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NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Barb Curto, Marketing Representative Phone: (860) 448-4118 Email: bcurto@chelseagroton.com Chelsea Groton Bank Earned “Outstanding” Rating Under Community Reinvestment Act GROTON, Conn. – Chelsea Groton Bank received the highest possible rating from the FDIC for its most recent performance under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). The Community Reinvestment Act requires federally insured depository institutions to help meet the credit and borrowing needs of the communities where they do business, including low- and moderate-income areas. The “Outstanding” rating is based on how Chelsea Groton Bank met the needs of the community through mortgage, small business and community development lending; community development investments, and responsiveness to credit and economic development needs and initiatives; and community development services, bank hours, and access in the communities the Bank serves. Chelsea Groton Bank was assessed based on its activity throughout New London County, CT and Westerly, RI from June, 2013 through October, 2016. “For 162 years, we have been committed to supporting the individuals, families, businesses and communities throughout our region,” said Michael Rauh, President and CEO of Chelsea Groton Bank. “We are honored to receive this rating, which represents our efforts to serve all levels of need in our region, and speaks to the strong community partnerships we have formed over the years.” The CRA evaluation made specific references to Chelsea Groton’s strengths, including the high percentage of loans made throughout the Bank’s assessment area and the Bank’s excellent responsiveness to the credit needs of individual customers of varying income levels and business customers of different sizes. During the review period, Chelsea Groton originated nine community development loans totaling $12.6 million, and 310 investments, grants, and donations totaling $8.2 million to affordable housing and economic development projects. The Bank is readily accessible to customers throughout its footprint, and is a leader in providing community development services. Chelsea Groton’s loan portfolio increased by approximately 30 percent during the review period. The Bank increased commercial and industrial lending from $20 million to $53 million, after actively pursuing loans based on its assessment of credit needs in the community. Chelsea Groton originated 1,278 home mortgage loans totaling $247.6 million, significantly exceeding the volume produced by similarly situated community banks during the review period. The Bank ranked first in the assessment area in reportable small business loans by dollar volume, having originated 504 small business loans totaling $74.1 million, more than doubling all CRA-reporting lenders in terms of market share by dollar volume. During the review period, Chelsea Groton presented over 200 financial literacy classes to the community, a significant need for low- and moderate-income individuals. Finally, Chelsea Groton Bank and the Chelsea Groton Foundation donated $588,000 to the community to support initiatives and organizations related to affordable housing, community service, economic development, revitalization and stabilization. About Chelsea Groton Bank Based in Groton, Conn., Chelsea Groton Bank is a full-service mutually owned bank with over $1 billion in assets. Chelsea Groton Bank’s products and services include consumer banking, business banking, mortgage and business lending, cash management and investment services. With 14 branch locations throughout New London County and a Loan Production Office in Hartford County, Chelsea Groton Bank also provides online and mobile banking, 24-hour telephone banking, and nationwide ATM banking for individuals, families and businesses. To learn more, please visit chelseagroton.com. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.