In The News

Bath Savings Employee Named Volunteer of the Year

Bath, Maine (December 30, 2011) — Jean Libby of Bath Savings Institution has been named Volunteer of the Year by the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce. Libby is an active member of the Chamber, serving on the Boast n Toast committee and the committee responsible for the Spirit of Excellence Program. She is quick to volunteer her time, equipment and banking expertise to support Chamber events such as the Yarmouth Clam Festival or assist other non-profit organizations in the area.

“She is a valuable asset to the Chamber in so many ways,” stated Carolyn Schuster, Executive Director at the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce. “I hope she knows how grateful we are for all she does to support the Chamber.”

Bath Savings Institution applauds Jean Libby for her commitment to the community and for demonstrating the spirit behind BSI's Neighbor to Neighbor philosophy.

Burns Elected to Bath Savings Institution Board

Bath, Maine (November 21, 2011) — President & CEO Glenn Hutchinson announced the election of Bath Savings Institution’s (BSI) newest trustee, Kevin T. Burns. A resident of Falmouth, Burns is the Vice President and Treasurer of Quality Containers of New England located in Yarmouth.

Burns graduated from the University of Maine at Orono and earned his Masters of Education there in 1977. He and his partner Gregory Leonard opened Quality Containers of New England in the late 1980’s, and their successful business manufactures plastic bottles and distributes glass containers to companies in the northeast.

Kevin Burns was elected to the bank’s Board of Corporators in 1999. He serves on the Carrabassett Valley Academy Board of Trustees located at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain in Carrabassett Valley, currently serving as the Board Chair.

“We are delighted to have Kevin Burns join Bath Savings Institution’s Board of Trustees. His strong business skills and commitment to our region will add to the strength we already have on our Board,” stated BSI President Hutchinson.

Board members are selected from the bank’s Corporators and live and work in the coastal communities in the bank’s market region. The trustees deal with a range of policy issues and general oversight of the bank’s business.

“It is a personal honor to serve on the Board of this strong financial institution. I have been a customer and supporter of Bath Savings since they opened their branch in Yarmouth in 1996. I respect their strong, conservative approach to banking and their commitment to exceptional service.” remarked Burns.

Bath Savings Institution Expands Consumer Lending Team

Bath, Maine (November 14, 2011) — Bath Savings Institution has promoted two employees with strong banking and customer service skills to Consumer Lenders. They will specialize in matching customers with personal loan products to meet their needs.

Justin Dionne of Brunswick started his career as a student intern in Bath Savings’ loan department and has been promoted to Consumer Lender at the Bath Branch. A graduate of the University of Maine at Orono Dionne holds a B.S. in Finance and Management and is an avid volunteer with Habitat for Humanity.

Another Brunswick resident, Tyler Zamore, has been promoted from Customer Service Representative to Consumer Lender at Bath Savings' Brunswick Branch. Zamore is a University of Maine honor student with a degree in Business Economics. He serves on the Red Cross Board; is involved with Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and recently spearheaded the Backpacks for Kids efforts in the Brunswick Office.

“Both Justin and Tyler exhibit the customer-centered service skills we value at Bath Savings,” stated President Glenn Hutchinson.

Bath Savings Institution Honors Employees for Providing Exceptional Customer Service

Bath, Maine (October 27, 2011) — Bath Savings Institution recently honored employees for their commitment to exceptional service and customer relationships at the Annual Employee Recognition Night on October 19.

The tradition of honoring employees is a testament to the bank’s mission of providing exceptional service without exception. Awards were given to individuals for practicing positive customer-directed behaviors such as greeting customers by name, personally answering telephone calls and building relationships that exceed customer expectations. Recognition was also given for outstanding community service.

“The service awards are a celebration of Bath Savings’ employees and the way they make our customers feel,” stated President Glenn Hutchinson. “We are in the people business first and banking business second.” To that end, the bank rewards service award winners with additional vacation time, showing employees how much Bath Savings values their service skills.

