Champlain National Bank News

Champlain National Bank Gives Back to Local Communities This Christmas

Project We Care, Champlain National Bank’s annual initiative to make the holidays brighter for local families in need is back for the 2024 Christmas season. The program partners with local agencies and schools to help collect toys, food, warm clothing, and other items. The Bank provides most of the funding to fulfill these projects, which is supplemented by the generosity of our employees and people from the communities we serve.

The 2024 projects are:

Champlain: We are collecting toys for JCEO so that every child will have a gift to open on Christmas morning. New and unwrapped toys can be dropped in the collection box in our branch until December 9. Call us at (518) 983-3314.

Crown Point: Working with the Crown Point Central School District; we are collecting gifts for children in need who attend the school. You can stop by our Crown Point branch to pick up one of the tags that list each gift requested by a local child. These gifts need to be returned to us wrapped, with the tag attached by December 16. To learn more or to help, please call (518) 983-3322.

Elizabethtown: Continuing a long-standing collaboration with Adirondack Community Action Programs, we are collecting new and unwrapped toys for their Holidays are for Sharing program. You can drop off donations to our branch until December 15. Call us at (518) 873-6347 with any questions.

Keene: We are supporting the Keene Valley Neighborhood House’s Resident Christmas Fund, which is used to buy each person living there a Christmas present, making the holiday season special for those in nursing care. If you are interested in contributing to this Fund, you can give us a call at (518) 576-9515 for the details.

Lake Placid: We are collecting new toys, arts and craft supplies, clothing, and gift cards for the North Elba Community Christmas Fund. You can drop off your unwrapped donations at our Lake Placid location until December 13. Call us at (518) 523-7070 if you have questions.

Plattsburgh: We are collecting items for the residents of the Plattsburgh Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, so that everyone there will receive a gift this Christmas. Recommended items include personal care products (shampoo, lotion, soap, etc.) along with gifts like puzzles, large-print word search books, and adult coloring books. Items can be dropped off at either of our Plattsburgh branches until December 13. If you have any questions, please give us a call (518) 561-6000 or (518) 562-1785.

Saranac Lake: We are collecting toys for Saranac Lake Holiday Helpers to be given to local children. Unwrapped toys can be dropped off at our branch until December 12. Call (518) 304-5200 with any questions.

Westport: In partnership with Boquet Valley Central School District, we are collecting gifts for children in the district who another social service agency might not reach. To help, stop by our Westport branch to grab one of the tags listing a child’s gift wish. These gifts need to be wrapped and returned to the branch with the tag attached by December 9. We’re also collecting non-perishable food and hygiene products to give to these families, and several Westport businesses are collecting spare change to be put towards purchasing these gifts. Call (518) 983-3316 to learn how you can help.

Willsboro: Partnering with Christmas for Kids, a component of Christmas in Essex and Essex Initiatives, we have tags in our branch each listing a toy, piece of clothing, bedding item, or another gift, requested by a child living in either Willsboro or Essex. If you would like to help us fulfill all these Christmas wishes, you can stop by our branch, grab a tag, and then return the item to us by December 16. To learn more, you can call us at (518) 963-4201.

“Our employees truly embrace the spirit of giving during the holidays by spearheading projects to ensure that all children in our communities will have a gift to unwrap on Christmas morning and that no one will go hungry,” said Jackie Hallock, VP/Director of Marketing. “We as bankers know how tight money can be during the holidays, and Project We Care gives us a chance to help the most vulnerable people in the North Country.”

An Oral History of Champlain National Bank

Our Chairman Emeritus, Peter S. Paine, Jr., recounts the early days of what was then known as Essex County National Bank, and why his grandfather got into the banking business.

Willsboro Story Bridge
How the Paines Got to Willsboro, Part 2

The Essex County National Bank in Willsboro, 1923

Alice Cole Becomes Chair of Champlain National Bank Board

Peter S. Paine, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Directors of Champlain National Bank and its holding company, Champlain Bank Corporation, is pleased to announce that at a recent board meeting, Alice Cole of Willsboro was elected as the new Chairperson of both Boards. Ms. Cole is the fourth member of the Paine family to serve as Champlain National Bank Board Chair and is the first woman to hold the top role. Mr. Paine will remain as an active member of the Board.

"I am delighted to be succeeded as Chair by my cousin, Alice Cole,” said Mr. Paine. “Her background and experience make her eminently qualified to lead the Board in the years ahead. She will continue our family's commitment to maintain the Bank as an independent, community bank focused on serving customers in our area."

“We are thrilled Ms. Cole accepted this important leadership position,” said Steven Cacchio, Champlain National Bank President and CEO. “Given her years of service, knowledge of our business, and the respect of her Board colleagues and Champlain National Bank management, I expect her leadership to have a significant impact on our continued success.

Ms. Cole has more than 40 years of experience in the banking and financial sectors, working for both large national and community banks. She currently works as a private Financial Services Consultant and holds CFP™ and a CIMA™ designations. Ms. Cole is an honors graduate of Occidental College where she earned two degrees in Economics and Political Science. She serves on the Advisory Board of Douglass Winthrop, the Investment Committee of the Garden Club of America and is Trustee Emeritus/Former Board Chair of the Berkshire School. She lives in Willsboro and Vero Beach, FL with her husband, Wallace.

“I am honored to be chosen as successor to Peter Paine Jr., as head of the Board of Champlain National Bank,” said Ms. Cole. “I look forward to overseeing the Bank and serving the financial needs of our North Country communities.”

Local news coverage on Alice Cole becoming board chair:

The Sun
First Woman Selected for Champlain National Bank Board

Alice Cole

Champlain National Bank Awards $4,500 In Scholarships to 2024 Graduates

Champlain National Bank gave $4,500 in scholarship money to graduating seniors throughout Essex, Clinton, and Franklin Counties at graduation ceremonies in June. Recipients of the Champlain National Bank Scholarship receive $500 towards college expenses. Champlain National Bank Scholarships are awarded every year at graduation to students from school districts within the three counties who will be attending college in the fall.

