Business digest

Provident Bank names new vice president Monroe - Laura M. O’Callahan-Ryle has joined the Provident Bank as vice president-community business lending for the branch offices in Monroe, Newburgh and Florida. O’Callahan-Ryle, who has nearly 10 years of banking experience, was most recently vice president-business banking/relationship manager for HSBC Bank’s Mid-Hudson District. Prior to that, she served as vice president-business development officer/relationship manager for Hudson United Bank/TD Banknorth. She began her banking career as Business Banking Officer-Commercial Lender with M&T Bank. United Way accepting applications for the Orange County Fuel Fund Montgomery - The Orange County United Way is currently accepting applications from individuals who need assistance paying for their home heating expenses, but do not qualify for HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program). Through May 13, 2011, Orange County residents can apply for a one-time grant of up to $585, which will be paid, upon approval, directly to the resident’s heating provider. The fuel fund is available for all types of home heating. Anyone interested can visit United Way’s Web site at www.uwoc.org to learn if they qualify for HEAP or the Orange County Fuel Fund. Applications can be completed online or Pat Fayo at 457-4774 to receive an application by mail. Delta Kappa Gamma’s Zeta chapter marks 78 years MOnroe — The women of Delta Kappa Gamma recently met to celebrate the 78th anniversary of its local Zeta chapter at Bocci’s in Monroe. DKG is a statewide group of women educators, which is also part of an international society. Some of its purposes are to promote women’s professionalism in education, help the community and offer scholarships. DKG donates baby items to Our Mother’s Cupboard in Monroe, clothing items to an AmeriCorp site in Florida, and will be making dozens of cookies to be distributed to needy families during the holiday season. Membership is extended to women who exhibit a high level of professionalism, leadership qualities, work in the field of education and who are willing to be active participants in the society’s endeavors. ‘Heels in Motion’ group to host morale talk Middletown — The Heels in Motion Group for Professional Women will host a free workshop entitled “When COLA Can’t Happen: How to Keep Up Morale” on Thursday, Dec. 16, at 9 a.m. at the Orange County Mental Health Association in Middletown. Given the current economy, many employees in the nonprofit, government, and for-profit worlds have not received a cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) in the past year or two. This reality compels supervisors to give extra attention to supporting a positive attitude in the workplace. This workshop will offer tools for generating new energy and fostering growth even during challenging times. The presentation is part of a series of monthly workshops targeting professional women who envision holding positions of greater authority in their chosen fields. To register, call the YWCA at 561-8050.