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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
ORGANIZATION
ORGANIZATION

The Corporation, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, the Bank and CFS Group, Inc., provides a wide range of banking, financing, fiduciary and other financial services to its clients. The Corporation is subject to the regulations of certain federal and state agencies and undergoes periodic examinations by those regulatory agencies.
Chemung Risk Management, Inc., (CRM), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation, was a Nevada-based captive insurance company which insured against certain risks unique to the operations of the Corporation and its subsidiaries and for which insurance may not have been currently available or economically feasible in today's insurance marketplace. CRM was dissolved by the Corporation, effective December 6, 2023.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with GAAP and include the accounts of the Corporation and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions based on available information.  These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and disclosures provided, and actual results could differ.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and amounts due from banks and demand interest-bearing deposits with other financial institutions.
EQUITY INVESTMENTS
EQUITY INVESTMENTS
Securities that are held to fund a non-qualified deferred compensation plan and securities that have a readily determinable fair market value, are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value and interest and dividend income included in earnings.
SECURITIES
SECURITIES

Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the time of purchase. If the Corporation has the intent and the ability at the time of purchase to hold securities until maturity, they are classified as held to maturity and carried at amortized cost. Securities to be held for indefinite periods of time or not intended to be held to maturity are classified as available for sale and carried at fair value. Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the related security as an adjustment to yield using the interest method. Dividend and interest income on securities is recognized on an accrual basis. Unrealized holding gains and losses on securities classified as available for sale are excluded from earnings and reported as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders' equity, net of the related tax effects, until realized. Realized gains and losses are determined using the specific identification method.
Management assesses available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently if economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation, to determine whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security's amortized basis is written down to fair value through current period earnings.
Available for sale securities in a loss position that do not meet either of the aforementioned criteria, are reviewed by management to determine whether the unrealized loss is due to credit-related factors or other non-credit related factors. In making this determination, management evaluates a range of variables including the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, existing conditions that may adversely impact the issuer, changes to the credit rating of either the issuer or the specific security, among other considerations. An allowance for credit losses is established for securities when upon evaluation, management has determined that a portion of unrealized losses are due at least in part to credit-related factors. The allowance for credit losses is determined as the difference between the present value of expected cash flows using the security's effective interest rate and the amortized basis of the security, limited to the extent by which amortized basis exceeds fair value. Expected credit losses on held to maturity securities are measured on a collective basis when similar risk characteristics exist, and on an individual basis for securities that do not share risk characteristics with those analyzed on a collective basis. Accrued interest receivable on securities is excluded from any measurement of an allowance for credit losses. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, accrued interest receivable on securities was $1.9 million and $2.1 million, respectively.
A majority of the Corporation's available for sale securities portfolio is held in obligations issued by U.S. Government entities or agencies and enterprises affiliated with the U.S. Government. Due to the explicit or implicit guarantee of the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, the Corporation considers these securities to carry a zero credit loss assumption. Securities included under this implication include U.S. Treasury securities, mortgage backed securities issued by government-sponsored enterprises, and SBA pooled loan securities. Management monitors conditions that may impact these zero credit loss assumptions on a regular basis.
FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK AND FEDERAL RESERVE BANK STOCK
FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK AND FEDERAL RESERVE BANK STOCK
The Bank is a member of both the FHLBNY and the FRBNY. FHLBNY members are required to own stock proportional to their level of borrowings and participation in the Mortgage Asset Program (MAP), among other factors, while FRBNY members are required to own stock proportionally based on a percentage of the Bank’s capital stock and surplus. FHLBNY and FRBNY stock are carried at cost and classified as non-marketable equities and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Cash and stock dividends are reported as income.
LOANS
LOANS
Loans are stated at their amortized basis, which is the amount of unpaid principal balance net of unamortized deferred loan cost and fees. An accounting policy election was made to exclude accrued interest receivable from the amortized cost basis of loans. Accrued interest receivable is included in accrued interest and other assets on the Corporation's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Corporation has the ability and intent to hold its loans for the foreseeable future. The Corporation’s loan portfolio is comprised of the following segments: (i) commercial and industrial, (ii) commercial mortgages, (iii) residential mortgages, and (iv) consumer loans.
Commercial and industrial loans primarily consist of loans to small and mid-sized businesses in the Corporation’s market area in a diverse range of industries. These loans are typically made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the borrower’s business. Commercial mortgage loans are generally non-owner occupied commercial properties or owner occupied commercial real estate. Repayment of these loans is often dependent upon the successful operation and management of the properties and the businesses occupying the properties, as well as on the collateral securing the loan. Residential mortgage loans are generally made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from their employment and other income, but are secured by real property. Consumer loans include home equity lines of credit and home equity loans, which exhibit many of the same characteristics as residential mortgages. Indirect and other consumer loans are typically secured by depreciable assets, such as automobiles, and are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability.
Interest on loans is accrued and credited to operations using the interest method. Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. The accrual of interest is generally discontinued and previously accrued interest is reversed when loans become 90 days delinquent. Loans may also be placed on non-accrual status if management believes such classification is otherwise warranted. Payments received on nonaccrual loans are generally applied to principal using the cost recovery method, but in limited instances may be recognized as interest income on a cash basis. Loans are generally returned to accrual status when they become current as to principal and interest and remain current for a period of six consecutive months or when, in the opinion of management, the Corporation expects to receive all of its original principal and interest. Loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred and amortized over the life of the loan as an adjustment to yield, using the interest method.
LOAN MODIFICATIONS TO BORROWERS EXPERIENCING FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES ON LOANS
LOAN MODIFICATIONS TO BORROWERS EXPERIENCING FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY
Effective January 1, 2023, the Corporation adopted ASU 2022-02 Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) Troubled Debt Restructurings (TDR) and Vintage Disclosures, which superseded existing TDR measurement and disclosures, and added additional disclosure requirements related to modifications made on loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. Under prior guidance, a TDR was deemed to have occurred when the Corporation modified a loan to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty, and where a concession was made by the Corporation. Under ASU 2022-02, the Corporation evaluates loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty on the basis and extent of their direct impact on contractual cash flows. Modifications under this guidance include principal forgiveness, interest rate reductions, more than insignificant payment delays, term extensions, or a combination thereof. Payment delays are generally considered insignificant when the duration of the delay is less than or equal to three months.