Winners

Willsboro Central School: Thankful Nielsen, daughter of Nicole Gerding and Ian Gillies from Willsboro. Attending SUNY Plattsburgh to study Art.

Boquet Valley Central School: Mayank Bisht, son of Raje Bisht from Lewis. Attending SUNY Plattsburgh to study Mathematics and Science.

Crown Point Central School: Jarrett Russell, son of John and Vicki Russell from Crown Point. Attending North Country Community College to study Business Administration.

Keene Central School: Soren Jacobson, son of Erik and Molly Jacobson from Keene. Attending Hamilton College to study Economics.

Plattsburgh City School: Andrew Bula, son of Wolodymyr and Leanne Bula from Plattsburgh. Attending Fordham University to study Finance.

Northeastern Clinton Central School: Sierra Babbie, daughter of Cristen and Vicki Babbie from Champlain. Attending SUNY Plattsburgh to study Economics.

Seton Catholic School: Samuel DeJordy, son of Dr. John and Sophie DeJordy from Ellenburg Depot. Attending Queens University to study Business.

Lake Placid Central School: Katryna Fournier, daughter of Jami Bowen from Wilmington. Attending North Country Community College to study Business Management.

Saranac Lake Central School: Elyse Corliss, daughter of Scott and Renee Hochwald from Gabriels. Attending Siena College to study Marketing.

Employee Promotions Announced - April 2024

Steven Cacchio, President and CEO of Champlain National Bank, is pleased to announce the following employees have been promoted:

Brian Ellsworth to Branch Manager of both Plattsburgh branches. Brian started working at Champlain National Bank in 2021 after spending eight years in the banking industry as a Head Teller and Customer Service Representative. He graduated from Siena College in 2013 with a B.S. in Accounting. He is an avid sports fan and has been a North Country resident most of his life.

Brian Ellsworth

Ralitsa Livermore to Lake Placid Branch Manager. Ralitsa started with Champlain National Bank in 2017 as a Teller. She was promoted to Elizabethtown Assistant Branch Manager in 2020, Branch Manager of the Elizabethtown and Westport branches in 2021, and Plattsburgh Branch Manager in 2022. Ralitsa came to the Bank with international experience in the travel and hotel industries with Marriott hotels in San Diego, California. She holds a B.S. from the University of Economics in Varna, Bulgaria in Business Management. Ralitsa enjoys spending time with family, pets, traveling, and staying active in her community.

Ralitsa Livermore

Rebecca Miner to Saranac Lake Branch Manager. Rebecca joined Champlain National Bank in 2016 as the Assistant Branch Manager in Lake Placid before moving to the Assistant Branch Manager role in Saranac Lake. She has more than 30 years of banking experience in the Tri-Lakes, and has worked in many different capacities including audit, bookkeeping, loans, and branch management.

Rebecca Miner

Michelle McGuire to Westport Office Supervisor. Michelle joined the Bank in 2022 as a Teller in the Westport branch. Before embarking on her banking career, she spent 23 years in the insurance industry, as a Senior Commercial Account Executive specializing in the refuse hauler, transportation, and renewable energy industries. Michelle was instrumental in establishing the Faith Baptist Church of Whallonsburg, where she teaches children’s Sunday School, and organizes a monthly ladies meeting. Michelle enjoys painting, gardening, cooking, baking, and spending time with her husband, Tom, whom she has been married to for more than 30 years, and her family.

Michelle McGuire

Avery Ellis to Downtown Plattsburgh Assistant Branch Manager. Avery started with the Bank in 2021 after receiving a B.A. from University at Albany. A big fan of the fall season, he enjoys taking his dog on hikes in the Adirondacks, along with kayaking, skiing, cooking, and baking.

Avery Ellis

Maja Giambalvo to Saranac Lake Assistant Branch Manager. Maja was hired in 2019 and has held various roles within our Lake Placid and Saranac Lake branches. Maja is a graduate of SUNY Plattsburgh with a B.S. in Economics. Born and raised in Serbia, she enjoys traveling around Europe and going back to Serbia to visit her family. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her husband and son.

Maja Giambalvo

Getting the Word Out About Scams

We were featured in the Lake Placid News on our efforts to educate the community about the latest scams and how to avoid becoming a victim.

ON THE SCENE: Identifying and Avoiding Scams

Medara Sherman, Melanie Porter, Carol Martin
Photo by Naj Wikoff for Lake Placid News

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, last year, Americans were scammed out of over $10.3 billion by internet and telephone scam artists. On Sunday afternoon, March 3, at the Keene Valley Library, representatives of the Champlain National Bank provided an overview of scammers, how they work, why they are effective and how people can protect themselves.

Staying alert is critical as scammers are good and constantly getting better. Their goal is to gain your trust and get you to transfer money to them in ways that can’t be traced or stopped, such as getting access to your accounts and taking your funds directly without your knowledge.

This past year, I was close to being successfully scammed through nearly purchasing goods on what I thought was an L.L. Bean site. Every aspect of the site looked authentic: the layout, the products on sale, the addresses, everything, plus the timing as I received it during the Black Friday window of amazing offers. The giveaway was that I felt the prices were almost too good to be true, so good that I opened a new window googling L.L. Bean to confirm the offerings.

L.L. Bean’s offerings were not even close to the prices I was quoted, which got me to look carefully at the email addresses, where I noted some subtle irregularities inspiring me to close and block the page and label it spam. Indeed, during the library session, Bunny Goodwin opened her email and found a fake offer that she read out loud to the attendees. The offer ticked all the boxes we had been discussing, indicating that it was a scam offer.

Medara Sherman, a mortgage loan specialist who serves as Champlain National’s security officer, led the presentation. Sherman has been with the bank for 11 years, eight as a branch or multiple branch manager. She said that part of the bank’s strategic plan is lowering the risk of being scammed through educating their customers and staff on what to look out for and steps they can take to lower risk. One aspect is questioning their customers anytime they try to make a large withdrawal, purchase a cashier’s check, or wire money.

