FITCHBURG, Mass. (August 28, 2026). Rollstone Bank & Trust, an affiliate of River Run Bancorp along with Newburyport Bank and Pentucket Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Chris Connors to Vice President, Business Banking Officer, based at the bank’s John Fitch Branch in Fitchburg. Chris brings 28 years of industry experience to the position, having most recently served as Vice President, Treasury & Relationship Banking Officer.

In his new role, Chris is responsible for identifying new business opportunities within Rollstone Bank & Trust’s market area to attract and retain quality banking relationships. He will continue to build and maintain a network of professional referral sources, including real estate brokers, accountants, attorneys and other centers of influence, to generate new business, while recommending and selling a full range of banking products, including loans, deposits and treasury management solutions.

“Chris has spent nearly three decades building trust with clients and referral partners across our market, and this promotion reflects the depth of that experience,” said Stacey Palovich, Senior Vice President, Business Banking & Professional Practices Director at River Run “His ability to structure the right banking solution for a business, and to see a credit relationship through from first conversation to closing, makes him a tremendous asset to our business banking team.”

In addition, Chris will manage the credit process from structuring through closing, working closely with the bank’s underwriting and credit teams, and will coordinate with internal partners to deliver full-service banking solutions to clients.

“I’m looking forward to this new chapter at Rollstone Bank & Trust,” said Chris Connors. “Business owners in this region deserve a banking partner who understands their goals and can move quickly to help them get there, and that’s the kind of relationship I build with every client I work with.”

Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Psychology from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, and served in the United States Navy as an Operations Specialist 2nd Class. He is an avid outdoorsman whose interests include offshore sailboat racing, hunting, golf and fishing. Chris lives in Lunenburg with his family.

About Rollstone Bank & Trust

Founded in 1846, Rollstone Bank & Trust is a trusted community banking partner committed to strengthening the financial well-being of individuals, families, and businesses throughout North Central Massachusetts. Headquartered in Fitchburg, MA, the Bank provides a full range of personal and business banking services through multiple community banking locations. Guided by a long-standing tradition of service, relationships, and local investment, Rollstone Bank & Trust is dedicated to helping communities thrive. Alongside Newburyport Bank and Pentucket Bank, Rollstone Bank & Trust is supported by River Run Bancorp, MHC. With collective assets of $3.6 billion, River Run ensures shared strength and resources in support of our banks and the communities they serve.

(CLINTON, Mass., August 31, 2026) – For the fourth consecutive year, Clinton Savings Bank (CSB) partnered with local radio station 104.5 WXLO to help local students gear up for a great school year through its Back-to-School Drive. The campaign kicked off in late July with radio ads, social media outreach, and in-branch materials inviting customers and community members to donate school supplies. The generous contributions helped ensure that local students have the essentials they need to start the school year prepared and ready to learn.

L to R: Jen Carter, morning show personality of 104.5 WXLO, Donna Ostiguy, Director of Community Outreach for the office of Sheriff Lew Evangelidis of Worcester County, Frank Foley, morning show personality of 104.5 WXLO & Ellen J. McGovern, Senior Vice President/CMO of Clinton Savings Bank

The drive culminated on August 15 with the Lemonade Back-to-School Refresher celebration at CSB’s West Boylston branch, 306 W Boylston Street, where 104.5 WXLO radio personalities Frank Foley and Jen Carter joined CSB staff to welcome families with refreshing lemonade, fun giveaways, and back-to-school spirit.
“On behalf of Clinton Savings Bank, I want to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who came out and generously donated to our fourth annual Back-to-School Drive,” said Mary T, Dean, President & CEO of Clinton Savings Bank. “The incredible support from our customers, community members, and our partnership with 104.5 WXLO will make a meaningful difference for local students as they head back to school. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s drive such a success.”
“We were immensely proud and excited to see so many people come out to support the event through their generous donations, including members of Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis’ staff,” said Bob Goodell, General Manager of 104.5 WXLO.

