Insight Archive - Mascoma Bank

Insight

Bongards’ Creameries Receives $20 Million in New Market Tax Credits

Mascoma Community Development (MCD) is pleased to announce the closing of $20 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation to finance an expansion and equipment upgrade at Bongards’ Creameries (Bongards) cheese and whey processing facility in Perham, Minnesota.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on February 29, 2024

Mascoma Bank Wins NMTC Award of $50 Million

Mascoma Community Development (MCD) is proud to announce an award of $50 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) authority from the U.S. Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on September 25, 2023

ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is a science and nature museum located on the Burlington, Vermont, waterfront. ECHO’s dedicated team is continually working toward their mission of “inspiring and engaging families in the joy of scientific discovery, wonder of nature, and care of Lake Champlain.”

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on August 15, 2023

Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum: More than a Museum

The mission of the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum (MKIM), located in Warner, New Hampshire, is to serve as “a living center for artistic expression, traditional values, and contributions from past and contemporary Native life.”

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on August 1, 2023

Portland Community Squash: Not Just a Game

Portland Community Squash (PCS) was established in 2013 as a volunteer organization with the goal of pairing squash with academics for an enriching after-school experience for students in the Portland area.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on July 20, 2023

NMTC Funding for KAMP Automation

Mascoma Community Development (MCD) is pleased to announce the closing of $8 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation to refinance the acquisition of land purchased from the City of Owatonna, Minnesota, and finance the building construction costs for a 47,728-square-foot industrial manufacturing facility.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on July 13, 2023

Turning Points Network: Safe Homes, Safe Communities

Turning Points Network (TPN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing violence, located in Claremont and Newport, New Hampshire, and serving all of Sullivan County.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on July 11, 2023

Mascoma Bank Invests $2.5 Million in Evernorth’s Affordable Housing Fund

On June 15, 2023, Evernorth closed its fourth multi-investor fund—Housing New England, Fund IV. This fund will provide equity to finance affordable housing in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on July 6, 2023

Welcome Kelly Dorsey

Mascoma Bank is pleased to announce that Kelly Dorsey has been hired as Senior Vice President and Treasury & Business Services Manager.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on July 5, 2023

The Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center

The Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center (CSC) is a community-based nonprofit organization that provides access, education, and recreation on Lake Champlain for almost 8,000 people every year.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on June 28, 2023

Dental Lifeline Network

Dental Lifeline Network (DLN) (originally known as the National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped) was established in Denver, Colorado, in 1974 by Dr. Larry Coffee. The organization’s goal was to provide oral healthcare to people with developmental disabilities, a population whose oral health had often been neglected.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on June 22, 2023

Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association

Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association (MCFA), originally known as the Midcoast Fishermen’s Association, was established in 2006 in Port Clyde, Maine, by a group of fishermen seeking a way to advocate for policies that supported their businesses and ways of life.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on June 15, 2023

Ryan Bishop Joins Mascoma Community Development

Mascoma Bank is pleased to announce that Ryan Bishop has been hired as Senior Vice President Managing Director, Mascoma Community Development (MCD). MCD is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mascoma Bank and a registered community development entity (CDE).

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on June 6, 2023

NMTC Funding for APackaging Group

Mascoma Community Development (MCD) is pleased to announce the closing of $15 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation to finance the purchase and installation of equipment and machinery for an 80,000-square-foot industrial manufacturing facility in non-metropolitan Defiance, Ohio.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on May 20, 2023

NMTC Funding for Coastal Container

Mascoma Community Development (MCD) is pleased to announce the closing of $10 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation to finance the purchase and installation of equipment as part of the expansion of an industrial manufacturing facility in Holland, Michigan.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on May 15, 2023

Mascoma Bank Provides Funding for 44 Affordable Housing Units

Mascoma Bank and its community development lending group is pleased to announce that it has provided $1,950,000 of permanent funding for the newly constructed Heater Landing Apartments (Heater Landing LP).

