To Let: Doctor's Office-Bank Will Share; Ads Fly State Flag (Well, That

A Maryland community bank has launched a $125,000 advertising campaign with a slogan and logo typically used to peddle corn and T-shirts.

"Maryland with Pride" usually appears on products grown, manufactured, or assembled in the Free State. Columbia Bank is using it on checks and debit cards to emphasize its local roots.

The $408 million-asset bank, based in Baltimore suburb of Columbia, first wanted to use the state flag in its ads, said Cynthia B. Brandt, its marketing officer. That turned out to be illegal, so the bank began looking for other options.

The slogan is meant to promote Maryland businesses, and that "made a lot of sense for us," Ms. Brandt said.

- Louis Whiteman

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
MORE FROM AMERICAN BANKER