On November 14, Michael A. Jessee, president and chief executive officer of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, announced the winners of the Bank's 2000 Community Development Awards. The awards recognized innovative and effective economic-development initiatives.

One nonprofit from each of the six New England states won a $3,500 cash grant. The recipients were community-development organizations nominated by member institutions. Both the nonprofits and member institutions were honored at the Bank's New England Community Development Conference in Worcester, Massachusetts.

"It is gratifying to see the extent to which our member financial institutions and their local partners are involved in creative approaches to meeting local needs. Progress in New England often comes from local innovation," said Mr. Jessee.

The six winning projects were chosen from among 49 nominations. They are listed below by state.

Connecticut
People's Bank, of Bridgeport, nominated Career Resources, also of Bridgeport, in recognition of its Technology Academy, which prepares low-income, inner-city residents to make the transition from welfare to technology jobs.

Maine
Bath Savings Institution nominated the Bath Rotary Club, in recognition of its Aspirations Workshop, which encourages high school students to further their education and helps them make career choices.

Massachusetts
Natick Federal Savings Bank and Middlesex Savings Bank, both of Natick, nominated Natick Center Associates, in recognition of its work to revitalize downtown Natick. The nonprofit works with businesses, local government, and residents to increase investment, tourism, and property values in the town.

New Hampshire
The Berlin City Bank nominated Tri-County Community Action Program, of Berlin, in recognition of its Workforce Development Program, which helps individuals find and keep jobs and provides training for those who want to start their own businesses.

Rhode Island
Bank of Rhode Island, of East Providence, nominated Rhode Island Community Food Bank's West Warwick Community Kitchen, in recognition of its program that produces 900 nutritious meals per week for needy people. The program also provides chef training for individuals transitioning from welfare to work. Participants receive free child care.

Vermont
Citizens Savings Bank & Trust Company, of St. Johnsbury, nominated St. Johnsbury Development Fund, a consortium of business and community leaders, in recognition of its construction of a manufacturing facility. The new facility convinced a local employer to remain in town, saving approximately 100 jobs and creating about 80 more.

This article appeared originally in the Bank's Tools for Housing and Community Economic Development, Issue 16, Winter 2001.