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on March 1, 2023

Mascoma Community Development Wins Fifth New Markets Tax Credit Allocation for $55 Million

Mascoma Community Development (MCD) is proud to announce an award of $55 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) authority from the U.S. Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on November 3, 2022

NMTC Funding For Climate by Design International

Mascoma Community Development (MCD) is pleased to announce the closing of $10 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation to finance the construction of a 200,000-square-foot headquarters, including manufacturing and warehouse facility and equipment procurement, for Climate by Design International, LLC (CDI) in Owatonna, Minnesota.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on October 27, 2022

NMTC Funding for Dot Foods

Mascoma Community Development (MCD) is pleased to announce the closing of $15 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation to finance the construction and operation of a 177,000 square-foot food product distribution center for Dot Foods, Inc. in Manchester, Tennessee.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on October 25, 2022

NMTC Funding for Grappone

On September 8, 2022, Mascoma Community Development (MCD) announced the closing of $18 million in New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) allocation to finance the acquisition and new construction of a 25,800 square-foot automobile dealership, training center, and community meeting space available at no cost to nonprofit organizations in Concord, New Hampshire.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on September 9, 2022

Springfield Area Parent Child Center Takes Care of Families

For 30 years, the Springfield Area Parent Child Center (SAPCC) has worked hard to build bridges of support for children, families, and caregivers in the state of Vermont.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on August 26, 2022

Maine Recovery Fund: Supporting People in Employment

MaineWorks opened its doors in 2010 as an innovative employment company designed to provide jobs to those facing workforce re-entry barriers.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on August 18, 2022

Find a Safe Space at SafeArt

At Mascoma Bank, we know that mental health is a crucial part of a person’s well-being. That’s why we support the community-based nonprofit SafeArt, which uses creative expression and various art mediums to help people work toward wellness.

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Posted by Andi Diehn on August 12, 2022

Supporting Portland’s Business Community

Within the last year, the Portland, Maine-based team for Mascoma Bank has grown from two to six members. Two of those six members, Andrew Cook and Amberlynn Esperanza, have recently transitioned into volunteer leadership roles with the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce (PRCC).

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on August 3, 2022

Working for Families: Lund

This year, Lund celebrates its 132nd year of championing families across the state of Vermont.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on August 1, 2022

Hartford Community Coalition: Caring for Community and a Community of Caring

The year 2013 was a tough one for the Hartford community—three young people died by suicide. One positive thing to come out of such tragedy was the creation of Hartford Community Coalition (HCC).

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on July 22, 2022

NMTC Helps Fund a New Facility for Tropical Products

Mascoma Community Development (MCD) is pleased to announce a $20 million New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation to finance the construction of a new manufacturing and warehouse facility for Tropical Products Inc.’s water-based personal care, home care, and pet care products in Salem, Massachusetts.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on June 20, 2022

NMTC Funding for The Food Bank

On March 16, 2022, Mascoma Community Development announced $7 million in New Markets Tax Credits funding for The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Inc.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on March 16, 2022

Getting Started With the Home Buying Process

We asked our Mascoma Mortgage lending team for their best pieces of advice to give to someone who is hoping to buy a home.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on February 16, 2022

Important Choices on the Road to Owning a Home

We asked our Mortgage Lending team for some advice they give to people who are on the road to owning a home about making the process easier.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on February 14, 2022

Understanding Home Owner Expenses

We asked our Mortgage Lending team some of things they share with first time homebuyers. 

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on February 12, 2022

Closing on a Home Mortgage

We asked our Mascoma Mortgage lending team to answer a few questions to help demystify the mortgage closing process.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on February 10, 2022

Addressing Critical Community Needs

At the end of 2021, Mascoma Bank contributed more than $285,000 to area nonprofit organizations in an effort to meet some of the area’s biggest needs.

