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Focus of new bank is building up community

Rep. Angelo Puppolo presented a citation to Webster Bank branch manager Denise Arcand at the branch's ribbon cutting last week. Reminder Publications photo by Courtney Llewellyn
By Courtney Llewellyn

Reminder Assistant Editor



EAST LONGMEADOW Webster Bank was officially welcomed to the neighborhood last Tuesday with a gala that brought in nearly a dozen local dignitaries. Selectmen Jack Villamaino and Jim Driscoll, former Sen. Brian Lees and State Rep. Angelo Puppolo were all on hand to assist the branch manager with the ceremonial ribbon cutting.

The East Longmeadow branch of Webster Bank opened on Dec. 22, according to Chris Cymbala, a financial consultant with the bank. With the number of banks already established in town, Cymbala said Webster "has to do something to differentiate itself."

One way it does that is by providing an automatic teller machine (ATM) that works in six different languages English, Spanish, French, Polish, Italian and Portuguese.

"Our growth is at the numbers we've expected since we opened our doors," Cymbala added.

Denise Arcand, branch manager, addressed the large audience that turned out for the ribbon cutting, which included three Planning Board members, chair of the School Committee Bob Mazzariello, superintendent Edward Costa and Police Chief Doug Mellis.

"Everyone who works here is from here," Arcand said. "We are homegrown. Webster Bank has a commitment to our products and our community."

The bank showed its commitment to community by presenting a check for $5,000 to Andrew Morehouse of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. "Thanks to donations like these, we have given out nearly six million meals in the last year to those who needed them," Morehouse said. "We rely on the support of the community."

Puppolo presented a citation to Arcand to celebrate the bank's official opening.

As the well-wishers mingled, enjoying catering provided by Romito & Sons, they shared their thoughts about the new bank in town.

Attorney Elizabeth Dougal came to talk to the bank manager about creating a local trust department. "We need a local trust," she said.

Assistant branch manager Maureen Midghall said, "It feels great to be a part of the community, and with the number of people here tonight, I think we're a part of the community already."

"It's always exciting to see our efforts come together to benefit the business and the community," Planning Board Chair Marilyn Richards said.

The opening of the bank made a big impression on Lees, the Clerk of Courts for Hampden County, as well.

"Banks are booming in East Longmeadow and it's great to have a local bank," Lees told Reminder Publications. "This is exciting for the area. For a long time, East Longmeadow had nothing here to anchor money, but now employees and spending money stay local."

Webster Bank was founded in 1935 and currently has 186 offices and hundreds of ATMs. To learn more about the bank, stop by the branch, located in Center Square, or visit their Web site at www.websteronline.com.