Bath Savings Institution Rewards Customers By Helping Local Non-Profits
Bank Continues Innovative Program For Third Year

Bath, Maine (September 26, 2011) — It’s not your typical bank program, but clearly Bath Savings Institution is reaching customers with an innovative checking account program especially designed to help area non-profits.

Each time a customer opens a new eChecking NOW Account, the bank contributes $25 to a local non-profit. Bath Savings began the program as part of its Neighbor-to-Neighbor community banking initiative and since the program began in 2009, the bank has donated over $52,000 to 70 different non-profits in Maine.

Customer response to the program has been very strong, prompting the bank to continue it again this year. Bath Savings’ eChecking NOW account is designed to “save trees — and fees.” It’s paperless, has no monthly balance requirement or service fees, and offers daily interest on balances over $500.

To learn more about the eChecking NOW account, click here. To learn more about the non-profit organizations that have received donations, click here.

Pappas Elected Vice Chair of Bath Savings Institution Board

Bath, Maine (September 21, 2011) — President & CEO Glenn Hutchinson announced the election of Esther M. Pappas to Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Bath Savings Institution. She was elected to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Ronald A. Pendleton. A resident of Yarmouth, Pappas is the Chief Financial Officer of Pende Associates, Inc.

Pappas was the first woman elected to the Board of Bath Savings Institution in 1998. She is a graduate of Bowling Green State University and worked as a systems analyst for Dupont for several years. She has served on the bank's Audit Committee and is also a Director of the Bath Savings Trust Company.

Pappas is very active in community organizations. She served on the Yarmouth Town Council for four years, on the Yarmouth Comprehensive Planning Committee and also served on the Boards of the Casco Bay YMCA and the Greater Portland YMCA.

“We are delighted to have Esther Pappas serve in a leadership position on Bath Savings Institution’s Board of Trustees. Her financial expertise and business acumen are admired and respected on our Board,” stated Hutchinson.

Board members are selected from the bank’s Corporators and they live and work in the coastal communities in the bank’s market region. The Trustees deal with a range of policy issues and general oversight of the bank’s business.

“It is a personal honor to serve on the Board of this strong financial institution. I couldn’t be more proud of the bank and the exceptional service we provide,” remarked Pappas.

Bath Savings Institution Sponsors Docu-film About Maine’s Logging History

Bath, Maine (August 29, 2011) — Bath Savings Institution is proud to sponsor In the Blood, a new docu-film produced by Maine-native Sumner McKane. The historic work uses 19th and 20th century film and photography combined with oral history and original music to depict the lives of men at turn-of-the-century Maine logging camps — sharing their stories in an authentic and captivating way.

Bath Savings Institution supported this historical film by contributing $4,500 to the production. “We are a Maine bank with long-standing roots in the communities here,” commented Bath Savings President Glenn L. Hutchinson. “Bath Savings is proud to support this work highlighting Maine’s historic past and honored to support Sumner McKane in his extraordinary storytelling efforts.” Additional sponsors for this production are: the Maine Humanities Council, Maine Arts Commission, Northeast Historic Film, Reny's and Buckdancer's Choice Music Co.

In the Blood is scheduled to premier on the Maine Public Broadcasting Network Thursday, September 22 at 10:00 pm and is an official selection of the “Made in Maine” showcase at this year’s Camden International Film Festival, September 29 — October 2. View McKane’s electronic press kit for more information.

Pendleton Retires from Bath Savings Institution Board

Bath, Maine (August 22, 2011) — President & CEO Glenn Hutchinson announced the retirement of Bath Savings Institution trustee Ronald E. Pendleton. A resident of South Bristol, Pendleton has served as a bank trustee since 1988. Board members are selected from the bank’s corporators and they live and work in the coastal communities in the bank’s market region. The trustees deal with a range of policy issues and general oversight of the bank’s business.