Once a loan modification is determined to meet the aforementioned criteria, a determination is made by management as to whether the modification represents the continuation of an existing loan, or a new loan, in accordance with ASC-310-20-35-9 through 11. The Corporation considers a loan modification to represent the establishment of a new loan if the resulting terms are at least as favorable to the Corporation as the terms made to other borrowers with similar risk profiles. When a modification is determined to represent a new loan, all unamortized deferred costs and fees are immediately recognized through interest income when the modification is granted. Modifications that do not meet this criteria are considered a continuation of the existing loan, and all unamortized deferred costs and fees are carried forward as part of the modified loan's amortized basis.

ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES ON LOANS
The allowance for credit losses is an amount management believes will be adequate to absorb estimated lifetime credit losses inherent in its various portfolios of loans. The Corporation adopted ASC 326 - Financial Instruments-Credit Losses effective January 1, 2023. The allowance is estimated using the Corporation's CECL methodology, which utilizes historical information, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable economic forecasts to estimate expected lifetime credit losses as of the measurement date.

In November 2019, the FASB adopted an amendment to postpone the effective date of ASU 2016-13 to January 2023 for certain entities, including certain Securities and Exchange Commission filers, public business entities, and private companies. As a smaller reporting company, the Corporation was eligible for and elected delayed adoption. The Corporation adopted the standard, effective January 1, 2023, and recognized a one-time cumulative adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2023 to reflect the change in methodology. The cumulative-effect adjustment did not have an impact on prior year results. Retained earnings was reduced by $1.5 million, or $1.1 million, net of tax, effective January 1, 2023. The $1.5 million adjustment was reflective of the establishment of an allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments, totaling $1.1 million, and a $0.4 million addition to the allowance for credit losses on loans, reflecting the change in methodology.
Under the Corporation's CECL methodology, loans are analyzed on either a pooled (collective) basis or an individual basis, based on an assessment of risk factors. Loans exhibiting similar risk characteristics are pooled based on assigned FFIEC Call Report codes. When a determination is made that a loan no longer exhibits risk characteristics consistent with its assigned pool, it is designated for individual analysis. Pooled loans utilize both quantitative and qualitative components to determine an appropriate estimate of the allowance for credit losses. The quantitative component is based on an estimated discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis, performed at the loan level. Underlying assumptions on which the DCF calculation is based incorporate the relationship between projected values of an economic variable, and the implied historical loss experience amongst a group of peers curated by management. The Corporation utilizes a regression analysis to identify suitable economic variables, known as loss drivers, for each pool of loans. Based on the results of this analysis, a probability of default (PD) and a loss given default (LGD) is assigned to each potential value of an economic variable for each pool of loans, which is applied to derive the statistical loss implications thereof. The DCF incorporates a presumed loss for each period of the calculation, as well as assumed recoveries of past losses, to determine a present value for each loan. A loan's modeled allowance for credit losses equals the book balance as of the measurement date, less the estimated present value of cash flows. Forecasted economic variables are applied over a four quarter period, and revert to the historical mean of the economic variable over an eight quarter period, on a straight line basis.
Based on assigned FFIEC Call Report codes, the risk characteristics of lending activities, and collateral composition among loans within Call Report codes, the Corporation has disaggregated its loan portfolio into the following nine pools:
Construction - Commercial and retail loans secured by real estate made for the purposes of on-site construction or land development, and are actively in the construction phase. This portfolio largely consists of commercial construction loans, as well as a limited number of residential single family construction-to-permanent loans. Construction loans are typically evaluated using an "as-stabilized" or "as completed" appraisal valuation, and the Corporation seeks sponsors who can provide sufficient equity and project inception or who have a proven track record of successfully completing similar projects. Specific risks associated with construction lending include fluctuations in market conditions prior to completion of the construction phase, work quality, cost overruns, and the realization of borrower assurances related to pre-sales, tenant contracts, and financial covenants, among others.
Home Equity Lines of Credit and Junior Liens - Retail loans secured by secondary or otherwise subordinate lien positions on 1-4 family residential real estate. Repayment sources generally depend on borrowers' primary source of income and terms are assessed based on borrowers' equity position in the collateralized property. Specific risks associated with secondary liens include a greater default risk than on associated primary liens as borrowers are likely to prioritize payments on outstanding debt secured by a primary lien position. Secondary lien positions are additionally exposed to greater market risk in the event of foreclosure, and therefore are more sensitive to changes in underlying collateral valuations than primary lien positions.
1-4 Family Residential First Liens - Retail and commercial loans secured by primary lien positions on 1-4 family residential real estate. For retail loans, repayment is primarily dependent on borrowers' primary source of income, with the collateralized property providing a strong secondary source or repayment. In contrast, repayment of commercial loans secured by primary liens on residential property may be more diverse and include rental income generated by the property. Specific risks include localized economic conditions, which may impact both a collateralized property's value and employment prospects for borrowers reliant on their primary source of income for repayment, as well as regulatory risks specific to housing which may inhibit a bank's ability to pursue alternative means of repayment.
Multifamily - Commercial real estate secured by residential properties comprised of greater than four livable units. Multifamily properties are commonly managed by the borrower or its affiliates and rented to tenants for residential purposes. Repayment sources generally consist of rental income generated by the property. Specific risks include a borrower's ability to attract and retain a base of tenants at rental rates in excess of those required to finance, manage, and maintain the property, as well as risks relating to demographic shifts in the population of prospective tenants.
Owner Occupied Commercial Real Estate - Commercial real estate loans secured by property occupied and or operated by the primary borrower or a related entity. Repayment is generally dependent on cash flow from the operation of the borrower's businesses, which may or may not be primarily conducted through the use of the financed property. Specific risks include borrower industry and the competence of borrowers in executing business objectives. Additionally, certain properties may be built to suit for the borrower's industry, and therefore may have limited marketability outside of a specific industry.
