"Our new location provides greater accessibility," said Friedenberg. "New and existing customers will be pleased with the services our staff can provide and the array of products we offer," she added.

Friedenberg and her staff will host the branch’s official Grand Opening Celebration from Thursday, January 5 – Saturday, January 7, 2006. Customer appreciation festivities will be held during the same weekend and area residents are invited to join in the celebration.

The Hillendale branch hours of operation are: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.  The branch also has extended drive thru hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The branch phone number is 410.277.7960.

Provident Bankshares Corporation is the holding company for Provident Bank. With $6.4 billion in assets, Provident serves individuals and businesses in the key urban areas of Baltimore, Washington and Richmond through a network of 151 offices in Maryland, Virginia, and southern York County, PA. Provident Bank also offers related financial services through wholly owned subsidiaries. Securities brokerage, investment management and related insurance services are available through Provident Investment Center and leases through Court Square Leasing and Provident Lease Corp. Visit Provident on the web at www.provbank.com.