Donna Reed Austin, Linda Deyo
Photo by Naj Wikoff for Lake Placid News

“If you come in and seek such a withdrawal, we are asking questions not to be nosey but to save you from potentially losing money,” said Sherman. “Once you send the money, you can’t get it back. It’s gone.”

Rural and older adults are particularly vulnerable as we tend to be very trusting because we know or recognize most people we meet and are used to helping each other. If someone has a significant loss, we quickly assemble a benefit supper or a GoFundMe site or donate food and clothing. Here, older adults have these same values, but as they are not often as technical savvy as younger people or have challenges of memory loss, they can be particularly vulnerable.

Scammers want your money and will stop at nothing to get it. Scammers always have a believable story, one that makes sense. They want to identify your vulnerabilities and gain your trust, and, in the end, they don’t care what they have to do to get your money.

Scammers are highly skilled at their trade, appeal to such emotions as fear, loneliness and sympathy, don’t take no for an answer, and insist on secrecy. They find us through purchasing mailing lists, contact lists and social media such as chat rooms, dating sites, Facebook, Instagram and Nextdoor. They look at profiles to see what you are doing, what your interests are, if you are involved in specific organizations and identify the names of your friends and family.

There are a variety of scams, such as giveaways, sweethearts, family/friend imposters, government imposters, tech support, phony charities, investment tips and contractors. Scammers work to build trust.

They often state that they are out of the country and need money or someone you know needs help covering a doctor’s bill. They might say you failed to show up for jury duty and now have a fine to pay, that your social security or Medicare benefits have been suspended, you owe back taxes, you owe a tech company or some other organization, which may be a cause that you are concerned about. All will require payment, and quickly as there is a deadline. Payment must be made by wire transfer, gift card, banker’s check or cryptocurrency.

“If it’s too good to be true, chances are it’s a scam,” said Sherman. “Since COVID, a lot of check and mail fraud is going on. People will either intercept the mail from the post office or pull it out of mailboxes, or bad actors will work for the post office. They open your mail, find a check in there, use a chemical to remove the payee’s name, change the amount and put in their name as the payee.”

Sherman recommends direct payments, though recognizing that many large institutions have been hacked. She said the advantage of credit cards is you are protected, while with checks, you are not unless you catch the phony check within 24 hours. If you send checks, review your bank statements to see that the right amount was cleared and get protective sleeves for your credit cards. Also, change your passwords often or sign up for an automatic password account.

“The only thing you can do is safeguard yourself,” said Sherman. “Nothing is a hundred percent foolproof but start using fewer and fewer checks and increase paying online. If you check your bank or credit card statement only when it comes in the mail, that’s too late. Go online and review your statements daily. Think before you give any personal information out.”

Sherman’s other recommendation is that if you feel you have been scammed or are being scammed, contact your bank, the credit card company and the police. Don’t let anyone push you into making an immediate payment. Say, “Can I call you back?” Ask them for a number, which they will rarely give. Don’t be embarrassed. Seek help. Sherman also feels that artificial intelligence will make scamming even more challenging to detect.

“It was very informative,” said Donna Reed Austin. “I learned to be very careful about everything, including sending checks in the mail.”

“I’m glad that I attended,” said Linda Deyo. "I think more of these presentations need to be held in the area.”

Contact Champlain National Bank if you wish Medara Sherman to make a presentation for your organization.

“At some point in your life, if you haven’t been already, you will be either a victim or a potential victim of a scam,” said Sherman.

Champlain National Bank Rated 5-Stars from BauerFinancial

Champlain National Bank has once again earned a top (5-Star) rating from BauerFinancial, Inc., the Nation’s Premier Bank Rating Firm. To earn a 5-Star Rating, Champlain National Bank excelled under an in-depth, independent analysis of its financial condition. The Bank’s continuing work towards common goals and interests with communities across the North Country and Adirondacks has been a winning combination for Champlain National Bank and has allowed it to earn this top rating for many years.

“We are pleased to receive this rating,” said Steven Cacchio, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Given recent volatility in the banking sector, this speaks to the strength of our organization.”

Since 1983, BauerFinancial has relied on data compiled from federal regulators to determine star ratings. BauerFinancial is an independent bank research firm, and no institution can pay or opt out of receiving a BauerFinancial rating.

Champlain National Bank Announces Valentine’s Day Teddy Bear Giveaway

To show a little love to the community, Champlain National Bank will be giving away 10 large custom Vermont Teddy Bears to 10 lucky children on Valentine’s Day. The Teddy Bears up for grabs can be viewed in each branch location, which is also where parents will be able to enter their child into the drawing. Children just need to be 12 years of age or younger and be able to pick up the bear from the branch if they are selected as the winner.

“This is just one of the ways we show the community that It’s Cool to Bank Local,” said Vice President and Director of Marketing Jackie Hallock. “During the winter when it’s a little bleak, it’s nice to spread a little kindness and love, and who wouldn’t want to hug one of these big bears during the cold months?”

No purchase is necessary to enter the giveaway, and the drawing will be held at noon on Wednesday, February 14. Winners will be notified by phone.

Plattsburgh Branch Manager Ralitsa Livermore holds one of the Vermont Teddy Bears up for grabs

Champlain National Bank Wraps 2023 Project We Care

Project We Care, Champlain National Bank’s annual holiday giving initiative of employee-lead projects throughout Essex, Clinton, and Franklin counties, wrapped for the 2023 season with a record number of gifts collected. The Project We Care program partners with local agencies and schools to help collect toys, food, warm clothing, and other items, which are then provided to people in need in our communities. The Bank provides most of the funding to fulfill these projects, which is supplemented by the generosity of our employees and people from the communities we serve. Projects were as follows:

Champlain: We collected toys and gift cards for Christmas Magic, which ensures a wonderful Christmas to the less fortunate children in our area.

Crown Point: Working with the Crown Point Central School District, we collected gifts for children in need who attend the school. We also collected non-perishable food and hygiene products to give to these students and their families.

