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Eastern Bank Honors Congresswoman Niki Tsongas With Community Advocacy Award

In Appreciation Of A Lifelong Commitment To Public Service And Deep Ties To The Communities She Represents

BOSTON, October 24, 2018 – Eastern Bank, America’s oldest and largest mutual bank, is pleased to announce it has awarded Congresswoman Niki Tsongas with its Community Advocacy Award in recognition of and deep appreciation for her many contributions to the region and our country.

Congresswoman Tsongas has served in the United States House of Representatives since 2007, and represents the Third Congressional District of Massachusetts, which is made up of 37 cities and towns, including the industrial cities of the Merrimack Valley, such as Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell and Methuen, and the Boston suburbs of Acton, Concord and Marlborough.

Issues Congresswoman Tsongas has championed while in Congress include: the fight to combat and prevent sexual assault in the military, authoring multiple pieces of legislation that provide new tools to the armed forces and quicker, more effective support to victims; and the push for modernized, lightweight and gender-specific body armor. She has worked to support small businesses, which she understands to be key to economic development and job growth in the Third District, authoring legislation that provides tax relief and hiring assistance. One of her highest priorities has been encouraging the growth of innovative technology companies that have become a trademark of the region she represents. She makes issues that impact women and families a priority, including equal pay for equal work, affordable child care and women’s access to health care. She also serves on the Natural Resources Committee and is a steward of the environment.

Congresswoman Tsongas is known for her roots in the Third District and she has made accessibility a hallmark of her time in office, making it as easy as possible for residents to connect with her from town hall meetings to local events and office hours where she has drawn inspiration for many of her legislative accomplishments.

This celebration of Eastern’s Community Advocacy Award coincides with the Bank’s 200^th anniversary year, when it is focusing its community service, philanthropy, and advocacy efforts toward helping eliminate barriers around issues that disproportionately impact women and girls in health care, education, the workplace, and in society generally, in honor of the Bank’s first customers who were predominantly women.

“For decades, Congresswoman Tsongas has been deeply involved in advocating for access to health care, income equality and the environment among other issues. She is a pioneer for the advancement of women, having been just the fourth woman ever to go to Washington from Massachusetts and the first in 25 years when she was first elected,” said Bob Rivers, Chair and CEO of Eastern Bank. “As her Congressional retirement nears, we are especially honored to thank her and celebrate her accomplishments.”

Congresswoman Tsongas added, “Eastern Bank epitomizes how business should engage in the fight for social justice and be an active partner in the prosperity of the communities and people it serves. We are like-minded on so many issues, and I am truly humbled by this recognition and proudly accept Eastern’s Community Advocacy Award.”

About Eastern Bank
Founded in 1818 and celebrating its 200^th anniversary in 2018, Boston-based Eastern Bank is America’s oldest and largest mutual bank, with $11 billion in assets and over 120 locations serving communities in eastern Massachusetts, southern and coastal New Hampshire and Rhode Island. Eastern provides exceptional access to fairly priced banking, investment and insurance products and services for consumers and businesses of all sizes. Eastern Bank, which includes Eastern Wealth Management and Eastern Insurance, is known for its outspoken advocacy and community support that has exceeded more than $110 million in charitable giving since 1999. An inclusive company, Eastern employs 1,900+ deeply committed professionals who value relationships with their customers, colleagues and communities. Join us for good at www.easternbank.com and follow Eastern on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.

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