By Maddy Vitale
In 1922 Warren G. Harding was in the White House, Babe Ruth was the big baseball star and prohibition was in full swing.
And Sturdy Savings Bank opened its doors.
Showing its staying power, the local bank known for a hometown feel and a down to earth bank president, just opened its 14 office at 46 South Shore Road in Marmora, a location where another bank failed.
During a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday Gerald Reeves, Sturdy’s bank president and CEO, said when he learned of the other bank closure, Sturdy put out a bid and was so pleased to be able to purchase the property.
Reeves said Sturdy employees hope to become a lasting part of the Upper Township community.
“We are excited about it and we are hoping you are too,” Reeves said addressing state and local dignitaries, bank employees and members of the public.
He commented on the area around the bank. He said there are many beautiful residential homes nearby and that there are a lot of good small businesses in the area that he hopes will do business with Sturdy and take advantage of some of the services including loans.
While Sturdy has locations in the neighboring communities of Tuckahoe and Ocean City, opening the Marmora branch will add convenience for Upper Township customers, Reeves said.
“It also expands banking choices for those who have experienced many changes in the community banking landscape in Cape May County and may be looking for a better option – one that has served Cape May County for more than 95 years,” Reeves said.
Some customers took advantage of the drive-through service and ATM Friday, just an hour after the opening. There are five Sturdy employees at the Marmora branch, including branch manager Eileen DiPasquale, who is also an assistant vice president of Sturdy bank. She invited customers to come in and visit the new branch.
Dignitaries in attendance included Senator Jeff Van Drew, Assemblyman R. Bruce, Assemblyman Robert Andrzejczak, Cape May County Chamber of Commerce President Vicki Clark and Upper Township Committeeman John Coggins.
Van Drew said Sturdy Bank truly becomes part of the community and it is definitely a family friendly bank.
“So often, banks are faceless,” Van Drew said. “You do make the difference and you do it for the community.”
Assemblyman R. Bruce Land echoed Van Drew’s sentiments, saying Sturdy is a hometown bank. He also said it is great to see growth in the Marmora business area.
Cape May County Freeholder Jeff Pierson said it is not only nice to see Sturdy open a new branch, but to become a part of a new community.
The bank donates to local organizations and supports schools.
“Thank you for all you do,” Clark said. “Congratulations. We hope to see more growth. As you grow, the chamber grows.”
Other Sturdy locations include Avalon, Cape May, Cape May Court House, Dennisville, North Cape May, North Wildwood, Ocean City, Rio Grande, Somers Point, Stone Harbor and Wildwood Crest.
For more information about Sturdy Savings Bank, visit www.SturdyOnline.com or call 609-463-5220.
