[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 103 (Wednesday, June 20, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S4278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                150TH ANNIVERSARY OF GORHAM SAVINGS BANK

 Mr. KING. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 150th 
anniversary of Gorham Savings Bank, a notable leader of financial 
services and community engagement in southern Maine. As the only bank 
headquartered in Cumberland County, Gorham Savings Bank's impressive, 
locally based economic focus allows the institution to serve as a 
source of strength for the community.
  Founded in February of 1868, Gorham Savings Bank was established by 
the Maine State Legislature under its first president, Captain Toppan 
Robie. A few weeks later, the bank began business when the first 
deposit of 10 cents was made. Over the years, the bank has expanded to 
multiple locations across southern Maine, incorporating new financial 
services to meet the expanding needs of its customers. In 1998, during 
my time as Governor, I attended the opening of the bank's operations 
center in Gorham, ME, and hosted the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Across 
its branch locations, Gorham Savings Bank provides a variety of banking 
services to its customers, including resources for personal and 
business accounts. Through online banking services, customers have the 
tools they need to manage their money at their convenience. Today, 
Gorham Savings Bank has surpassed the $1 billion mark in assets, and 
last year, the bank began the restoration of the historic Grand Trunk 
Railway Company Building in Portland, ME, as a new office space. With 
over 200 employees across 13 locations, the community bank is an 
important employer in the region.
  In addition to serving their customers, Gorham Savings Bank supports 
the prosperity and growth of the surrounding communities. First, the 
bank promotes a number of financial literacy programs, including ones 
for tax preparation and another geared towards high school students. In 
the education field, Gorham Savings Bank participates in job-shadowing 
programs and contributes to scholarship opportunities for individuals 
looking to further their education. Gorham Savings Bank also supports 
the growth of local business and hosts an annual Launchpad small 
business competition, where five Maine entrepreneurial businesses 
compete for $50,000 for business development. Thanks to the teamwork of 
the bank's employees, Gorham Savings Bank has led efforts to fundraise 
for nonprofit organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club and 
United Way.
  I applaud Gorham Savings Bank on their achievements over the past 150 
years and look forward to their continued success as a force for good 
for the State of Maine.

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