Washington Trust Held 2nd Annual Business Leaders Forum
-RI Universities and the State's Economy Was Discussed-

October 26, 2007 (Westerly, RI). . . The Washington Trust Company held its 2nd Annual Business Leaders Forum at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick, on Wednesday, October 10, 2007. A panel discussion was held discussing “How Rhode Island’s Universities Contribute to the Economy and Business of the State.” Panelists included John Bowen, president, Johnson & Wales University; Robert Carothers, president, University of Rhode Island; Ronald Machtley, president, Bryant University; Roger Mandle, president Rhode Island School of Design; and was moderated by Frank Coletta, NBC10 news anchor. More than 200 business leaders from businesses throughout Rhode Island attended the Forum, including small business owners, entrepreneurs and CEO’s. Special guest speaker, Rico Petrocelli, former Red Sox great and author of “Rico Petrocelli’s Tales From The Impossible Dream Red Sox,” spoke on developing characteristics such as talent, a good work ethic, courage, commitment and faith for a winning team.

The Washington Trust Company is a subsidiary of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., a $2.4 billion corporation headquartered in Westerly, Rhode Island. Founded in 1800, Washington Trust is the largest independent bank and the oldest community bank in the nation, headquartered in Rhode Island. A state-chartered bank, Washington Trust offers a full range of financial services, including business banking, personal banking, and wealth management and trust services, through its offices located in Rhode Island, southeastern Connecticut and Massachusetts. The Corporation’s common stock trades on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol WASH. Web site address: www.washtrust.com.