North Haven, CT With construction now complete, Guilford Savings Bank’s (GSB) newest branch office will officially open this month, bringing more community banking to the town. Located at the intersection of Washington and Blakeslee Aves., this new facility represents not just the expansion into a new market, but also incorporates new designs and features designed to deliver great experiences through technology, including a customer engagement bar.
The customer engagement bar enhances GSB’s customer engagement capabilities through a combination of personal interaction and technology. Those entering the lobby will be greeted by a team member who–with the aid of a tablet–guides the customer to the appropriate service or product best suited to their unique needs.
“We are excited to celebrate the opening of this new branch office in North Haven, representing not only more community banking for this market, but also the expansion of our physical footprint further into Connecticut,” said Timothy Geelan, GSB president and CEO.
“We recognize this as an opportunity to work with the residents and businesses of all sizes and become partners with the community.”
Established in 1875 as ‘The Guilford Savings Bank,’ but more commonly known as GSB, this mission-driven financial institution made headlines recently by donating $100,000 to four regional community foundations in the early days of the pandemic. The newly designed 2,000 square foot branch office in North Haven will be the seventh location for GSB with full-service banking centers currently in Old Saybrook, Madison, North Madison, Guilford, and Branford.
“We identified an expansion into the North Haven market as a tremendous opportunity to expand community banking options for both consumer and commercial customers,” said Kyle Eagleson, 1st EVP and Chief Financial Officer for GSB. “Community banking is vital for all aspects of a local economy — from first-time mortgages to small business development — and it is a locally-managed financial institution that has the greatest impact on residents and entrepreneurs, alike. GSB could not be more pleased to be coming to North Haven and we welcome relationship inquiries at any time.”
Renee Miller has been named as branch manager of the North Haven branch office. With experience in sales, customer service, business development, residential and commercial lending and leadership, Miller was identified as the right fit to lead the North Haven team. She comes to GSB with branch manager experience in nearby communities.
Miller also serves as a Mentor for the Children’s Community School in Waterbury, teaches financial literacy classes for Hamden and East Haven high schools and previously served as Co-Chair of the Hamden Regional Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals group and a board member of Arts for Learning CT.
“The exciting thing about the North Haven market, specifically, and why I wanted to join GSB is I found the drive to be connected to the community particularly refreshing,” Miller said. “Being part of a community bank is extremely important to me. It is so different from any corporate, large bank. There is a true passion for the people.”
Maria Tessitore will serve as Assistant Branch Manager of the North Haven branch office. Tessitore has a great deal of experience in both consumer and business banking. She previously managed branches in North Haven for other financial institutions.
“GSB expanding the footprint in North Haven is going to be so successful, not only for North Haven, but for the surrounding area,” Tessitore said. “I feel a community bank is long overdue in North Haven. I see a lot of possibilities there as GSB puts down some roots.”
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and related protocols, while the North Haven branch is officially opening with drive-thru services during normal business hours, lobby access is by appointment only. Customers may visit the GSB website to schedule an appointment as well as learn more about its services or open accounts online.
