OLNEY, Md., Oct. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The shutdown of the U.S. government this week has directly impacted the Sandy Spring Bank community throughout its footprint in Maryland and Virginia. In response to the shutdown, Sandy Spring announced today that they are offering assistance to any U.S. government employee, including men and women in the U.S. military, impacted by the furlough.

"Because of our close proximity to Washington DC, a large number of our clients and local community members are feeling the effects of the government shutdown," said Dan Schrider, CEO of Sandy Spring Bank. "We understand the gravity of this situation and it is our goal to help all citizens, both existing clients and community members through this process. The furlough, no matter the length, could be felt by these government employees for some time to come and we want to ensure that our community knows we are here to support them."

Sandy Spring Bank is prepared to assist with the possible financial difficulties this furlough may cause.  Offerings will include:

• Personal lines of credit up to $7,500 at a special low rate for 60 days
• Payment extension options for consumer clients of Sandy Spring Bank on various loan products
• Penalty free CD withdrawals for clients who have CD's with Sandy Spring Bank – up to $7,500
• Financial counseling is available by visiting any Sandy Spring Bank branch where personal bankers will be available to help individuals and families react to the shutdown

Schrider continued, "It is our hope that by offering these additional options, we can minimize the financial impact of the government shutdown. While we hope this issue is resolved in a timely manner, we will continue to assist our clients and our community until all government operations are back to running at full capacity."   For more information contact our Client Services Center at 1.800.399.5919, or stop by one of our 49 community offices.

About Sandy Spring Bancorp/Sandy Spring BankWith $4.1 billion in assets, Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc. is the holding company for Sandy Spring Bank and its principal subsidiaries, Sandy Spring Insurance Corporation and West Financial Services, Inc. Sandy Spring Bancorp is the largest publicly traded banking company headquartered and operating in Maryland. Sandy Spring is a community banking organization that focuses its lending and other services on businesses and consumers in the local market area. Independent and community-oriented, Sandy Spring Bank was founded in 1868 and offers a broad range of commercial banking, retail banking and trust services through 49 community offices in Anne Arundel, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George's counties in Maryland, and Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia. Through its subsidiaries, Sandy Spring Bank also offers a comprehensive menu of insurance and investment management services. Visit www.sandyspringbank.com for more information about Sandy Spring Bank.

SOURCE Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc.

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