WESTERLY, R.I., Sept. 8, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — For the past two centuries, The Washington Trust Company (Nasdaq:WASH) has helped generations of people save, borrow, and invest their money to purchase new homes, grow businesses, and plan for college and retirement. Now, as the nation’s oldest community bank celebrates its 215th year in business, it has unveiled a new brand campaign to reach and attract a new generation of customers.

“Washington Trust has a rich history and is recognized as one of the premier financial services companies in the Northeast,” stated Joseph J. MarcAurele, Washington Trust Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Our 215th anniversary provided a perfect opportunity to introduce a new brand to help us compete in the ever-changing financial services industry and multimedia environment.”

Washington Trust’s new brand features a retro-style “WT” logo that was originally created in the early 1970’s and was refreshed in 2012 for use as the Bank’s mobile banking icon. The simple “WT” logo is a timeless design that is easily used in digital and other applications.

The Bank also introduced a new series of television spots using sophisticated, visually-compelling animation to illustrate how Washington Trust provides solutions to everyday financial needs through personal service and convenient technology. The Bank’s recognizable music jingle keeps pace with the colorful visuals, while a flourish of stars, highlighting the Bank’s commitment to 5-star service, closes the spots.

“It was important for us to find a creative way to demonstrate that Washington Trust is different from other banks,” stated Elizabeth B. Eckel, senior vice president of Marketing. “Our new campaign is both informative and entertaining; it helps us tell our story in a fun, clear and comprehensible way.”

Washington Trust worked with Walsh & Associates of East Greenwich and Animus Studios of Riverside, both Rhode Island-based businesses, to develop the company’s new brand and multimedia advertising campaign.

Follow the Washington Trust story, and share the campaign at Facebook (facebook.com/WashTrust), Twitter (@WashTrust) and on Google+ (google.com/+Washtrust) or visit washtrust.com.

ABOUT WASHINGTON TRUST®

Founded in 1800, Washington Trust is the oldest community bank in the nation and one of the Northeast’s premier financial services companies. Washington Trust offers a full range of financial services, including commercial banking, mortgage banking, personal banking and wealth management and trust services through its offices located in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts. The Washington Trust Company is a subsidiary of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., (NASDAQ:WASH). Additional information on Washington Trust and its subsidiaries can be found at www.washtrust.com.

CONTACT: MEDIA CONTACT:
         Tony Nunes
         Public Relations
         401.348.1657
         [email protected]