WORCESTER, Mass. – Cornerstone Bank, a community bank with 12 locations throughout Central Massachusetts, will host a reopening celebration at its Worcester branch located at 70 West Boylston Street, on Saturday, October 9th. The event, which will unveil new renovations, will be held from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. with family-friendly activities and an official ribbon cutting at noon. “We are excited to celebrate this newly remodeled branch with our community,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “This renovation represents our ongoing commitment to serve the banking and financial needs of our neighborhood. We welcome our friends and customers to come by with their families to see our beautifully renovated branch and enjoy face painting, balloon artist, ice cream and giveaways.” The community is invited to attend and enjoy refreshments and activities for the whole family. For more information about Cornerstone Bank and its services, please visit cornerstonebank.com

WORCESTER, Mass. – Cornerstone Bank, a community bank with 12 locations throughout Central Massachusetts, will host a reopening celebration at its Sturbridge branch located at 200 Charlton Road, Route 20, on Saturday, October 2^nd  The event, which will unveil new renovations, will be held from 10:00 am.–1:00 pm with an official ribbon cutting at noon. “We are excited to celebrate this newly remodeled branch with our community,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “We invite customers and our community to stop by with their family for games, food, and entertainment. Come check out our renovated branch, which has been elevated with a more modern and functional design for our staff and more importantly our customers. I look forward to seeing you there.” The public is welcome to attend and enjoy fun for the whole family including a bounce house, face painting, ice cream truck, balloon artist, games, giveaways, and more. For more information about Cornerstone Bank and its services, please visit cornerstonebank.com.

WORCESTER Mass. – Cornerstone Bank, a community bank with 12 locations throughout Central Massachusetts, has been named as an honoree in the Boston Business Journal’s 2021 Corporate Citizenship Awards, a recognition of the region's top corporate charitable contributors. The Business Journal annually publishes this list to showcase companies that promote and prioritize giving back to their communities. “We are honored to have been recognized for our charitable contributions throughout 2020,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “Our giving efforts last year included nearly $400,000 in donations to local organizations. This included funds to purchase PPE for Harrington HealthCare System, donations to three local United Way chapters, the Worcester County Food Bank and the Worcester Community Action Council, 16 scholarships to graduating seniors and many more.” This year, only 98 companies qualified for the distinction by reporting at least $100,000 in contributions to Massachusetts-based charities last year. The honorees this year include companies from such industry sectors as financial and professional services, health care, technology, retail and professional sports. “During a year filled with unprecedented events and change, it’s incredible to think that so many companies, as represented by those on the Boston Business Journal’s Corporate Charitable Contributors list, still gave so generously to charities in Massachusetts,” said Boston Business Journal Market President and Publisher Carolyn Jones. “These companies give back at least $100,000 to the local community, and now we are in a time when giving back and helping one another is more important than ever. The philanthropic companies prioritize the welfare of our communities, and we are excited to be able to honor them.” Cornerstone Bank and other honorees will be celebrated at the Boston Business Journal’s 16th Annual Corporate Citizenship Awards on September 9, a commemoration of honorees that will be virtual to ensure everyone’s health and safety. “With the hardships many faced in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was more important than ever for us to continue to find ways to give back,” continued Tallman. “Despite restrictions on gatherings, in-person events and other traditional opportunities for volunteering, we were still able to help better our own backyard, a commitment we will continue to pursue in 2021 and in the future.”

Recipients receive $2,000 to assist with college expenses Cornerstone Bank, a community bank with 12 locations throughout Central Massachusetts, is proud to announce the 16 recipients of their scholarship awards program for local high school graduates. Each chosen graduate is awarded $2,000 to assist with college expenses. “Cornerstone Bank is honored to help high school graduates throughout the community pursue higher education in the fields of business and finance,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “It’s important to us that we can support students throughout our community in reaching their goals; we are excited to see what their futures hold.” This is the list of the 2021 scholarship recipients along with the name of the school they plan to attend in the fall:

