BANGOR, Maine — Bangor Savings Bank announced that it has decided to temporarily close five of its 57 branches due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Hours at the remaining branches across Maine and New Hampshire will now be Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday hours will remain unchanged.
These changes will begin on Monday, March 30. Bangor Savings said it is continuing to follow the guidance of the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state health departments throughout northern New England.
The following Bangor Savings Bank locations will be temporarily closed:
- Orono
- Belfast; Main Street location
- Portland; Middle Street location
- Ogunquit
- Portsmouth; Bow Street location
“As COVID-19 continues to affect our employees, customers and communities, we are committed to make thoughtful, real-time decisions and adjustments based on changing needs and circumstances,” Bob Montgomery-Rice, President and CEO at Bangor Savings Bank, said in a press release. “During our 168 year history, we’ve been there for our customers through incredible challenges and economic uncertainty, and we’ll continue to provide that very same support. The bank – and industry in general – remains on very solid footing, with strong capital ratios.”
Bangor Savings Bank's press release also included the following:
Commitment to employees
Nearly 650 Bangor Savings Bank employees are currently working from home and the bank reports that the transition to remote working, where possible, has been a smooth one. In addition to the standard telecommuting technology such as teleconference and video conference capability, Bangor Savings has also enlisted the help of a mobile app, which has added some fun and friendly competition into the workday. Employees use the app to compete in daily challenges from photo assignments, to trivia - all in an effort to help employees stay and feel connected with one another during this uncertain time.
“We were well positioned having already made investments in technology that allow the vast majority of our employees to work from home, securely and effectively, as well as provide our same level of service to our customers,” said Montgomery-Rice. “Beyond the infrastructure we are also focused on the health and wellbeing of our team. You see that reflected in a variety of ways, from our commitment to employees that their jobs, pay, and benefits are secure to the use of our ‘creative connections’ program delivered through a mobile app.”
Commitment to customers
Bangor Savings Bank continues to encourage customers to utilize distance banking options, such as online and mobile tools, phone banking, ATMs, and the bank’s call center, Bangor Support. The bank remains focused on the use of technology and is updating parameters on ATMs and remote deposit capture limits to continue to meet the banking needs of customers. The bank has increased its fraud monitoring and encourages customers to be vigilant against online and fraud scams and malware which often propagate during pandemics and natural disasters.
The bank is also working very closely with borrowers who are impacted by COVID-19 – modifying loans, offering relief loans to consumers and businesses, supporting and navigating customers through non-bank relief programs like SBA, FAME, New Hampshire Business Authority, and more.
“This is a time for flexibility, care, and leadership,” says Bob Montgomery-Rice. “I am asking customers to contact us if they are experience financial challenges related to COVID-19. There are a number of programs and options in place to help customers as they navigate the current environment.”
Customers new to online banking can learn more about Bangor Savings’ services online at www.bangor.com. The Bangor Mobile App can be downloaded in the Apple App Store or with Google Play. The automated phone banking system line is 1-888-263-3099. And, the Bangor Support customer service team can be reached at 1-877-226-4671.
Commitment to community
Later this week, Bangor Savings Bank Foundation will announce the winners of its 13th annual Community Matters More (CMM) grant program. This year’s program will provide more than $140,000 to 55 nonprofit organizations chosen by a public voting process open throughout the month of February.
“While we have always been proud to support the many outstanding organizations that help our Northern New England communities prosper, we know that the need has never been more urgent,” continued Montgomery-Rice. “We look forward to publicly celebrating our grantees and seeing the donations activated to support our neighbors throughout the region.”