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Posted by Mariah Davis on January 7, 2022

Creating 120 New Jobs in Madison, Maine

Mascoma Community Development (MCD) is pleased to announce the successful closing of $20 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation to support the redevelopment of a former paper mill into a wood fiber insulation manufacturing facility in Madison, Maine. Operated by GO Lab Inc., a company founded in 2017 to develop and manufacture innovative

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on January 4, 2022

Offering Healthy Starts for Kids with Miss Kendra

TLC Family Resource Center (TLC) imagines a place where every child and every family can enjoy economic, physical, social, and spiritual security. Their mission is to promote the optimal health and development of children, youth, and families in Sullivan and Lower Grafton Counties. Located in Claremont, New Hampshire, the nonprofit accomplishes their mission through four

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Posted by Mariah Davis on December 1, 2021

Funding for Monadnock Mills Housing in Claremont

Mascoma Bank and its Community Development Lending Group is pleased to announce that it has provided Federal Historic Tax Credit bridge and construction funding for the rehabilitation of the historic Monadnock Mills building in downtown Claremont, NH.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on October 21, 2021

Mascoma Community Development Wins Third New Markets Tax Credit Allocation for $60 Million

Mascoma Community Development (MCD) is proud to announce being awarded $60 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) authority from the U.S. Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on September 2, 2021

Support Adolescents Through Second Growth

Second Growth‘s mission begins with the overarching goal of reducing substance misuse and violence for adolescents. This organization provides clinical counseling in their offices, and trainings, group support, and prevention education in local schools and community settings. The emphasis is on developing resiliency skills to help area youth safely navigate adolescence. Founded in August 2000,

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Posted by Mariah Davis on August 30, 2021

Helping People Get AHEAD

AHEAD (Affordable Housing, Education, and Development), a certified nonprofit located in Littleton, New Hampshire, is fighting hard to put an end to homelessness and generational poverty in the North Country. Through their initiatives, they have been able to create safe and affordable housing as part of an effort to rebuild lives and communities. With over

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Posted by Mariah Davis on August 23, 2021

Supporting White Mountains Community College

White Mountains Community College (WMCC) wants to help students follow their passions into careers, and in the process, aims to redefine what student support and success looks like.

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Posted by Mariah Davis on August 4, 2021

Striving for Zero Waste

On June 25, Mascoma Bank’s B Corp Environment Impact Team hosted its first Waste Characterization Day. In an effort to reduce the Bank’s impact on the environment, the team’s long-term goal is for the Bank to be zero waste. To get there, we first needed to understand what—exactly—is in the waste. A team of courageous

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on June 29, 2021

Culture and Community at the Weathervane Theatre

The Weathervane Theatre in Whitefield, New Hampshire, is a place where art and culture come together. In 2021, the theatre marks its 56th anniversary with live professional performances ranging from popular crowd-pleasers like Hello Dolly!, The Addams Family, and American Idiot to new works from young playwrights. Focusing on the local community and the broader

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Posted by Mariah Davis on June 25, 2021

Catch the Nighthawks for Free This Summer

Ready for some baseball? The Upper Valley Nighthawks are back for an exciting 2021 season. This nonprofit baseball team brings outstanding collegiate baseball players from across the country to the Upper Valley for a chance to compete in the New England Collegiate Baseball League. The team will play approximately 44 games in the regular season

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on June 17, 2021

Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth in Vermont

Outright Vermont is committed to building a Vermont where all youth have hope, equity, and power. The CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey of middle and high school-aged students underscores the fact that having supportive adults and an inclusive community is critical for the mental health of LGBTQ+ children and teens. It’s not difficult to understand

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on June 1, 2021

Supporting Monadnock Family Services

Mascoma Bank has been a longtime supporter of Monadnock Family Services (MFS), including serving as a lead sponsor for their “Men Who Cook” fundraising event in support of America Reads, a program that connects senior volunteers with children to help improve their reading skills. However, what MFS does goes far beyond that one program—they truly

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on May 17, 2021

Health Care is Community Care

Community Health Centers of Burlington (CHCB) provides affordable, quality health care to all who need it, regardless of financial status or life circumstances.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on May 5, 2021

Good Food Can Change the World

In August, Mascoma Bank sponsored Burlington, Vermont’s Intervale Center and their annual fundraiser, which celebrates Vermont’s vibrant food system and our community of talented farmers, chefs, and supporters.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on April 6, 2021

