NORWAY—“It’s amazing to think that 160 years ago, just a short walk away, a group of 14 individuals founded Norway Savings Bank. Through all of the changes and growth, three things that group would immediately recognize with pride are our caring team, our personal service to our customers and our commitment to community.”
Customers, community members, and NSB staff listened as Dan Walsh, president and CEO of Norway Savings Bank, spoke in the courtyard of the bank’s Main Street branch in Norway on Friday afternoon, April 24. Hundreds gathered at a community barbecue celebrating NSB’s 160th anniversary.
NSB accepted its first deposit, $5, in early April 1866.
“Now NSB has over $2 billion in assets. The success is underpinned by what Norway Savings Bank has always been about: the people. The customers, the community, and the team,” said Sen. Rick Bennett of Oxford during the barbecue. “When the legislature celebrated NSB for being named one of the strongest banks in the nation, it filled us all with such great pride. When you have an institution like this led by great people, it’s a really special thing.”
Visitors enjoyed a free lunch and dessert; tried their luck in the NSB Cash Booth and a prize wheel; played games like cornhole; met Barnabee, NSB’s beloved mascot; and danced to music provided by Derek Douglass, a professional DJ who is also a retail collections manager for NSB.
“When we celebrate 160 years of Norway Savings Bank, it reminds you of how important the bank is to Oxford Hills and beyond,” John Williams, executive director of the Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce, said. “I can’t be more grateful for their contributions to our community. We have always worked closely with NSB and they have been so supportive year after year after year. I’m so thankful for all that they stand for.”
NSB’s commitment to giving back to the community through volunteerism, donations, and other participation exists across the bank. In that spirit, Walsh called all NSB team members in attendance to stand with him as he presented a special $20,000 check to Norway Downtown, a nonprofit that pursues economic development, growth, job creation, housing revitalization, historic preservation and cultural enhancement in downtown Norway. Brendan Schauffler and Deb Partridge, members of the Norway Downtown Board of Directors, accepted the check during the ceremony.
“Thank you for coming today to honor NSB’s past and celebrate our present,” Walsh said. “Just as we have for 160 years, whatever the future brings, we’ll be here to help.”
To learn more about the incredible 160 years of NSB, click here.