Ron Pendleton became a corporator of the bank in 1977 and has served as a trustee for the past 23 years. During his years on the Board, Pendleton saw massive growth and expansion for the local institution. The bank expanded from one branch office and $58 million in assets in 1977 to eight branches and over $650 million in assets today.

Pendleton also recently retired after 55 years as a volunteer fire fighter and 20 years as Bristol Fire Chief. He and his wife Jeri have received many community service recognitions including the WCSH 6 Who Care Award.

“He embodies the bank’s mission of keeping our hometowns safe and strong and is a great example to all of us,” said President Hutchinson. “He will be sorely missed on our Board.”

Pendleton was honored by the Board of Trustees and senior management of the bank at the Robinhood Free Meeting House in Georgetown on August 10. Chairman of the Board Brian M. Perkins thanked Pendleton for his strong commitment to the bank and his steady, thoughtful guidance on the Board of Trustees.

Bath Savings Institution Freeport Employees Raise Funds for September 11th Memorial

Bath, Maine (June 14, 2011) — Bath Savings Institution employees in Freeport wore red, white and blue to celebrate Flag Day on Tuesday, June 14 and raise funds for the Freeport Flag Ladies 9-11 Memorial campaign. The bank made a donation of $200 to the Freeport Flag Ladies and employees each made an additional contribution for the opportunity to wear blue jeans to work that day.

Branch Manager Andrea Martin says, “We are a community bank; and when we heard about the Freeport Flag Ladies campaign to raise money for the 10th anniversary our team came up with this creative way to help.”

For more information about the commemorative celebration in Freeport on September 11, visit www.freeportflagladies.com.

Bath Savings Institution Posts Record Earnings in 2010

Bath, Maine (March 2, 2011) — Bath Savings Institution reported an increase in income of 25% for 2010, record earnings of $5,575,189 for the community bank. As a mutual savings bank, those earnings are retained as capital to protect customers' deposits and fund future growth. At the end of 2010 total capital, or reserves and undivided profits, grew to $59.2 million, 10.1% of total assets. This capital position is approximately twice what federal regulators require to be considered well-capitalized.

The bank’s total assets reached a new high, ending 2010 at $588 million. Deposits grew to $449 million, a 14% increase, with a 20% increase in checking accounts. In 2010 the bank originated over 1,400 new loans totaling $238 million. Mortgage loans totaling $137 million were made to individuals, and nearly $100 million in loans was provided to businesses and municipalities in the region. The bank's wholly owned subsidiary, Bath Savings Trust Company’s managed assets grew by $50 million to $353 million, a 16% gain over 2009.

President & CEO Glenn Hutchinson says, “Our employees are positive individuals who enjoy helping others and take pride in their work. It is their attitude of exceptional service without exception that differentiates us from other financial institutions and delivers exceptional financial results.”

Bath Savings Institution Announces Promotions

Bath, Maine (February 8, 2011) — Bath Savings Institution has promoted two bank employees in its main office. Glenn Hutchinson, President & CEO said, “We are pleased to recognize the accomplishments of management personnel and their contributions to the continued success of the bank.”

Rebecca Launer, a Brunswick resident, was promoted to Senior Vice President of Branch Administration. At Bath Savings since 1990, Launer has over 20 years of experience in all areas of retail banking, including mortgage lending and branch management. For twelve years she was the branch manager of the bank's largest retail office in Bath. Ms. Launer will continue to assist and support the President of the bank in areas of leadership, direction, development and implementation of the bank's policies and procedures. As a member of the senior management team, she is responsible for the oversight of all the bank's branch offices.

Eleanor Swain, also of Brunswick, has been with the bank for ten years. As Vice President Loan Department Manager, she will continue to manage the mortgage and consumer lending department of the bank. Ms. Swain joined Bath Savings in July 2000 with many years of prior banking experience in the fields of loan underwriting, retail lending, branch administration and business development. She has successfully managed the loan department for several years and is recognized for her exceptional team leadership.

