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Greenfield Savings Bank Celebrates Grand Opening of Historic Restored Leavitt-Hovey House in Downtown Greenfield
Umbrellas lined Greenfield’s Main Street Wednesday morning as Greenfield Savings Bank Board members, Franklin County elected officials, local business leaders, contractors, and community members braved the rain to celebrate the official ribbon cutting and grand opening of the newly restored Leavitt-Hovey House.
Hosted in partnership with the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, the ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of Greenfield Savings Bank’s nearly $7 million restoration of the historic 1797 property at 402 Main Street, one of downtown’s most recognizable and architecturally significant landmarks.
Designed by famed early American architect Asher Benjamin and originally constructed as the home of Judge Jonathan Leavitt, the Leavitt-Hovey House later served as the longtime home of the Greenfield Public Library for more than a century before the library relocated in 2023. Greenfield Savings Bank purchased the building from the City of Greenfield in December of 2023 for $10,000 with plans to restore and repurpose the property for future community and business use.
“This is a big day for Greenfield Savings Bank and for downtown Greenfield,” said Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jessye Deane, who emceed the ceremony. “At a time when community banks across the country are being absorbed, consolidated, and stripped of their local identity, we are incredibly fortunate to have a partner and community champion like Greenfield Savings Bank.”
Deane noted that the Chamber’s offices sit directly across the street from the Leavitt-Hovey House, giving the organization “front row seats” to the property’s transformation.
“The Leavitt-Hovey House project signals that Greenfield Savings Bank recognizes the history and the future of downtown Greenfield, and is willing to invest in both,” Deane said.
Throughout the ceremony, speakers emphasized that the renovation represented more than the restoration of a historic building. The nearly $7 million investment also supported more than two dozen local contractors, craftspeople, and businesses, creating what speakers repeatedly described as both a historic preservation success story and a significant local economic investment. Bonham & Douglas Architects and Mowry & Schmidt served as lead project partners.
Mayor Ginny Desorgher provided an overview of the property's history and thanked Greenfield Savings Bank for “stepping up” and “taking care of something we love,” emphasizing the importance of preserving one of Greenfield’s most treasured historic assets.
Former Greenfield Savings Bank President & CEO Tom Meshako, who retired in March of 2026 and is credited with bringing the project from concept to reality, paused his retirement to join the celebration. Meshako reflected on the bank’s early vision for the property and shared that a historic postcard of the Leavitt-Hovey House became a source of inspiration throughout the renovation process.
Meshako explained that the team aspired to bring the building fully up to code while carefully restoring its historic elements, including the distinctive gray exterior featured on the postcard. In recognition of his leadership and role in the project, the Leavitt-Hovey House conference room has been named in his honor.
Greenfield Savings Bank Board Chair Pamela Stobierski shared that the restored property “will house Greenfield Savings Bank’s Trust & Wealth Management Division, Residential Lending and Cash Management departments, two areas dedicated to helping build security, opportunity, and lasting roots in this community.” Greenfield Savings Bank’s retail banking services in Greenfield will continue to operate at the 400 Main Street branch.
Current Greenfield Savings Bank President & CEO Peter Albero reflected on his personal connection to the building, sharing that he waited inside the Leavitt-Hovey House prior to his CFO interview with Greenfield Savings Bank in April of 2023.
Albero also acknowledged the scale and complexity of the undertaking.
“We were overly optimistic and a bit naive back then when we expected to be in a fully renovated historic building by the end of 2024,” Albero said. “Two and a half years later, the Leavitt-Hovey House exemplifies our investment in the community and our belief in the strength and potential of Franklin County.”
He added that historical research conducted during the restoration revealed that Jonathan Leavitt also served as the first president of the Franklin Bank of Greenfield.
“So we have come full circle in the sense that this historic building once again supports banking in Greenfield,” Albero said.
“And that’s what makes this project such a win from every angle,” Deane said during the ceremony. “By restoring one of Greenfield’s most iconic landmarks, Greenfield Savings Bank is bringing this property back onto the tax roll, beautifying downtown, and leveraging this investment to inspire and serve future generations.”
