City officials, business and civic group leaders, local developers, and residents gathered recently at the grand opening celebration of Winter Hill Banks’ new Loan Center at 337 Broadway. Several attendees shared their thoughts on the important role of community banking with the Somerville News Weekly.

Steve Mackey, President/CEO, Somerville Chamber of Commerce
“The Chamber is the pre-eminent voice of the local business community and the leading network of employers, business owners and managers, property owners and developers. Winter Hill Bank has been a leader in advancing the Chamber’s mission to serve the membership while enhancing Somerville’s quality of life. The people at Winter Hill Bank have made a huge difference for the benefit of the membership and the community. We are proud of our association with them.”

David Blumsack, President, Rockmont Management LLC
“I would say the most important relationship a local business owner can have with his or her bank is, well, the relationship itself. Each entrepreneur has different reasons for being in business and very different needs from a bank. That’s the greatest advantage of a local bank, as opposed the big box banks. And that’s why so many small businesses appreciate Winter Hill Bank. It isn’t easy running a business, but knowing a strong financial institution like Winter Hill Bank has my back makes it much easier to focus on my daily challenges.”

Doug Beaudet, Owner, DG Realty/King Ranch Development
“Yes, Somerville has become a city of opportunity for real estate investors and developers. Yes, that translates into opportunity for people from all walks of life to move to Somerville to live and work. But interestingly enough, it can’t happen without committed community banks. Local investment financing is the engine that drives local development. Winter Hill Bank has developed a niche in property rehab and construction lending because they move at the speed we need to keep our projects viable and on track.”

Jack Connolly, Somerville Alderman at Large, President of Wedgwood-Crane & Connolly Insurance; and Past President of the Kiwanis Club of Somerville
“I have been a proud member of the Kiwanis Club of Somerville since 1995. Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions, and many other civic and charitable organizations play a valuable and often unnoticed role in the quality of life in our city. Winter Hill Bank supports them all with across the board membership, talent, time, and commitment from its officers, directors and staff. I hope we can all raise the level of awareness and appreciation for the role that Winter Hill Bank and all members of these organizations play in our community.”