The Provident Bank Hosts Successful Opening Of Newark Branch

NEWARK, NJ – It could have been the lure of lively music, the scent of roasting pork, the woman on stilts handing out flyers or the chance to win up to $500 - hundreds of Newark residents came out for The Provident Bank’s grand opening celebration on Ferry Street in Newark on Saturday.

The opening started at 9 a.m. with remarks about the vibrant Ironbound community and great opportunities for area businesses from Newark Deputy Mayor Stefan Pryor, Councilman Augusto Amador and Provident President and CEO Christopher Martin. The formal ribbon cutting was followed by check presentations to city organizations: Newark Now, the Ironbound Business Improvement District and the Ironbound Ambulance Squad.



And then the block party began. Neighborhood residents were treated to live music and an elaborate spread of tasty refreshments, including pastries, popcorn, hot dogs, burgers and an entire roasted pig. Red Bulls soccer star Carlos Mendes was at the branch from noon to 2 p.m. to sign autographs. Visitors also stopped in for balloon animals, caricatures, a chance to play Provident Instant Cash Rewards Game or to open a new account at the bank.

Provident is also running an exciting sweepstakes as part its grand opening celebration. One lucky winner will win a $2,500 travel voucher. Sweepstakes entries will be accepted at the Newark branch through October 31.

“It is important to make a good first impression,” said Branch Manager Isabel Rodrigues. “We knew members of the community would be interested in the banking services Provident offers. So we wanted to introduce ourselves to the neighborhood by welcoming everyone in with a full-day celebration. I could not be happier with the turnout.”     

Provident is New Jersey’s oldest bank and now has 83 branches throughout the state, so it has some experience hosting grand opening celebrations. There was more to the day than fun and games; many new customers stopped in to ask questions about the bank and open accounts.

“As seen by the amount of visitors at the opening, our timing could not be better,” said Provident President and CEO Christopher Martin. “The demand for Provident’s relationship-banking style is growing. People are looking for the capabilities and services of a big bank delivered with the caring, personal touch of a neighborhood bank. We get to know our customers and are familiar with the local economic climate. In addition, we are delighted to be establishing a presence in the state’s largest city - especially in the year of our 170th anniversary.”

Check with the branch for sweepstakes details at (973) 465-7961 and visit www.providentnj.com for more information about Provident.

About The Provident Bank

With $4.7 billion in deposits, The Provident Bank serves its customers via a network of 83 branches throughout northern and central New Jersey.  The Provident Bank is the wholly owned subsidiary of Provident Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE:PFS), which reported assets of $6.7 billion as of June 30, 2009.