4 min read

For more than 155 years, Franklin Savings Bank has had one mission: to help our neighbors thrive. Since our founding in 1868, we have believed that strong communities are built on relationships, trust and shared investment in the places we call home. Today, that commitment is as strong as ever, especially here in the Rangeley region. 

Rangeley Logging Festival Photo provided by Franklin Savings Bank

As a locally owned, independently operated community bank, Franklin Savings Bank proudly serves Maine with full-service personal and business banking, including checking, savings, loans and digital tools that make banking simple and accessible. Our branches are located in Farmington, Wilton, Jay, Rangeley, Rumford, Skowhegan, Ellsworth and the Mt. Blue High School Teaching Branch, allowing us to support the people, businesses and organizations across Western, Central and Down East Maine. 

But our work goes far beyond financial services. We believe in showing up, investing in people and supporting the traditions and activities that make this region special. 

A deep commitment to the Rangeley Region 

Outdoor recreation is woven into the fabric of Rangeley and it is central to Maine’s economy, as well. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, outdoor recreation contributes more than $3.3 billion annually to Maine’s economy, supports over 28,000 jobs and consistently ranks among the top economic drivers in the state. These numbers reflect something we already know well: when people get outside, explore and enjoy our natural spaces, communities grow stronger. 

Saddleback February Fest Photo provided by Franklin Savings Bank

That is why Franklin Savings Bank proudly supports dozens of events, organizations and initiatives that encourage people to experience the outdoors. In the Rangeley area, that includes the High Peaks Outdoor Heritage Festival, Saddleback February Fest, the Rangeley Health and Wellness Fall Family Festival and the Rangeley Loggers Festival. At the statewide level, we support the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit, recognizing the impact that outdoor recreation has, not only on economic development, but also on community health, youth engagement and long-term sustainability. When we invest in events that bring people together and celebrate our state’s natural beauty, we are investing in the future of Maine. 

Interested in learning more about what is going on in the community? Visit us online at franklinsavings.bank/events.

Supporting the places and people we serve 

Each year, Franklin Savings Bank donates hundreds of thousands of dollars to nonprofits, schools, municipalities and local organizations, including many right here in Rangeley. Whether it’s supporting local sports, community festivals, food pantries, scholarship programs or essential services, our goal is simple: strengthen the communities where our customers and employees live and work. 

Photo provided by Franklin Savings Bank

That commitment is one reason Franklin Savings Bank was recently recognized as a Best Places to Work in Maine—a statewide acknowledgment of our focus on culture, employee development and overall well-being. It is also why we were honored as a Readers’ Choice “Best Bank” by the Franklin Journal, Livermore Falls Advertiser and the Rangeley Highlander. This recognition means so much because it comes directly from our customers and neighbors. 

Our culture is guided by five core values: Integrity, Excellence, Strength, Compassion and Community. These principles shape how we operate every day, from the teller line to the boardroom. We measure our success not only by financial results, but by the trust of our customers, the growth of our communities and the strength of our people.

Learn more about our community involvement at franklinsavings.bank/about/community-involvement

A workplace and culture that put people first 

Photo provided by Franklin Savings Bank

Franklin Savings Bank strives to create an environment where employees can grow, innovate and lead. We offer professional development opportunities, leadership programs and a strong focus on work-life balance. Many of our employees volunteer extensively in their communities, serve on nonprofit boards or help organize local events—and we encourage that. Our bank succeeds when our people succeed, and when our communities succeed. 

Every donation, festival, financial literacy event or volunteer hour is a reflection of who we are and what we stand for.

Interested in joining the team? Visit franklinsavings.bank/about/careers. 

Staying safe this holiday season: tips to avoid online shopping scams 

As we enter the busy holiday season, it’s important to stay vigilant when shopping online. Scammers often increase activity this time of year, using fake websites, fraudulent ads, and too-good-to-be-true offers to trick busy shoppers.

Protecting your information while shopping online:

· Be cautious of unfamiliar retailers. Research companies you haven’t shopped with before.
· Watch for urgency tactics. Messages like “Only 1 left!” or “Sale ends in minutes!” are often red flags.
· Check the URL for accuracy. Fake sites frequently mimic real ones with subtle spelling differences.
· Look for “https” in the address bar. This indicates a secure website connection.
· Avoid clicking unsolicited links. Navigate to the retailer’s site directly. 

If you ever have questions or suspect something isn’t right, Franklin Savings Bank is here to help. For more helpful resources or bank news, view our blog posts at franklinsavings.bank/blog.


Franklin Savings Bank is the presenting sponsor of the Rangeley Highlander Winter Guide 2025-2026.