Ceremony marks Bank’s 17th location and investment in the Seekonk community.

Bristol County Savings Bank celebrated the future of local banking in Seekonk on Friday, April 24, with a groundbreaking ceremony for its newest branch, a free-standing location in the new Whole Foods Plaza at 940 Fall River Avenue.

Expected to open this fall, the new branch will become the Bank’s 17th location and further expand Bristol County Savings Bank’s presence in southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The branch will be located in one of the region’s most prominent new commercial developments, which is also home to the newly opened TownePlace Suites by Marriott.

Bank leaders, project partners, community members, Seekonk town officials, State Representative Steven Howitt, and State Senator Kelly Dooner attended the ceremony.

“This is more than a groundbreaking for a new building — it’s a major milestone in our commitment to Seekonk,” said Tim Chaves, Chief Revenue Officer at Bristol County Savings Bank. “We have believed in this development for years, and we’re thrilled that Bristol County Savings Bank will now have a permanent home here as part of what is becoming a premier destination for southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.”

Chaves noted that the Bank’s connection to the site dates back several years, including its role in financing construction within the broader development. He also thanked David Darling and The Darling Group for the opportunity to bring the Bank to Seekonk in a premium location as part of Darling’s development of The Black Goose Market Place.

During the ceremony, John Silva, President and CEO of Bristol County Savings Bank, emphasized that the new branch represents far more than physical expansion.

“To us, today is not just about turning over a bit of soil,” Silva said. “It’s about laying the foundation for a long-term commitment to the town of Seekonk, to its residents and to the local businesses that help it thrive.”

Silva said the new location reflects the Bank’s core philosophy of community banking.

“At its core, banking is about trust,” he said. “When someone is buying a home, starting a business, navigating a challenge, or planning for the future, they deserve a partner who understands not just the numbers, but the people part as well. We believe in local banking — where decisions are made close to home and where the bank is part of the fabric of the community.”

The free-standing branch is being designed with that community-centered approach in mind and will support the Bank’s mission of delivering personal service and local decision-making to customers across the region.

Silva also recognized Francine Ferguson, First Senior Vice President of Retail Banking, for her leadership in the development of the new branch, as well as Paul Lacey, Vice President and Head of Facilities, for leading the construction effort.

Additional project partners recognized during the ceremony included DJSA Architects, led by Dennis Swart; Southcoast Development, led by Mickey Higgins; and The Vertex Companies, represented by Bryan Jarvis, Carly Collamore, and Steve Kirby.

Also in attendance were members of the Seekonk Select Board, including Gary Sagar, Robert Archambault, and Elizabeth Elmasian; Town Treasurer Christine DeFontes; Assistant Town Treasurer Tracy Jamieson; and Mike O’Sullivan, CEO of the One SouthCoast Chamber.

“As we pick up the shovels, we do so with a clear sense of purpose,” Silva said. “We are not just building a branch — we are building relationships that will last for many years to come.”

For Bristol County Savings Bank, the April 24 ceremony marked both a celebration of growth and the beginning of a deeper investment in the Seekonk community.

Bristol County Savings Bank Background Information: Bristol County Savings Bank, a Massachusetts chartered bank and wholly-owned subsidiary of Beacon Bancorp, is a full-service banking institution with approximately $3.1 billion in assets. Founded in 1846, the Bank serves individuals, businesses, municipalities, and non-profit organizations throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The Bank’s Main Office and Corporate Headquarters are located on Broadway in Taunton, Massachusetts. For more information on Bristol County Savings Bank, visit www.bristolcountysavings.com.