Business Notebook: Bank sponsors “Business to Business Expo”

Warwick - According to its literature, Provident Bank has been “connecting individuals and businesses with life’s opportunities since 1888.” With that in mind, Thomas Nash, vice president of Provident’s Warwick branch at 18 Oakland Ave., recently invited local businesses to participate in a two month “Business to Business Expo” in the bank’s lobby. Beginning in the first week of March, more than 76 local businesses that bank with Provident set up small displays advertising the company’s products and services. Signs, brochures, business cards and other literature provided useful information about each business that would be of interest, not only to bank patrons, but also to other businesses. “The feedback was very positive,” said Nash. “Many of our customers remarked that they never knew there were so many business in Warwick. We actually have over 600 local businesses that bank with us.” The Oakland Avenue branch was formerly home to Warwick Savings. Nash explained that when Provident Bank purchased Warwick Community Bancorp, the branch’s parent corporation, in 2004, most of the employees stayed on and individual and business clients maintained their accounts. “Our patrons appreciate seeing familiar faces when they come here to do their banking,” said Nash. The Provident Bank Warwick Branch plans to repeat the “Business to Business Expo” in the near future and that idea could spread. Provident Bank, headquartered in Montebello, is an independent full-service community bank operating 34 branches serving the Hudson Valley. The public is invited to view the current exhibit, which is scheduled to end during the first week in May. For additional information call 986-2206. A chocolate egg helps the Animal Shelter Stephanie Faerman, owner of Sweetbriar’s, a quality chocolate and candy shop at 26 Railroad Ave., Warwick, is a strong supporter of the Warwick Valley Humane Society. She not only places a jar at her shop to collect donations for the Society but she personally sponsors a cat and a dog at the Society’s Animal Shelter. That innovative program, which requires a small monthly contribution for each animal, helps defray the shelter’s expenses for feeding and veterinary care. Faerman recently came up with a new idea to help the Humane Society by offering her customers an opportunity to purchase chances to win a five pound Easter egg made from pure Belgian chocolate. The giant chocolate egg was prominently displayed at Sweetbriar’s and the drawing for the prize took place on April 12. The lucky winner was Warwick resident Maureen Klaproth and all proceeds were donated to the Warwick Valley Humane Society. “I never noticed the chocolate Easter egg,” said Klaproth. “I just bought a ticket to support the Humane Society. But it’s lovely.” Ironically, Klaproth may have picked the wrong time to win this particular prize. “I just joined Weight Watchers,” she laughed. Her plan, however, was to bring the chocolate egg to her mother’s home for Easter dinner and then share whatever was left with her co-workers at the Robert F. McManus law firm. It’s Springfest time Participating Warwick merchants, offering special sales and promotions, will celebrate the annual “Springfest” this Saturday, April 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entertainment will be offered in the courtyard on Railroad Avenue. A “Pet Parade,” starting shortly after 11 a.m., followed by the judging of the winners around noon, will begin and end at the Railroad Green Village Park. Everyone is encouraged to visit the downtown business district to enjoy the festivities. The rain date is this Sunday, April 30.