SOUTHBRIDGE SAVINGS BANK MAKES BRANCH CHANGES TO FOCUS
ON CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS MARKET

Webster Branch Gears Up to Expand, Recently Opened North Oxford Branch Continues to Grow; Amherst and West Springfield Big Y Supermarket Branches to Close

Southbridge, Massachusetts (July 29, 2008) - In an effort to grow and expand in its core market areas of Central Massachusetts, Southbridge Savings Bank announced today that it will be making branch changes. Plans are underway to relocate the Webster branch to a larger, more visible facility in order to better serve present and future customers. This location will offer convenient hours and a drive-up window. The recently opened North Oxford branch, which is located at the Route 20 & 56 intersection, remains focused on bringing the best possible products and services to that key area. With these expansions to maximize resources in key areas, the bank is filing for regulatory approval to close two branches in November 2008 - the Amherst and West Springfield Big Y Supermarket branches.

In December 2002, Southbridge Savings Bank opened the Amherst and West Springfield in-store branches with the intent to expand the current footprint into Western Massachusetts. The Bank found that their present customers loved the convenience and expanded hours of supermarket branches and, naturally, wanted to duplicate this in-store model in the Amherst and West Springfield areas. Growth in the Amherst and West Springfield in-store branches, however, has not met growth projections set by the Bank over the last five-year period. With this in mind, Southbridge Savings Bank decided to focus resources in the core market areas of Central Massachusetts.

"Southbridge Savings Bank first opened its doors in 1848 and prides itself on being a part of the community in which it is located," said Philip Pettinelli, President & CEO of Southbridge Savings Bank. "Over the years, the bank has maintained its standard of customer service and ability to remain profitable even during the downturn of the economy. To keep the tradition alive, it has been decided that we are much better at who we are and what we do for our customers in our core markets."

Southbridge Savings Bank's qualified staff is ready to answer any questions or concerns Amherst and West Springfield customers may have, and to advise and assist regarding services and products that can help during this transition period. Customers will be encouraged to either stop in at any of the branch locations or call the Customer Information Center at 800-939-9103. Customers who "love their bank" can rest easy knowing that their accounts will be handled with the utmost care and attention.  Click here for more on Customer Information Center

Southbridge Savings Bank operates full-service branches in communities throughout Central Massachusetts, including Charlton, Holden, Palmer, North Oxford, Southbridge, Spencer, Sturbridge, Webster and Worcester.

About Southbridge Savings Bank
Southbridge Savings Bank offers a wide range of products and services. For more information visit them on the web at www.southbridgesavingsbank.com or call 800-939-9103 seven days a week.