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Courtney Visits
U.S. Congressman Joseph Courtney, center right, speaks to about 30 Putnam Bank employees and local business and community leaders, including, left to right, Betty Hale, of the Hale Foundation; Putnam Bank Board Directors Paul Kelly and Jay Sinha, State Rep. Danny Rovero (D-Putnam), and Putnam Bank CEO Thomas Borner, far right. Courtesy photo.
PUTNAM — Joseph Courtney (D-CT), U.S. Congressman for Connecticut’s Second District attended a “town meeting” style gathering hosted by Putnam Bank during pre-business hours on Dec 20.
Among those in the audience were Putnam Bank employees, Pomfret First Selectman James Rivers, State Rep. Danny Rovero (D-Putnam), members of the Northeast Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, local business leaders, and community members.
Topics ranged from matters such as high-speed rail, the recent tax-cut extension, and increasing funding for meals for students whose families cannot afford school lunches, Congressman Courtney addressed the importance of community banks in areas like northeast Connecticut.
“Community banks are the safety valve of the economy,” Courtney said. “They are what makes our communities strong.”
First elected to the U.S. House in 2006, Congressman Courtney serves on the House Education and Labor Committee and House Armed Services Committee.
Courtney has made significant advances for Eastern Connecticut, including successfully securing more than $500 million in funding for New England’s largest military installation in New London; helping to pass the College Cost Reduction and Access Act, the largest increase in student aid since the G. I. Bill, and the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act; and actively supporting legislation that designated the Eight Mile River in Middletown as a part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, which will preserve the river for future generations.
Putnam Bank CEO Thomas Borner said that the bank is pleased to help connect local citizens and business leaders with state and federal officials.
“We feel it is important for Putnam Bank to support the concerns and issues that impact the people and businesses of Eastern Connecticut,” he said. “And we really appreciate that Congressman Courtney took time out of his schedule to meet with us today in such a personal setting.”