Non Owner Occupied Commercial Real Estate - Commercial real estate loans secured by properties managed and maintained by the borrowers, but are reliant on rental income from unrelated lessees to provide cash flow for repayment. The successful operations of tenant organizations may significantly impact borrowers' ability to service these obligations. Specific risks include the limited influence a borrower can have on tenant success, as well as potential difficulty in finding suitable or willing replacement tenants should vacancies arise. The Corporation seeks to lend to sponsors who have demonstrated a capability of aligning with strong and predictable tenants, considering both the current environment tenants operate in as well as future prospects for their industries, including their need for comparable space in the future.
Commercial and industrial - Commercial purpose loans primarily secured by the assets of borrowers businesses. These loans are extended to a diverse range of industries and may also include loans for commercial real estate purposes, but which are secured by assets other than real estate. The successful operation of borrower businesses provides the primary source of repayment for these loans. Management identifies a primary commonality amongst these loans to be inherent collateral risk exposure. Business assets may have significant variation in collateral value, and the realized liquidation value to the Corporation may be equally variable. Normal usage and industry specificity can have a considerable impact on collateral value.
Consumer - Retail loans primarily secured by vehicles or other personal collateral. Indirect auto lending comprises a majority of lending activity in this pool. Repayment is largely dependent on borrowers' primary income source, through employment or otherwise. Broad economic condition and borrowers' specific personal skill sets can significantly influence the ability to maintain an adequate employment status to service consumer debt. Relationships with auto dealership networks also impacts the quality of borrowers seeking financing for vehicles, subject to the Corporation's system of underwriting and loan review. Auto collateral values typically depreciate relatively quickly, compared to other asset classes, and expose the Corporation to additional collateral risk.
Other - Loans to borrowers whose organizations' are generally engaged in activities other than traditional business operations, such as non profit entities including medical groups, clubs and associations, religious organizations, and museums. These loans are generally classified based on their organizational structure and a common specific risk includes reliance on outside funding sources to conduct operations.
The quantitative component of the pooled allowance is supplemented by qualitative adjustments. Qualitative adjustments represent the extent to which management determines its expectation of risk differs from the results of the quantitative analysis, in large part encompassing risk factors that may not be fully captured by the quantitative model. Management uses the following nine qualitative factors when considering appropriate adjustments: (1) lending policies and procedures, including underwriting standards and collection, charge-off, and recovery policies, (2) national and local economic conditions and developments, including the condition of various market segments, (3) loan terms and changes in loan terms and conditions, (4) the experience, ability, and depth of lending management and staff, (5) the volume and severity of past due, classified, criticized, and watch-list loans, nonaccrual loans, and loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty (6) the quality of the Bank’s loan review system and the degree of oversight by the Bank’s Board of Directors, (7) collateral related considerations including: securitization level, type, and valuations, (8) the existence and effect of any concentrations of credit, and changes in the level of such concentrations, (9) the effect of external factors, such as competition, legal, and regulatory factors. The impact of any qualitative adjustments on management's estimates are dependent upon the relationship between the results of quantitative analysis conducted under severe and protracted recessionary conditions and the current period's quantitative analysis. The additional loss rate available for qualitative adjustments is limited to the difference between the loss rate calculated under the severe recessionary scenario and the loss rate used in the current period's quantitative analysis. This methodology provides a structured framework for management to apply qualitative adjustments consistently over time.
Loans determined to require individual analysis are primarily valued and measured for credit loss based on collateral, using the collateral-dependent practical expedient as prescribed in ASC 326. Measurement is performed based on the most recently available appraisal and it is the Corporation's policy to obtain updated appraisals by independent third parties on loans secured by real estate at the time a loan is determined to require individual analysis. A specific allocation to the allowance for credit losses is made on collateral-dependent loans to the extent the value of collateral, net of adjustments for estimated selling costs and management discounts, is less than book value as of the measurement date. Loans not considered to be collaterally dependent are analyzed using a cash flow analysis. A cash flow analysis is performed using a loan's effective interest rate and is discounted to determine appropriate fair value. To the extent a loan's book balance exceeds the present value of cash flows, a specific allocation to the allowance for credit losses is made.
The Corporation established an allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments, effective January 1, 2023 as part of its adoption of ASC 326. The Corporation records an allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments utilizing a methodology consistent with its methodology for estimating lifetime credit losses on its portfolio of outstanding loans. The Corporation disaggregates unfunded commitments into pools congruent with its methodology for pooling outstanding loans. A funding rate is determined to represent a credit conversion factor based on historical funding experience. The loss rate applied to the estimated funded balance is equivalent to the overall loss rate applied to on-balance sheet exposures in its designated pool. The Corporation is not required to establish an allowance for credit losses on commitments that are deemed to be unconditionally cancellable at the sole discretion of the Corporation.
The allowance for credit losses is increased through a provision for credit losses charged to operations. Loans are charged against their respective allowance for credit losses when management believes the collectability of all or a portion of the principal balance is unlikely. Management's evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses is performed on a periodic basis and takes into consideration such factors as the credit risk grade assigned to a loan, historical credit loss experience, and review of information specific and pertinent to the borrower. While management uses available information to recognize credit losses on loans, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions, regulatory requirements, or other new information.
LOANS HELD FOR SALE
LOANS HELD FOR SALE
Certain mortgage loans are originated with the intent to sell. The Bank typically retains the right to service these mortgages upon sale. Loans held for sale are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value in the aggregate and are regularly evaluated for changes in fair value. Commitments to sell loans that are originated for sale are recorded at fair value. If necessary, a valuation allowance is established with a charge to income for unrealized losses attributable to a change in market conditions.
LEASES
LEASES