• Daniel Bowen of Spencer, University of Massachusetts-Amherst
• Sydney DiMarzio of Ware, University of Connecticut
• Colin Drake of Charlton, Bryant University
• Jacqueline Dugay of Ware, Washington and Lee University
• Madison Dungey of Sturbridge, Franklin Pierce University
• Calvin Fullerton of Charlton, Penn State University
• Kyle LeBlanc of Charlton, West Virginia University
• Matthew Majersky of Holden, Stonehill College
• Ainsley Maus of Brookfield, The George Washington University
• Gabriela Piwowarczyk of Webster, University of Massachusetts-Amherst
• Michael Romano of Rutland, Florida International University
• Darian Shepherd of West Brookfield, Johnson & Wales University
• Miles Sullivan of Westminster, Fitchburg State University
• Joseph Szela of Oxford, Bentley University
• Rebecca Turley of Fiskdale, The George Washington University
• Isabella Vangos of Auburn, Bentley University

“It is with pride that we award the achievements of these 16 students who excelled academically as well as in extracurricular activities and community involvement,” said Tallman. “We wish them continued success in the next chapter of their educations.” To be considered for a scholarship, each student had to:

• Be a 2021 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

Learn more about the Cornerstone Bank scholarship recipients here: www.cornerstonebank.com/2021-scholarship-recipients/

WORCESTER, Mass. – Cornerstone Bank, a community bank with 12 locations throughout Central Massachusetts, has donated $3,000 to the Nativity School of Worcester, an independent, Jesuit middle school providing all-scholarship education to underserved boys of all faiths. The funds will be used to help low- and moderate-income families of current students as well as students who have graduated, through the school’s Graduate Support Program. “Not only does the Nativity School foster the growth and learning of students currently enrolled with them, but they ensure that their graduates are prepared for the upcoming year in high school or college,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “The school’s work inspires responsibility, a love of service and a dedication to learning that many of these students may have never experienced otherwise. Cornerstone Bank is happy to make this donation, which has helped to fund the Nativity School’s all-important summer program.” The Nativity School of Worcester’s summer program runs for three weeks during the summer and focuses on core academics, including language arts and math, as well as community services. Students and faculty spend every afternoon volunteering at local organizations to empower them to recognize the ways they can improve their community. The Graduate Support Team coordinates with alumni to provide school supplies to high school and college-aged graduates of the Nativity School, helping them to continue their education. “We are proud to play a small part in creating a long-lasting love of learning for these students,” continued Tallman. “We understand how important quality education is for all, and we are honored to assist in everything the Nativity School of Worcester is doing for its students and alumni.”

Cornerstone Bank, a community bank with 12 locations throughout Central Massachusetts, is proud to announce the success of a significant multi-year contribution to Worcester State University’s Bridge to Excellence: Summer STEM Retention Program. The $18,000 donation helped the program to support incoming science, technology, engineering and math majors, strengthening the school’s retention in these important fields and helping more students to complete their degree. “The STEM fields are so important but also can be intimidating for many students in their first years of college,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “In 2018 when we had the opportunity to help sponsor this pilot program, we jumped at the chance to give students more of a fighting shot in these difficult STEM courses.” The program included three main elements to help students succeed. The first involved allowing students to take their first-year seminar course over the summer to lighten their first semester course load. Second, students were offered extra support with math courses through exclusive tutoring services. And third, students participated in a service project to give back to the community that supported them. Over the multi-year project, Worcester State has supported 60 students and views the program as a great success. “We enjoy helping people in our community succeed, especially young people,” continued Tallman. “To learn of the successes these students have achieved thanks to this program is inspiring. If our contribution was able to help even one student stick with the major they have dreamed of, we would deem it a success. But to see that dozens were helped was incredible.”

