Peoples Heritage Bank Honored by Cancer Community Center

Portland-based bank receives 'special recognition' for support of individuals and families facing cancer

The Cancer Community Center (CCC) in South Portland has honored Peoples Heritage Bank with a "special recognition" award for its support of the center's work providing services for persons and families coping with cancer.

Michael W. McNamara, president and CEO of Peoples Heritage Bank, a Maine-based bank with more than 60 branches statewide, accepted the award June 11 at CCC's annual meeting at the Portland Country Club in Falmouth. Peoples was among approximately 11 other award recipients.

"Without the help of socially conscious corporations, and the individuals who represent them, this important work could not continue and grow," CCC Board President Cathy Williams and Committee Chair Lin Bell wrote in a letter to McNamara. "The center's board, staff and clients thank you."

Williams, who works in the Commercial Lending Department at Peoples, added that corporate support is particularly important because CCC services are offered free of charge. "It helps relieve a huge burden on families," she said.

McNamara attended the ceremony along with Meg Dempsey, Director of Public Affairs for the bank. "We're proud to accept this award from CCC, which offers outstanding support and services to people and families during what can be a difficult time," McNamara said.

Peoples Heritage Bank and its employees are known for their significant charitable efforts throughout Maine. Earlier this year, the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation honored the bank for its involvement and high level of employee participation in the annual WalkAmerica, which has raised almost $500,000 to fight birth defects in the last five years with Peoples as a statewide sponsor. Employees in the bank's Retail Division also recently raised $2,600 for the Maine Cancer Program as part of an annual event. Further, the bank's nationally recognized "Peoples Promise" program benefits Maine youth with scholarships, sponsorship programs and charitable gifts.

Peoples Heritage Bank is also co-founder of the annual Peoples Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race in Cape Elizabeth. Each year, the bank awards $30,000 in race proceeds to a youth organization in Maine.

Peoples Heritage Bank is a Maine-based bank with more than 60 branches throughout the state, five of which operate as Oxford Bank & Trust, a division of the bank. The bank and its parent company, Banknorth Group, Inc., employ more than 2,200 in the state. For more information, log on to the bank's web site at http://www.peoplesheritage.com.

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