Leases are classified as operating or finance leases on the lease commencement date. At inception, the Corporation determines the lease term by considering the minimum contractual term and all optional renewal periods the Corporation is reasonably certain to renew. The implicit discount rate used to determine lease liabilities is based upon incremental borrowing rates the Corporation could access for similar terms as of the commencement or remeasurement date.
The Corporation records operating leases on the balance sheet as a lease liability equal to the present value of future minimum payments under the lease terms, and a right-of-use asset equal to the lease liability. The lease term is also used to calculate straight-line rent expense. The Corporation's leases do not contain residual value guarantees or material variable lease payments that may impact the Corporation's ability to pay dividends or cause the Corporation to incur additional financial obligations. Rent expense and variable lease expense are included in net occupancy expenses on the Corporation's Consolidated Statements of Income.
Finance leases are recorded at the lesser of the present value of future cash outlays using a discounted cash flow, or fair value at the beginning of the lease term. Initially, a finance lease is recorded as a building asset, and is depreciated over the shorter of the term of the lease or the estimated life of the asset. A corresponding long term lease obligation is recorded, which amortizes as payments are made on the lease. Interest expense is incurred utilizing the discount rate used to establish the value of the long term lease obligation. Amortization of the right-of-use assets arising from finance leases is expensed through net occupancy expense, and the interest on the related lease liability is recorded through interest expense on borrowings on the Corporation's Consolidated Statements of Income.
PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT
PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

