Mayor Garnett Johnson and Sheriff Gino Brantley were among local dignitaries who joined the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce in celebrating the opening of Chase Bank’s branch in south Augusta.
The new bank, house in a renovated former IHOP along Peach Orchard Road, held its grand opening Wednesday morning, a day after Chase heralded the opening of its first branch in Aiken.
“This is a huge investment for us, but most importantly, it’s our continued growth for community,” said Chase market director Meropi Richards, alluding to the bank’s burgeoning efforts to establish its footprint in the CSRA. “The beauty about this is the warm welcome we’ve received, not only from the chamber, but really from the city. The city of Augusta, the city of Aiken, has really opened their arms to welcoming us to help us as we continue to help you.”
Chase, one of the largest banks in the U.S., opened its first Augusta location at National Hills last year, the first Chase branch in the area on either side of the river. That flagship branch’s then-manager, Robert Studdard, is now new branch’s relationship banker for business.
“So when we talk about investing in our community and partnering with the [Augusta] Chamber, continuing that long term investment business relationship and development is extremely important,” said Richards. “That’s one of the things Roberts will be able to help continue to bring for us is to be able to be in the community and continue to serve our small businesses.”
A third Augusta location, along Walton Way Extension, is due to open in the spring. Chase Bank is located at 3125 Peach Orchard Rd., and the National Hills branch is located at 2805 Washington Rd.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering general reporting for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com
