MAY 7, 2002

People's Bank Demonstrates
Commitment to Bridgeport

BRIDGEPORT, CONN.
It had been more than 20 years since the Boston Avenue office of People's Bank saw much more than a paintbrush. But, with the official "re-opening"of the branch on Thursday, May 2, that has all changed. The bright, airy office has a new look, but the faces of the staff are the same friendly ones who have worked here for years.

"I am proud to re-affirm People's commitment to Bridgeport and to say 'thank you' to our customers by investing for the future in offices like Boston Avenue,"said Robert R. D'Amore, executive vice president, Marketing and Regional Banking, at People's.

The changes were completed in just three weeks and resulted in a completely new look for the office. An inviting service area welcomes customers into the branch and a re-configured teller area results in a much-improved customer experience.

"We underwent a total overhaul,"said Deloris Belcher, branch manager at the Boston Avenue office for five years. "The improvements not only make this a much more pleasing place to work, but they also enhance our ability to serve our customers."

As a further commitment to this community, People's donated $1,000 to the Elias Howe School's after-school program, run by ABCD, Inc.

People's (peoples.com) is a diversified financial services company providing commercial, consumer, insurance and investment services. Founded in 1842, it is the largest state-chartered bank in Connecticut with managed assets of $13 billion, 150 branches and more than 220 ATMs. People's is a leader in commercial banking, residential lending, insurance sales and supermarket banking. An international credit card issuer, it ranks 16th nationally as an issuer of MasterCard and Visa credit cards. People's subsidiaries offer brokerage services, asset management, equipment financing and leasing, and insurance services.

For an electronic photo from this event, contact Kelly Wallace at kgwalla@peoples.com