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One hundred and fifty years after it officially opened its doors, Institution for Savings recently completed extensive restoration and renovations to its main headquarters located at 93 State Street in downtown Newburyport.

The main office lobby’s original marble tile floor, patched throughout the years, was restored using the original pink, grey and dark cedar Tennessee marble tile installed when it was built, provided by Colonial Marble Company of Everett. Behind the teller line, carpet was removed, and oak hardwood floors discovered under the rug were stripped and refinished. The Bank’s unique ornate mahogany moldings and woodwork, which includes ornately carved Corinthian capitals and other sculpted details, were sanded and refinished, and the original concrete floor surrounding  the vault, was repaired   and preserved as well.

After stripping and repainting the 20-foot high ceilings, contractors removed the 1970s-style canned ceiling lights and installed five brass chandeliers.  All of the main banking floor walls were also painted and new wall sconces installed, and new draperies and upholstered benches will be added shortly.

In addition to Colonial Marble, Perkins Painters of Salisbury, Mark Batchelder Construction of Newbury and Bill Hoyt Painting of Merrimac completed the project for the Bank.  Historic preservation consultant Dr. Judith Selwyn of Preservation Technology Associates consulted on the project.

“We could not be happier with the results of this restoration,” said Bank President and CEO Michael J. Jones.  “This majestic building, designed by well-known local architect Rufus Sargent in the early 1870s, was described at the time of its building as Newburyport’s major, if not singular contribution to the brownstone era of American building history, and we have made considerable efforts over the last few years to ensure its longevity. This building is a historic icon in Newburyport, both inside and out. We look forward to completing the renovations of the 1980s building in the near future.

In late 2019 the Bank completed an extensive exterior restoration of the original building. The project consisted of three main phases: repair and restoration of the original exterior brownstone; replacement of the front entrance stairs; and repainting and staining of the windows and doors.

When Institution for Savings President and CEO Michael J. Jones welcomed guests the Bank’s annual meeting last March, he told them that 2020 would be a year they would remember forever. At the time he was referring to a year honoring the Bank’s 200th anniversary with a celebration that would last throughout 2020. 

Or so he thought.

At the Bank’s 201st annual meeting held this week  via Zoom and attended virtually by nearly 300 corporators and employees, Mr. Jones recapped the extraordinary events of the year that concluded with the Bank recording record net operating income of $25.7 million during one of the most uncertain and challenging times in the Bank’s 200 year history.  Guests also watched a 12-minute video recapping the Bank’s perseverance during this period, followed by Mr. Jones’ presentation of the annual President’s Award to three retail employees who went above and beyond to serve customers during the pandemic. (The video can be viewed on the Bank’s website, institutionforsavings.com.)

 Jones reported that total assets in 2020 reached $3.964 billion, increasing by $248 million or 7 percent over 2019. Total loans and total deposits ended the year at $2.78 billion, and $3.1 billion respectively.

The Bank reported net income of $46.4 million, its second-best year ever. Total capital increased $48 million and remains strong at $455 million, providing opportunities for future growth and expansion. Strong earnings resulted in a return on average assets of 1.21 percent which once again places the Institution for Savings at the top of Massachusetts banks.

Jones noted that this past year, more than ever before, the Bank felt an obligation to further assist Bank employees, customers, and our communities in their time of need.  “We did our best to help as we offered temporary loan payment relief programs, participated in the government’s Paycheck Protection Program, allowed employees to work from home, said Jones.

In 2020, the Bank’s charitable foundation donated $1.8 million.  Included in that amount was $300,000 in emergency funds authorized by the Bank’s trustees last spring to help non-profits, who were adversely affected by the pandemic with concentration on food pantries.

“Throughout the ups and downs of the pandemic we never lost sight of our commitment to support the non-profits organizations in our communities,” said Mr. Jones. “Our Giving for Good program was also critically important: each month our employees went out into our communities to safely ‘pay it forward’ by buying lunch for first responders, giving gift cards to school personnel and local restaurant works, and helping those in need during this difficult time for so many. The unwavering efforts of our employees continue to solidify the true meaning of the Bank’s vision statement. I am truly honored to have led this Bank during what was without question my most challenging year as president.”

