CATSKILL– The Bank of Greene County has been officially designated as part of the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry thanks to a nomination sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey. The prestigious recognition was established by the State Legislature in 2020 to honor and promote New York businesses that have operated for at least 50 years and made significant contributions to the history of their community. Designated businesses are promoted to the public through an interactive online map that features information about their history, location, and photos.
Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “The Bank of Greene County is the epitome of a community-minded partner. Over its impressive 135-year history, the bank has not only stood the test of time but continually adapted to meet the needs of the communities it serves. From helping people realize their dreams of starting a small business to making homeownership a reality for families to assisting local first responders in making big equipment purchases and helping parents establish a college fund for their child, the Bank of Greene County has been a steadfast support through pivotal life moments. On its 135th anniversary, I’m incredibly proud to award this local institution a much-deserved place on the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry.”
Donald Gibson, President & CEO of the Bank of Greene County, said, “2024 is a very exciting year for the Bank. We are celebrating our 135th Anniversary, rang the NASDAQ Closing Bell on January 22, raised the interest rate on our e-checking account and e-savings account, and have been added to the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry! History and historic preservation are very important to the Bank of Greene County. We were founded in 1889 as the Building and Loan Association of Catskill and are still going strong. We are proud to be a strong fixture in the communities we serve and to assist individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations, and municipalities.”
Founded in 1889 and headquartered in Catskill, New York, the Bank of Greene County has been a stalwart presence in the Capital Region and Hudson Valley, delivering full-service, community-based banking for 135 years. A cornerstone of grassroots-style banking, the institution is deeply embedded in the local community. The Bank of Greene County Charitable Foundation stands as a testament to this commitment, having generously awarded almost $3 million to local non-profit organizations. Notably, this year, the Foundation is set to disburse its largest yearly award to date, amounting to $421,000 in community grants.
The bank’s dedication to the community was especially evident during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic. By making its services available to all, the Bank played a crucial role in helping small businesses and preserving almost 13,000 local jobs. This ensured that federal funds for small business assistance circulated in the economy, giving many businesses a chance to recover.
Beyond financial contributions, the Bank of Greene County has worked meticulously to preserve the historical charm of Main Street buildings in Catskill. The institution has undertaken renovations, giving new life to key structures such as the Administrative Headquarters, Operations Center, Lending Center, and Wealth Management Center. A testament to the bank’s commitment to both community development and architectural heritage, these renovations contribute to the revitalization of the local landscape and community pride.