Land is carried at cost, while buildings, equipment, leasehold improvements and furniture are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is charged to current operations using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 15 to 50 years for buildings and from 3 to 10 years for equipment and furniture.  Amortization of leasehold improvements and leased equipment is recognized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated life of the asset. Leases of branch offices, which have been capitalized, are included within buildings and depreciated on the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated life of the asset.
BANK OWNED LIFE INSURANCE
BANK OWNED LIFE INSURANCE

BOLI is recorded at the realizable amount under the insurance contracts as of the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement. Changes in the cash surrender value are recorded in other non-interest income.
OTHER REAL ESTATE AND REPOSSESSED VEHICLES
OTHER REAL ESTATE AND REPOSSESSED VEHICLES
Real estate acquired through foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure is recorded at estimated fair value of the property less estimated costs to sell at the time of acquisition, establishing a new carrying value. Write downs from the carrying value of the loan to estimated fair value, which are required at the time of foreclosure, are charged against the allowance for credit losses. Subsequent adjustments to the carrying values of such properties arising from declines in fair value result in the establishment of a valuation allowance and are charged to operations in the period in which the declines occur. Vehicles repossessed by the Corporation are derecognized as loans receivable at the earlier of of physical possession or legal title of the vehicle, and are recorded in other assets on the Corporation's Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. Write downs to fair value at the time of repossession are charged against the allowance for credit losses. Gains on the sale of repossessed vehicles are credited to the allowance for credit losses as recoveries, up to the amount of any initial charge-off, while losses on the sale of repossessions are recorded as other non-interest expense. Gains on the sale of repossessions in excess of any initial charge-off is recorded as other non-interest income.
INCOME TAXES
INCOME TAXES

The Corporation files a consolidated tax return. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and for unused tax loss carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled, or the tax loss carry forwards are expected to be utilized. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.
A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is "more likely than not" that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the "more likely than not" test, no tax benefit is recorded.
WEALTH MANAGEMENT GROUP FEE INCOME
WEALTH MANAGEMENT GROUP FEE INCOME
Assets held in a fiduciary or agency capacity for customers are not included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, since such assets are not assets of the Corporation. Wealth Management Group income is recognized on the accrual method as earned based on contractual rates applied to the balances of individual trust accounts.
POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

Pension Plan:

The Chemung Canal Trust Company Pension Plan is a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan ("Pension Plan"). The Pension Plan is a “qualified plan” under the IRS Code and therefore must be funded. Contributions are deposited to the Plan and held in trust. The Plan assets may only be used to pay retirement benefits and eligible plan expenses. The Plan was amended such that new employees hired on or after July 1, 2010 would not be eligible to participate in the Plan, however, existing participants at that time would continue to accrue benefits.
On October 20, 2016, the Corporation amended its non-contributory defined benefit pension plan to freeze future retirement benefits after December 31, 2016. Beginning on January 1, 2017, both the pay-based and service-based components of the formula used to determine retirement benefits in the Pension Plan were frozen so that participants no longer earned further retirement benefits.
Under the Plan, pension benefits are based upon final average annual compensation where the annual compensation is total base earnings paid plus commissions. Bonuses, overtime, and dividends are excluded. The normal retirement benefit equals 1.2% of final average compensation (highest consecutive five years of annual compensation in the prior ten years) times years of service (up to a maximum of 25 years), plus 1% of average monthly compensation for each additional year of service (up to a maximum of 10 years), plus 0.65% of average monthly compensation in excess of covered compensation for each year of credited service up to 35 years. Covered compensation is the average of the social security taxable wage base in effect for the 35 year period prior to normal social security retirement age. See Note 13 for further details.