Mr. Jones cited several additional milestones for 2020:

  • Recognized by The Daily News as Best Bank (11th consecutive year) and Best Customer Service
  • Recognized by The Salem News as Best Bank
  • Recognized with multiple Wicked Local Readers’ Choice Awards: ranked #1 in Newburyport (also covers Newbury, West Newbury, Merrimac), Ipswich, Hamilton, Wenham, Middleton, Rowley, Topsfield/Boxford and Salisbury
  • Received two Banker & Tradesman Banking Choice Awards (northeast Massachusetts): #1 in Community Contributions and #2 Overall Quality
  • Recognized by the Boston Business Journal as a Top Charitable Giver and a Best Place to Work
  • For the 13th consecutive year, recognized as a Boston Globe Top Places to Work.
  • Named Large Business of the Year by the Greater Beverly Chamber of Commerce.

Before concluding the meeting, Mr. Jones announced the recipients of the 2020 President’s Award, given annually to one employee who consistently goes above and beyond his or her duties to serve the Bank and its customers. This year, Mr. Jones presented awards to three employees who staffed the Bank’s critical and busy drive-up windows when all other offices were closed during the height of the pandemic. Bonnie Antoniou of the Storey Avenue Newburyport office, Eileen Burnham of the Gloucester office and Justin Landy of the Depot Square Ipswich office received the coveted awards which comes with a generous cash gift and extra week of vacation. “These employees processed hundreds of transactions daily and never lost their kindness and compassion even when the line went out to the street,” said Mr. Jones in announcing the recipients. “They went above and beyond every day to serve our customers in the most challenging of times, and they are the Bank’s true frontline heroes.”

Newburyport – Applications are now available for the 2021 Institution for Savings $20,000 Scholarship, announced President and CEO Michael J. Jones today.  

The Bank will award a total of six $20,000 scholarships this year. Graduating seniors from Newburyport, Amesbury, Triton Regional, Pentucket Regional, Beverly, Gloucester, Hamilton-Wenham, Ipswich, Rockport, Salem and Beverly High Schools are eligible for this scholarship. To qualify, students must be ranked in the top 50 of their class, be accepted for admission at an accredited college or university, and demonstrate traits consistent with the Bank’s vision of having a positive effect on the lives of others  through leadership, volunteerism, innovation, service and academic achievement.

“Offering these scholarships to students in our communities is one of the cornerstones of what we do,” said President and CEO Michael J. Jones. “Every year it’s an honor for me to read the hundreds of applications we receive from intelligent and promising graduates. Our past recipients have gone on to become doctors, engineers, teachers, writers and more, all having a positive impact on our world.”

Applications are available online at the Bank’s website by clicking on the Community link. Applications are also available in each school’s respective guidance offices.  Completed applications are due by March 31st and can be sent to Institution for Savings, PO Box 510, Newburyport, MA 01950.

To honor the life of one of its longest serving employees, Institution for Savings has established the Patricia D. (“Pat”) Connelly Memorial Scholarship, announced president and CEO Michael J. Jones today. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a graduating Newburyport High School senior who embodies Pat’s love of the City of Newburyport and her spirit of kindness and giving back to her community.

“Pat was one of the Bank’s most tenured employees but that wasn’t what made her so special,” said Mr. Jones. “She cared deeply about those who were less fortunate than herself, and always strived to find ways to ease their burdens, whether it was a kind gesture, giving of her time or making a personal donation. Pat was also immensely proud of her Clipper roots as a 1964 graduate of Newburyport High School, following the activities of the many sports teams, attending plays in the auditorium and more. As a member of the Bank’s scholarship committee Pat loved that the Bank’s support helped make college attainable for many worthy students. I know she would be proud and pleased to know that future generations of passionate Clippers will be helped in her name.”

More information about the scholarship criteria as well as an application can be found on our Scholarship page.

For the fifth consecutive year the Institution for Savings has been named one of the region's top 50 corporate charitable contributors by the Boston Business Journal (BBJ) in its annual 2020 Corporate Citizenship Awards.

The BBJ annually publishes the list to showcase companies that promote and prioritize giving back to their communities — a feat that is even more important during times of turmoil and challenge.

“Charitable giving is one of the cornerstones of our vision of having a positive effect of every person, business and organization within the communities we serve which makes this recognition so gratifying,” said Institution for Savings President and Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Jones. “Supporting those in our communities who are struggling, particularly during these last six months, has never been more critical. We will continue to do everything we can to make a difference where it is needed the most.”

"During a year filled with unprecedented events and change, it’s incredible to think that this year’s list is the largest we have ever compiled," said BBJ Market President and Publisher Carolyn Jones. "Philanthropic companies like the Institution for Savings prioritize the welfare of our communities, and we are excited to be able to honor them.”

This year 107 companies — a record number — have qualified for recognition on the complete list by reporting at least $100,000 in cash contributions to Massachusetts-based charities and social-service nonprofits last year. The honorees this year include companies from health care, technology, financial and professional services, retail, professional sports and more.

