October 11, 2002

People's Bank Opens Farmington Branch

FARMINGTON, CONN.
People's Bank opened its newest branch in Post Office Square at 188 Main St. in Farmington today. John Klein, People's president and CEO, was on hand to cut the ceremonial ribbon, along with other bank officers, local and state officials, friends and neighbors.

"For 160 years, we've been bringing innovative, tailored financial solutions to the people of Connecticut and we're very happy to be in Farmington with our 153rd branch," said Robert R. D'Amore, executive vice president, Marketing and Regional Banking, at People's. "We're also very appreciative of the warm welcome that our friends and neighbors in the town have been giving us at our new, conveniently-located branch. This traditional branch complements our Avon Financial Center, which provides a full range of financial services, including insurance and investments, as well as our Super Stop & Shop offices in Simsbury and Granby, which offer full-service banking seven days a week."

State Comptroller Nancy Wyman, who attended the ceremony, said: "With 153 branches across the state, People's certainly affects the lives of many in Connecticut and I know that the bank will have a positive affect on the lives of people in this area."

The public is invited to stop by the new branch, meet Financial Service Manager Brandon Ojakian and learn about People's grand-opening specials - free checking for two years and special rates on CDs.

In honor of today's grand opening, People's donated $1,000 to Farmington Food Pantry, a community food bank.

The Farmington office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and on Fridays. On Thursdays it is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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 $14 billion, 153 branches and 230 ATMs. People's is a leader in consumer and commercial banking, residential lending, insurance sales, supermarket banking and is the nation's 15th-largest issuer of MasterCard and Visa credit cards. People's subsidiaries offer brokerage services, asset management, equipment financing and leasing, and insurance services.