First County Bank Foundation Now Accepting Annual CommunityFirst Grant Applications
First County Bank Foundation Now Accepting
Annual CommunityFirst Grant Applications
Online Applications due by 3/31/21
STAMFORD, CT, January 7, 2021 — First County Bank Foundation announces that applications for the Annual CommunityFirst grant program are now being accepted. Eligible nonprofit organizations must submit their application online by the deadline of March 31, 2021.
To be eligible for consideration, organizations must serve the communities of Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, Fairfield, Greenwich, New Canaan, Westport and neighboring communities in Bridgeport, and have nonprofit tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
“As we begin the new year, we welcome the opportunity to accept and review grant applications from local Fairfield County nonprofits. Learning more about the good work of these worthy organizations brings to light the great need that many local citizens have, especially during these challenging times, and reinforces the important role that nonprofits play in our community,” stated Robert J. Granata, Chairman and CEO of First County Bank and President of First County Bank Foundation. “The Bank’s board of directors, corporators and employees take great pride in distributing annual grants to help ensure that local needs are met,” added Granata.
To complete an online grant application, visit the Bank’s website at: Firstcountybank.com/community/grant-applications/.
About First County Bank Foundation
Established in 2001 in honor of the Bank’s 150th anniversary, First County Bank Foundation was created to distribute funds annually to nonprofit organizations that support community and economic development, affordable housing, and programs that support educational enrichment for children and families. As a mutual bank with no shareholders, First County Bank considers grants made by the foundation a means of paying dividends back to the local communities it serves.
About First County Bank
First County Bank, headquartered in Stamford, Conn. for 170 years, is an independent mutual community bank with 16 branches in Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, Greenwich, Fairfield, New Canaan and Westport offering deposit products, mortgages, wealth management, business banking services, and a full array of digital banking products including mobile and online banking. First County Bank has more than 220 employees, assets in excess of $1.7 billion and is a winner of the Hearst Connecticut Top WorkPlaces 2020 award. For additional information, please visit www.firstcountybank.com, or follow us @Firstcountybank on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
First County Bank Welcomes New Chief Credit Officer
STAMFORD, Conn., December 15, 2020 - First County Bank is pleased to announce the head of the Bank's Commercial Credit and Special Asset divisions - David Christiansen, Senior Vice President, Chief Credit Officer.
Christiansen's position will report directly to Willard Miley, the President and Chief Operating Officer at First County Bank and will be a member of the Bank's Senior Management team. "David brings a wealth of knowledge in credit and underwriting to First County Bank. With more than 30 years of banking and capital markets experience at multinational and community banks, David has a deep understanding of business, management, and the financial and competitive risks client face. I look forward to working with David as he elevates the Bank's credit risk management strategy," said Willard Miley - President and COO of First County Bank.
Christiansen has extensive experience with commercial banking, corporate finance, business development and driving a strong credit culture. "I am excited to be a part of First County Bank, with its long history and status of serving the Fairfield County community, and to be working with such a talented, collaborative team," noted Christiansen.
Christiansen holds a BA in Economics from the University of Virginia, and lives in White Plains, NY with his family where he is actively involved in the community.
About First County Bank
First County Bank, headquartered in Stamford, Conn. for more than 165 years, is an independent mutual community bank with 16 branches in Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, Greenwich, Fairfield, New Canaan and Westport offering deposit products, mortgages, wealth management, business banking services, and a full array of digital banking products including mobile and online banking. First County Bank has more than 220 employees and assets in excess of $1.7 billion. For additional information, please visit www.firstcountybank.com, or follow us @Firstcountybank on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
First County Bank and WEBE108 Warms Up Those in Need
STAMFORD, Conn., December 10, 2020 - First County Bank partnered with Connoisseur Media Connecticut's WEBE108 to host their 2nd annual Warmth Drive. The one-day Warmth Drive that took place on Thursday December 3rd was a huge success, bringing in 2,400 pounds (which is over 1,000 items) of winter coats, hats, scarves, and gloves for men, women, and children. The warm winter wear was dropped off at First County Bank branches in Stamford, Norwalk, and Fairfield, where members of the WEBE108 street team were onsite collecting donations which benefited the Bridgeport Rescue Mission.