The companies were honored at a virtual awards ceremony on September 10th.

The Institution for Savings recently awarded $20,000 scholarships to six graduating seniors throughout the North Shore, announced President & Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Jones today. The recipients were presented with their awards during their school’s respective virtual and/or commencement presentations during May and June.

The six scholarship recipients were: Jamie Bell, Triton Regional High School; Molly Elmore, Newburyport High School; Annie Gillis, Ipswich High School; Margaret Low, Masconomet Regional High School; Molly McAreavey, Gloucester High School; and Sage Seymour, Pentucket Regional High School. They were selected from approximately 300 applicants.
               
In announcing the recipients, Jones said: “Our vision at the Institution for Savings is to positively affect the lives of every person, business and organization within the communities we serve. These six deserving recipients demonstrate great leadership skills, high academic achievement and most importantly strong character. We wish them success in all of their future endeavors.”
               
The scholarships are offered to graduating seniors from public high schools in the communities where the Bank has offices including Amesbury, Beverly, Gloucester, Hamilton-Wenham, Ipswich, Masconomet Regional, Pentucket Regional, Newburyport, Rockport, Salem and Triton Regional High Schools. Eligible students must apply and/or have been accepted for admission at an accredited college or university; be among the top 50 students academically in the graduating class; and demonstrate traits consistent with the Bank’s vision.
               
For more information, visit the Bank’s Scholarship page.
NEWBURYPORT – It wasn’t exactly the scenario the head of the Institution for Savings had in mind when planning for the bank’s 200th anniversary year. But Michael Jones, the president and CEO, hopes the donation of 200 15-foot trees to the 13 communities where IFS has offices might send a message of hope in challenging times.

In January, Jones contacted leaders of 13 North Shore communities where the bank has offices with an offer to donate 200 trees to commemorate Earth Day, which is April 22, as well as the bank’s 200th anniversary. The bank had already planned a number of other “200-themed” activities to celebrate, including raising an anniversary flag in January and in February employees committed 200 “random acts of kindness.” In March, 200 mugs filled with breakfast foods were donated to Our Neighbors’ Table in Amesbury and The Open Door in Gloucester.

But the pandemic and state of emergency cancelled plans to unveil a commemorative plaque at the bank’s main office on State Street earlier this month.

Jones and Kim Rock, the executive vice president and chief operating officer, believed the donation of trees – a sign of stability and life – would be a positive sign for residents. Rock enlisted the bank’s longtime landscape contractor, Greg Southard of Riverfront Landscaping along with Steve Walfield, owner of Corliss Wholesale Supply in Ipswich. Walfield procured the 200 trees, a mixture of October Glory maples, Princeton elms and Yoshino cherry trees. Southard and his team delivered them to every community, a process that took a full week.

Jones said he hopes the tree plantings will provide some comfort to the communities served by the bank.
“We know this is a very challenging time for our customers and our communities,” he said. “If witnessing the planting of these beautiful trees that will grow and bloom for many years provides any sense of hope for better days to come, we have accomplished our goal.”

Officials in communities receiving the trees appreciated the gifts during this stressful time. Newburyport Mayor Donna Holaday expressed her gratitude for all the bank has done for the city during the past two centuries. “As our world has been gripped by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are witness once again to their generosity in the donating and planting of 200 trees in our communities. This act of kindness is heartening to see as a sign of life and hope during this unprecedented time,” she said in the release.

Tree Commission Chair Connie Preston said the commission “will be planting these trees and many more in the next few weeks and hope that the new trees will provide some hope during these challenging times.”
With the 200th anniversary of the Institution for Savings’ founding coinciding with the tenth year of its popular Credit for Life Fair attended annually by 1000+ North Shore high school eleventh graders, the Bank was hoping to ‘do it up big,’ according to Senior Vice President Mary Anne Clancy. But COVID-19 threw a wrench into those plans and with school cancelled for the remainder of the spring, it appeared that this year’s half-day event held at Masconomet Regional High School would be cancelled. Instead, Bank coordinators decided to make the event a virtual event “attended” by the students at home using laptops, cellphones and the Bank’s proprietary IFS Credit for Life Fair app that they had tested—successfully—at last year’s event. Further, the Bank enlisted the assistance of two sports dynamos to get out the message:  WCVB’s sports anchor icon Mike Lynch and New England Patriots recently signed linebacker Brandon Copeland.