Crown Point Branch: Gift Tree

Elizabethtown: Continuing a long-standing collaboration with Adirondack Community Action Programs, our branch was a drop off location for the Holidays Are For Sharing Toy Drive.

Elizabethtown Branch: Lena Robetoy, Alan Jones (ACAP), Kathy Robertson (ACAP)

Keene: In collaboration with the Keene Valley Congregational Church, we collected spare change that will be used to purchase food for local people in need this holiday season.

Lake Placid: We collected new toys, arts and craft supplies, clothing, and gift cards for the North Elba Community Christmas Fund.

Lake Placid Branch: Table of Donations

Downtown Plattsburgh: Working in partnership with counselors and teachers at Oak Street Elementary School, we collected gifts for the students whose families are struggling to provide them with Christmas presents.

Downtown Plattsburgh Branch: Tammy Gaff, Brian Ellsworth

Plattsburgh: In partnership with Momot Elementary School, we collected gifts for children who may not be receiving much for Christmas this year.

Plattsburgh Branch: Jim Rock (Momot Elementary), Tracie McCarthy (Momot Elementary), Kathrine Murphy, Katherine Towne

Saranac Lake: We collected toys for children ages 8-12, along with hats and mittens, for the Saranac Lake Holiday Helpers.

Saranac Lake Branch: Patti Ploof (Saranac Lake Holiday Helpers)

Westport: In partnership with Boquet Valley Central School District, we provided gifts for children who another social service agency might not reach. We also collected non-perishable food and hygiene products to give to these families.

Westport Branch: Troy Light, Kurri Westover, Alyssa Carroll

Willsboro: We partnered with Christmas for Kids, which provides Christmas gifts for children living in Willsboro and Essex.

Willsboro Branch: Michelle Cross, April Marble, Lena Robetoy, Jayne Willard, Tina Gardner (Christmas for Kids)

“For the past 10 years, Champlain National Bank employees have embraced Project We Care, which started in a single branch and gradually grew to include all 10 of our locations,” said Jackie Hallock, VP/Director of Marketing. “Our employees see firsthand how tight money can be during the holidays, and these projects give them a chance to help the most vulnerable people in our area. It’s especially gratifying knowing that our efforts will help ensure that all children in our communities have something to unwrap on Christmas morning and a nice Christmas dinner.”

Champlain National Bank Makes Major Gift to The Tristan Fund

Champlain National Bank has donated $10,000 to The Tristan Fund at Mountain Lake PBS, in honor of long-time employee Jackie Hallock’s infant son, Tristan, who passed away at three-days old. The Tristan Fund raises money to purchase books to be given away, for free, to children throughout the region through Mountain Lake PBS’s Giving Library. Additionally, books purchased by the Fund are given to parents with children in pediatric palliative care and in the NICU at UVM Medical Center, so that they can read to their children, just like Jackie and her husband Thom did during their time with Tristan.

“Even though Tristan was only with us a short time, he left a tremendous impact on the entire Champlain National Bank Family,” President and CEO of Champlain National Bank Steven Cacchio said. “The Giving Library is a wonderful way to honor his memory.”

“Education is at the heart of our mission at Mountain Lake PBS, and early childhood literacy is central to that mission,” said Mountain Lake PBS President and CEO Bill McColgan. “The Hallock Giving Library and the Tristan Fund will have a lasting impact in our community with free books for local families. This very generous gift from Champlain National Bank will help sustain this effort and expand the impact throughout the North Country, and we are so grateful to them.”

Mountain Lake PBS announced the expansion of the Giving Library, which received an outpouring of support following the creation of The Tristan Fund. The Fund was created by Mountain Lake PBS along with Tristan’s parents, Thom and Jackie Hallock, after their son passed away as an infant in February.

Books purchased by the Fund have already started to be given out at community events, including at the 2023 Mayor’s Cup and several children’s events at Mountain Lake PBS. Additionally, several boxes of specialty books were donated to the NICU and pediatric palliative care at UVM Medical Center, based on the suggestions of the doctors and nurses serving those patients. Books were also donated to Plattsburgh-based Healing Grace in support of their infant loss efforts.

Dr. Kaitlin Ostrander (UVMMC Pediatric Palliative Care), Dr. Deirdre O'Reilly (UVMMC Neonatal-Perinatal Program Director), Jackie and Thom Hallock, Dr. Lisa Anne Rasmussen (UVMMC Pediatric Palliative Care), Jeanne Dube (UVMMC Pediatric Palliative Care)

Jackie and Thom Hallock give away books at the Plattsburgh Mayor’s Cup in July 2023

Champlain National Bank Receives Outstanding CRA Performance Evaluation

Champlain National Bank earned an Outstanding rating from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) in a recent exam of its Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) activities. Under the CRA, banks are evaluated on how they meet the credit needs of the communities they serve, including low- and moderate-income households, and the types of community development activities they provide. A rating of Outstanding is the highest grade a financial institution can receive.

“I am proud of what our team has accomplished to help Champlain National Bank achieve this ‘Outstanding’ rating,” said Steven Cacchio, President and CEO. “This rating reflects the commitment to the communities where we live and work.”

The Community Reinvestment Act was enacted in 1977 in order to address systemic inequities in accessing credit. The CRA was strengthened and modernized last year in order to promote increased lending, investment, and basic banking services in communities.

Champlain National Bank Awards $4,000 In Scholarships to 2023 Graduates

Champlain National Bank gave $4,000 in scholarship money to graduating seniors throughout Essex, Clinton and Franklin Counties at graduation ceremonies in June. Recipients of the Champlain National Bank Scholarship receive $500 towards college expenses. Champlain National Bank Scholarships are awarded every year at graduation to students from school districts within the three counties who will be attending college in the fall.

Winners

Willsboro Central School: Koert Newton, grandson of Norma Coolidge from Willsboro. Attending SUNY Plattsburgh to study Business Management.

Boquet Valley Central School: Judah Rutz, son of William Rutz from Westport and Baronese Rutz of Candler, Florida. Attending SUNY Potsdam to study Business.

Crown Point Central School: Ryan Woods, son of Steven Woods from Crown Point. Attending St. Lawrence University to study Business.