"We asked and the community answered! The outpour of donations at our branches to help those less fortunate this winter, was warming to see," said Robert Granata - Chairman and CEO of First County Bank. "Through the support of others, we were able to surpass last year's donation number of 300 winter items, tripling the donations this year, all in a day," added Granata.
"We are proud to partner with the team at First County Bank to help the Bridgeport Rescue Mission keep our neighbors a bit warmer this winter season. We were all hands-on deck to help this wonderful organization assist folks during a very difficult time for many. I am thankful for the support from First County Bank - it's wonderful to see local organizations working together for the good of others," stated Kristin Okesson - SVP/GM of Connoisseur Media Connecticut.
"On behalf of the entire Bridgeport Rescue Mission family - we are so grateful to the First County Bank team for once again stepping up to help their community. This year is particularly hard. The ability to just put food on the table is a struggle for tens of thousands right here in Fairfield County; however, because of your dedication more of our neighbors in need will find comfort with warm coats, gloves and scarves. We are so appreciative for your support," said Kim Fawcett, CRO of Bridgeport Rescue Mission.
About Connoisseur Media
Connoisseur Media CT is one of the most respected media companies in the country headquartered here in Connecticut. We believe in the power of Radio's unique ability to fulfill the timeless need for human touch and local awareness that connects us all. To learn more about Connoisseur Media, please visit www.connoisseurmediact.com.
About Bridgeport Rescue Mission
The mission exists to change lives! Through God's grace and the generosity of our donors, we provide nourishing meals, safe and clean shelter, addiction recovery programs, as well as clothing, groceries, and job-skills training, to those grappling with real-life challenges. For more information about Bridgeport Rescue Mission, please visit www.bridgeportrescuemission.org.
About First County Bank
First County Bank, headquartered in Stamford, Conn. for more than 165 years, is an independent mutual community bank with 16 branches in Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, Greenwich, Fairfield, New Canaan and Westport offering deposit products, mortgages, wealth management, business banking services, and a full array of digital banking products including mobile and online banking. First County Bank has more than 220 employees and assets in excess of $1.7 billion. For additional information, please visit www.firstcountybank.com, or follow us @Firstcountybank on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Holiday Shopping Season 2020
Source: Federal Trade Commission: Consumer Information
The holiday season is upon us and retailers are already preparing for what they hope will be a successful shopping season. Because of COVID-19, it’s likely that we’ll be going online to look for those perfect gifts. With so many deals around, it’s important to keep some online shopping tips in mind.
So, if you plan to shop from the comfort of your home this year instead of heading out in person for those doorbuster deals, first, make sure your home computer has the latest antivirus software updated. This will help protect you from hackers and identity thieves. Read more computer safety tips here.
Once you’re ready to shop, make sure you:
- Take time to compare products. To get the best deal, compare products. Do research online, check product comparison sites, and read online reviews.
- Check out the seller. Confirm that the seller is legit. Look for reviews about their reputation and customer service, and be sure you can contact the seller if you have a dispute.
- Look for coupon codes. Search the store’s name with terms like “coupons,” “discounts,” or “free shipping.”
- Pay by credit card. Paying by credit card gives you added protections. Never mail cash or wire money to online sellers. If the seller asks you to pay this way, it could be a scam.
- Use secure checkout. Before you enter your credit card information online, check that the website address starts with “https.” The “s” stands for secure. If you don’t see the “s,” don’t enter your information.
- Keep records of online transactions until you get the goods, confirm you got what you ordered, and that you’re satisfied you won’t have to return the item.
Check out more ways to ensure hassle-free online shopping here. And if you spot a fraud while shopping online this holiday season, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) Information Has Been Made Public
Recently, the Small Business Administration released the names, addresses, loan amounts and lenders for all of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) borrowers. The release came after a court order in a lawsuit brought by media organizations seeking the data. First County Bank played no role in the decision to release this information regarding our customers.
Some third-party businesses are using this information to solicit business from PPP borrowers, specifically referencing the name of the lending institution, implying a business relationship exists. First County Bank has no such relationship with any third-party business that would reach out to our customers regarding their PPP loan.
