The Berkshire REALTOR’s Affiliate of the Year award is given to industry professionals affiliated with our association that consistently demonstrate the ideals that embody professionalism and a commitment to our industry, community and our association. They are unsung heroes who support our association through actions, words and cooperation. Recipients are known for their willingness to go above and beyond in support of the association and the members. We are proud to announce that the committee has selected Trustco Bank as our 2025 Affiliate of the Year. Trustco Bank, and their amazing lending team in the Allendale Branch in Pittsfield, Phil Celentano and Kori Forrest have been members of the board since 2023, rejoining after a brief hiatus. They have been actively engaged, involved and working with the association to help us thrive.
Phil and Kori both serve on our Community Service Committee and attend fundraisers both as participants and attendees. They can be found attending our educational events, regional meeting and staying informed about association and housing matters. They are quick to lend their expertise and celebrate our members. Through their service to our association, you can find Kori hard at work chopping and cooking for the Realtor dinner every 6 weeks for the South County Breaking Bread program. Phil just signed on to be the BJs connection, lugging the purchased food from Pittsfield to the kitchen in Sheffield each time so that we can get the maximum back for our buck in costs. Both Kori and Phil attended all Battles of the Bartender events from start to finish where they greatly assisted the staff by serving as our money counters, bringing along equipment and can-do attitude!
As our affiliate lead, Phil is presently the Business Banker and Mortgage Originator at the Allendale Branch in Pittsfield, MA, where he serves as branch manager. His career spans over four decades in Banking and private industry as a National Credit Officer. His Banking career began as a teller, progressed to a Consumer Loan Officer, then to a Branch Manager, and led to his present position with Trustco. These experiences have taught him the value of achieving a high level of customer relationships and the importance of hard work, dedication, and loyalty.