Security and Fraud Prevention Q&A

We asked Pete Begin, VP Senior Security and Fraud Prevention Officer, for his top tips on protecting your identity and your finances.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on March 31, 2021

Donating to an Important Purrrpose

Mascoma Bank supported the Humane Society of Chittenden County’s (HSCC) by sponsoring two of their major fundraising events in 2020: Purrrses for Paws (an auction event featuring purses) and their first-ever virtual Walk & 5K. Mascoma’s sponsorship supported HSCC’s Annual Campaign, which funds everything from day-to-day operations to emergency veterinary care. In addition to rehoming

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on March 1, 2021

Keeping Generator Running

Generator is a design and fabrication sandbox in the heart of Burlington, Vermont’s South End Arts and Business district. Its makerspace is a combination of artist studios, classrooms, and business incubator at the intersection of art, science, and technology. They provide the tools, expertise, education, and opportunity that empowers community members to create, collaborate, and

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on February 8, 2021

BBQs and Helping Neighbors

Mascoma Bank has made the difficult decision to cancel our 2020 Summer BBQ schedule for the safety and well-being of our community and team members. For Mascoma Bank team members, the BBQs are a highlight of the summer. We get to spend time outside and quite literally serve our neighbors.

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Posted by Mariah Davis on June 11, 2020

Staying Safe at Mascoma Bank

As we all attempt to navigate our new reality and make accommodations to open up for more extensive face-to-face business operations, safety and the health of our community are still our top priorities. We’d like to share some of the measures we are taking and requests we are making here at Mascoma Bank to keep

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on June 10, 2020

Watch for Scams Related to COVID-19

While it’s gratifying to watch people come together and support one another during difficult times, it’s also very important to keep watch for those who have ulterior motives.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on April 7, 2020

Building A Resilient Portfolio

It might seem as though the right way to invest is to find the perfect stock, bond, or mutual fund and make that your investment of choice. However, no single investment—or type of investment—provides a strong return year in and year out. That’s why you need to diversify your investments and perform regular check-ins to

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Posted by Richard Lemay on March 18, 2020

Supporting Young Minds through Music Education

The benefits of music and music education to the growing minds of young people are backed by decades of research. But music programs, along with all the arts, are often among the first to be cut in order to trim a school budget. At Mascoma Bank, we take pride in our mission to be a

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Posted by Mariah Davis on March 4, 2020

Meet the Mascoma Bank Team! Spotlight on Amanda Roberts

Mascoma Bank team members are a special bunch. You’ll find an array of talents, experience, backgrounds—and that certain something that’s hard to describe but which embodies the spirit of Mascoma Bank.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on February 26, 2020

Money for College: Don’t Forget FAFSA!

Do you have children heading to college next year? Have you filled out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)? There’s still time—but not much!

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Posted by Richard Lemay on February 12, 2020

Emergency Funds: Why You Need One

Even if you have a great handle on your finances, unexpected challenges such as losing a job, dealing with an injury or illness, or having to help a family member in need can threaten your financial stability. It doesn’t take much to throw your monthly budget off track.

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Posted by Kelly Nelson on February 6, 2020

What is a B Corp?

In 2016, Mascoma Bank started the process of becoming a Certified B Corporation®, and two years later we celebrated the completion of this process and our official status as a B Corp.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on January 29, 2020

Income and Expenses: Groundwork for the Future

Making money, and spending it, is a part of everyday financial life.

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Posted by Kelly Nelson on January 22, 2020

Budgeting: Make a Plan!

Devising and maintaining a practical, workable budget is the foundation of your financial well-being. Whether you are on your own or have a partner or family, it is an essential starting point.

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Posted by Mandy Wright on January 15, 2020

Mascoma Bank receives award from American Psychological Association

Mascoma Bank is thrilled to announce that we were honored with the American Psychological Association’s 2019 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award at a ceremony on March 28 in Washington, DC.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on December 23, 2019

The Season of Giving

The end of the year is often seen as a time to give to those in need, whether it’s through monetary support or showing up to volunteer. How can you make the most impact this season as you decide where your resources should go?