If you are contacted by someone outside of the Bank, please do not discuss or provide any private personal or financial information to them. Please contact your lending officer, financial advisor or attorney with any questions or concerns you may have.
Unfortunately, this disclosure of information may elicit a high level of fraud by unscrupulous individuals attempting to acquire business account information or other sensitive information belonging to a PPP customer. If you suspect that you have been a victim of fraud, please contact the Bank immediately.
First County Bank's $1,000 FirstPrize $avings Account Drawing is Awarded to Stamford Resident
STAMFORD, Conn., November 19, 2020 - First County Bank awarded Catherine O'Brien of Stamford, CT $1,000, as she is the latest winner of the FirstPrize $avings account drawing. "Catherine was excited to hear she had won $1,000. She was extremely thankful and added the money will definitely come in handy, "said Sebastian Kulesza, Branch Manager of the First County Bank Glenbrook branch, in Stamford.
The FirstPrize $avings account is a savings account with a cash prize drawing component to promote personal savings. With each eligible deposit of $25 or more, the account holder earns an entry into a drawing for a $1,000 prize. The drawing occurs four times per calendar year, with one winner per quarter.
The $1,000 prize is deposited directly into the winner's FirstPrize $avings account, making the money available immediately, without the need for the customer to visit a branch. The FirstPrize $avings account is one of our latest personal banking accounts that can be opened online.
To learn more about First County Bank's FirstPrize $avings account, to open this account online, and to view account rules and regulations please visit: firstcountybank.com/firstprize-savings.
About First County Bank
First County Bank, headquartered in Stamford, Conn. for more than 165 years, is an independent mutual community bank with 16 branches in Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, Greenwich, Fairfield, New Canaan and Westport offering deposit products, mortgages, wealth management, business banking services, and a full array of digital banking products including mobile and online banking. First County Bank has more than 220 employees and assets in excess of $1.7 billion. For additional information, please visit www.firstcountybank.com, or follow us @Firstcountybank on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
First County Bank Foundation Donates $25,000 To Local Hospitals
STAMFORD, Conn., November 10, 2020 - First County Bank Foundation donated $5,000 to each of the five (5) local Fairfield County community hospitals in an effort to support the needs of frontline healthcare workers who were and continue to be at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic. To further commemorate the important work of hospital staff and in recognition of their commitment and dedication to the well-being of local residents, these frontline healthcare workers will also be honored with the Foundation's annual Reyno A. Giallongo Community Legacy Award. This award is named after First County Bank's retired Chairman and CEO, who during his tenure exemplified the Bank's culture of giving back to the community.
The following hospitals received the donations:
- Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport
- Greenwich Hospital, Greenwich
- Norwalk Hospital, Norwalk
- Stamford Hospital, Stamford
- St. Vincent's Hospital, Bridgeport
"During this unprecedented time of crisis in our community, First County Bank Foundation is proud to support the committed and dedicated employees of our local area hospitals. These healthcare workers sacrificed their own health during the COVID-19 pandemic while working tirelessly to help local residents in their care remain safe and healthy," stated Robert J. Granata, Chairman and CEO of First County Bank and President of First County Bank Foundation. "The Bank's board of directors, corporators and employees are thrilled to honor these hardworking citizens with the Reyno A. Giallongo Community Legacy Award," added Granata.
The funding amount of $25,000 is in addition to a $50,000 donation made earlier in the year to select local shelters and food pantries for COVID-19 relief and the nearly $500,000 in grants recently provided to over 90 local nonprofits through the Foundation's annual CommunityFirst Grant Program.
For more information about First County Bank Foundation, please visit the Bank's website.
About First County Bank Foundation
Established in 2001 in honor of the Bank's 150th anniversary, First County Bank Foundation was created to distribute funds annually to nonprofit organizations that support community and economic development, affordable housing, and programs that support quality of life and educational enrichment for children and families. As a mutual bank with no shareholders, First County Bank considers grants made by the foundation a means of paying dividends back to the local communities it serves.
