By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Hudson – Marlborough Savings Bank (MSB) began the year with a ceremonial groundbreaking in January for its new branch to be located at 186 Main St. in Hudson. Soon afterward, MSB launched its “We Love Hudson” campaign to meet residents and future businesses neighbors. Among staff members participating in the campaign is Ellen Dorian, executive vice president of retail banking.
“We’ve been looking for a spot in Hudson for a while and waiting for the ideal location, then we found it right on Main Street,” she said. “When we look at where our current branches are, Hudson was the next logical location.”
Current MSB branches are in Marlborough, Northborough, Southborough, Sudbury and Westborough.
The first stop for the “We Love Hudson” campaign was Valentine’s Day at Harvard Sweet Boutique on South Street. The bakery shop prepared cookies decorated with the MSB logo. Customers were surprised to receive the cookies free from MSB staff members.
“Valentine’s Day was a great time to launch our ‘We Love Hudson’ campaign,” Dorian said. “It worked out great, so we decided to do it at more local businesses.”
MSB chose the next holiday to interact with Hudson residents. On St. Patrick’s Day, the bank treated the first 100 patrons to complimentary lunch of corned beef and cabbage at the Horseshoe Pub, also on South Street. Patrons’ dessert included trivia games with prizes hosted by leprechaun-costumed Chris DiBenedetto, senior vice president and risk officer.
“Chris found a bell behind the bar, so he rang it and asked his challenging questions on Irish trivia,” Dorian relayed. “We gave out a ton of T-shirts, hats, umbrellas and other MSB swag. It was a fun day for the patrons as well as for us.”
Plans are underway to continue the campaign visits at least once monthly. Stops under consideration are a specialty market, salon and another restaurant. MSB is pleased to be involved in the recent revitalization of downtown Hudson and supports the concept of shopping locally, Dorian noted.
“We see the impact that all businesses make,” she said. “It’s a full circle of economic activity that happens when people support local businesses. Like you can see in Hudson with the local businesses that have moved in, it has really created a destination for the town. It’s a great time for us to be a part of what’s happening in Hudson.”
The Hudson MSB branch is expected to open by early June. For more information visit agreatbank.com and on Facebook.
Photos/Ed Karvoski Jr.