Keene Central School: Sarah Tansey, daughter of William and Stephanie Tansey from Keene Valley. Attending Fairfield University to study Business.

Plattsburgh Central School: Ashton Turner, daughter of Lonnie and Carrie Turner of Plattsburgh. Attending University of New Hampshire to study Business and Marketing.

Northeastern Clinton Central School: Marcus Bedard, son of Roger and Tina Bedard from Mooers Forks. Attending SUNY Plattsburgh to study Business.

Lake Placid Central School: Julia Crawford, daughter of Mark and Sarah Crawford from Lake Placid. Attending University of Delaware to study Business.

Saranac Lake Central School: Aiden Hesseltine, son of Thomas and Erin Hesseltine from Saranac Lake. Attending SUNY New Paltz to study Business.

New Hires Announced - May 2023

Steven Cacchio, President and CEO of Champlain National Bank, is pleased to announce the following new hires:

Kelly Blondo has been hired as the Champlain Branch Manager. Kelly comes to the Bank after being employed by Schluter Systems in Accounts Receivable and working for 28 years for Anachemia Chemicals in Rouses Point as a Government Contracts Administrator. Kelly has lived in the area all her life, and enjoys traveling, motorcycling, and boating on the lake with friends.

Kelly Blondo

Emily Eckert has been hired as the Lake Placid Assistant Branch Manager. Emily comes to the Bank with three years of banking experience. She enjoys volunteering in the community and most important is her contribution to area blood drives. When Emily isn’t working, she likes to read and spend time with her cats.

Emily Eckert

Emelin Koss has been hired as the Credit Department Manager. Emelin originally joined Champlain National Bank in 2010 as the Senior Credit Analyst after graduating from Le Moyne College in Syracuse with an MBA and B.S. in Accounting. She was promoted to Credit Department Manager but left in 2019 to pursue a new opportunity. Emelin is active in the Mooers Wesleyan Church and enjoys hiking and finding ways to tire her young son.

Emelin Koss

Employee Promotions Announced - April 2023

Steven Cacchio, President and CEO of Champlain National Bank, is pleased to announce the following employees have been promoted:

Maja Giambalvo to Branch Manager of both Lake Placid and Saranac Lake branches. Maja was hired in 2019 and was quickly promoted to Vault Teller in 2020. She became the Lake Placid Assistant Branch Manager in 2021. Maja is a graduate of SUNY Plattsburgh with a B.S. in Economics. Born and raised in Serbia, she enjoys traveling around Europe and going back to Serbia to visit her family. In her free time, she enjoys listening to crime podcasts, reading, and watching movies.

Maja Giambalvo

Kurri Westover to Branch Manager of both Westport and Crown Point branches. Kurri started working for the Bank in 2019 at the Elizabethtown branch and was promoted to the Office Supervisor in Westport in 2021. Kurri likes attending local live music and going camping with her family in her free time.

Kurri Westover

Brian Ellsworth to Assistant Branch Manager of both Plattsburgh branches. Brian started working at Champlain National Bank in 2021 after spending eight years in the banking industry as a Head Teller and Customer Service Representative. He graduated from Siena College in 2013 with a B.S. in Accounting. He is an avid sports fan and has been a North Country resident most of his life.

Brian Ellsworth

Autumn Flora to Crown Point Assistant Branch Manager. Autumn started working for Champlain National Bank in early 2022 as a Teller. She enjoys spending time with her family, watching crime documentaries, and DIY projects.

Autumn Flora

President and CEO Steven Cacchio Profile

Strictly Business Magazine featured an interview with our President and CEO Steven Cacchio that touched on his career in the banking industry and his approach to leading a community-focused bank.

Insights: Steve Cacchio

Largest Gift in Bank’s History Made to Plattsburgh YMCA

Champlain National Bank has pledged $100,000 to the Plattsburgh YMCA to support their new facility, which is the largest single gift in the Bank’s 114-year history. The new state-of-the-art health and wellness center will be open to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay, which supports the Bank’s mission of supporting the people living in the North Country, especially the most vulnerable members.

President and CEO Steven Cacchio said, “We are happy to be involved. It is a great project, and we are excited for the benefit it provides the area. As a local bank, it is important to us for the community to succeed and the YMCA continues to provide quality services.”

"I'm so incredibly grateful that Champlain National Bank is investing in the New YMCA,” said Justin Ihne, Plattsburgh YMCA CEO. “We share a dedication to our community and this gift is evidence of the bank's commitment to supporting the people of the North Country."

The new Plattsburgh YMCA will bring wellness to the forefront of North Country health. With expanded community areas, spaces for youth and families, and characteristic YMCA inclusivity, everyone will have a place at the YMCA. Parents will have workspaces and observation areas while children are playing, and teens will have a safe place they can be active.

Steven Cacchio, Lisa Roberts, Medara Sherman, Ralitsa Livermore, Justin Ihne (Plattsburgh YMCA)

Champlain National Bank Branch in Saranac Lake Open for Business

Champlain National Bank President and CEO Steven Cacchio is pleased to announce the new branch in Saranac Lake is now open for business after a ribbon cutting ceremony that took place on December 20. Attending the ceremony were bank executives and local leaders, including Board Chairman Peter Paine Jr., whose grandfather founded the bank in Essex County in the early 1900s.

The branch is located at 151 Church Street in Saranac Lake and features a drive-through and deposit-taking ATM making banking possible at any hour of the day. The full-service office will provide clients with all bank products and services, including business accounts and loans in addition to a robust mortgage offering. Maja Giambalvo will lead the branch team as the Branch Manager, with Rebecca Miner as the Assistant Branch Manager. Hours will be 8:30 am until 4:00 pm Monday through Wednesday, and 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Thursday and Friday.

“Since our branch opened in Saranac Lake in 2017, we experienced rapid growth in the Tri-Lakes,” Cacchio said. “Thanks to the community supporting their local bank, we were able to grow into this new building to better serve our clients. We look forward to developing new relationships and continuing to support the area.”