With thousands of donations from the event, Clinton Savings Bank was able to send school supplies to Beal & Coolidge Elementary in Shrewsbury, Boylston Elementary in Boylston, Clinton Elementary in Clinton, Houghton Elementary in Sterling, Major Edwards Elementary in West Boylston, Tahanto Regional Middle/High School in Boylston and W.H.E.A.T. Community in Clinton.

About Clinton Savings Bank
Established in 1851, Clinton Savings Bank is among the oldest mutual community banks in Massachusetts with more than $745 million in assets. Clinton Savings Bank (CSB) offers business and consumer banking, through seven full-service branches in Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Clinton, Shrewsbury, Sterling, West Boylston and as a member of the Allpoint network access to over 55,000 ATMs. CSB also provides mobile and online banking. For more information, please visit clintonsavings.com.

FITCHBURG, Mass. (August 20, 2026) — In recognition of National Nonprofit Day, Rollstone Bank & Trust and the Rollstone Bank & Trust Charitable Foundation are celebrating the nonprofit organizations, schools, and community partners whose work strengthens North Central Massachusetts and makes a difference in the lives of local residents.

For Rollstone Bank & Trust, being a community bank means knowing that where you matter most is in the communities you call home. As a mutual bank, Rollstone is owned not by outside shareholders, but by its depositors and the communities it serves. That structure allows the Bank to reinvest in those communities through charitable giving, community partnerships, and employee volunteerism—support made possible by the customers who choose to bank with Rollstone.

Since its inception in 2005, the Rollstone Bank & Trust Charitable Foundation has awarded more than $3.8 million in grants to nonprofit organizations and community initiatives throughout North Central Massachusetts. In 2026 alone, the Foundation has committed $240,000 to organizations working across a broad range of needs, including arts and culture, human services, education, housing, environmental stewardship, and community support.

“Being where you matter most means being there for the people and organizations that make our communities stronger,” said Mary Beth Jokela, President and COO of Rollstone Bank & Trust. “Our nonprofit partners are doing important work every day to create opportunities, support families, preserve our community’s culture, and improve quality of life. Supporting that work isn’t separate from what we do as a bank—it is central to who we are.”

The Foundation’s most recent round of grants, approved at its June meeting, provides a snapshot of the breadth of its philanthropic focus with $41,000 awarded to 10 nonprofit and community organizations. Among the June recipients were the Fitchburg Art Museum and Montachusett Chorale, supporting the region’s vibrant arts and cultural community; North Star Family Services, Ginny’s Helping Hand, and Care Net PRC, providing vital support and resources to individuals and families; and North Middlesex High School, supporting educational opportunities for local students.

Additional grants support environmental stewardship through the Nashua River Watershed Association, the Twin Cities Rail Trail project through the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, housing through Habitat for Humanity North Central MA, and energy assistance through the Mayor’s Energy Fund.

Together, these organizations reflect the many ways community needs intersect—and the many ways Rollstone Bank & Trust seeks to be there for the people and neighborhoods it serves.

Also in 2026, the Foundation provided $20,000 to thirteen local graduating high school seniors with its inaugural Opportunity Awards Scholarship Program. The funds were split between those attending Fitchburg State University this fall semester, and those transitioning directly into the workforce in their skilled trade. This program celebrates Rollstone Bank & Trust’s commitment to the future of its local workforce and the decision of students to pursue affordable higher education in Massachusetts.

The Foundation’s impact is part of a broader commitment to giving back. Together with its affiliated banks, Newburyport Bank and Pentucket Bank, River Run contributed more than $1.6 million in charitable donations and grants in 2025, while employees volunteered nearly 8,162 hours in service to 562 organizations across the region.

“At Rollstone, we believe community banking is about more than where you do your banking—it’s about being part of something bigger,” Jokela added. “When our communities thrive, we all thrive. We’re proud to invest in the organizations and people who make North Central Massachusetts such a special place to live, work, and grow.”

The Rollstone Bank & Trust Charitable Foundation welcomes grant requests from eligible nonprofit organizations whose programs and initiatives improve quality of life throughout North Central Massachusetts.