Bath Savings Institution and Maine Red Claws Give to Local Charities

Bath, Maine (January 26, 2011) — Bath Savings Institution and the Maine Red Claws are partnering to benefit Maine-based charity organizations through their “Shot 4 a Cause” campaign. During eight of the season’s home games, Red Claws Master of Ceremonies Jason Gibbons will shoot four shots from the half court (backwards!). Bath Savings automatically donates $100 to the charity organization designated for that game. If Gibbons makes one of his shots, the bank will double that donation to $200, two shots raise the stakes to $350, three to $500 and if he makes all four shots, the donation is $1,000. Groups scheduled to receive donations are: the Boys & Girls Club of South Portland, The Bath Area and Casco Bay YMCA’s, Habitat for Humanity and Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

In the first outing for this fun event Gibbons earned $200 for the Boys & Girls Club of South Portland. “We are a community bank that thrives on giving back to the community we serve,” commented Bath Savings President Glenn L. Hutchinson. "We found that the Red Claws had that same mission and we are proud to partner with them." Hutchinson was on-hand during the game to present the donation to Robert Clark, Chief Professional Officer at the Boys & Girls Club of South Portland.

Watch a video of Gibbons making three of these backwards half court shots in a row.

Bath Savings Institution One of Nine Banks Nationwide Selected for FDIC Pilot Project

Bath, Maine (November 16, 2010) — Bath Savings Institution is one of only nine banks nationwide chosen to participate in the FDIC’s one year Model Safe Account pilot project. The project is designed to evaluate the offering of safe, low-cost checking and savings accounts that are responsive to the needs of underserved consumers. Bath Savings is the only Maine banking institution chosen for this pilot and one of only two in New England. To be considered for the program banks must be well-managed and well-capitalized.

The goal of the project is to help consumers avoid costly overdraft fees, creating a “safe” account for the customer. The checking account that Bath Savings will offer is the eSafe Account. It is an electronic account, accessed by a debit card. There are no paper checks with this account.

Bath Savings President Glenn Hutchinson noted, “We've had a long history of providing safe, convenient, low cost accounts that provide value to our customers. Our current accounts are designed to help customers avoid fees, and the model eSafe checking account is just an extension of that philosophy. We are proud that the FDIC has selected us for this pilot program. We know that this account will be of interest to a wide range of customers.”

The year-long project will begin in January 2011 and then be evaluated by the FDIC.

Tyler Zamore Receives Spirit of Excellence Award

Yarmouth, Maine (May 20, 2010) — Bath Savings Institution is proud to congratulate Yarmouth Teller Tyler Zamore who received the Spirit of Excellence Award from the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce. This well-deserved award goes to a non-managerial employee who demonstrates a commitment to his company, customers and community. Congratulations, Tyler!

Bath Savings Checking Accounts Support Non-profits

Bath, Maine (May 15, 2010) — Bath Savings Institution offers new customers a unique way to give back. Every time a customer opens a new eChecking NOW Account, the bank contributes $25 to a local non-profit. Since April 2009 Bath Savings has contributed more than $20,000 to area non-profits in Portland, Falmouth, Yarmouth, Freeport, Brunswick, Bath, Boothbay Harbor and Damariscotta.

New eChecking customers can choose from a list of participating non-profits in their community. Some 50 organizations are participating.

“Non-profits give so much to the community and our customers clearly value that,” says President Glenn Hutchinson. Because of their enthusiastic response, he says the bank plans to continue the program.

Bath Savings Institution Holds 159th Annual Meeting, Announces Record Profits

Bath, Maine (April 15, 2010) — Bath Savings Institution held its 159th Annual Meeting at the Taste of Maine Restaurant in Woolwich on March 24, 2010. Corporators, Trustees and special guests attended the meeting electing new corporators Jeffrey S. Geiger, James B. Hatch, Adam Nappi and Lois N. Skillings. Oliver Andrews III, Glenn L. Hutchinson, D. Vincent McLaughlin, Esther M. Pappas, Ronald E. Pendleton, Brian M. Perkins, Sandra Morrell Rooney and John W. Voorhees were elected to serve as trustees for the ensuing year.