“We are excited to be in Downtown Saranac Lake, which puts us much closer to our client’s businesses and homes,” said Giambalvo. “This location and the drive-through will help us serve everyone even better than before. We look forward to continuing to meet the people who make this village such a great place to live and work.”

Kristen Starheim (Black Mountain Architecture), Darlene Mirrer, Renee Hochwald, Joe Garso (North Woods Engineering), Lisa Roberts, Jimmy Williams (Saranac Lake Mayor), Vincent McClelland, Roderic Giltz, Reggie Bellerive, Rachel Karp (Saranac Lake Chamber of Commerce) Peter Paine, Jr., William Kissel, Jesse Schwartzberg (Black Mountain Architecture), Rebecca Miner, Steven Cacchio, Maja Giambalvo

Bank Gives Back to Local Communities This Christmas - 2022

Champlain National Bank employees are once again spearheading projects throughout Essex, Clinton, and Franklin counties to help make the holidays brighter for local families. The Project We Care program at Champlain National Bank partners with local agencies and schools throughout the region to help collect toys, food, warm clothing, and other items, which are provided to people in need in our communities during the holidays. The Bank provides the majority of the funding to fulfill these projects, which is supplemented by the generosity of our employees and people from the communities we serve. Projects are as follows:

Champlain: In partnership with the Mooers Community Giving Tree, tags are available to be picked up at our branch, which list warm winter clothing items needed by students from Mooers Elementary. To help: give us a call at (518) 983-3314 or stop by the branch to pick up a tag. Please return the clothing unwrapped by December 9 with the tag attached.

Crown Point: Working with Crown Point Central School District, we will be collecting gifts for children in need who attend the school. The Crown Point branch has a Christmas tree full of tags, each listing a local child’s wish and need. These gifts need to be returned wrapped with the tag attached by December 12. We’re also collecting non-perishable food and hygiene products to give to these students and their families. To learn more or to help, please call (518) 983-3322.

Elizabethtown: Continuing a long-standing tradition and partnership with Adirondack Community Action Program, our branch will once again be a drop off location for ACAP’s Holidays are for Sharing Toy Drive. We are asking the community to help us find items for older children (like hats, gloves, basketballs, footballs, lotion and body wash sets, makeup, ear buds, etc.) New and unwrapped items can be dropped off into a large collection bin inside our lobby any time during business hours. The deadline is December 15. Please call the branch at (518) 873-6347 with any questions.

Keene: We are collecting warm clothing for local children and senior citizens in need, working in conjunction with local churches and the Keene Valley Neighborhood House. To help: give us a call at (518) 576-9515 or stop by to pick up an angel or mitten tag, which will give details about the person’s size. Gifts need to be returned to the branch by December 16 and can be either wrapped or unwrapped with the tag attached.

Lake Placid: We are collecting toys, toiletries, clothing, and gift cards for the North Elba Community Christmas Fund. Tags listing a local child’s Christmas gift wishes will be in the branch. Please return the unwrapped gift to the Lake Placid branch by December 12. If you need more details about the Christmas Fund, you can call (518) 523-7070.

Plattsburgh Downtown: Working in partnership with Stafford Middle School, help us purchase needed items for older kids Christmas. Tags listing a child’s need and even wishes are located at our branch. We ask that you return the gift wrapped by December 16. Give us a call at (518) 562-1785 to learn how you can help.

Plattsburgh (500 Route 3): Working in partnership with Plattsburgh High School, help us purchase needed items for older students Christmas. Tags listing a child’s need and even wishes are located at our branch. We ask that you return the gift wrapped by December 16. Give us a call at (518) 561-6000 to learn how you can help.

Saranac Lake: We are collecting toys, toiletries, clothing, and gift cards for the North Elba Community Christmas Fund. Tags listing a local child’s Christmas gift wishes will be in the branch. Please return the unwrapped gift to the Saranac Lake branch by December 12. If you need more details about the Christmas Fund, you can call (518) 304-5200.

Westport: In partnership with Boquet Valley Central School District, we will be providing gifts for children who another social service agency might not reach. The Westport branch has a Christmas tree full of tags, each listing a local child’s wish and need. These gifts need to be returned wrapped with the tag attached by December 12. You can also donate spare change into special change jars located at Westport businesses and we’ll put it towards these gifts. We’re also collecting non-perishable food and hygiene products to give to these families. Call (518) 983-3316 to learn how you can help.

Willsboro: We are collecting food for the Willsboro Food Pantry to help keep their shelves full during the holiday season, and to fill Christmas Baskets. Any non-perishable food can be dropped off in the box located in the lobby during business hours. For any questions, please call (518) 963-4201.

“Employees of Champlain National Bank are always looking for ways to give back to their communities, and Project We Care has become our signature annual event that allows us to take care of some of the most vulnerable people in our area. We know that the holidays can be difficult for people in need, so we hope our Project We Care initiatives help make the season a little easier for our neighbors,” said Jackie Hallock, Director of Marketing. “It’s also important to us that everything collected goes to families and children in need in the North Country and Adirondacks.”

Donation to Local Nursing Home

The Press Republican included our recent donation to the Essex Center in their Spotlight on Business section.

Champlain National Makes Donation of 'Beauty' to Essex Center Residents

ELIZABETHTOWN — On August 15, Champlain National Bank donated a large amount of beauty products to the residents at Essex Center in Elizabethtown.

The bank is holding these collection drives for various area nursing homes as they donate many top requested items such as lap blankets, socks, slippers, soaps, sponges, shampoo, perfume, aftershave, combs, brushes, toothpastes, toothbrushes and many lotions.

“The smiles on the faces of our residents after seeing this incredible donation spoke a thousand words,” Beth McLaughlin, recreation director at Essex Center said.

“They surely loved everything the bank brought in. The folks at Champlain National Bank have the biggest hearts.”

Essex Center Administrator Tara Vilardo echoed Beth’s remarks and also thanks the bank deeply.

