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6 Worcester Business Journal • Book of Lists 2016 www.wbjournal.com I n 1895, Bay State Savings Bank opened for business in Worcester. Though its headquarters has moved from Main Street to Franklin Street, Bay State is still serving Worcester from the same foundation as it did in 1895 - solid, competitive financial prod- ucts, combined with excellent customer service, tailored to meet the needs of every type of client. Although Bay State is more than a century old, its ser- vices are anything but old-fashioned. From a user-friendly website, featuring a "Virtual Branch" for convenient 24/7 online account opening and loan applications, free online, mobile, and telephone banking to custom cash manage- ment systems for businesses of all sizes, the Bank offers everything needed to compete in the 21st century. In addi- tion, the newly renovated Franklin Street branch features a café-like atmosphere, with a Tech Bar for customer training and support, a Coffee Bar with tables and seating for customer comfort, and friendly, knowledgeable staff. At Bay State, real people answer the phones instead of automated voice systems. Every customer is assigned a Personal Account Officer who knows clients' names, their banking needs, and provides them with personal- ized products to help them reach their financial goals. Bay State has also established a partnership with Patriot Financial Group as a way to offer Investment products and expert financial advice to our current clients. In the past 120 years, Bay State has helped thousands of local businesses succeed in a wide-range of industries. That's because the Bank is a full-service Commercial Lender, headed by a Commercial Lending team with more than 115 years of combined banking experience. Additionally, Bay State is an SBA Preferred Lender and the Bank's directors are all locally-based, which means more independent decision making and quicker response times on loan applications. Since Bay State opened, it has always been deeply com- mitted to the local community. "To us, 'community' means more than simply having branches and ATMs around the city," says Peter B. Alden, President & CEO. "It means contributing to our neighborhoods and helping the citizens and businesses of Worcester County grow and become successful." The Bay State Savings Charitable Foundation, devel- oped in 2003, has contributed more than $400,000 to local non-profit organizations that support and enhance the quality of life in our communities. Similarly, the Bank's Champions for Children program, created in 2004, has contributed over $125,000 to local organizations and indi- viduals who provide a wide-range of aid and opportunities for the community's youth. Yet, the Bank's commitment is much more personal than just monetary contributions. Bay State employees are involved in our neighborhoods, as they generously donate thousands of hours of time and energy to local causes each year. Bay State is committed to maintaining a culture that consistently sets high standards of behavior in buyer and seller relationships. "As an organization, we recognize the importance of corporate conscience and responsibility and deal ethically with our customers and other constitu- ents," says Alden. "In 2012, Bay State was the proud recipient of the Better Business Bureau's Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics in Central Massachusetts, and in 2015 we were given the Corporate Citizen of the Year award by Worcester Business Journal. For these honors, I owe sin- cere gratitude to our incredible employees for setting the example and leading the way." Bay State has five full-service branches in Worcester, with additional branches in Holden and Auburn, includ- ing an education-based branch inside Auburn High School. Since 1895, Bay State has been known for its com- mitment to the community, competitive retail and com- mercial products and excellent customer service. "These are the keys to our success," says Alden. "We STILL take banking personally!" n W O R C E S T E R Bay State Savings Bank Address: 28 Franklin Street Worcester, MA 01608 Phone: 508-890-9000, 800-244-8161 Fax: 508-792-5217 Website: www.baystatesavingsbank.com Product or Service: Banking, Finance No. of Employees: 70 Head of Company: Peter B. Alden, President & CEO Year Founded: 1895 Focused on the Future: Integrating Technology With Tradition A D V E R T I S E M E N T