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Posted by Mariah Davis on December 18, 2019

Check Before You Click—How To Stay Safe While Shopping Online

Online shopping has become a daily reality for many of us. In fact, U.S. shoppers spent $126 billion on online shopping during the 2018 holiday season. That’s a lot of opportunity for deals—and security downfalls. While online shopping is easy and efficient, you want to practice the best safety habits to ensure you aren’t giving the

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Posted by Peter Begin on December 11, 2019

Healing Trauma through the Expressive Arts

At Mascoma Bank, we believe that the importance of art and the value of its creation goes far beyond anything displayed on walls or a stage. That’s why we are proud to be a longtime supporter of SafeArt, a community-based organization that uses the expressive arts as tools to support mental health and overall well-being.

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Posted by Mariah Davis on November 26, 2019

Celebrate National Scholarship Month—by Looking for Scholarships

It’s no secret that the cost of a college education has grown over time. Finding ways to pay for college that don’t involve borrowing has become ever more important to students and their families.

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Posted by Richard Lemay on November 19, 2019

Want to Go to a Show? Check Out the Live Theater in the Upper Valley

If you’re a theater lover, and you’re new to the Upper Valley, you might think you have to trek to Boston or New York to meet your live theater needs.

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Posted by Sherry Noyes on November 14, 2019

Stay Safe on Social Media

Social media is a terrific way to keep in touch with friends and family near and far, but it can also offer up another crack that hackers can slip through and wreak havoc on your finances and identity.

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Posted by Peter Begin on November 11, 2019

Stay Safe with Software

It’s almost impossible to imagine life without electronic devices. How would you keep in touch with your friends, listen to music, watch movies, buy tickets, make payments, or find the information you need without your phone, tablet, or computer? But as essential as your devices are to the way you live, using them can also

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Posted by Peter Begin on

Arts and Humanities: Not Just for Artists

At Mascoma Bank, we believe that every member of our community should have opportunities to experience the arts and humanities, as an audience member, participant, and/or creator.

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Posted by Mariah Davis on November 4, 2019

Get Your Woof On and Celebrate Shelter Dogs

October is National Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month! At Mascoma Bank, we are firm believers in giving back to the communities in which we serve, and that means ALL members of the community—including those with fur, feathers, and scales.

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Posted by Mariah Davis on October 16, 2019

At Mascoma Bank, We Know Our Customers

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month. Here at Mascoma Bank, we take security very seriously and that starts with educating our customers and being ready to help them spot potential fraud. Internally, our team uses a program we call Know Your Customer to help us understand your bank habits and be ready to step in

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Posted by Peter Begin on

What You Need to Know About Credit Scores

Keeping track of your credit score is a crucial piece of maintaining your financial well-being. Your credit score is like getting a grade for all the good work you’re doing with your finances—or it can serve as a reminder that you could be doing better.

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Posted by Richard Lemay on

Employee Ownership as a Succession Option

As a certified B Corp, Mascoma Bank is part of the global movement to use business as a force for good. But what does that mean? How can business be a force for good? The Vermont Employee Ownership Center is a prime example of how businesses can have a positive impact in the real world,

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Posted by Mariah Davis on September 17, 2019

Changing the World through Music

Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music sits on 100 pastoral acres in the small New Hampshire town of Nelson. Originally a sheep farm, the location was acquired in 1971 by Boston area-based cellist and music teacher Gene Rosov, who had a dream to start a music camp for his students.

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Posted by Mariah Davis on

Music Education for Everyone

Music is a collaborative art. People who play music together learn to work together and form the connections that result in strong communities. At Mascoma Bank, working to promote strong communities is an important part of who we are. That means, supporting organizations like the Upper Valley Music Center aligns perfectly with our philosophy.

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Posted by Mariah Davis on

The Monthly Scam Spotlight: The Firewall Fraud

Have you ever been scammed? Or wondered if someone is trying to scam you? You’re certainly not alone. According to the Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book, in 2018, nearly 3 million reports of fraud and identity theft were made to the Federal Trade Commission, resulting in a loss of nearly $1.48 billion.

