Franklin Bank: Built upon a 150-year tradition of improving the quality of life for their customers and their communities.

Franklin Bank excelled in 2010 simply by following its long-standing philosophy on service.

“We believe that what we do makes a difference in the lives of our customers and in the well being of our communities,” said President/CEO Thomas J. Murray. “Our commitment is in understanding the needs of our customers and providing the right solution.”

 Murray said “we are a community bank that strongly believes we have a responsibility to our neighbors. We fulfill this through the bank’s involvement within the community and through the service efforts of our team members.”

Franklin Bank has a long history of serving its community, one that began in Salem County in 1861 and continues today. But, as time progresses, so must a company and that is exactly what Franklin Bank has done.

Franklin Bank has expanded its business banking product line to help more small businesses. Also, enhancements to its Online Business Banking are on the very near horizon. Franklin recognizes that the success of local businesses is crucial to the progress of the communities and each business has unique financial needs. Franklin Bank is able to service all of those needs while maintaining a personal touch. 

The needs of families and individuals can be unique as well and are always changing. Franklin Bank offers a full array of personal banking services, including checking, savings and investments, retirement and loan services.

Electronic banking is no longer the wave of the future but the way most people conduct business now on a regular basis. Franklin Bank services include on-line banking and bill pay, and it offers ATM and debit cards. Franklin Bank’s latest way of meeting today’s clients’ needs was the addition of an ATM to the Front Street facility in Salem last spring.    

“We are a strong, well capitalized financial institution,” Murray said. “We were recently recognized by the Bauer Financial Research Firm for 2010 with a four star rating for our strength and stability.”

Throughout 2010, Franklin Bank continued to be a local bank, with all decisions and decision makers are right here in Salem County. Murray knows that this is an important factor for customers.

Franklin Back also continued to be a Salem County Partner in 2010. As such, it participated in many events and activities that helped serve the needs of various segments of the Salem County population. These included the Annual Women’s Leadership Symposium, the Salem Community College Gala, the Calvary Community Development Corp. Community Builders Award Banquet and the Salem County Vo-Tech Leadership and Recognition Scholarship dinner.

Franklin Bank employees remained devoted to volunteerism in 2010 as well. They have offered their time to many local organizations, including the United Way of Salem County, the Salem County Chapter of the American Red Cross, Exchange Club of Greater Woodstown/Pilesgrove, Meals on Wheels, Ranch Hope, Salem County Fair, Pennsville Annual Night Out, Toys for Tots, the American Heart Association, March of Dimes Walk-a-Thon and the events supporting breast cancer awareness.

While Franklin Bank is progressive, it still believes that their customer service is what sets them apart. 

“How we treat our customers is crucial to our success,” Murray said.

From our humble beginnings in 1861, where the routine of business was conducted on a part-time basis in the homes and places of business of the officers, to 150 years later with seven locations; four in Salem County, two in Gloucester County and one in Cape May County, Franklin remains an independent, community bank.   

As we look ahead to 2011, Murray reiterated, “we believe that what we do makes a difference in the lives of our customers and in the well being of our communities.”