Webster Bank executives including CEO-elect Brian Westerlind (second from left) and President and CEO Don Doyle (center, in blue suit) pose for a photo with local dignitaries at the opening of the bank's new Auburn branch. Photo courtesy of Webster Five
Webster Five has opened a new branch at 400 Southbridge St. in Auburn, and Bay State Bank has a new branch in Shrewsbury’s White City Plaza, on the Boston Turnpike.
The former bank, also based in Auburn now has seven branches across Massachusetts. The latter, based in Worcester and formerly known as Bay State Savings Bank, has six other branches in Worcester, Holden and Auburn.
Webster Five’s new branch “marks an exciting next chapter for Webster Five in Auburn,” CEO-elect Brian Westerlind said in a statement.
“It was built to offer the modern conveniences our customers expect while staying true to the values that define us. We’re excited for it to serve as a lasting resource for our customers and a visible symbol of our commitment to inclusivity and community connection,” he said.
The branch most features a curated art installation made possible through a partnership with ArtLifting, an organization that connects artists living with disabilities with professional opportunities and paying clients. The collection includes a permanent wall covering, a digital display and framed prints created by ArtLifting artists, including two based in Massachusetts. The partnership between Webster Five and ArtLifting is expected to generate approximately $12,000 in social impact through direct artist payments and contributions to ArtLifting’s Community Impact Fund.
Bay State Bank said its new branch is the first to open under its new branding.
“Many of our clients already call Shrewsbury home, so establishing a permanent presence here feels like a natural and meaningful progression” Chief Banking Officer Tami M. Gunsch said in a statement.
The bank said its new name was an effort to orient the bank’s brand towards the future.
“Bay State is, and always will be, Bay State,” President and CEO Seth Pitts said in a statement “Dropping ‘Savings’ was simply overdue. We’re a bank for dreamers—and for the day-to-day steps that help bring those dreams to life. That means more than savings alone.”
