Submitted by Elizabeth Kuhns, Essex Savings Bank
(May 6, 2025) — In response to customers’ voices throughout the community, Essex
Savings Bank is proud to announce a new chapter in its legacy. Effective October 1, 2025, the institution will be known as Essex Bank – a shortening of the name that better reflects its expanding services and forward-looking approach.
“As we prepare to celebrate our 175th anniversary, we have been listening closely,” said Diane Arnold, President & CEO of Essex Savings Bank. “Again and again, our customers tell us, ‘You are so much more than a savings bank.’ And they are right. The updated Essex Bank name honors our history while embracing our full capabilities, including trust and wealth management services. Our roots are here, our people are here, and our hearts are here,” said Arnold. “While we are still the same community-first team with an unwavering focus to be selfless and supportive, we want customers to know that there are more tools than ever here to serve you.”
Essex Bank offers a comprehensive suite of personal and commercial banking services to help people, businesses, and organizations achieve their financial goals. Increasingly, the Bank has been instituting more modern technologies, digital platforms, and lifestyle features while staying true to its hallmarks of stable business practices, strong relationship-building, and a deep commitment to the community. “Individuals, families, and businesses throughout the Connecticut Shoreline and River Valley take notice of our highly personal approach, which combines accessible professionals and advanced digital banking tools,” said Arnold. “From Middletown to Madison, New Haven to New London, and all of the towns in between, the Essex team continues to prove to be a valuable resource for people to succeed and grow.”
In addition to the October name change, Essex Bank will launch a new website featuring
expanded resources for customers to understand their banking options along with stories of
customers succeeding through the Bank’s support. The branding and website are being done in partnership with WORX – the Connecticut-based firm known for its data-driven business strategies and award-winning branding, digital, and marketing team.
The year 2026 will mark the 175th anniversary of the Bank, which was founded by a group of local shipmasters, businessmen and entrepreneurs in 1851. The founders’ tenets of highly personal service hold today; for example, team members answer each customer phone call, and the Bank’s Community Investment Program – the first of its kind in the State of Connecticut– supports hundreds of local nonprofit organizations each year.
About Essex Bank
Essex Bank has been a leading provider of financial services since 1851. Featuring six Bank branch locations, Essex Trust, and wholly owned subsidiary Essex Financial, Essex Bank empowers customers throughout the Connecticut Shoreline and River Valley. Essex Bank prides itself on safe banking practices, personalized service, and deep community investment. It was the first bank in the State of Connecticut to share profits with the community it serves, and each year–through its Community Investment Program –Essex Bank donates up to 10% of its after-tax net income to nonprofit organizations and community development projects. The Bank also has won numerous awards for its team and expertise, including the Best of the Shoreline, and is rated by Bauer Financial as a 5-Star institution. For more information, please visit EssexSavings.com.