“I am so happy that our internal Credit for Life planning team came up with such a creative way to deliver this important program to high school juniors,” said Michael J. Jones, the Bank’s President and CEO.  “Whether the students are walking up to booths in a field house or navigating the booths on their phone, the intent is the same:  to stay within their budget, put their needs ahead of their wants and most importantly, to learn important money lessons that will last them a lifetime. The app will give them the information, but in the end, it is the students who will have to make the right choices.  There’s no app that can do that for them.”

Lynch, a Harvard graduate, is no stranger to revving up high school students. His longtime ‘High 5” segment showcasing talents and stories of Massachusetts’ school athletes is itself temporarily on hold due to spring sports being cancelled, so when the Bank reached out, he was happy to assist.

“I happened upon the Fair a couple of years ago when I was scouting out a High 5 segment at Masco, and I was so impressed with how seriously the students were taking the event,” said Lynch. “I remember saying to someone at the time that I wished my own daughters had something like this when they were in high school. It is an incredibly important lesson that the Bank is teaching these students—something they hopefully will remember long after they leave high school.”
        
Copeland, when not engrossed in professional football, is passionate about teaching financial literacy. The University of Pennsylvania graduate teaches a class at his alma mater as well as classes to fellow NFL players and recently teamed up with Newton based FitMoney.org, a non-profit that offers a free, K-12 financial literacy curriculum to empower youth with the knowledge and skills that can lead to better financial outcomes. When he learned about the Credit for Life Fair concept-- also being done virtually at Andover High School--he offered to create a short video encouraging the students to participate. Videos made by both Lynch and Copeland promoting the important lessons of the Fair are on the Bank’s website, as well as on its YouTube page.

“Our initial reason for developing the app last year was to engage the students and provide the information they need other than the typical posters and PowerPoint presentations, and that seemed to work,” said Clancy. “With the infrastructure already in place to do this remotely, we just tweaked a few things and reached out to our 13 schools to see who might be interested in offering this remote learning opportunity to their students.”
 
As it turned out, every partner school jumped at the opportunity to offer it to their students.  Schools participating in the virtual event this year include Amesbury, Pentucket Regional, Newburyport, Triton Regional, Ipswich, Masconomet Regional, Hamilton-Wenham, Manchester-Essex, Landmark, Beverly, Swampscott, Gloucester and Rockport High Schools.

The goal of the Credit for Life Fair, said Clancy, is to help students understand the importance of balancing their budgets while still in school.  In past years, students chose a profession and were given personalized spending worksheets listing their monthly take home pay as well as a credit score, savings account and credit card spending limit. At the Fair, the students then travel around to 15 booths and purchase everything they need to live as 25-year old ‘professionals with paychecks':  housing, transportation, insurance, food, utilities and more, with the goal of staying within their budgets.

According to Clancy, the Fair will work very similar this year, only virtually.   All students will be emailed their worksheets from their schools and then will need to download the IFS Credit for Life app on their laptops, phones or tablets.  They will then use the app to visit the “booths” and choose the plans that fit their professions and salaries, recording their purchases on their spending worksheets.  Once they visit all booths, students then email their completed spending plans back to the Bank to be eligible for hundreds of gift cards.

In early 1820, 34 prominent citizens of the City of Newburyport sent a request to the Massachusetts General Court requesting to incorporate an institution "for the purpose of receiving money on deposit and investing the same to the best advantage of the owners thereof." On January 31, 1820, that charter was granted, creating the third savings bank in the Commonwealth: the Institution for Savings. Opening deposits totaling $465.10 were collected on the first day.

Now, 200 years later, the Institution for Savings is a $3.7 billion bank, but on the same path on which its was founded in 1820: making life better for its customers and its community. Earlier this week Institution for Savings President and CEO Michael J. Jones raised the 200th anniversary flag outside the Bank’s 93 State Street Main Office campus, officially kicking off a yearlong bicentennial celebration. The event was attended by the Bank’s employees, Board of Trustees, employees and customers.

“For 200 years we have provided our depositors with a safe and stable place to see their savings grow,” said Jones. “Our depositors have trusted us to lend their savings to their families, friends and neighbors to buy homes, businesses, automobiles, and finance education. Our financial success has allowed us to support local nonprofit organizations and causes to help those less fortunate and ensure that our community continues to be a good place to live and work. We are thrilled to be able to celebrate so many accomplishments and milestones throughout this year, and especially to say thank you to our loyal customers who have made this 200th anniversary milestone possible.”

In addition to flying the anniversary flag at all of the Bank’s offices, other things planned for the Bank’s bicentennial year include a dedicated website with information and historic photos (ifs200.com); a commemorative coin; a series of activities and events throughout the year marking 200 years; a historic wall calendar (now available at all offices); a video;  and a hardcover history of the Bank to be published later this year.