CONTACT: Elizabeth Eckel, SVP Marketing, 401-348-1309
DATE: June 6, 2005
Washington Trust Launches New Television Ad Campaign
Westerly, Rhode Island... Washington Trust recently began airing a new series of six commercials on local network and cable television stations. The ads present a positive statement about Washington Trust's ability to help people achieve their goals - from young couples, to business owners, to people looking to manage their wealth or plan their retirement. The ads, which are fresh, simple and compelling, invite viewers to see themselves in the images provoked - a couple just starting out building a home and family; taking an idea for a business and growing it into a successful company; being able to retire in comfort; or preserving wealth earned for future generations.The ads include the tagline "Good Things Start Here" and focus on Washington Trusts' capabilities and breadth of services while reinforcing the Banks' brand. Four of the ads focus on the Bank's core lines of business - personal banking, business banking and wealth management. The other ads feature current products and promotions (one of the ads is for the Bank's free checking/free Boston Red Sox jersey promotion, while the other promotes the Banks' special home equity rate).
"The spots are high quality with a distinct style, and provide an effective avenue for generating awareness about Washington Trust's personal banking, business banking and wealth management," said Elizabeth B. Eckel, the Bank's senior vice president, marketing.
The television ads, produced by Walsh and Associates, are scheduled
to run throughout the end of the year and will compliment the Bank's
existing multimedia, including radio, print, direct mail and outdoor
advertising.
The Washington Trust Company is the largest independent bank headquartered
in Rhode Island. A state-chartered bank, Washington Trust offers
a full range of financial services, including trust and investment
management, through its 16 branch offices located in Rhode Island
and southeastern Connecticut. Founded in 1800, the Bank is a subsidiary
of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., whose common stock trades on
The NASDAQ Stock Market® under the symbol WASH. Web site address:
www.washtrust.com.
