TD Bank opened its first branch east of the Anacostia River in Ward 7 at the Good Hope Marketplace, on Saturday, May 11, where officials, community members, and local leaders celebrated the business bringing financial resources to the area.
Local residents poured into the bank’s ninth D.C. location at 2857 Alabama Avenue SE and were greeted with smiles, music, and applause from dozens of green and white-clad TD customer representatives.
Hugh W. Allen, TD Bank executive vice president, said every time a new customer walks in the door, “We want to give them a wow experience. That’s our culture.”
Brandon Rainer, retail market manager of TD Bank, explained that the branch is known as a community store.
“This location has dedicated space for teaching financial education and for hosting events by community leaders,” he explained.
The 3,527-square-foot store also offers longer hours, with the doors open seven days a week, including Sundays.
Community members played a significant role in the opening of the new TD Bank branch. Prior to the ribbon-cutting, their remarks underscored the importance of financial institutions investing in communities in Wards 7 and 8.
Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church Associate Pastor Karen Curry commended TD officials for their inclusion of the faith community during their outreach prior to opening the new store.
“People of faith are a part of the fabric of the community, not an afterthought,” Curry said. She praised Rainer for spending time with community members and offering opportunities for financial education, resources, and tools to have a fresh start financially.
“TD Bank,” she said, “will help residents to develop an entirely different relationship with money.”