Washington Trust is excited to announce the grand opening of its new branch in East Providence, RI. The branch is located at 587 Taunton Avenue, at the corner of Taunton and Pawtucket Avenues in East Providence. Come join in all of the fun on Saturday, October 1st. Tony Bristol from LITE 105 will appear with prizes and raffles including Josh Groban tickets (including a meet and greet), tickets to the Jack O Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo and King Richard’s Faire. The first 50 people to attend will receive a 4 pack of tickets to a Providence Bruins game. Refreshments will include popcorn, Del’s Lemonade, and desserts from Gregg’s Restaurant. Event attendees may also enter to win Washington Trust’s “Millionaire for a Day” contest including one day’s interest on one million dollars and a night on the town with limo, $100 dinner certificate, and tickets to see LES MIS at PPAC.
The 5,600 square-foot branch offers state-of-the-art technology, security and convenience for its customers, including five walk-up teller positions, one of which is ADA compliant, two drive-up lanes, a drive-up ATM, night depository, safe deposit boxes and a walk-up ATM. We look forward to meeting our new East Providence neighbors and providing the great service that is expected from Washington Trust.
Twenty-five years ago, I was at the beginning of my banking career. The local economy was expanding and property values were rising, particularly in commercial real estate. Manufacturers were still key players in our local economy, and there were many more banks and credit unions. It was the pre-consolidation era, particularly in the financial services industry.
Fast-forward a quarter-century and our manufacturing base has been replaced by healthcare, tourism, financial services, and education. We used to make things here. Now we are more focused on business-to-business services. It’s amazing how quickly things have changed.
Certain stories stand out across the 25 years:
When I think about the people who have made a difference for Rhode Island businesses, I cannot ignore the bankers – Terry Murray and my old boss, Larry Fish. Stanley Goldstein and Tom Ryan at CVS also come to mind, as do Alan Hassenfeld and Al Verrecchia at Hasbro. These individuals not only proved themselves to be industry leaders; they are great community leaders, as well, and have had a significant effect on many good things that have happened in Rhode Island.
So where are we headed? The challenges are all about increased competition. As hard as it is to believe, I think businesses today need to get even more efficiency and productivity out of whatever assets they have. It’s funny: I remember back when the futurists would talk about the influx of new technology and how, with so much automation at our fingertips, we were going to have more leisure time than we knew what to do with. I think exactly the opposite has occurred and we are in a position today where we have to do more with less. If you’re selling something, customers want to know how it makes them more efficient and productive. I think that’s something you absolutely have to pay attention to, no matter what industry you are in.
Right now, our state is at an inflection point. I think we need to show people that we can make progress on state and municipal deficits, and the pension liabilities that we all read about every day. That would go a long way to make people and businesses in this state feel more optimistic.
I am fortunate to have spent my whole life here – I love Rhode Island. As a native, I know how special this place is, especially the culture and the environment. And right now, we’re at a stage in the development of the state where we have an opportunity to go forward to build a more sound financial base and, by extension, improve the business climate and the standard of living for everyone who lives here. That’s an opportunity we don’t want to miss.
Join Washington Trust and the Providence Bruins as they kick of their 20th season on Friday, October 7th. Be one of the first 1000 fans and receive a complimentary “clapper” from Washington Trust to make some noise and cheer on the PBruins! The Providence Bruins are excited to start their 20th season and they will be celebrating all season with special events. The Dunkin’ Donuts Center will also host the 20th Anniversary Bruins Alumni Game, featuring some of the most popular players from the 20 year history of the P-Bruins. For more information on these and other Providence Bruins games, please visit their website www.providencebruins.com
Washington Trust has partnered with Rhode Island Monthly, to present the "I LUV RI" photo contest. Submit your favorite Rhode Island photo and you may have your photo printed in a 2012 issue of RI Monthly, and win one of twelve great RI experiences, like a night and dinner at the Ocean House in Watch Hill, a weekend at the Chanler in Newport, a giraffe encounter at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, tickets to Trinity Rep, RI Philharmonic, PBruins, PawSox, and more! "Like" our "I LUV RI" Facebook Page, and you will automatically be entered to win weekly giveaways of "I LUV RI" t-shirts, coffee mugs, tote bags and car magnets. Click here for more information and to enter
