TAUNTON, MA: Mechanics Cooperative Bank’s Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team are excited to announce their continued pledge to support our local communities. Mechanics Cooperative Bank will continue to donate at least ten percent (10%) of their annual net income to local non-profit organizations. These funds will have a positive impact on the local communities with Mechanics Cooperative Bank branch locations (Bridgewater, Dighton, Fall River, Somerset, Swansea, Taunton and Westport) as well as their surrounding cities and towns.

In describing the Bank’s ongoing pledge, President and CEO Joseph T. Baptista Jr. described “the amazing team of Senior Executives and Board Members who have helped make this pledge a reality since it was launched in 2011. The Mechanics Cooperative Bank Leadership Team is one hundred percent committed to improving the quality of life in the communities we serve. I am honored to say that our ‘Let’s Keep It Local’ tagline is not just a slogan; rather, it is a philosophy that is embedded in company management, and throughout all levels of our organization.”

The Mechanics Cooperative Bank Charitable Giving Guidelines are focused on supporting community organizations that provide support for affordable housing, economic and job development, educational programs, arts and cultural programs and community sports programs. Donation or sponsorship request information and the Mechanics Cooperative Bank donation form are available on their web site at Mechanics-Coop.com under the “Donations” tab in the main website navigation.

Bob Horne, Executive Director of the United Way of Greater Fall River and a current Mechanics Cooperative Bank Board Member commented “My position as the director of a community non-profit organization, and as a Board Member for a local community bank like Mechanics, allows me to view both sides of donation and sponsorship requests. The United Way has seen a significant decline in support recently from local businesses as a result of the current economic climate. And then, to see an organization like Mechanics Cooperative Bank increase and donate a significant portion of its net income during times like these, demonstrates the tremendous commitment they have to our community.”

With total assets of $450 million, Mechanics Cooperative Bank offers a wide variety of personal and business deposit and loan products. Established in 1877, Mechanics Cooperative Bank is Massachusetts’ second-oldest co-operative bank with eight conveniently located branches in Bridgewater, Taunton, North Dighton, Somerset, Swansea, Fall River and Westport. For more information, call 1-888-MECHANICS (632-4264) or visit www.Mechanics-Coop.com. Member FDIC. Member SIF. Equal Housing Lender.