About Rollstone Bank & Trust
Founded in 1846, Rollstone Bank & Trust is a trusted community banking partner committed to strengthening the financial well-being of individuals, families, and businesses throughout North Central Massachusetts. Headquartered in Fitchburg, MA, the Bank provides a full range of personal and business banking services through multiple community banking locations. Guided by a long-standing tradition of service, relationships, and local investment, Rollstone Bank & Trust is dedicated to helping communities thrive. Alongside Newburyport Bank and Pentucket Bank, Rollstone Bank & Trust is supported by River Run Bancorp, MHC. With collective assets of $3.6 billion, River Run ensures shared strength and resources in support of our banks and the communities they serve.

Governor Healey Awards $6 Million to Drive Business Expansion, Create 1,000 Jobs Across Massachusetts

Business Builds Grants will support six capital projects in manufacturing, robotics, life sciences, autonomous systems and other key industries

BOSTON – Governor Healey today announced $6 million in Business Builds Capital Grants to support six major business expansion projects across Massachusetts. The projects will leverage more than $300 million in private investment, create an expected 1,000 new jobs, and will help companies expand facilities, modernize equipment, and advance industry-leading technologies.

“Companies are choosing Massachusetts to grow, invest and create jobs because of our talented workforce and our leadership in innovation,” said Gobernadora Maura Healey. “Through Business Builds, we’re partnering with companies that are making major investments in our state and helping them put down deeper roots here. These projects will create 1,000 new jobs and strengthen communities across Massachusetts.”

“Business Builds is about turning private investment into tangible benefits for our communities,” said Teniente Gobernadora Kim Driscoll. “By partnering with companies that are ready to grow, we’re supporting new jobs, stronger local economies, and investment in communities across Massachusetts.”

Established through the Mass Leads Act, the Business Builds Capital Grant Program is administered by the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD) within the Executive Office of Economic Development. The program provides targeted capital grants to help businesses grow, relocate, create jobs, and make qualified investments in Massachusetts facilities.

“From established manufacturers to companies developing cutting-edge robotics and autonomous systems, these projects reflect the range of innovative businesses investing and growing in Massachusetts,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. “By supporting these investments, we’re helping companies expand their presence in the state while creating new opportunities for talent and strengthening the industries that drive our economy.”

Business Builds supports the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s broader strategy to strengthen the state’s economic competitiveness while directing public resources toward projects that provide clear public benefits. The program works alongside existing economic development tools, including the Economic Development Incentive Program, by supporting facility and equipment investments that drive job creation, regional growth, and private-sector investment. Awardees are required to provide a dollar-for-dollar match for grant funds. Through Business Builds, EOED seeks to support business attraction and retention across Massachusetts, including in Gateway Cities, rural communities, and underutilized or redevelopment areas.

Awarded projects for the May 2026 round include:

Boston Dynamics, Waltham – $1.25 million

Boston Dynamics develops advanced mobile robotics used in inspection, warehouse automation, and industrial applications. The $1.25 million award will support the renovation and buildout of approximately 330,000 square feet of space in Waltham for robotics manufacturing, training, research and development, and related operations, including work related to the company’s Spot and Stretch platforms. The project will expand advanced manufacturing capacity and support Boston Dynamic’s plan to create 650 new full-time jobs in Massachusetts over the next three years, while keeping the company’s innovation-to-manufacturing value chain in the state and incorporating energy-efficiency upgrades.

SMC Ltd., Devens – $1.25 million

SMC Ltd. is a global medical device manufacturer and development partner serving original equipment manufacturers in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. The $1.25 million award will support the renovation of SMC’s existing 330,000-square-foot Devens facility and construction of a new 100,000-square-foot building, including high-efficiency HVAC systems, insulated building panels, injection molding machines, and power systems. The expansion is expected to create 190 new full-time jobs and retain 440 existing jobs in Massachusetts, while helping SMC increase production capacity with more efficient building systems and manufacturing equipment.

