Left to right: Debbie Irwin, AVP Marketing Programs Officer, Rick Wyman, President, Meredith Village Savings Bank, Sue Cerutti, Executive Director, Meredith Area Chamber of Commerce
The Meredith Area Chamber of Commerce presented Meredith Village Savings Bank (MVSB) with the Business Citizenship Award at their annual meeting. Local area members attended the Chamber’s Annual Meeting to celebrate businesses, non-profits and individuals who demonstrate professional excellence and commitment to the Chamber and the community. MVSB was selected as one of the event’s top honorees.
The Business Citizenship Award recognizes a local organization dedicated to the improvement of the Meredith community, while demonstrating outstanding leadership or accomplishment in business and community service.
“Each year, MVSB supports hundreds of non-profits through donations and sponsorships and award scholarships to students. Their annual fund provides grants for special programs and projects, and they encourage their employees to take active roles in the community by supporting their volunteer efforts too,” said Sue Cerutti, Executive Director of the Meredith Area Chamber of Commerce. “When our community needs something, it’s often Meredith Village Savings Bank that is asked to step up to the plate and they’ve continually been strong supporters of local events, initiatives, businesses and organizations in the Meredith area and beyond.”
It was MVSB’s 150th anniversary celebration, however, that inspired the Chamber the most. “The Bank invited the entire community to celebrate their anniversary with them in Hesky Park. People were treated to live performances from John Davidson and the David Lockwood Band, the No Limitz Band, Mo the Clown and Magician Andrew Pinard,” continued Cerutti. “There was complimentary food and beverages from the Common Man and Hart’s Turkey Farm. Employees gave away prizes and non-profit volunteers served cotton candy and popcorn. Rick Wyman [President of MVSB] roamed the park to greet guests and give away $150 cash prizes at random. The evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks display over the lake and the entire community enjoyed a beautiful fall day filled with laughter.”
Earlier in the year, the Bank gave away special prizes in their branches and on Facebook. In May, Bank employees visited every police, fire and EMS office in their service area to present appreciation packages, including t shirts, plaques, cookies, and a gift certificate for lunch. Over the summer each Bank branch held a special customer appreciation ice cream social.
“I’m honored and absolutely humbled by this recognition,” said Wyman. “It’s especially significant because the award occurs during our 150th anniversary year. I am grateful for our employees’ tireless efforts to serve others, specifically, the bank’s 150th celebration committee led by Debbie Irwin, AVP, Marketing Programs Officer. I could not be prouder of our employees for all they’ve done to improve Meredith – now and over the last 150 years!”
Since the Bank was founded in 1869, MVSB has remained steadfast in fostering the economic health and well-being of the communities they impact. Contributing to and supporting organizations, non-profits and projects that improve the quality of life for local citizens was a founding principle and continues to guide their mission and values today. “Although much has changed over the years, our unyielding commitment to the values on which we were founded remains the same,” continued Wyman.
The Meredith Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting was held at Church Landing in Meredith. Honorees also included the Meredith Rotary Club, Greene’s Corner Market, the Center Harbor Community Development Association and Heart and Hands Thrift Shop.
The Meredith Area Chamber of Commerce advances and promotes the commercial, industrial, service, professional, tourism and retail interests of Meredith and its surrounding towns. The mission of the Chamber is to provide services to members and to promote the area. The Meredith Area Chamber consists of businesses representing the towns of Meredith, Center Harbor, Moultonborough, Sandwich, Holderness, Weirs Beach, Gilford, Laconia, New Hampton and Bristol. For more information visit meredithareachamber.com.