About First County Bank
First County Bank, headquartered in Stamford, Conn. for more than 165 years, is an independent mutual community bank with 16 branches in Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, Greenwich, Fairfield, New Canaan and Westport offering deposit products, mortgages, wealth management, business banking services, and a full array of digital banking products including mobile and online banking. First County Bank has more than 220 employees and assets in excess of $1.7 billion. For additional information, please visit www.firstcountybank.com, or follow us @Firstcountybank on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
National Women’s Small Business Month – Company Spotlight: Rehabilitation Associates Inc.
Carol Landsman’s team of Physical Therapist at Rehabilitation Associates Inc.
To close out our celebration of National Women’s Small Business month, we would like to highlight Carol Landsman the Executive Director of Rehabilitation Associates Inc., which has been in operation for 41 years with multiple locations throughout Fairfield County. At the height of the pandemic, services were down by 70% for Landsman, and when her large national bank couldn’t offer the assistance needed, Carol got help for her small business from First County Bank.
FCB: What is your business specialty/focus?
CL: We provide one-stop comprehensive outpatient services to a birth to geriatric population. All services are provided onsite so that patients do not have to search for interventions needed in a variety of settings. Our team is fully certified within their specialties and provides one-to-one individualized treatments for the entire appointed time. Services include Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, Clinical Social Work, Registered Dietitian Services, Wellness Services and many special programs. We participate with all insurances to ensure our quality care is accessible to all.
FCB: Why do you trust your business to First County Bank?
CL: We appreciate the attention and respect we receive at First County Bank. They are a true community treasure and cater to their customers.
FCB: Who is your go to Banker on our Business Banking team?
CL: I have had extremely helpful interactions with Ben Peter and Greg Pastor. Their assistance during this pandemic time has been so important to our company.
FCB: What were/are some of the hurdles your business experienced due to the pandemic?
CL: During the height of the pandemic our services were down by 70%. We had originally dealt with a large national bank who emphasized their large national customers. First County Bank caters to our community and helped us receive Small Business assistance every step of the way. Their commitment enabled us to stay afloat and keep our employees intact.
FCB: What is your Covid Comeback story or how did your business model adapt as a result of the pandemic?
CL: During the worst of the pandemic we adapted by having staggered in-person schedules, supplemented by remote services. We knew that when the worst times were over we would bounce back as we have for the past 41 years. We opened our full in-person schedule as of July 1st and as people began to feel more comfortable leaving their homes, our schedules filled. We continue to offer remote service where appropriate and as requested by our patients.
FCB: Tell us about a situation where First County Bank was able to help/assist the needs of your business.
CL: First County Bank literally saved us with their assistance in securing Small Business Loans so that we could pay our rent and our employees! They were the best!
FCB: What advice if any, you would offer up to women who are interested in starting their own business?
CL: Plan to work long hours and grow slowly to develop and maintain the quality control needed along with the best and most qualified employees you can find. Quality and excellence in whatever you do is the only thing that will keep you going over the long term. There are no shortcuts.
FCB: Any hurdles that you had to overcome as a female business owner?
CL: When we started 41 years ago it was difficult to rent space, open credit cards and receive loans or credit lines. Things have changed for the better, but there is still a way to go. Salary parity is still not where it needs to be. We all have to work together to continue to advocate for gender equality in business.
National Women’s Small Business Month – Company Spotlight: Creative Video Corporation
Francisca Bogdan – Founder of Wilton based – Creative Video Corporation
Francisca Bogdan is the founder and owner of Creative Video Corporation which specializes in production, postproduction and digital marketing. Based in Wilton, Francisca has been operating her business for 22 years, with First County Bank by her side. As a veteran business owner, Francisca offers great advice to those interested in starting their own business, including why she considers First County Bank a partner and an extension of her corporation.
FCB: What is your business specialty/focus?
FB: At Creative Video Corporation we help businesses promote their value proposition.
FCB: Why do you trust your business to First County Bank?
FB: 1997 no bank took me seriously. I was discouraged and upset, because I realized that banks and investment money was only provided to people that were already established, and with means. I was young and thought the system catered to just one type of person. Then I walked into First County Bank. I still remember how I felt. I felt welcomed, they took the time to listen, they cared, I didn’t hear a no, and received no judging faces. At First County Bank I only saw smiles, and received consistent recommendations on how to proceed. I presented my business plan, and the rest is history. For 22 years First County Bank has been right there helping me grow my business.
