Westerly, Rhode Island... Washington Trust recently announced the Bank's plans to expand its footprint by opening a branch in East Providence, Rhode Island and partnered with the Pawtucket Red Sox to hold East Providence Night at McCoy Stadium. It's all part of the Bank's "I Luv RI" campaign in support of local businesses and in celebration of what makes Rhode Island great.
As part of the celebration one lucky winner, Steven Gianlorenzo, a life-long resident of East Providence, was selected to enjoy the August 1st game from Washington Trust's field-level suite and throw out the game's ceremonial first pitch.
"I've been to a lot of baseball games in my life, but never been on the pitcher's mound," said a grateful Gianlorenzo. "It was an amazing experience that really emphasized Washington Trust’s standing as a community-oriented business that knows how to treat people. I'm very much looking forward to the bank having a presence in East Providence."
Gianlorenzo is the owner of Steven Gianlorenzo Contractors, a now 4th generation East Providence business. “My grandfather came to East Providence back in 1920 and began building homes,” he said proudly. “After that, my father and uncles followed in his footsteps, and I took over more than 30 years ago. Now my two sons are involved. All together, we’ve built more than 1,000 homes in East Providence.”
As the largest independent bank in Rhode Island, and oldest community bank in the nation, Washington Trust knows what it takes to build a successful business in the Ocean State. By expanding to East Providence, which will be the bank’s sixteenth Rhode Island branch, Washington Trust aims to make it convenient for the surrounding communities to experience what community banking is all about. Washington Trust’s new East Providence branch, located at 587 Taunton Avenue, will be managed by East Providence native, Paul J. Tavares, and a team of local, bi-lingual professionals.
"Banking relationships are built on trust, service, and convenience,” stated Tavares. “Washington Trust has a very long history of being a sound financial institution; dedicated to the communities it serves. “I’m honored to lead Washington Trust’s entry into the East Providence market and help the Bank become part of this great City.”
All Washington Trust business customers, and those interested in partnering with the Bank, are invited to take part in the “I Luv RI” campaign, which features displays and digital advertising in the Bank’s branch offices, as well as on the Bank’s exclusive www.iluvri.com website. The website connects to a Facebook page that offers businesses free promotional opportunities, including monthly coupons, business spotlights, and networking on the “I Luv RI” Facebook wall. The website will also engage visitors by offering a photo gallery, trivia, event listings, and fun facts about the smallest state in the union. Facebook Fans may also participate in “I Luv RI” merchandise giveaways and contests.
The campaign also features a number of signature events in the upcoming months aimed at highlighting what makes Rhode Island a great place to live and do business. On August 22nd, celebrate Washington Trust’s birthday with discounts at Roger Williams Park Zoo; October 7th, opening night the PBruins kicking off their 20th Anniversary Season at the Dunkin Donuts Center; December 23rd, don’t miss Rhode Island’s biggest in-state basketball rivalry as the PC Friars take on the URI Rams at the Ryan Center.
For more information about the “I Luv RI” campaign, or to get your business involved, visit www.iluvri.comor email the Bank at marketing@washtrust.com.
The Washington Trust Company is a subsidiary of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., a $3.1 billion corporation headquartered in Westerly, Rhode Island. Founded in 1800, Washington Trust is the oldest community bank in the nation and is the largest independent bank 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 Global Select® Stock Market under the symbol WASH. Web site address: www.washtrust.com.