With permission from the Connecticut Banking Magazine...

Promotable Projects...

Valley Bank and Tommy Tape, Inc. will sponsor a Halloween child safety program, according to Bob Messier, President of Valley Bank During the month of October, area residents can obtain a free roll of night illuminated tape, which can be cut into strips and attached to a child's clothing.

Tommy Tape, Inc. located in Southington, Conn. manufactures the tape. Robert Vojtila, President of Tommy Tape stated, "The tape has 1,001 uses and is designed to emit a glow in the dark for up to 6 hours. It comes in ten different colors and can be used for many things, some examples are: Seal pipes, wrap baseball bats, golf dubs, tennis racquets, electrically insulate any home, car fittings, connectors and also can be used for waterproofing". Vojtila continued, "When Tony Mattioli, Vice President of Valley Bank and account officer for Tommy Tape and its sister company, MidSun Group, Inc., mentioned that Valley Bank was interested in participating in youth programs, the idea of promoting a child safety program with the illuminated tape was born and we wanted to work with our bank to promote child safety."

During the month of October, residents of area towns may simply stop by the bank at Four Riverside Avenue, Bristol and ask for a free roll of the Tommy Tape, which glows in the dark. "The tape is free, compliments of Tommy Tape, Inc. and Valley Bank," said Messier. American Savings Foundations recently awarded a total of $273,500 in scholarships to 141 area scholars. The Foundations' scholarship program has grown substantially over its five-year history, from awarding 17 scholarships in 1996 to this year's record number of recipients. The Foundations also recently awarded $126,587 in educational program grants to 17 community organizations. New Britain based American Savings established the American Savings Bank Foundations in 1995. With American Savings conversion to a publicly held company in 1999, the bank-expanded this commitment to the community by establishing a second, larger foundation.

Operating jointly as the American Savings Foundations, these endowments are a permanent community resource with assets totaling more than $42 million as of May 31, 2000. The American Savings Foundations are committed to improving the quality of life for all residents in the communities served by the bank.