Autonodyne LLC, Boston – $1 million

Autonodyne is a software company developing collaborative autonomy, command-and-control, and human-machine teaming solutions across air, sea, and land systems. The $1 million award will support construction and equipment for the Autonomy Advancement and Demonstration Center, a 6,500-square-foot demonstration lab and classroom with simulator stations, secure collaboration space, IT systems, demonstration cockpits, and training areas. The project is expected to create 97 new competitive wage jobs, strengthen a local workforce pipeline through internships and training partnerships,  and incorporate high-efficiency HVAC, LED lighting, low-VOC materials and Energy Star or EPEAT Gold-certified equipment. The company anticipates in will source most project work from Massachusetts-based vendors.

CBSET Inc., Waltham – $1 million

CBSET is a preclinical translational research institute that supports life sciences companies developing drugs, medical devices, and other medical innovations. The $1 million award will support CBSET’s relocation and expansion from Lexington to Waltham through the renovation of a 104,000-square-foot building with laboratories, procedure rooms, operating rooms, offices, and upgraded building controls for air handling and HVAC systems. The project is expected to create 75 new jobs over the next three years, expand capacity for Massachusetts life sciences companies, and reduce historic building energy usage by an estimated 30 to 40 percent through a new building automation system and HVAC controls.

Helfrich Bros. Boiler Works Inc., Lawrence – $1 million

Helfrich Bros. Boiler Works is a family-owned Lawrence manufacturer of commercial boilers and ASME pressure vessels used in heating and industrial applications, including systems serving renewable energy customers. The $1 million award will help the company acquire land adjacent to  its existing Lawrence site and construct a new 65,000-square-foot manufacturing facility with cranes, welding equipment, an automated paint booth, and a testing station. The project is expected to create at least 30 new jobs with competitive wages and benefits, increase the company’s welding school and apprenticeship capacity, support local suppliers, and redevelop a long-underutilized site near the proposed Merrimack Rail Trail.

Entegris Inc., Billerica – $500,000

Entegris develops filtration, purification, and materials-handling products used by semiconductor manufacturers in advanced chip production. The $500,000 award will help the company purchase and install manufacturing, handling, cleaning, inspection, and cleanroom equipment and make upgrades at its Billerica site to expand advanced filter production. The project will support the long-term retention of a 485-person Billerica workforce, strengthen Massachusetts’ semiconductor supply chain, and support filtration technologies that can reduce semiconductor rework, water use, chemical use, and wastewater impacts.

MOBD is currently accepting applications for the next round of Business Builds. The deadline for applications is September 30, 2026.

About the Massachusetts Office of Business Development

El Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD) within the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) assists businesses expanding in and relocating to Massachusetts, with specific attention paid to projects that create and retain jobs and invest capital. MOBD administers the Economic Development Incentive Program. The MOBD team provides a highly responsive, central point of contact that facilitates access to resources, expertise, and incentive programs for businesses. The MOBD team is part of EOED’s effort to connect businesses with resources through the Business Front Door at www.mass.gov/bfd.

On Saturday, August 29, Riverfront Park in Fitchburg will come alive for the 5th Annual River City Rhythm & Rock Festival.

Five years ago, this festival began with a simple idea: create a place where local artists could be heard, small businesses and makers could be seen, and neighbors could come together and feel connected to their community. What started as a grassroots effort has grown into a free, all-ages celebration featuring more than 40 local artists and welcoming 1,500+ neighbors, friends, and families.

Reaching year five feels especially meaningful. Not simply because the festival has grown, but because the community has grown around it.

Every performer who takes the stage, every vendor who sets up a table, every volunteer who gives their time, every sponsor who believes in the mission, and every family that spreads out a blanket and stays for the music has helped make River City what it is.

Events like this don’t happen because of one organization or one person. They happen because people decide that art, music, creativity, and gathering together are worth investing in. The generosity of this community helps provide professional stages and sound, a safe and welcoming environment, and—importantly—fair pay for the artists whose talent makes the festival what it is.

So this month, instead of reflecting on something that’s already happened, we’re celebrating something we’re still building together.

Five years of music. Five years of creativity. Five years of community.

We hope you’ll join us on August 29 from 2–10 PM at Riverfront Park in Fitchburg and help us make year five one to remember.