostering a sense of shared purpose and excitement for the future of Greenfield Cooperative Bank. The full Annual Report can be found on the banks website at https://greenfieldcoopbank.com/learn/about-our-bank/