Pittsfield Co-op Celebrates 135-Year Anniversary

PITTSFIELD, MA—February 15, 2023—One of the oldest cooperative banks in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is poised to mark its 135^th anniversary. Pittsfield Cooperative Bank was incorporated February 15, 1889 on the cooperative banking principles of financial security, exemplary customer service, and to become “a source to borrow funds to finance the purchase of their own home” for the average working person. The Bank’s first location was Cooke’s Banking House at 13-1/2 North Street and one of its original incorporators was W. Murray Crane, who would later become Governor of Massachusetts and a United States Senator.

Although more than a century has passed, not much has changed regarding the institution’s dedication to its customers and community. In fact, the Bank annually donates nearly $200,000 through its charitable contributions to regional scholarships; non-profit, economic development, and health and human service organizations; and youth mentorship programs. This is certainly significant considering that Pittsfield Co-op is approximately $385MM in total assets.

Along with a commitment to its customers and community, Pittsfield Cooperative Bank is extremely loyal to its employees. If longevity is a barometer of staff happiness, the institution has it in spades. Several individuals have worked at Pittsfield Co-op between 10 to 20 years, and six employees recently celebrated anniversaries between 30 to 40 years.

“Our employees are the heart and soul of The Co-op,” said J. Jay Anderson, president and CEO of Pittsfield Cooperative Bank and himself a 15-year employee. “They are our most valuable asset, are extremely loyal to our customers, and it’s because of them that we are able to provide exceptional service.”

Pittsfield Cooperative Bank will commemorate its anniversary and honor its history through several initiatives. As previously reported in the regional media, the Bank will be opening a new location at 734 Williams Street in Pittsfield. Not only will this branch include new signage, it was an opportunity to develop a new, more modern logo to further position the Bank as an institution that is always there for its customers. This concept is represented by the infinity symbol within the new logo.

The anniversary commemoration continues the following week with the launch of a new website. It too has been designed to be more responsive to their customers’ and community’s needs. It features a sleek design, is easier to navigate, and has access to tips, articles, and opening an account online or applying for a loan. Additionally, there are form applications for organizations and students to apply for donations and scholarships.

Pittsfield Cooperative Bank plans to have several promotions throughout the year. The first one is called the 135^th Giveaway.  Each month, $135 will be given away to a randomly selected entrant and one grand prize of $1,889—the year the Bank was incorporated—will be awarded at the end of the year. One entry is permitted per individual, and entries can be filled out online at the new website or at one of the institution’s branches. Additional promotions will be rolled out throughout the year.

Anderson further remarked, “the Pittsfield Co-op team is looking forward to commemorating our anniversary with our customers and community and opening our new location in early spring.” He encouraged the region to be on the lookout for future announcements.

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About Pittsfield Cooperative Bank:

Incorporated February 15, 1889, the Pittsfield Cooperative Bank has been proudly providing customer-focused banking and lending services for the Berkshire community for 135 years. As an independent, full-service community bank, we have a deep history helping residents, regional businesses, the cultural arts and not-for-profit organizations. Pittsfield Cooperative Bank has branch offices and ATMs located in Pittsfield, Dalton, Great Barrington and Hinsdale and will be opening a new location at Williams Street in Pittsfield in (April) 2024.

Pittsfield Cooperative Bank was named one of the 50 Fastest Growing Commercial Lenders in Massachusetts and the first of all banks headquartered in the Berkshires by Banker & Tradesman in 2022. For more information, visit pittsfieldcoop.com. Member FDIC. Member DIF. Equal Opportunity Lender.