First County Bank has been there for us, through my accident, and today with COVID-19. First County Bank is more than a bank, they invest in the wellbeing of every responsible business and they see their long-term potential. Their relationship keeps you energized because you do not feel alone. When I call or visit a branch, I feel like I am going to see my friends, I have never seen a face without a smile, and with COVID-19 I missed them all tremendously! I know the small businesses in my area, and customers of First County Bank feel the same.
FCB: Who is your go to Banker on our Business Banking team?
FB: Patricia Sweeney and her team are second to none. They are in a class of their own. They will move mountains to make sure you succeed. Sometimes, I feel embarrassed when I go off with my personal issues, and Patty patiently listens, and then one word of her response keeps me on track. They want you to succeed and they are generous with their time, especially Patricia. My other amazing First County Bank team is the staff at the branch next to my home. Sheila Content and the staff at the Main Avenue – Norwalk branch, are truly unique individuals, happy, informed, and ready to help – love them all!
FCB: What were/are some of the hurdles your business experienced due to the pandemic?
FB: Where to start? Not just the pandemic but SANDO another one of my businesses (a Chilean Sandwich shop in Bethel) experienced total destruction from the big storm we had on August 4th. Business completed stopped for both my video company and sandwich shop. People are scared, they are careful with their expenses, and they are not spending money in this environment. It will be a slow recovery. We must be nimble at this time, work on reinventing our business while being creative in our approach.
FCB: What is your Covid Comeback story or how did your business model adapt as a result of the pandemic?
FB: Before the storm Isaiah destroyed my Chilean Sandwich Shop SANDO, we were gearing up for its grand opening on August 7th. We invested in new equipment, and we created an online ordering system using TRAY – a self-service kiosk and point of sale. The storm that hit on August 4th destroyed everything inside when a wall behind the restaurant fell into our kitchen. It was a wakeup call on how a dream can disappear in seconds, but our will to succeed will not, and we are back to the drawing table. We are going to come back with a vengeance! You must keep positive in this environment.
At Creative Video Corp, we are taking this time to reorganized ourselves and coming up with fun and profitable ideas. We are working on a concept for an online educational show for Kid’s about nature. Our host will be a creative and talented kid, who is eager to show other kids how to learn in this fun new way. We are creating content and are excited with this new approach. Our clients are slowly coming back from hiding and we are ready to impress them.
FCB: Tell us about a situation where First County Bank was able to help/assist the needs of your business?
FB: First County Bank is always there, Patricia is always keeping me informed. Before I even reached out, Patricia told me right away about the PPP Loan program from the SBA. The business team at First County Bank also helped me apply twice for an SBA 504 Loan – the first time with Creative Video 22 years ago, and again more recently for my catering company Loree’s Kitchen and Catering ( which later became SANDO). Sheila Content follows up with me constantly, with new offers and new information. It’s a partnership. I feel like First County Bank is an extension of my business, a strong pillar of healthy information and support.
FCB: What advice if any, you would offer up to women who are interested in starting their own business?
FB: Believe in yourself, if you have done your homework, if you have written a business plan, a plan of execution, if you know in your heart that you can succeed in your endeavors, never quit, and work intelligently by welcoming others input and expertise. You are not alone, there are so many advisors and mentors around that want to help. Network, join groups, inform others about your business. Welcome struggles, mistakes, and fall outs, but never feel that you have failed. Sometimes, the direction of your business will differ because technology has changed. Sometimes a virus and storm will paralyze you, but it does not mean that your mind stops working in your unwavering goals to make your dream a reality. You can do anything if you put your mind to it. Your mind has more than 600 billion neurons, the power is in you. You must believe in you, and have faith that you have informed yourself to the best of your ability. I always tell my young interns, join the human race; everyone has doubts, insecurities, even the richest of people. Never be intellectually lazy. Be curious, information is power, good communication can be learned. I came to the U.S. alone from Chile, when I was 19 years old. I didn’t speak any English, but I decided to assimilate to the America spirit. Here you can really pursue your dreams, and with hard work you can make them a reality. There are millions of successful stories, and in those stories, are millions of mistakes made. Success to me is when you follow your dream believing in you, live life with all it has to offer, and overcome obstacles with tremendous character – knowing that it’s only a momentary hurdle in life that will make you stronger, better and dialectically wiser.