Defined Contribution Profit Sharing, Savings and Investment Plan:

The Corporation sponsors a 401(K) defined contribution profit sharing, savings and investment plan which covers all eligible employees. The Corporation contributes a non-discretionary 3% of gross annual wages (as defined by the 401(k) plan) for each participant, regardless of the participant’s deferral, in addition to a 50% match up to 6% of gross annual wages. Contributions made on behalf of employees hired prior to January 1, 2025 vest immediately. Contributions made on behalf of employees hired on or after January 1, 2025 will vest based on years of service over a three-year period. The plan's assets consist of Chemung Financial Corporation common stock, U.S. Government securities, corporate bonds and notes, and mutual funds. The plan’s expense is the amount of non-discretionary and matching contributions and is charged to non-interest expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Defined Benefit Health Care Plan:

The Corporation sponsors a defined benefit health care plan that provides postretirement medical benefits to employees who meet minimum age and service requirements. Current retirees between the ages of 55 and 65, will continue to be eligible for coverage under the Corporation's self-insured plan, contributing 50% of the cost of the coverage. Employees who retired after July 1, 2006, and become Medicare eligible will only have access to the Medicare Blue PPO plan.  The cost of the plan is based on actuarial computations of current and future benefits for employees, and is charged to non-interest expenses in the consolidated Statements of Income. On October 20, 2016, the Corporation amended its defined benefit health care plan to not allow any new retirees into the plan, effective January 1, 2017. See Note 13 for further details.

Executive Supplemental Pension Plan:

U.S. laws place limitations on compensation amounts that may be included under the Pension Plan. The Executive Supplemental Pension Plan was provided to executives in order to produce total retirement benefits, as a percentage of compensation that is comparable to employees whose compensation is not restricted by the annual compensation limit. Pension amounts, which exceed the applicable Internal Revenue Service Code limitations, will be paid under the Executive Supplemental Pension Plan.
The Executive Supplemental Pension Plan is a “non-qualified plan” under the Internal Revenue Service Code. Contributions to the Plan are not held in trust; therefore, they may be subject to the claims of creditors in the event of bankruptcy or insolvency. When payments come due under the Plan, cash is distributed from general assets. The cost of the Plan is based on actuarial computations of current and future benefits for executives, and is charged to non-interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Defined Contribution Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan:

The Defined Contribution Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan is provided to certain executives to motivate and retain key management employees by providing a non-qualified retirement benefit that is payable at retirement, disability, death, and certain other events.
The Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan is intended to be an unfunded plan maintained primarily for the purpose of providing deferred compensation benefits for a select group of management or highly compensated employees under Sections 201(2), 301(a)(3) and 401(a)(1) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The plan’s expense is the Corporation’s annual contribution plus interest credits.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

2021 Equity Incentive Plan
The Corporation's 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2021 Plan") is designed to align the interests of the Corporation’s executives, senior managers, and directors with the interests of the Corporation and its shareholders, to ensure the Corporation’s compensation practices are competitive and comparable with those of its peers, and to promote the retention of select management-level employees and directors. Under the terms of the 2021 Plan, the Compensation and Personnel Committee may approve discretionary grants of restricted shares of the Corporation’s common stock to or for the benefit of employees selected to participate in the 2021 Plan, the chief executive officer, and members of the Board of Directors. Awards are based on the performance, responsibility, and contributions of the individual and are targeted at the median of the peer group. The maximum number of shares of the Corporation’s common stock that may be awarded as restricted shares related to the 2021 Plan may not exceed 170,000, upon which time the 2021 Plan will be amended, presented and approved by the Corporation's shareholders to include additional shares of the Corporation's common stock. Awards under the 2021 Plans may be vested no earlier than the first anniversary of the date on which the award is granted. Compensation expense for shares granted will be recognized over the vesting period of the award based upon the fair value of shares granted as of the grant date.
A Directors Deferred Fee Plan, an addendum to the 2021 Plan, for non-employee directors of the Corporation or the Bank, provides that directors may elect to defer receipt of all or any part of their fees. Deferrals are either credited with interest compounded quarterly at the Applicable Federal Rate for short-term debt instruments or converted to units, which appreciate or depreciate, as would an actual share of the Corporation’s common stock purchased on the deferral date. Cash deferrals will be paid into an interest bearing account and paid in cash. Units will be paid in shares of common stock. All directors’ fees are charged to non-interest expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 14 for further details.
Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan:
The Deferred Compensation Plan allows a select group of management and employees to defer all or a portion of their annual compensation to a future date. Eligible employees are generally highly compensated employees and are designated by the Board of Directors from time to time. Investments in the plan are recorded as equity investments and deferred amounts are an unfunded liability of the Corporation. The plan requires deferral elections be made before the beginning of the calendar year during which the participant will perform the services to which the compensation relates. Participants in the Plan are required to elect a form of distribution, either lump sum payment or annual installments not to exceed ten years, and a time of distribution, either a specified age or a specified date. The terms and conditions for the deferral of compensation are subject to the provisions of 409A of the IRS Code. The income from investments is recorded in dividend income and non-interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The cost of the plan is recorded in non-interest expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill resulting from business combinations prior to January 1, 2009 represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill resulting from business combinations after January 1, 2009, is generally determined as the excess of the fair value of consideration transferred, plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree, over the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but tested for impairment at least annually. The Corporation has selected December 31 as the date to perform the annual impairment test. Goodwill is the only intangible asset with an indefinite life on the Corporation's balance sheet. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. The balances are reviewed for impairment on an ongoing basis or whenever events or changes in business circumstances warrant a review of the carrying value. If impairment is determined to exist, the related write-down of the intangible asset's carrying value is charged to operations. Based on the most recent impairment reviews performed as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Corporation did not identify any impairment on its outstanding goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE
SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE
The Corporation has the ability to enter into sales of securities under agreements to repurchase. The agreements are treated as financings, and the obligations to repurchase securities sold are reflected as liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The amount of the securities underlying the agreements continues to be carried in the Corporation's securities portfolio. The Corporation agrees to repurchase securities identical to those sold. The securities underlying the agreements are under the Corporation's control.
DERIVATIVES
DERIVATIVES

