Business in brief
Area banks designated Mass- Housing lender

Athol Savings Bank was recently designated an approved MassHousing lender and is now offering MassHousing's affordable home loan products to low- and moderate-income homebuyers in Athol and other surrounding communities served by the bank.

MassHousing is a publicly chartered, privately financed state authority charged with increasing affordable home ownership opportunities. The agency sells bonds and uses the proceeds to purchase loans made by partner lenders to qualified homebuyers with modest incomes.

Regional automotive dealership wins multiple awards

Jason Patterson, the general manager of local automotive dealership, Patterson Chevrolet•Buick•All-Brand Pre-owned, is proud to announce that the company was the recipient of a prestigious industry award in June.

Patterson's Service Department was awarded the Mark of Excellence in the 2006 GM Service Challenge Program for completing Extensive Training, meeting Sales Goals and providing superior Customer Satisfaction

Patterson also announced that at a recent meeting of New England GM reps, the new Patterson Sales & Service Web site, www.PattersonValues.com, was picked as one of the favorites of all the participating dealers in the sic state region. The site was launched three months ago and provides opportunities for online shopping, vehicle research and more.

The dealership is located at the intersection of Routes 12 and 140 in Winchendon.

Summer Real Estate License School

The Park Place Real Estate School announces its annual Summer real estate license class will start on Monday, July 30.

It will run Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings until Thursday, Aug. 9. The class prepares students to take the exam and be fully trained for the Fall market.

This two week class will last from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuition is $149, which covers the text and numerous support materials and pretests.

The state-mandated curriculum will be taught at the company's Century 21 office at 5 Park Street, Leominster. Their phone number is (978) 537-5100.