FCB: Any hurdles that you had to overcome as a female business owner?
FB: In the early years, production and postproduction companies were almost exclusively run by men. I had to work harder, not only because I was a woman, but also because I had a strong accent. My English was not fluent; I had to persuade them that I had the expertise, that I was creative, that my mind was always working on how to resolve their problems and how to serve them to the best of my ability. I am a solution oriented and practical individual, and I am very free in my approach. I’m genuine. So I had to adapt, I had to be aware of those little nuances that are important in business, I had to learn how to listen, be flexible and move on when I encountered myself in a situation that I knew was not fair because I was a woman. I re-framed myself by saying, c’est la vie, and “it’s not about me”. The world is not a fair place, it’s up to me to realize what it’s important, and sometimes you must disregard your impatience, not be myopic and be open to seeing other perspectives. It’s a balancing game. So be aware, be open and move on with the right spirit of happiness and equanimity, do not sweat the little things. You as a woman are already successful, you don’t need to prove it, you are already giving to the community by following your dreams, we all do, so be proud, be confident and be loving. I do not see hurdles I can’t cross, I see challenges, and each challenge makes me a better human being.
National Women’s Small Business Month – Company Spotlight: HAYVN
Felicia Rubinstein Founder & Chief Collaborator of the Coworking Community – HAYVN
Meet Felicia Rubinstein, Founder & Chief Collaborator of the Coworking Community – HAYVN, which opened its doors in May of 2019. Felicia worked with our Business Banking team on a PPP loan. We connected with her to learn more about her experience with our team and the importance of staying positive when starting your own business.
FCB: What is your business specialty/focus?
FR: Coworking and Flexible Office Space, located in Darien.
FCB: Why do you trust your business to First County Bank?
FR: First County Bank is always very responsive. They were especially amazing during the Covid crisis, as they helped me throughout the process of getting funding via a PPP loan.
FCB: Who is your go to Banker on our Business Banking team?
FR: Michael Yao
FCB: What were/are some of the hurdles your business experienced due to the pandemic?
FR: We are working hard to maintain existing members despite social distancing concerns, and bringing in new members who are interested in private offices. We had to update our dedicated desks with plexiglass and dedensify our common areas and private offices, in order to adapt to the “new normal.” We ramped up our marketing to support our membership recruiting efforts. We also created a virtual membership to maintain existing members and grow our subscription model. We incurred considerable expenses in May and June to make our facility a “Safe HAYVN” for our members and other visitors.
FCB: What is your Covid Comeback story or how did your business model adapt as a result of the pandemic?
FR: We are seeing some progress in recovering the revenue we lost between February and May, but we are also encountering severe headwinds. We have landed approximately 35 new members over the past 6 months, resulting in an increase in revenue. Our team had to adapt our business model to address social distancing concerns, retrain existing members on new protocols, and bring in new members who are more interested in private offices. We are also actively experimenting with digital memberships, virtual mailboxes, for profit program offerings and events, alternative family-friendly coworking packaging options, and an internship program to help members and high-school and college students in the area.
FCB: Tell us about a situation where First County Bank was able to help/assist the needs of your business.
FR: We received PPP loan funding and advice from First County Bank. Our commercial banker Michael Yao was super responsive and very helpful. I would prepare my files in the middle of the night, when I couldn’t sleep. Michael would be right there getting back to me first thing in morning. The process was very smooth and it absolutely saved my business during these unprecedented times.
FCB: What advice if any, you would offer up to women who are interested in starting their own business?
FR: Go for it – and be sure to stay positive and carry your own sunshine. Others will be attracted to your positive attitude and be encouraged to do the same.
FCB: Any hurdles that you had to overcome as a female business owner?
FR: Always – it is a balancing act – juggling family and work. You have to be really buttoned up and super prepared to be taken seriously.