First Colebrook to rename itself Granite Bank

North Country-based bank plans switch in March

First Colebrook Bank is adopting a new name after 125 years of business.

On March 16, the New Hampshire-owned community bank will become Granite Bank, a name more suited to its statewide presence said its CEO, Loyd W. Dollins.

“Only our name will change. Who we are won’t change at all. We’ll still be the same local, New Hampshire-owned community bank you have trusted for 125 years, said Dollins.

The North Country bank, which was first established in Colebrook in 1889, has in recent years expanded to southern New Hampshire markets in Amherst, Concord and Portsmouth.

The original Granite Bank had its start as Keene Savings Bank, which changed its name after going public and forming a holding company, Granite State Bankshares, in 1986.

In 2002, Granite State Bankshares was sold to Chittenden Corp., leaving the Granite Bank name inactive, which enabled First Colebrook to acquire the rights.

Dollins says the name change will have little impact on customers and staff.

Signage, and marketing materials including brochures will be updated on or around March 16, he said. Customers’ existing checks and debit cards will continue to work. They will need to substitute “granitebank.com” for “firstcolebrookbank.com” in email addresses, when contacting bank employees, though emails will be forwarded during the transition period.

“Mobile banking will be added for customer convenience, and we look forward to unveiling our enhanced website in mid-March,” said Dollins.