Lynn D. Cantell

413.735.6708 Fax: 413.735.6772

Lynn.Cantell@peoples.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 2, 2010

PEOPLE’S UNITED COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS $25,000 TO FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORP.

Springfield, Massachusetts – The People’s United Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of People’s United Bank, of which The Bank of Western Massachusetts is a division, announced today that it has awarded $25,000 to the Franklin County CDC.

The Franklin County CDC provides a comprehensive business development education, access to capital, commercial office and manufacturing space to small business owners who live or work in Franklin County and the North Quabbin area in an effort to minimize their risks by connecting them to resources and information to maximize their success. The Franklin County CDC is also home of the Western Massachusetts Food Processing Center who helps guide specialty food entrepreneurs and farmers from the New England Region along the path to launch and manufacture food products.

“People’s United understands that successful businesses don’t just appear from nowhere.” said John Waite, Executive Director of Franklin County CDC. “They need the right place and assistance to develop their technical and financial skills as they start and grow their business. We are extremely grateful for this contribution, which will allow hundreds of food entrepreneurs to develop their businesses at the Food Processing Center while keeping their costs under control and gaining experience from our staff and the network of food businesses we have here.”

“We are proud to support the Franklin County CDC,” said Timothy P. Crimmins, Jr., Officer of the People’s United Community Foundation and President of The Bank of Western Massachusetts, a division of People's United Bank. “By supporting the Franklin County CDC, we are helping make possible general operating support for this non-profit economic development organization. As partners with the CDC we are delighted to assist in them in making a profound difference to new entrepreneurs in their early years.”

Established in 2007, People’s United Community Foundation was formed to help support programs and activities that enhance the quality of life for citizens in the communities that People’s United Bank serves. With special emphasis on programs designed to promote economic self-sufficiency, education and improved conditions for low-income families and neighborhoods, the funding priorities of the Foundation include: community development, youth development, and affordable housing.

[ Photo cutline: Lynn D. Cantell, Growth Manager and Senior Vice President (position) and Susan Dillon, Market Manager and Vice President (position) both of The Bank of Western Massachusetts, a division of People’s United Bank present a check to John Waite, Executive Director of the Franklin County CDC. (center)].

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