President & CEO Glenn L. Hutchinson presented the 2009 financial results for Bath Savings Institution and its wholly owned subsidiary Bath Savings Trust Company. Building on the theme of “Keeping Our Hometowns Strong,” Hutchinson reviewed the bank’s Neighbor to Neighbor philosophy that seeks to build strong communities through active participation and a variety of community support programs. For example, the bank’s new eChecking NOW account provides customers with a gift certificate to be used at any Bath Savings business and allows them to designate a $25 donation to a local non-profit. This unique program has provided over $20,000 to local non-profits in the past year.

The bank’s record earnings of nearly $4.5 million support the strong presence it has maintained in its local communities, providing a record $272,000,000 in loans. The Bath Savings Trust Company provided an excellent investment home for its clients realizing a 23% rate of return across accounts.

Ron Pendleton Named Distinguished Corporator of the Year

President Hutchinson announced the Distinguished Corporator of the Year, Ron Pendleton who was honored for loyalty and support of Bath Savings. Ron became a corporator in 1977 and has served as a trustee since 1988. After 55 years on the job and 20 years as the Bristol Fire Chief, Pendleton stepped down as Chief in January. He and his wife have received many community service recognitions including the WCSH 6 Who Care Award. “He embodies the bank’s mission of keeping our hometowns safe and strong and is a great example to all of us,” said President Hutchinson.

Andrews Elected to Bath Savings Institution Board

Bath, Maine (February 16, 2010) — President & CEO Glenn Hutchinson announced the election of Bath Savings Institution’s newest trustee, Oliver (Andy) Andrews III. A resident of Phippsburg, Andrews is a private business consultant and former bank executive.

Andrews graduated from Bates College in Lewiston. As a consultant, he has worked with many banks and credit unions in the State. He served as the Chief Financial Officer for Bangor Savings Bank and has extensive project management experience.

Andrews serves on the Board of the Associated Grocers of Maine and is a volunteer for the Phippsburg Fire and Rescue Associations as well as a director and secretary of the McLanathan-Phippsburg Fire and Rescue Fund.

“We are delighted to have Andy Andrews join Bath Savings Institution’s Board of Trustees. His financial expertise and his commitment to our region will add to the strength we already have on our Board,” stated BSI President Hutchinson.

Board members are selected from the bank’s Corporators and they live and work in the coastal communities in the bank’s market region. The trustees deal with a range of policy issues and general oversight of the bank’s business.

“I have been a BSI customer for many years and respect their strong, conservative approach to banking. Their commitment to exceptional service is demonstrated every day. It is a personal honor to serve on the Board of this strong financial institution,” remarked Andrews.

Bath Savings Institution Posts Record Earnings for 2009

Bath, Maine (February 12, 2010) — Bath Savings Institution President & CEO Glenn L. Hutchinson announced today that the bank has posted record earnings for 2009. He said, “While banks across the country struggled with huge losses, I am proud to report that Bath Savings Institution grew stronger, posting record net income of $4,467,058, which was 13.9% more than its previous best, recorded last year. Total capital, or reserves and undivided profits, grew to $54.8 million or 10.3% of total assets. This capital position is approximately twice what the federal regulators would require to be considered well capitalized.”

The bank’s total deposits grew to $393 million, ending 2009 at a record level and total assets also reached a new record, ending 2009 at $532 million.

Hutchinson further stated, “It has been widely reported that last year 'banks were not lending,’ but apparently no one checked with Bath Savings. In 2009 we provided $176 million to individuals to finance homes, automobiles and their children’s education, and $96 million to businesses and municipalities, totaling over $272 million.”

