International Women’s Day is celebrated each year on March 8 as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the urgent need to address issues such as gender-based discrimination, violence against women, and unequal access to opportunities. This year’s official theme is to “Inspire Inclusion,” and we at Community Bank are proud to say that in 2023, more than 200 of our female employees served on more than 300 not-for-profit boards and committees. We encourage and support the hard work the women on our team do to be included in making the communities where they live and work a better place, and we know that their participation and involvement inspires the next generation. At Community Bank, we strive to create a world with equal opportunities and where the contributions of all are acknowledged and valued. To learn more about how you can support women and join the conversation, visit internationalwomensday.com.
World Down Syndrome Day is a global day of awareness that brings light to Down syndrome and aims to end the stereotypes surrounding people with the condition. In honor of World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, Community Bank employees across our footprint will be wearing colorful socks—representing the sock-like appearance of the three (instead of two) copies of chromosome 21 that signify the genetic makeup of Down syndrome.
A team of employees from our Brattleboro, VT, branch will also be showing their support for people with Down syndrome this fall by participating in the annual Buddy Walk. The Buddy Walk was established by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 and has grown to be the world’s largest and most recognizable Down syndrome awareness program, with hundreds of local walks taking place across the US and internationally. Each year, hundreds of thousands of walkers collectively raise funds to support local programs and services, as well as national initiatives. Learn more about the importance of World Down Syndrome Day and how you can get involved here: worlddownsyndromeday.org.
We recently made a $250,000 commitment to CenterState CEO Foundation for its Growth + Equity Fund, which combats market inequalities and promotes diversity and inclusion among entrepreneurs, ranging from high-tech startups to those led by underrepresented founders. Our $250,000 commitment will provide flexible and patient capital to empower innovators, entrepreneurs, and business owners from historically marginalized backgrounds, including people of color, women, veterans, new Americans, and those with low to moderate incomes. Entrepreneurs engaged with CenterState CEO and its partners gain access to the Growth + Equity Fund through small business development programs, receiving strategic planning, customized technical assistance, network access, B2B services, and essential support to overcome barriers to capital access. This inclusive initiative is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs achieve their business goals, having already helped five entrepreneurs of color, including three women, secure nearly $285,000 in grants or loans during its pilot phase. To learn more about CenterState CEO, its foundation, and its Growth + Equity Fund, visit centerstateceo.com.
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