LEWISTON – Dermot T. Healey, chairman of the board of directors, convened the 135th annual meeting of Androscoggin Bank at the Ramada Inn in Lewiston on Jan. 25. In his opening remarks, Healey welcomed everyone in attendance and thanked the directors, corporators, and staff for their efforts over the past year.

He then introduced Gwen Moore, who joined the board of directors in March 2004. Moore, a former partner with Andersen Consulting, had a distinguished career as a consultant and IT strategist. According to Healey, Moore brings “a business acumen and professional capability to complement the expertise of the current board.”

Androscoggin Bank President and CEO Steve Closson reviewed the past year’s accomplishments, including the sale of its Rockland branch, the reconstruction of the 30-year-old Sabattus Street (Lewiston) facility, and the purchase of assets from Skowhegan Savings Bank’s Livermore Falls branch.

He cited Androscoggin Bank’s longstanding tradition of support for community and non-profit service providers, which in 2004 totaled more than $182,800 in gifts to local communities.

Senior Vice President and Senior Commercial Lender Paul H. Andersen said that Androscoggin Bank had reached a new level in funding local businesses. By the end of 2004, the bank had more than $134 million in commercial loans, and remains a top 10 Small Business Administration lender. This is an important step in Androscoggin Bank’s drive to become the community commercial bank of choice in central Maine.

Vice President and Treasurer Robin T. Lacasse shared other highlights from the bank’s 2004 annual report. She pointed out the solid growth in both deposits and loans bringing Androscoggin Bank’s total assets up to nearly $500 million for the first time in its history.

The meeting was a followed by a reception for all of Androscoggin Bank board members, corporators and officers in attendance.