Bath Savings Trust Company, the bank’s wholly owned subsidiary for trust and investment services, also had a record year of growth. By the end of 2009 investments under management totaled a record $304 million, increasing by nearly $50 million during the year.

Michael Celeste Named to Make-A-Wish Foundation National Board

Bath, Maine (December, 2009) — Michael Celeste, Bath Savings Vice President, Commercial Lending has been named to the national Board of Directors of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Mike has served on the Maine Make-A-Wish Board of Directors since 2003, most recently as Board Chair. “Mike Celeste is a tremendous representative of the Make-A-Wish Foundation,” said Tom Peaco, Executive Director at the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine. “His passion for our mission and the children we serve is unending.” Celeste also volunteers for the American Red Cross, Ronald McDonald House, Epilepsy Foundation, United Way, Susan Curtis Foundation, and Maine Children’s Cancer Center.

Bath Savings Recognizes Outstanding Employees for 2009

Bath, Maine (October 28, 2009) — Bath Savings Institution honored exceptional service without exception at its 2009 Annual Employee Recognition Night.

In announcing the awards, President and CEO Glenn Hutchinson cited the bank’s investment in the communities it serves. “At Bath Savings Institution, we use our financial strength to help our communities stay strong. The strength of a local economy is its businesses, and as a local community bank, we lend our depositors funds to local businesses to create jobs, provide goods and services, and create opportunities for their employees. This access to credit is the lifeblood of our local economy.”

Hutchinson also noted the Neighbor to Neighbor “Keeping Our Hometowns Strong” program, which has donated more than $10,000 to area non-profits since June. In that spirit, Hutchinson announced the following awards.

Relationship Builder Award

This coveted award was given to the Yarmouth branch which excelled in building customer relationships this year. Citing the Yarmouth team’s enthusiasm and creativity, President Hutchinson said they surpassed all goals for customer contact and account opening this year. The team includes Assistant Vice President Jean Libby, Melissa Libby, Jessica McConnell, Aimee Gallant, Rebecca Chandler, Suzanne Bird and Tyler Zamore.

Exceptional Service Awards

The following individuals were honored for exceptional service in fulfilling the bank’s mission.

Daniel Wilson received the Internal Service Award which is based on a vote by fellow employees. Daniel provides exceptional service to others within the bank as clerical staff in deposit operations. Other top contenders were Trena Bean of Loan Processing and Cindy Lien, also from Deposit Operations.

Receiving the Tellers Exceptional Service Award was Deborah Anderson of the Damariscotta branch, who was also honored in 2004. Also nominated were Michael Lapham, Portland, and Angela McLellan, Boothbay Harbor.

The Exceptional Customer Service Representative Award, given to a member of the new account staff, went to Esperanza Esquivel of Bath. Other finalists were Bonnie Heatley, Portland, and Jessica McConnell, Yarmouth.

Winning service everywhere

Recognized as Cross Sales Stars for averaging 1.75 accounts each were Crystal MacGown, Angela McLellan, Clover Craig, Barbara Tuttle, Rebecca Clifford, Debbie Anderson, Bonita Heatley, Jennifer Frederick, Michelle Barker, Sarah Valle, Jessica McConnell and Melissa Libby.

Assistant Vice President Kathy Reed and her Brunswick team earned the Customer Care Award in recognition of the superior care and respect that they provide their customers.

Winning the Neighbor to Neighbor Award in honor of the bank’s proud tradition of community service was Bath Teller Amanda Kibbe, who volunteers as a Big Sister in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program.

The Loan Processing Department won the annual Smooth Sailing Award for exceptional service during a time of overwhelming demand for loan products. To date, the department has processed, underwritten and closed 903 new loans — 64% more than 2008. They also delivered over 500 loans to Freddie Mac.

BSI Earns Outstanding Rating for Community Investment

Every financial institution is evaluated periodically by the FDIC under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). The evaluation determines how well a bank is doing in meeting the credit needs of the entire community, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, consistent with the safe and sound operation of the institution.

