By Jennifer Russo

The history of banking goes back to ancient times, as a way of securing the funds of the community, but also strategically using assets to build it to a greater potential. More than just a system of dollars and cents, banking was really about ensuring that the people had what they needed to thrive, investing in the local economy and providing stability through jobs and other area programs.

Now, with more modern systems in place, many banks have seemingly lost that original idea – that sense of community and an individualized touch. UniBank stands apart in this regard, with their priority being local families, businesses, non-profits, and employees.

“The vast majority of our employees live in the Blackstone Valley area, and we believe in supporting our local residents and merchants because that is who our employees are and who they engage with in their daily lives. Wherever an institution’s headquarters is tends to be where the focus and attention is paid,” shares UniBank CEO Michael Welch. 

“We are intimately involved with the community we are in. With our headquarters right here in the Blackstone Valley, our future focus is always going to be here, even as we expand. We are very mindful in that we do not want to become a “big bank” headquartered in a large metro area. We want to support those living and working in our neighborhoods.”

UniBank, which has been serving the community for over 150 years, takes pride in being one of the bigger employers in the area, while embracing the personalized attention and recognition that every customer is important – from a family opening a first checking account for their child to a business looking for a $20 million construction loan. They enjoy getting to know the people they serve and growing with them, holding fast to the belief that true success is shared.

“As people bank with us, everything goes right back into the community. We are not considered a stock bank, so we don’t have an obligation to serve any shareholders – our mission has only ever been to serve this area. We stand by the idea that by doing good, everybody does well,” says Welch.

And they certainly do good. Along with offering various types of banking for individuals and businesses, investment guidance, competitive loan rates, and IRAs, UniBank is a supporter of the Whitin Community Center in Whitinsville, Uxbridge’s First Night celebrations, local homeless shelters, churches of all denominations, local libraries, The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, youth athletic organizations, and more. They are also a founding partner of the Worcester Red Sox (WooSox).

UniBank will soon be opening a new full-service branch across from Polar Park in Worcester, so they can help provide services to those in an area that is in an era of revitalization, fostering even more growth opportunities there.

Being native to the Valley area himself, Welch considers the bank and everyone it serves a family. 

“Because we are local, people have direct access to the decision-makers at the bank, which I know is unusual, but I really think it makes all the difference,” he shares. “We live here too, and we care about everything our customers care about. We also want to see our community thrive and we are extremely proud to empower everyone to achieve their goals, whatever that looks like for them.”

Learn more about UniBank, their mission, community outreach, and the services they provide by visiting their website at https://www.unibank.com/

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