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Posted by Peter Begin on August 29, 2019

The Pros and Cons of Small Town Living

Small town living can be delightful, but for some people, it might not be the right fit.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on August 17, 2019

The Intervale Center: Good for Farms, Good for Land, Good for People

Rising in the town of Cabot in Washington County, Vermont, the Winooski River flows westward across half the state, winding its way through Colchester, Winooski, and Burlington on its approach to Lake Champlain. From above, it looks like a ribbon tossed upon the land.

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Posted by Mariah Davis on August 7, 2019

The Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society: Improving the Lives of People and Pets

At Mascoma Bank, one of our most important goals is to be a force for positive change. No less an authority than Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” If that’s true, the Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society is making us

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Posted by Mariah Davis on

5 Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before Buying a Home

Preparing to purchase your first home can be daunting. Make sure you’re ready by asking yourself these five questions first.

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Posted by Sarah Powell on June 11, 2019

Tech Support in the Upper Valley—Who You Gonna Call?

How much do you depend on your smartphone, iPad, laptop, or tablet? If any one of those devices stopped working right now, just how far up a creek without a paddle would you be? Does the thought alone make you break out in a cold sweat?

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Posted by Janet Costa on April 2, 2019

Little Ways to Save Add Up

From Thanksgiving through New Years, many of us throw caution to the wind. We spend more and we eat more, and even now, many of us are recovering from all that excess.

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Posted by Richard Lemay on March 5, 2019

Five Signs that Someone Is Scamming You Through Your Email

Between work and home, do you have any idea how many emails drop into your inbox each and every day? More than 10 but less than 50? More than 100? A number so high you don’t even want to know what it is?

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Posted by Peter Begin on January 23, 2019

Trading Places

So the snow came early this year, and it just keeps coming. No doubt a fair number of you are now daydreaming about vacations in Florida or New Mexico, maybe checking out rentals on Airbnb or Trivago.

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Posted by Norm Frates on December 18, 2018

11 Downhill Ski Resorts Near Keene

Right about this time of year, all you avid snowboarders and skiers in the Keene area are doing the same thing. You’re hoping winter comes early, drops tons of snow, and stays as long as possible, at least through April, maybe even into May.

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Posted by Sarah Powell on November 14, 2018

Mascoma Bank Honored as “Best For the World!”

Mascoma Bank has a long history of commitment to both its employees and its communities, and this commitment continues to grow with time. And now, these efforts are being recognized.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on July 13, 2018

10 Things You Don’t Realize Could Hurt Your Credit Score

Having a good credit score is imperative to anyone applying for a mortgage. Learn what might be bringing down your score.

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Posted by Sarah Powell on June 11, 2018

5 Ways to Secure Your Online Finances

It was not so many years ago that you paid your bills with a checkbook and a roll of stamps. Buying or selling stocks required picking up a landline telephone and talking to your broker. If you wanted to transfer money from your checking account to your savings account, you went to the bank.

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Posted by Peter Begin on January 23, 2018

Five Fascinating Museums of the Upper Valley

The Upper Valley can be an outdoor lover’s paradise. There’s always another mountain to climb, a lake to swim in, a river to paddle down, a mountain trail to bike on. But the Upper Valley has plenty of indoor attractions, too, as well as places that offer a great indoor/outdoor combination.

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Posted by Sherry Noyes on August 2, 2017

Five Steps to Start Saving—Today!

If saving were as easy as spending, we’d all be sitting on nest eggs the size of mountains. Unfortunately, most Americans struggle to save, and many carry more than $10,000 in debt on their credit cards.

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Posted by Richard Lemay on July 12, 2017

Saving for College Tuition

The days seem long gone when kids could work summer jobs and save up enough money to pay a substantial portion—if not all—of their college tuition. Today, students borrow tens of thousands of dollars to cover the cost of their college degrees, and it seems the price tag is only going to go up.

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Posted by Richard Lemay on

Warning: Trees Too Close to the House!

Trees abound in the northeast. Their beauty is one of the natural features that draws people to the area and makes them want to put down roots of their own.

