Nearly $3K raised through first three ‘Month of Giving’ campaigns

SPRINGFIELD — Freedom Credit Union raised $2,925 during its “Month of Giving” campaigns during the first three months of 2024.

Funds were split between four organizations: the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless in January, the Foundation for TJO Animals and Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Regional Dog Shelter in February, and Griffin’s Friends in March.

“All of these organizations have been included in our monthly giving campaigns for years, because they are causes that are important to our members, staff and community,” Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch said in a statement. “They each provide essential services that make our region a better place for all.”

Freedom Credit Union has branches in Greenfield and Turners Falls.

Depault earns Emerging Leader Award

GREENFIELD — Chelsea Depault, Greenfield Cooperative Bank’s vice president of commercial and municipal lending, has received the Massachusetts Bankers Association’s Emerging Leader Award. This award recognizes individuals in the Massachusetts banking industry who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential and a commitment to serving their communities.

“Chelsea’s dedication to our customers, colleagues and community is truly inspiring,” Tony Worden, president and CEO of Greenfield Cooperative Bank, said in a statement. “Her leadership during the critical Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) rollout and her commitment to financial literacy programs exemplify the spirit of this award. We are fortunate to have Chelsea on our team and we congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.”

During the PPP rollout, Depault played a pivotal role in ensuring the bank could effectively serve its clients. Her quick thinking and willingness to go the extra mile, including working evenings and weekends, helped secure funding for many local businesses.

Furthermore, Depault is committed to continuous learning, having completed the American Bankers Association’s Stonier Graduate School of Banking program and having earned a Wharton Leadership and Management Certificate. Additionally, she seeks out professional development opportunities through courses offered by the Massachusetts Bankers Association and the Center for Financial Training.

Depault’s impact also extends beyond the bank. She volunteers with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, serves on committees, and holds treasurer positions with local organizations. Depault also dedicates her time to youth sports programs.

Worden tapped for board of Cooperative Banks Employees Retirement Association

GREENFIELD — Tony Worden, president and CEO of Greenfield Cooperative Bank, has been elected to the board of directors for the Cooperative Banks Employees Retirement Association (CBERA), a specialized organization dedicated to overseeing the retirement benefits of employees at member banks in Massachusetts.

“I am honored to be elected to the board of directors of CBERA,” Worden said in a statement. “I look forward to working with my fellow directors to ensure CBERA continues to provide its members with the highest quality retirement benefits and resources.”

Established in January 1946, CBERA was formed to administer the pension programs for the employees of the Massachusetts cooperative bank industry. Today, it serves not only cooperative banks but all financial institutions.

Worden brings a wealth of knowledge in the financial services industry to the CBERA board of directors. He has nearly 30 years of banking experience and has served as president of Greenfield Cooperative Bank since 2021.

Brewery plans concerts for Memorial Day weekend

GREENFIELD — Four Phantoms Brewing Co. at 301 Wells St. will host a performance by Silverback Swing on Saturday, May 25, at 6:30 p.m., followed by music from Ragged Blue on Sunday, May 26, at 4 p.m.

Silverback Swing performs acoustic jazz of the 1920s to the 1940s in the style of Django Reinhardt. Ragged Blue offers lively, eclectic bluegrass music.

The brewery will also be open on Memorial Day, May 27, offering its weekly Dungeons & Dragons group from 6 to 9 p.m.