Essex Center Donations

Jay Winthrop Appointed to Champlain National Bank Board of Directors

Peter S. Paine, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Directors of Champlain National Bank and its holding company, Champlain Bank Corporation, is pleased to announce that at a recent board meeting, Jay Winthrop of Greenwich, CT was elected as a new member of both Boards.

"Jay Winthrop's extensive experience as an investment advisor managing, via his firm Douglass Winthrop, some $4.5 billion in assets will bring valuable experience to our Board,” Peter S. Paine, Jr. remarked. “In addition, he is familiar with our area as a result of his long association with the Paine family."

Mr. Winthrop is a managing partner of Douglass Winthrop Advisors LLC, a New York-based registered investment advisory firm. Before cofounding the firm in 2000, he worked at JP Morgan Chase and predecessor firms. Mr. Winthrop currently serves as chairman of the Conservation Fund and was previously chairman of American Farmland Trust, both in Washington, DC. From 2014 through 2016 he served on the U.S. State Department’s Advisory Committee on International Economic Policy. Mr. Winthrop received an AB from Harvard College in 1986 and an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1992.

On joining the Board, Jay Winthrop said, “As one who has travelled to the Adirondacks for many years, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact Champlain National Bank has in the communities it serves in this wonderful part of the country. I’m honored to join the Bank board and support the good work of the bank and its terrific employees in the years ahead.”

Jay Winthrop

Champlain National Bank Awards $4,000 in Scholarships to 2022 Graduates

Champlain National Bank gave $4,000 in scholarship money to graduating seniors throughout Essex, Clinton and Franklin Counties at graduation ceremonies in June. Recipients of the Champlain National Bank Scholarship receive $500 towards college expenses. Champlain National Bank Scholarships are awarded every year at graduation to students from school districts within the three counties who will be attending college in the fall.

Winners

Willsboro Central School: Anna McShane, daughter of Michael and Melinda McShane from Essex. Attending SUNY Plattsburgh to study Arts and Communication.

Boquet Valley Central School: Jude Brearton, son of Timothy Brearton and Dava Clement from Elizabethtown. Attending SUNY Plattsburgh to study Law and Justice.

Crown Point Central School: Noah Spaulding, son of Warren and Falynn Spaulding from Crown Point. Attending Siena College to study Business.

Keene Central School: Lacey Lawrence, daughter of Jill Lawrence from Champlain. Attending SUNY Plattsburgh to study Business Administration.

Plattsburgh Central School: Andrew Knowles, son of Robert and Nicole Knowles from Plattsburgh. Attending Rochester Institute of Technology to study Finance.

Northeastern Clinton Central School: Thomas Gilbo from Champlain. Attending SUNY Plattsburgh to study Economics.

Lake Placid Central School: Weber Jane Hemsley, daughter of Stuart Hemsley and Petra Weber from Lake Placid. Attending St. Lawrence University to study Business.

Saranac Lake Central School: Elizabeth Owens, daughter of Kenneth and Jennifer Owens from Bloomingdale. Attending St. Lawrence University to study Business.

Champlain National Bank Plans Move to New Saranac Lake Location

Steven Cacchio, President and CEO of Champlain National Bank, is pleased to announce the Bank will be moving its Saranac Lake branch to a new location at 151 Church Street. This new branch will increase convenience with drive-through access, an after-hours depository, and enhanced deposit-taking ATM. It will provide clients with all bank products and services, including business accounts and loans, in addition to a robust mortgage offering.

“We see this as a natural progression of our presence in Saranac Lake, and look forward to making another investment in both our bank and our community,” said Cacchio.

The Bank is working with local contractors for the project, including Black Mountain Architecture from Saranac Lake, JFP Enterprises from Plattsburgh, Northwoods Engineering from Saranac Lake, and Marvin Land Surveying from Lake Placid.

The new branch is scheduled to open in the fall.

John Perley Retires From Champlain National Bank Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of Champlain National Bank will be saying goodbye to one of its longest serving members in 2022 who is retiring. John Perley, who served as President and CEO of the Bank from 1989 until 2006, continued to make meaningful contributions after retirement as a member of the Board, including returning to serve as interim President and CEO in 2015.

Mr. Perley had a long career in the banking industry starting at Chemical Bank in 1961. In additional to Champlain National Bank, he also served as President of Amoskeag National Bank in Manchester, NH. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College and the Amos Tuck School of Business Administration at Dartmouth. Mr. Perley was a member of the American Bankers Association and served on the Government Relations Council. He was also involved in many local community groups, including the CVPH Foundation and the Chamber of Commerce in Plattsburgh.

“Under John Perley’s leadership, Champlain National Bank was transformed from a modest institution, operating solely in Essex County, to a dynamic regional bank with branches in Clinton and Eastern Franklin County,” commented Peter S. Paine, Jr., Chairman of the Board. “When he took over as President in 1989, the Bank had $60 million in assets. Today we have $450 million.”

Reflecting on his retirement, John Perley noted: “My wife Suzanne and I spent 17 wonderful years living and working for the Bank in Essex and Clinton Counties. I want to thank the many great people and organizations that extended their support and kindness to us during our 33 years involved with the Bank.”

John Perley

Employee Promotions Announced - April 2022

Steven Cacchio, President and CEO of Champlain National Bank, is pleased to announce the following employees have been promoted:

Desiree Maze to Learning, Development and Employee Engagement Manager. Desiree joined Champlain National Bank in 2021 as the Branch Manager of both Plattsburgh branch locations. She has more than 15 years of banking industry experience, which includes retail bank management, consumer and commercial lending/banking, business development, and employee training and development.

Desiree Maze

Ralitsa Livermore to Branch Manager of both Plattsburgh branches. Ralitsa started with Champlain National Bank in 2017 as a Teller. She was promoted to Elizabethtown Assistant Branch Manager in 2020 and Branch Manager of the Elizabethtown and Westport branches in 2021. Ralitsa came to the Bank with international experience in client service, having worked in the travel and hotel industries with Marriott hotels in San Diego, California. She holds a BS from the University of Economics in Varna, Bulgaria in Business Management. Ralitsa enjoys spending time with family, pets, traveling, staying active for herself, and within her community.