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Posted by Norm Frates on May 31, 2017

A Covered Front Porch: More Than Just a Lovely Place to Sit

For many homeowners, having a covered front porch might seem like a luxury. The added expense of a covered porch stretches the budget, whether you are building new or renovating—is it worth it?

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Posted by Sherry Noyes on April 7, 2017

Building a House? Time for Your Final Grading!

No, you’re not back at school. We’re talking about the final grading of your land, done with bulldozers and other heavy equipment after your home is complete!

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Posted by Sherry Noyes on March 23, 2017

Building a House? Don’t Forget a Perc Test!

When you buy land to build a house from the ground up, you discover a world of stuff to think about. And one of the first and most important things? Sewage.

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Posted by Sherry Noyes on March 5, 2017

Building a House? Know These Four Options for Septic Systems

To plan your ideal home and watch it come into being is a pretty amazing process. And there’s probably nothing like the topic of sewage to burst that happy bubble where you daydream about your new home.

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Posted by Sherry Noyes on

Plans vs. Specifications: Which One Wins When Building a House?

All builders have two documents that guide them when building a house: the plans and the specifications. In a perfect world, those two documents seamlessly mesh together and support one another.

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Posted by Sherry Noyes on February 17, 2017

16 Home Construction Terms You Need to Know

Building a house is a complex process! You might be new to a lot of the terminology used by contractors and subcontractors.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on February 9, 2017

Which House Plan is Best For You?

You bought some land, and you’re ready to move ahead with building a house. Now what you need is a plan! A house plan, that is.

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Posted by Sarah Powell on

What You Need to Know About House Plans vs Specifications

Building a house from scratch is a tremendous undertaking. It requires you to make a seemingly endless parade of decisions about things you might not have thought much about before. One area of confusion for first-time home builders can be the difference between the house plans and the specifications.

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Posted by Sarah Powell on

Your House Plan: What Does it Include?

If you’re building a house, you have to have a plan—a set of scaled drawings and written specifications that will guide virtually every aspect of construction.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on February 7, 2017

INSIGHT Investing in the Community: Mascoma Community Development

Learn how Mascoma Community Development helped drive economic revitalization in Berlin, New Hampshire’s steel industry and assisted in putting more than a hundred local residents back to work.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on February 6, 2017

The Secret to Finding a Builder You Can Trust

When you build a new house or undertake a major home renovation, you spend a lot of time with builders and contractors. How can you be sure you’re getting the best person for the job?

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Posted by Sarah Powell on December 15, 2016

Mascoma Savings Bank BBQs: Serving (and Feeding!) the Community

Did you make it to a Mascoma Savings Bank community BBQ this summer? Hamburgers, hot dogs, cold drinks–we’ve got it all, along with a good dollop of that community feeling. Take a look.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on September 30, 2016

5 Tips on Becoming a Part of a New Community

Moving to a new neighborhood? Here’s how to find your new community.

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Posted by Sarah Powell on August 17, 2016

5 Tips for People Paying Two Mortgages

Paying off two mortgages can be a huge financial burden. Here are five ways to make it more manageable.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on

5 Renovation Ideas for People Who Want to Age in Place

Many Americans want to continue living in their homes as they age. Doing so takes a lot of planning, however, and maybe a few renovations.

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Posted by Mascoma Bank on August 1, 2016

5 Things You Should Know About Credit Counseling

Credit counseling can be a long process, but it is one of the best ways to get your finances in order and put yourself and your family in a position where you can build wealth and improve your credit scores.

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Posted by Sarah Powell on July 29, 2016

5 Home Improvements To Raise Your Home’s Value and 5 That Rarely Do

Home renovations can add value to a home, but you need to choose your project carefully.

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Posted by Sarah Powell on

Buying a New Home? Here’s What To Think About First

Buying a home is one of life’s most exciting events, and we’re always honored to be a part of it!

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Posted by Sarah Powell on July 25, 2016

What Is a Debt-To-Income Ratio?

Learn about how banks calculate your debt-to-income ratio and how this number affects your ability to get a mortgage.

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Posted by Sarah Powell on May 31, 2016