Florence Bank (www.florencebank.com), a mutually-owned savings bank serving the Pioneer Valley through 9 branch locations, has named Sandra Pegg Smith as its Community Support Award winner for 2015. Smith, Vice President, Branch Manager of the Downtown Northampton Office, joined Florence Bank in 2003.
The Community Support Award was established by the Bank in 1997, as a means of formally recognizing employees who are active participants in community events and who donate their personal and professional time to local not-for-profit organizations.
Each year, the award recipient has the opportunity to select a not-for-profit organization of his/her choice, following which the Bank makes a donation to that organization. At Smith’s recommendation, Florence Bank will make a donation to Homeward Vets, an organization with a mission to extend a helping hand to the many male and female veterans who are facing the challenges of transitioning out of homelessness.
Smith, a native of Goshen, Massachusetts, sits on the board and several committees of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce and is a past board member of the United Way of Hampshire County.
“Being a part of the Downtown Northampton business community is a gift,” said Smith. “It’s personally and professionally rewarding to be amongst dedicated community leaders and entrepreneurs who are so deeply committed to our community; I’m happy and lucky to participate.”
Smith attended Westfield State College. She and her husband Rick are the proud parents of their grown son Matthew who lives in Greenfield. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, cooking, entertaining friends and visiting Kennebunkport, Maine as often as possible.
John F. Heaps, Jr., President and CEO of Florence Bank said, “Sandy is the ideal choice for the Community Support Award. She is an energetic and dynamic individual who is involved in many local non-profit organizations within our community. We are all proud of the example she sets.”