SOMERSET – Slade’s Ferry Bank today unveiled new signs as the institution adopted both a new logo and a new name, Slades Bank, in what President and CEO Mary Lynn D. Lenz called “a symbolic departure” from the Slade’s Ferry Bank of yesterday.”
(The bank’s holding company, Slade’s Ferry Bancorp (Nasdaq: SFBC), will keep its old name and Nasdaq symbol, Slades Bank said.)
“Our revitalized image is visible way to signal the community that we’re changing to meet their needs because we plan to be around for another 50 years,” Lenz said.
Those changes include remodeling all the bank’s branches with similar marble interiors with stainless steel accents, plus plasma-screen monitors to entertain and educate customers, and a new worker-training initiative. The work has been completed at the Assonet, New Bedford and North Somerset branches, and has begun at the Somerset headquarters. The updating of the Fairhaven, North Swansea, Seekonk and two Fall River branch offices is to begin by the end of the year.
The bank also is working to transform its work force, according to Susan F. Wilbur, senior vice president and director of human resources. “We have received a [$112,500] grant from the Mass. Department of Workforce Development, have hired an outside consultant and are offering an extensive array of sales, service and leadership training over the next two years,” Wilbur said.
In addition, the bank said it has offered to improve and maintain the public park across from its headquarters at 100 Slade’s Ferry Avenue. The 51,500-square-foot space features a gazebo and several benches.
To celebrate its name change, Slades Bank is offering free coffee, cake and balloons at all branches today. It also will be giving away a 50-inch plasma-screen television. No purchase is necessary to enter the drawing; a winner will be selected at random on May 15.
Slades Bank is a $605 million community bank, based in Somerset, serving southeastern Massachusetts via nine retail branches in seven communities. Additional information can be found at www.sladesbank.com.
