Chelsea Groton Bank Opens Reinvented Center Groton Branch

GROTON, CT – Chelsea Groton Bank has completed the construction of its Center Groton location at 1319 Gold Star Highway. The reinvented branch was designed to provide individuals with the tools and resources needed to empower them to make better financial decisions through learning, mentoring and collaboration, according to a release.

The diverse layout features a diner booth for relaxed conversation, a cozy lending library with books to peruse at the branch or borrow, collaboration tables for connecting and interacting, a video conferencing room and a knowledge bar with complimentary coffee and conversation brewing all day.

The location will continue to have a teller line where typical banking transactions can occur, offices for opening accounts and processing loans and has a new drive-up ATM.

“Our mission as a community bank is to serve the needs of the individuals, families and businesses in the community,” Chelsea Groton Bank CEO Michael Rauh said in a release. “Over the years, we’ve watched customers’ needs change. Some continue to visit our branches on a weekly basis, while others have become more dependent on technology for banking. We’re thrilled to offer conveniences like mobile and online banking, but we also know how important it is to be able to engage with customers about where they are in their lives, and how we can help them reach their goals.

“Our hope in reinventing the Center Groton branch is that it evolves from a place where people go to perform transactions to somewhere they can learn to feel confident, comfortable, and excited about their financial future."

On a near-daily basis, personal enrichment programs will be offered, free of charge, at the branch. Miria Toth, the Bank’s Community Education Specialist, and Customer Solutions Manager Kristen Scott, along with team members from the Center Groton branch and various departments, will lead classes on topics related to personal financial wellness, home-buying, business banking, and more.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to engage in activities related to preparing for expected and unexpected life events.

In celebration of the reinvented location, members of the community are invited to stop in to tour the branch, enjoy refreshments and leave with a treat or two.

The bank also invites the community to participate in the following educational and social events scheduled for grand opening week:

Monday, Dec. 4

• 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. - 12 Scams of the Holidays class

Tuesday, Dec. 5

• 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. - Keep It Safe: Guarding Against Identity Theft class
• 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. - Ribbon Cutting & Reception with Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut and the Mystic Chamber of Commerce; Donation to be presented to Groton Human Services

Wednesday, Dec. 6

• 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. - Lunch and Learn: Bank On It – Why to Bank and How to Open and Maintain an Account

Thursday, Dec. 7

• 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. - Coffee with Class: Public Speaking
• 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. - Grow Your Business: The Top 10 Benefits of Accepting Credit Cards

Saturday, Dec. 9

9 a.m. to 10 a.m. - Financial Recovery Class

11 a.m. to 1 p,m. - Family Day: Visit with Santa, Holiday Crafts and More!

For the most current schedule of classes and events happening at Center Groton, visit www.chelseagroton.com/reinvention.

Images via Barb Curto