May 9, 2006

People's Bank Opens New Branch In West Haven

New Branch Offers Seven-Day In-Person Banking at West Haven Super Stop & Shop

BRIDGEPORT, CONN. - People's Bank will open a new, full-service branch in the new West Haven Super Stop & Shop at the corner of Elm and Wagner Streets, on Thursday, May 18.

This is the bank's 71st supermarket branch, and it will provide seven-day, in-person banking to West Haven area residents. The branch will have four customer service stations, a night deposit box, a television to watch financial news and an office in which customers may apply for a mortgage or home equity loan, invest funds or open a checking or savings account.

"We're pleased to offer seven-day banking to our customers who live or shop in West Haven," said Jim Keegan, People's first vice president responsible for the Greater New Haven market. "True convenience is having a branch near you that offers full-service banking -- from education or retirement planning to investments -- wherever and whenever you need it. Since all of us must shop for groceries, we couldn't think of a better venue in which to open a branch that will be available to West Haven customers seven days a week."

To celebrate the opening of the new office, People's Bank will hold a grand opening sweepstakes for three weeks beginning the day the branch opens. The grand prize will be $500 in free groceries. In total, 150 prizes will be awarded.

The new West Haven office will be open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Gifty Cobbinah and Jeanna Szostek will manage the branch. Cobbinah is a market manager who was formerly the financial service manager at People's Trolley Square Stop & Shop branch. Cobbinah holds series 6 and 63 licenses from the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD). Jeanna Szostek will be financial service manager at the new branch. She formerly held the same position at People's Orange Stop & Shop branch. Szostek holds series 6, 63 and Saving Bank Life Insurance licenses.

To celebrate the opening, People's Bank will make a $500 contribution to West Haven Community House, a nonprofit organization that helps West Haven residents lead "healthy, independent, productive and meaningful lives."

Founded in 1842, People's Bank (peoples.com) is one of Connecticut's largest banks with assets of $11 billion, more than 240 ATMs and 153 branches, 70 of which offer convenient seven-day banking in Super Stop & Shop locations across the state. A diversified financial services company, People's Bank provides consumer, commercial, insurance, retail investment and trust services to personal and business banking customers. People's Bank is the official banking partner of the University of Connecticut's Division of Athletics. For more information about People's, its products and services, please call 800-772-1090, visit peoples.com or any of People's branches.