Bath Savings Institution has once again earned an “Outstanding” rating. This is an important measure of our investment in the community. It also shows our commitment to assisting low- and moderate-income families in the towns we call home.

Read complete details of our latest outstanding CRA rating.

Celebrating 20 Years of Investment Advice From Main Street (Not Wall Street)

Bath, Maine (September 1, 2009) — Bath Savings Trust Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bath Savings Institution, is celebrating 20 years of growth. The company reports funds under management as $265,000,000.

Trust Company President Tom Whelan attributes this growth to a thoughtful investment approach as well as intimate knowledge of Trust Company clients and the holdings managed on their behalf. The Trust Company constructs individual portfolios of high quality stocks, a strategy that helped Bath Savings Trust Company clients outperform the market on average by 15% in 2008.

“We deliver a quality portfolio and invest in companies that have proven themselves over time,” Tom says. “Our companies have solid management in place, year over year earnings growth, low debt levels and other attributes that we find attractive for our clients.”

Bath Savings Trust Company also specializes in 401(k) investments and rollovers.

Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, are not deposits or obligations of the Bank, and are not guaranteed by the Bank. Investment products are subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of principal.

Bath Savings Welcomes Its Newest Neighbor

Bath, Maine (August 11, 2009) — Bath Savings Institution welcomed its newest Front Street neighbor, The Bath Hampton Inn, at a groundbreaking ceremony held on August 4, 2009. Financed by Bath Savings, the hotel is a project of Freeport based Maine Course Hospitality Group partnered with Hilton Hotels. The 94-unit business and leisure hotel is set to open during the summer of 2010.

Yarmouth Residents Put Their Money Where Their Heart Is

Yarmouth, Maine (July 14, 2009) — Bath Savings Institution has given more than $2,000 to Yarmouth area non-profits recently as part of a special 'Neighbor to Neighbor’ initiative the bank introduced this spring. With every new personal checking account opened at its Yarmouth branch, Bath Savings has donated $25 to one of several area non-profits.

Customers can choose which non-profit they wish to receive the donation: Yarmouth Arts, Village Improvement Society, or the Yarmouth Historical Society. Because of strong support, the bank has recently added Royal River Conservation Trust and Yarmouth Senior Housing.

“It’s been wonderful to have so many people come forward to show their support for these valuable non-profits,” says Assistant Vice President and Manager Jean Libby. “Clearly our customers want to support all the things that make Yarmouth such a great community. We’re proud to be part of it.”

Customers opening a new personal checking account at Bath Savings also receive a $10 Neighbor to Neighbor Gift Certificate to use at a local business, supporting the area’s merchants.

Bath Savings Celebrates Neighbors and Non-Profits in Boothbay Harbor

Boothbay Harbor, Maine (June 19, 2009) — Bath Savings Institution is celebrating its 10th anniversary in Boothbay Harbor with gifts for its neighbors and area non-profits.

When customers open an e-checking account at the Boothbay Harbor branch, they’ll receive a $10 Neighbor to Neighbor Gift Certificate to use at a local business. With each new e-checking account, Bath Savings will also donate $25 to one of three area non-profits — Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library, Boothbay Region Land Trust and Boothbay Railway Village.

“Businesses are the lifeblood of our community, creating opportunities and jobs. And non-profits help our communities in so many invaluable ways,” says Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager Linda W. Anderson. “This is our way of saying thank you.”

Bath Savings has been banking on the coast of Maine since 1852. A true community bank, it is a mutual organization that is owned and controlled locally. “We have a long tradition of strength and stability, something that’s more important than ever today,” says Anderson.

She notes that Bath Savings has once again received the highest 5-Star rating from Bauer Financial, and is ranked in the top 10% of safest banks in the country. “We are putting that strength to work to make our community stronger. Our Neighbor to Neighbor program is a very personal way to do that, helping businesses and individuals throughout the Boothbay Region.”