The Corporation utilizes interest rate swaps with commercial borrowers and third-party counterparties as well as risk participation agreements with lead banks in participation loan relationships wherein the Corporation guarantees a portion of the fair value of an interest rate swap entered into by the lead bank. These transactions are accounted for as derivatives. The Company’s derivatives are entered into in connection with its asset and liability management activities and are not for trading purposes.
The Company does not have any derivatives designated as hedges, therefore all derivatives are considered free standing and are recorded at fair value as derivative assets or liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, with changes in fair value recognized in the consolidated statements of income as non-interest income.
Premiums received when entering into derivative contracts are recognized as part of the fair value of the derivative asset or liability and are carried at fair value with any gain or loss at inception and any changes in fair value reflected in income.
The Corporation does not typically require its commercial customers to post cash or securities as collateral on its back-to-back interest rate swap program. The Corporation may need to post collateral, either cash or certain qualified securities, in proportion to potential increases in unrealized loss positions.
OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Corporation is a party to certain other financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk such as unused portions of lines of credit and commitments to fund new loans. The Corporation's policy is to record such instruments when funded.
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Basic earnings per share is calculated using the two-class method, which is net income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, excluding participating securities. All outstanding unvested share-based payment awards, including those related to directors' and employee restricted stock awards, contain rights to non-forfeitable dividends and are considered participating securities when calculating basic earnings per share. Basic earnings per share information is adjusted to present comparative results for stock splits and stock dividends that occur.
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale and changes in the funded status of the Corporation’s defined benefit pension plan and other benefit plans, net of the related tax effect, which are also recognized as separate components of equity.
SEGMENT REPORTING
SEGMENT REPORTING
The Corporation has identified separate operating segments and internal financial information is primarily reported and aggregated in two lines of business, banking and wealth management services.
RECLASSIFICATION
RECLASSIFICATION

