Behind the Scenes -WIN - Weekend in Norfolk - National Iron Bank.

Norfolk is a very special community in the heart of Connecticut's Litchfield Hills, and one of the most unique in the state because they have developed a summer and a winter town-wide festival that welcomes residents and visitors alike. "One of our biggest sponsors for the Summer Weekend in Norfolk happening August 3,4, and 5 is National Iron Bank. It helps make this community event come together," says organizer Sue Frisch. 

The National Iron Bank is also helping with a new initiative called WINbucks. "The bank is helping the local merchants by helping WIN,” Frisch adds. “They’ve made it possible for us to issue WINbucks, coupons good—during Weekend in Norfolk only—for new purchases of $5 or more at participating downtown merchants.” WINbucks, the brainchild of Frisch’s co-chair, Dawn Whalen, are given out during WIN to random attendees and were highly popular last year. Through its grant to WIN, the bank covers the cost of redeeming the coupons.

According to Brock Wehry, the Relationship Manager at the National Iron Bank, the most important reason they are participating in WIN is their belief in the importance of reinvesting in communities like Norfolk.  "A partnership with Weekend in Norfolk was a natural fit for the bank because many of its goals are aligned with those of the bank; such as fostering a sense of community, attracting new families into town, and supporting and stimulating the local economy. It’s a great event that provides a multitude of activities for people of all ages and interests, and also helps bring attention to the wonderful businesses and resources in town that visitors from other areas may not otherwise be aware are available," says Wehry.

The history of National Iron Bank and the spirit of WIN go hand in hand.  The National Iron Bank was founded in 1847 to address the increasing financial needs of the citizens of the Housatonic Valley and Litchfield County; needs driven by the iron mining and manufacturing boom of the Mid-1800’s when residents needed their own bank closer to where they lived and worked. "In a similar fashion, I believe WIN was also created with the intention of addressing the needs of the area, whether it’s stimulating the local economy or attracting new families into town. National Iron Bank has a long history of volunteerism and community involvement, and we’re proud to continue that tradition and partner with WIN on this event. Hopefully, in time it can become its own tradition and continue evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of the Norfolk community," says Wehry.  

The National Iron Bank has always taken a role of getting involved in the community by sponsoring and volunteering at numerous events.  "At an event like WIN, we’re happy to help wherever we’re needed most; whether it’s assisting at the various activities, handing out flyers, or conducting a survey of attendees like we are this year. WIN is a great opportunity for us to have a direct and positive impact on the Norfolk community and work hand-in-hand with its residents. Most of the credit should really go to all the local people who are kind enough to volunteer their time and resources. They work very hard to make this event a success and highlight many of the characteristics that make this town such a wonderful place. My family is originally from Norfolk, and I’ve also had the fortune of having lived here and currently work here, so the success of this town is very important to me on a  more personal level as well," says Wehry.