An intern with The Capstone Planning Group, a full-service financial services and investment planning team located at Cornerstone Bank, recently finished second along with his team at the Quinnipiac Global Asset Management Education (GAME) Forum. Andrew Gorey is a sophomore at Merrimack College and acts as the senior analyst for the Merrimack-Fixed Income Fund and the industrial analyst for the Merrimack Investment Fund. The GAME Forum is the largest student run financial conference in the world featuring undergraduate and graduate students from 150 colleges and universities. “We were so excited to hear that Andrew and his team had placed at the GAME Forum,” said The Capstone Planning Group’s VP and Program Manager, Christopher Mallon. “Watching him learn and grow throughout his internship with us, it is clear this win is just the first step to his career in the financial services industry.” Gorey, a resident of Sturbridge, has been a (non-registered) intern with The Capstone Planning Group since January 2021. While juggling his regular classwork and his internship, he and his team were able to assist in the creation of an impressive portfolio over the course of the past year to present. “My experience interning with The Capstone Planning Group has allowed me to obtain hands-on experience in this field,” said Gorey. “I am very thankful to work with a team that emphasizes the importance of putting their client first and offers solutions to fit each client’s specific financial needs. I have learned so much." The Capstone Planning Group, conveniently located at Cornerstone Bank, is committed to helping the next generation of financial professionals succeed through internships, mentoring and entry-level career opportunities. For more information about The Capstone Planning Group, please visit online at thecapstone.group or call 508-764-0046. Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker/dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Cornerstone Bank and The Capstone Planning Group are not registered as a broker/dealer or investment advisor. Registered Representatives of LPL offer products and services using the name The Capstone Planning Group, and may also be employees of Cornerstone Bank. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from and not affiliates of Cornerstone Bank or The Capstone Planning Group. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:

Not Insured by FDIC or any other Government Agency

Not Bank Guaranteed

Not Bank Deposits or Obligations

May Lose Value

The Capstone Planning Group, a full-service Financial Services and Investment Planning team located at Cornerstone Bank, recently hired Joe Delaney for the position of Financial Consultant. Delaney has been in the industry since 2012 and brings a wide array of retirement planning and investing experience.  In this role he will work to serve The Capstone Planning Group’s growing client base in Worcester, Shrewsbury, and surrounding towns. "Joe’s addition to our team will allow The Capstone Planning Group to help more individuals and families develop investment strategies to pursue their goals,” said The Capstone Planning Group’s SVP of Investment Services Jason Main. “In addition, he will be a valuable partner for business owners in the community looking to review and manage their retirement plan offerings.” Delaney is a resident of Worcester and a graduate of Southern New Hampshire University. He currently holds a Series 6 and Series 63 registration with LPL Financial and holds the designation of Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist.  In addition, he is a licensed Accident and Health or Sickness Insurance Producer and Life Insurance Producer. “The tight knit team at The Capstone Planning Group cares deeply about their customers and I am excited to be the newest addition to their growing group,” said Delaney. “I am eager to add my experience to their lineup.” For more information about The Capstone Planning Group you may visit them in person at Cornerstone Bank, visit thecapstone.group or call 508-764-0046. Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker/dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Cornerstone Bank and The Capstone Planning Group are not registered as a broker/dealer or investment advisor. Registered Representatives of LPL offer products and services using the name The Capstone Planning Group, and may also be employees of Cornerstone Bank. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from and not affiliates of Cornerstone Bank or The Capstone Planning Group. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:  

Not Insured by FDIC or any other Government Agency

Not Bank Guaranteed

Not Bank Deposits or Obligations

May Lose Value

 

Klara Carter, NMLS #910601, joins the team with 20 years of banking and mortgage experience WORCESTER, Mass. – Cornerstone Bank, a community bank with 12 locations throughout Central Massachusetts, recently welcomed Klara Carter as its new Assistant Vice President, Commercial Lender. Carter has worked in the banking industry for more than 20 years specializing in helping small businesses with financing. “Klara will be a great fit in our organization,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “She already has an incredible track record assisting business owners in acquiring the financing they need, which we hope to apply to many of the great small businesses we serve across our community.” A resident of Danielson, CT, Carter graduated from Nichols College with a degree in business administration and management, focusing on general administration and finance. “I am eager to begin my role with Cornerstone Bank as the next chapter of my career,” said Carter. “This past year has been so difficult for our area businesses and I look forward to helping them get back on their feet and supporting their future growth.”