Ralitsa Livermore

Lena Robetoy to Branch Manager of both Elizabethtown and Willsboro branches. Lena became an employee of Champlain National Bank in February 1991. Before that, she received an Associate Degree in Accounting from Northeastern Christian Jr. College in Villanova, PA. Lena stays active in the community by being involved with the Ticonderoga Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Group. She also serves as the Treasurer of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 551 in Elizabethtown.

Lena Robetoy

Maja Giambalvo to Lake Placid Assistant Branch Manager. Maja was hired in 2019 and was quickly promoted to Vault Teller in 2020. Maja is a graduate of SUNY Plattsburgh with a B.S. in Economics. Born and raised in Serbia, she enjoys traveling around Europe and going back to Serbia to visit her family. In her free time, she enjoys listening to crime podcasts, reading, and watching movies.

Maja Giambalvo

Bank Donates Infusion Chair to CVPH in Memory of Employee

Champlain National Bank and its employees donated $5,000 to The Foundation of CVPH so they could purchase a new chair for the Infusion Center, in memory of long-time employee, Lori Boren. Lori, who passed away in September 2021 after a battle with cancer, was the Downtown Plattsburgh Office Supervisor for many years, and was the first face many would see when they entered the branch. The Bank also purchased a leaf on the Tree of Life display in the FitzPatrick Cancer Center in her honor.

“We were all devastated by Lori’s passing, and wanted to come up with a special way to honor her. When we heard that The Foundation of CVPH was looking to purchase these new chairs, we felt like it was a perfect fit,” said Jackie Hallock, Vice President and Director of Marketing. “The employees donated $1,000 of their own money towards the chair and the Bank chipped in the rest. It was truly a generous act of love for our friend and colleague, whom we all miss.”

“We were so touched by this special gift,” said Kerry Haley, Associate Vice President of Philanthropy. “Turning a loss into an act of kindness will impact so many people who use our Infusion Center. Our staff is committed to the compassionate care they provide and donations, like this, further build upon their efforts to create a positive experience for our patients.”

The new chairs in the Infusion Center are designed to promote patient comfort and staff safety, and include a power height adjustment and power reclining positioning. They also feature ultra-comfortable contoured layered foam seating and a USB port for patients to plug in their electronics to help pass the time during treatment. The new chairs can accommodate any type of treatment in the Center, which will provide flexibility as to where patients can be stationed.

Long-Time Colleagues of Lori Boren: Anne Franks, Lisa Roberts, and Lori Hebert, along with Kerry Haley (The Foundation of CVPH)

Infusion Chair Plaque

Tree of Life in the FitzPatrick Cancer Center at CVPH

Tree of Life Leaf in Memory of Lori Boren

New Hires Announced

Steven Cacchio, President and CEO of Champlain National Bank, is pleased to announce the following new hires:

Desiree Maze has been hired as the Branch Manager of both Plattsburgh branch locations. Desiree has more than 15 years of banking industry experience, which includes retail bank management, consumer and commercial lending/banking, business development, and employee training and development.

Desiree Maze

Brian Ellsworth has been hired as the Elizabethtown Assistant Branch Manager. Brian comes to the Bank with eight years in the banking industry as a Head Teller and Customer Service Representative. He graduated from Siena College in 2013 with a B.S. in Accounting. He is an avid sports fan and has been a North Country resident most of his life.

Brian Ellsworth

Jennifer Tedford has been hired as the Human Resources Manager. Jennifer is responsible for all aspects of human resources and payroll. Before Champlain National Bank, she worked in Human Resources for a local manufacturing company for more than 20 years.

Jennifer Tedford

Champlain National Bank Gifts CAP Scholarships to North Country Students

Champlain National Bank has pledged $5,250 in scholarship money to North Country High School Students to be able to take college courses at Clinton Community College, while still in high school. The CAP (College Advancement Program) Scholarship through CCC, allows high school students to complete college-level education courses at a lower (or no) cost, in addition to helping students feel “college ready”, increasing their chance of success.

“We are honored to support educational opportunities for local students at Clinton Community College,” President and CEO Steven Cacchio said. “CAP is an excellent way for high school students to start obtaining college credits.”

“Support of the CAP Scholarship program is an investment in the community. We are grateful for the commitment Champlain National Bank has made to the North Country in providing access to education. This partnership will allow us to continue assisting deserving high school students in Clinton County and illustrates Champlain National Bank’s dedication to our region,” said Megan Morrissey-Kelley, Associate Director of Institutional Advancement.

Clinton Community College’s CAP allows high achieving students to earn college credit through approved courses at ten local area high schools. The objective of this concurrent enrollment program is to improve the likelihood of local high school student success in transitioning from secondary to post-secondary institutions, as well as increase the number of local students who choose a higher education pathway. The Clinton Community College Foundation incepted the CAP Scholarship program in 2002 in an effort to increase availability of the program’s benefits to students of all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Desiree Maze, Megan Morrissey-Kelley (Clinton Community College), Dr. John Kowal (Clinton Community College)

50th Anniversary of the APA Features Peter Paine Jr.

With 2021 being the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the Adirondack Park Agency (APA), we want to salute our Board Chairman Peter Paine Jr., who was part of the Temporary Study Commission that formed the APA, and to thank him for his subsequent service as a member of the APA Board for 25 years.

Champlain National Bank provided broadcast support to Mountain Lake PBS to air a new documentary, A Wild Idea, which tells this important story about land use in New York State, and features Mr. Paine prominently as he shares his unique perspective on how the APA came to be. To learn more about the documentary and about Mr. Paine’s role in the formation of the APA, click on the links below.

A Wild Idea

In His Sixth Decade of Fighting for the Adirondacks

Champlain National Bank Named Top Trustworthy Bank Brand

Champlain National Bank was ranked #3 out of all banks in New York for “Trustworthiness of Bank Brand” in a recent issue of Banking Northeast Magazine. We are so humbled and proud of this honor.

The Best Banks In The Northeast