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, attendees were invited to tour the newly renovated Leavitt-Hovey House and enjoy light refreshments hosted by Greenfield Savings Bank.
Cassie Morrey, GSB’s Senior Vice President of Residential Lending, commented that “the attention to detail throughout the Leavitt-Hovey House mirrors the care we bring to guiding our customers on their own home ownership journeys.”
For more information, visit: greenfieldsavings.com/wealth-management.
Gagne Wealth Impact Invitational
The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce is proud to help announce the launch of the inaugural Gagne Wealth Impact Invitational, a first-of-its-kind golf tournament experience designed to combine philanthropy, community engagement, and one of New England’s premier golf destinations.
Set at Crumpin-Fox Club, the all-inclusive invitational will feature a competitive 18-hole tournament, lunch, dinner, and an open bar, while creating a meaningful and measurable impact for Franklin County nonprofits.
Thanks to the generosity of the Gagne Wealth Management team, all tournament expenses have been fully underwritten, ensuring that 100% of all entry and raffle proceeds will be reinvested directly back into Franklin County and awarded to the top three nonprofit organizations selected by participating players.
Team spots are limited and will be filled through an application process. The minimum team entry donation is $1,000, and preference will be given to foursomes that demonstrate a strong philanthropic commitment and align with the spirit of the event.
Those interested in applying for a foursome are encouraged to complete the Team Entry Application.
All foursome applications must be submitted by June 30th.
SUBMIT A TEAM ENTRY APPLICATION
Meet the Member: Sasha Wilde
Sasha Wilde, Owner
Sexton Roofing & Siding
https://www.sextonroofing.com
Tell us about Sexton Roofing & Siding:
Our mission is to redefine the roofing industry by doing the right thing every step of the way. We strive to build meaningful connections with homeowners, our partners, and our community, setting a new standard in trust and integrity. Guided by a commitment to proactive communication and empowered responsibility, we focus on improving ourselves and those around us. One roof at a time, we’re not just fixing houses, we’re creating lasting change.
What do you love about your job?
I love getting to connect with our community, having the opportunity to watch my team succeed, and being in the position to create opportunities for growth. Whether it’s helping neighbors feel secure under a new roof or collaborating with local partners, my work allows me to build relationships. That sense of impact is what motivates me every day.
Tell us a fun fact about Sexton Roofing & Siding that might surprise folks.
I actually bought the business two years ago with my husband! We've been on an incredibly challenging and rewarding journey ever since. It’s given us a chance to build something that reflects our shared values and commitment to this community.
When you’re not working, where in Franklin County do you like to spend your time?
I love our local coffee shops, walking along the river in Turners Falls, and enjoying any outdoor spaces with our family.
Why do you value our Franklin County Chamber community?
I’m grateful to be part of the Franklin County Chamber, where I get to develop relationships with other business owners and community leaders. After speaking with Jessye and thinking about it for many months, I believe becoming more integrated in the community is exactly in line with my personal core values and those of the business. Being connected to this network means having the support, visibility, and collaboration opportunities that help our business grow and thrive.
What else should we know?
I’m looking forward to continuing to develop relationships within Franklin County, supporting fellow business owners through referrals and support, and working together to strengthen our communities.
Meet the Member: Fred Warren
Fred Warren
Author, Deadline Dallas
Out November 18th: Pre-order today!
What do you love about being an author?
Creating genuine characters who come to life on the page has helped me better understand others. Gaining that perspective allows me to build stronger relationships and to be present for others when they need support, encouragement, or inspiration.
Why is Deadline Dallas a must-read?
Deadline Dallas is a gripping Historical Fiction novel that reimagines the JFK assassination through the lens of suppressed truths, government secrets, and unanswered questions that haunts the nation to this day. With themes of aliens, government secrets, and censorship, this novel intricately ties together all the pieces of the puzzle, inviting readers into a world where history and hidden agendas collide. Packed with suspense, moral stakes, and unforgettable characters, this novel keeps you turning pages while asking the ultimate question: how far would you go to expose a truth no one wants to believe?
