BRIDGTON — It holds a special significance as the first Norway Savings Bank branch opened outside of Norway. In 1969, NSB established its Bridgton branch and was taken aback by the quick and welcoming reception it received from the area. It’s a relationship that has only grown over the years through generations of customers and the partnerships with hundreds of Bridgton non-profit organizations and groups.
On Aug. 5-9 NSB celebrated its 55th anniversary in Bridgton with a weeklong celebration that included games, giveaways, and refreshments to thank customers for their loyalty. The branch’s theme for the week was “Small Town, Big Love. Love Always, Bridgton,” fittingly adapted from the Bridgton town motto.
“It’s hard to capture the genuine spirit of the town and how proud the people are to be from Bridgton, to live here, and to welcome visitors,” said Erin Nelson, AVP branch manager of NSB’s Bridgton branch. “We’re so happy to serve our customers in Bridgton and the surrounding areas. We do our best each day to respond to their years and years of loyalty with top-notch service and generosity.”
During the week, customers and community members were invited to go online or visit the branch and vote for local non-profit organizations to determine how $2,024 in donations would be split. The recipients of the anniversary donations are:
The Bridgton Food Pantry, which helps combat food insecurity with supplemental food and groceries and through providing weekly assistance to over 250 families.
Tucker’s House, which offers men and women safe residences while recovering from substance use and addiction, treating each person with love and kindness.
The Bridgton Community Center, which strives to connect those in need with supportive social, physical, and cultural resources to enhance their quality of life.
The Bridgton Public Library, which aspires to be the model for a dynamic rural library focused on personalized library services and its role as a cultural and intellectual center for a diverse community.
“We love our town, the people who make it the special place it is, and those in need,” said Nelson. “We are thrilled to offer support at many local organizations, both in donations and volunteerism to help them with their important work. Supporting and enriching the Bridgton area is not just part of our mission, it’s who are. Here’s to the next 55 years!”
This summer, NSB has also celebrated branch anniversaries in South Paris (40th), Forest Avenue in Portland (10th), and Gray (10th). In late August, the bank will honor the 15th anniversary of the Yarmouth branch.
Founded in 1866, Norway Savings Bank is a leading mutual banking and financial services company headquartered in Norway. As of June 30, 2024, Norway Savings Bank had $1.912 billion in total assets; 24 branch locations; and divisions in trust and investment services, personal banking, and business banking. It has received an “Outstanding” rating for three consecutive Community Reinvestment Act Exams from the FDIC. Norway Savings has also received the Best Place for Working Parents designation in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and was recognized with the “Best Wellness Employer – Gold Certification” for the sixth year in a row by Wellness Workdays. BauerFinancial has designated the Bank the “Best of Bauer” for earning and maintaining its highest 5-star rating for 34 continuous years. For more information, visit www.norwaysavings.bank.
