Artisans’ Bank will celebrate its 160th anniversary in 2021
Artisans’ Bank was formed in 1861 by a group of ten area businessmen who had the vision of creating a bank for local working people: the “Artisans”.
The founders of Artisans’ Bank endeavored to create a mutual bank, owned by its depositors, that gave back to the community it served. Each founder invested $4 and after charter costs and supplies, Artisans’ Bank was chartered in February of 1861 and opened that April with working capital of $1.93.
Artisans’ Bank has grown steadily over the years.
The Bank began adding branches in 1959 and over time products and service grew and expanded to provide a full range of financial coverage for consumers, small business and commercial customers.
Today, 12 branch locations, as well as two commercial and consumer lending offices operate in Delaware.
In 2008, after operating for 147 years in downtown Wilmington, Artisans’ built a new corporate headquarters west of the city at 2961 Centerville Road.
Elizabeth D. Albano, the 12th president of Artisans’ Bank, says, “The occasion of our 160th anniversary causes me to pause and reflect upon my 30 years with the bank; a time during which I have seen Artisans’ continually advance to meet the evolving needs of our clients and the community at large. Our founders may not have been able to foresee what today’s market would look like 160 years ago, but the foundation they created of being a stable and trusted advisor to the community has proven to be timeless.”
As a mutual bank, Artisans’ continues the vision of its founders by remaining a strong, local institution, a release stated.
Loans are approved in-house, and relationship managers work to provide personalized guidance, services, and financing solutions that work well for their clients.
Albano says, “As we look toward the future, I am confident in our ability to continue to meet our customers’ needs. Artisans’ Bank’s Associates, Board of Directors and I stand ready to rise to the occasion to work closely with and support our business owners and consumers.”
