FARMINGTON – Franklin Savings Bank received the prestigious Large Business of the Year award from the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce at its annual meeting Nov. 16.

Peter L. Judkins, president and CEO, thanked the chamber for the honor and noted the many changes the bank has seen in the community over its long history.

“Through nearly 140 years, Franklin Savings Bank is still Franklin Savings Bank, Franklin County’s only locally-owned bank. We are committed to Franklin County and we intend to be your hometown bank for years to come,” said Judkins.

Judkins noted that this year Franklin Savings Bank has donated more than $140,000 within the communities the bank serves, and that its 133 employees have spent countless hours volunteering their time to various community activities and organizations.

Franklin Savings Bank first opened in 1868, when then-Gov. Joshua Chamberlain signed into law a bill incorporating Franklin County Savings Bank. When it opened, this bank’s early mission was simple: to “help the people of Franklin County lay by something each year and deposit it in some good bank where it will be safe and earn a little something.”

While still a mutual savings bank, Franklin has grown to serve four western Maine counties at eight locations and offer financial services through its Western Mountain Financial Services. It now has assets of $292 million.