March 12, 2007

Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Partners With United Way To Build Stronger Neighborhoods

$100,000 Challenge Grant will help dozens of people purchase homes

Rochester, NY — This year, when small business owners and their co-workers contribute first-time gifts to United Way—their donations will automatically be doubled—and at the same time they’ll help people become homeowners.  Canandaigua National Bank & Trust announced it is launching a Small Business Challenge through United Way.  The bank will match, dollar-for-dollar, all new small business contributions, up to $100,000.

“There are many families in our neighborhoods who have worked hard so they can purchase homes,” said George Hamlin, President and CEO of Canandaigua National Bank.  “What we’re finding, though, is that a number of them just don’t have the extra funds saved up to cover closing costs.  By partnering with United Way, and encouraging small business gift growth, we’re thrilled that this challenge grant money will help people cover those costs and ultimately become homeowners.”

Domenic and Joe Mantoan, who recently purchased and renovated the Quality Inn by the airport, immediately stepped up to the challenge.  “As a small business owner in Rochester, it’s critical to invest directly into our neighborhoods so that our companies and our community can thrive.  Helping people get into homes will do just that—so I knew right away that our team needed to join the challenge.”  The Mantoan brothers have already called upon contractors and other local hotel leaders to join them.

The matching dollars, from CNB, will be invested into the Urban League’s HomeStore program, to help people who earn low to moderate incomes get into homes.  These future homeowners will be eligible to get individual grants for up to $3000.00 to be used toward the purchase of their homes.

“We know that the rate of homeownership in the City of Rochester is 40%, compared to 68% in Upstate New York,” said Peter Carpino, President and CEO of United Way.  “It’s so important we continue to build stronger neighborhoods by building up homeownership.  We are so grateful to Canandaigua National Bank for doing this to help people get into—and stay in—their homes.” 

Benchmarking other urban areas shows an increase in vacant properties results in an increase in gang activity, and ultimately an increase in violent crime—which causes neighborhood instability. Studies indicate for every vacant home, the property values of neighboring homes here decrease by 14%.

To learn more about joining Canandaigua National Bank’s Small Business Challenge—and about the difference you make when you support your United Way through contributions or volunteering—please visit click on “Biz My Way.”



United Way’s mission is to magnify and focus the power of community resources to address our most pressing social needs.