Amounts in the prior years' consolidated financial statements are reclassified whenever necessary to conform to the current year's presentation. Reclassification adjustments had no impact on prior year net income or shareholders' equity.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND USE OF ANALOGOUS ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, enhancing disclosure requirements for reportable segments, focusing on significant segment expenses, the identification of a segment's chief decision making officer, and the metrics used by the chief decision making officer in evaluating segment-level operating performance. The ASU was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. The Corporation adopted ASU 2023-07 for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. See Note 21 for enhancements to segment reporting disclosures.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvement to Income Tax Disclosures, which will require public business entities to disclose annually a tabular rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information, including specific items such as state and local income tax, tax credits, nontaxable or nondeductible items, among others, and a separate disclosure requiring disaggregation of reconciling items as described above which equal or exceed 5% percent of the product of multiplying income from continuing operations by the applicable statutory income tax rate. Additionally, disclosure of income taxes paid by jurisdiction is required for each jurisdiction in which income taxes paid represented at least 5% of total income taxes paid. The ASU is effective for all public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 31, 2024. The adoption of this standard is expected to impact the Corporation's income tax disclosures, as presented in Note 12.
USE OF ANALOGOUS ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Under U.S. GAAP, there is no specific guidance related to government assistance received by a for-profit entity that is not in the form of a loan, income tax credit, or revenue from a contract with a customer. Therefore, the Corporation must rely upon analogous accounting standards to determine appropriate treatment when such circumstances arise. During 2023, the Corporation accounted for the recognition of the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) using ASC 958-605, Revenue Recognition for Not-for-Profit entities. ASC 958-10-15-1 specifies that certain Subtopics within ASC 958-605 also apply to business entities. In November 2023, the FASB added a project relating to receipt of government grants by business entities to its technical agenda, and in November 2024 issued Proposed ASU 2024-ED700, Government Grants (Topic 832): Accounting for Government Grants by Business Entities. The ERTC is within the scope of this proposed ASU, however retroactive application of the standard is not required, as proposed, and the Corporation understands recognition of the ERTC through earnings during 2023 to constitute grant completion for recognition purposes.
The Corporation considers the recognition of the ERTC to be analogous to the stipulations for "conditional contributions" under ASC 958-605-20. Conditional contributions have at least one barrier needing to be overcome before the recipient is entitled to the assets transferred or promised; there must be a right-of-return to the contributor; and barriers to the condition should be measurable. The Corporation recognized the gross amount of the ERTC through non-interest income during the period in which the barrier was overcome, identified as the period during which amended tax returns were filed. The Corporation incurred and recognized additional income tax expense during 2023 in relation to its amended tax returns.
FAIR VALUE
Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.

Level 2: Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

The Corporation used the following methods and significant assumptions to estimate fair value:

Available for Sale Securities: The fair values of securities available for sale are usually determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges (Level 1 inputs), or matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique widely used to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities, but rather by relying on the securities' relationship to other benchmark quoted securities (Level 2 inputs). For securities where quoted prices or market prices of similar securities are not available, fair values are calculated using discounted cash flows or other market indicators (Level 3 inputs).
Equity Investments: Securities that are held to fund a non-qualified deferred compensation plan and securities that have a readily determinable fair market value, are recorded with changes in fair value included in earnings. The fair value of equity investments is determined by quoted market prices (Level 1 inputs).
Individually Analyzed Loans: At the time a loan becomes individually analyzed, it is valued at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. Individually analyzed loans carried at fair value have been partially charged-off or receive specific allocations as part of the allowance for credit losses. For collateral-dependent loans, fair value is commonly based on real estate appraisals. These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by independent appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments are usually significant and typically result in a Level 3 classification of inputs for determining fair value. Non-real estate collateral may be valued using an appraisal, net book value per the borrower’s financial statements, or aging reports, adjusted or discounted based on management’s historical knowledge, changes in market conditions from the time of the valuation, and management’s expertise and knowledge of the client and client’s business, typically resulting in the utilization of Level 3 inputs. These loans are analyzed on a quarterly basis for additional credit loss and adjusted accordingly.
OREO: Assets acquired through or in lieu of loan foreclosures are initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. Fair value is commonly based on recent real estate appraisals. These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by independent appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments are usually significant and typically result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. Subsequent declines in fair value are recorded through the establishment of a valuation allowance, which may be reversed should fair value increase after the establishment of the valuation allowance.
Appraisals for both collateral-dependent individually analyzed loans and OREO are performed by certified general appraisers (commercial properties) or certified residential appraisers (residential properties) whose qualifications and licenses have been reviewed and verified by the Corporation. Once received, appraisals are reviewed for reasonableness of assumptions, approaches utilized, Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice and other regulatory compliance, as well as the overall resulting fair value in comparison with independent data sources such as recent market data or industry-wide statistics. Appraisals are generally completed within the 12 month period prior to a property being placed into OREO and updated appraisals are typically completed for collateral-dependent loans when management determines analysis on an individual basis is required. For individually analyzed loans, appraisal values are adjusted based on the age of the appraisal, the position of the lien, the type of the property, and its condition.
Derivatives: The fair value of interest rate swaps is based on valuation models using observable market data as of the measurement date (Level 2 inputs). Derivatives are traded in an over-the-counter market where quoted market prices are not always available. Therefore, the fair value of derivatives is determined using quantitative models utilizing multiple market inputs. The inputs will vary based on the type of derivative, but could include interest rates, prices, and indices to generate continuous yield or pricing curves, prepayment rates, and volatility factors to value the position. The Corporation also incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counter-party's nonperformance risk in fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, the Corporation has considered the impact of any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings. Although the Corporation has determined the majority of inputs used to value its derivatives are considered Level 2 inputs, credit valuation adjustments are based on credit default rate assumptions, which are considered Level 3 inputs.