Tell us a fun fact about Warren Sutton Creations and Deadline Dallas that might surprise folks.
Every “overnight sensation” is fourteen years in the making. Since it’s taken us twenty years of hard work to finally see our writing published, we like to think we’re just slightly behind schedule.
Tell us about Warrren Sutton Creations.
Warren Sutton Creations is a collection of written works by Fred Warren and Jason Sutton. We create exciting stories that offer readers a brief hiatus - a welcome escape - from the challenges they face. More than that, our own story of determination and perseverance serves to inspire others to keep pushing toward the day their own aspirations are realized.
When you’re not working, where in Franklin County do you like to spend your time?
If there is a place that has a fantastic view and amazing food/beverages, you will find me there with my incredible wife and children.
Why do you value our Franklin County Chamber community?
I truly value the Franklin County Chamber community because the community support from Chamber members is amazing and something to be cherished.
What else should we know?
Deadline Dallas releases on November 18th, online and in select bookstores. Pre-order your copy today!
Book signings and promotional events will be taking place from November 9th to November 25h throughout the Pioneer Valley.
The Chamber Team is Growing!
MEET MADDY OLDENBURG, THE CHAMBER'S FIRST MEMBER ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce & Regional Tourism Council is pleased to announce the hiring of Maddy Oldenburg as its Member Engagement Manager, a new position created to strengthen support for Chamber members.
This is the Chamber’s second new hire in under two months, following the addition of Christian LaPlante as Downtown District Coordinator. With both positions brand new, the Chamber has effectively doubled its staff capacity after operating as a two-person team for most of the last three years. This expansion means more than growth in numbers- it means greater impact: the Chamber can now help support more small businesses, expand its economic development efforts, and strengthen its ability to promote Franklin County as a premier place to live, work, and visit.
As Member Engagement Manager, Maddy will be on the front lines of that mission, ensuring members get the most out of their investment, helping new businesses connect to resources, and fostering relationships that drive growth and collaboration. She will serve as the primary contact for members, oversee onboarding and renewal processes, coordinate networking events and ribbon cuttings, and ensure members experience the full value of their Chamber investment.
A Franklin County native, Maddy brings a strong background in community engagement, relationship management, and event coordination. Most recently, she served as Director of Development at Franklin County’s YMCA, where she managed donor relations, fundraising campaigns, community events, and business partnerships. She has also held roles in event coordination at Quonquont Farm, volunteer program management at The University of Findlay, and various leadership positions in the equestrian and hospitality industries.
Maddy will lead the Chamber’s membership growth, retention, and engagement initiatives. She will serve as the primary contact for members, oversee onboarding and renewal processes, coordinate networking events and ribbon cuttings, and ensure members experience the full value of their Chamber investment.
“Maddy’s deep roots in and love for Franklin County, combined with her ability to build genuine relationships and create meaningful connections, make her a perfect fit for this role,” said Jessye Deane, Executive Director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce & Regional Tourism Council. “We’re thrilled to be expanding our capacity to serve Franklin County, enhancing our ability to support economic development initiatives, and strengthening our efforts to promote the region. This growth reflects the Chamber’s progress and the momentum of our membership.”That progress is measurable. Over the last three years, the Chamber has
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Welcomed over 150 new members, now supporting more than 450 businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs in Franklin County as a 501(c)(6) member organization.
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Participated on 36+ boards and committees, ensuring the region’s voice is heard in key decision-making spaces.
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More than doubled annual attendance at Chamber events.
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As the Regional Tourism Council, the Chamber earned nearly double the annual grant award from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, helping drive a 17% increase in tourism visitation. Tourism now injects $103 million into the local economy and supports 2,300+ hospitality jobs in Franklin County.
Maddy’s eager to add to Franklin County’s growing success.
“I’m thrilled to join the Chamber team and connect with the incredible businesses and organizations that make Franklin County such a vibrant place. I look forward to learning our members’ stories, understanding their goals, and working together to strengthen our local economy.”
Learn more about Maddy and help us welcome her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..