SAN Banco Santander SA

BOSTON, April 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Santander Bank, N.A., and the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce today hosted their 15^th annual meeting for the business community focused on the region's economic outlook. Over 300 attendees were surveyed in real time regarding their expectations for the local economy in 2015 as well as plans for their respective businesses over the coming year.

"We are delighted to bring local business and community leaders together to discuss the challenges, trends and opportunities of the state's economy. These conversations are important as we work together toward enhancing the strong, vibrant business community that Massachusetts has to offer," said Roman Blanco, CEO of Santander Bank, N.A. "This year's record-breaking snow fall brought unique challenges at the start of 2015, but much opportunity awaits this resilient, talented and innovative business community."

Attendees of the annual Economic Outlook Breakfast responded to a series of economic and business-related questions during a real-time poll facilitated by Mike Lee, managing director of commercial real estate banking at Santander.

"The survey results show an overall positive view of the economic outlook for 2015," said Lee. "This survey helps us understand the challenges and strengths of local businesses of all sizes and disciplines throughout the Commonwealth."

Nearly 78 percent of respondents believe the economy in Massachusetts will improve over the next 12 months, while nearly 67 percent see their own businesses improving during the same period.  Attendees used automated response devices to participate in the real-time poll. In addition to questions about the U.S. and Massachusetts economies, the survey queried attendees about their local and international business expansion plans, employer hiring plans and top business challenges facing the state.

To wrap up the survey, attendees were asked to make a prediction that reached beyond their business expertise – whether the New England Patriots will again be Super Bowl champions next year. Two thirds of the audience expressed confidence in the likelihood of another victory.

Following the survey, attendees listened to a panel discussion about regional business issues.  The panel included Patrick Hughes, President and CEO, Fallon Community Health Plan; Christopher Anderson, President, Massachusetts High Technology Council, Inc.; Dr. Zorica Pantić, President, Wentworth Institute of Technology; and Thomas P. Glynn, Ph.D., CEO, Massport.

About Santander
Santander Bank, N.A. is one of the largest retail banks in the United States by deposits.  Its main corporate offices are in Boston and it operates principally in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. Santander's 9,703 employees serve its 1.8 million customers through the Bank's 703 branches, 2,092 ATMs, call centers, website and mobile app. Supervised by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Santander in the United States is a wholly-owned, financially autonomous subsidiary of Banco Santander (NYSE: SAN), a global commercial and retail bank. For more information about Santander, visit www.santanderbank.com or call 877-768-2265.

Santander - Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
2015 Economic Outlook Survey Results

Corporate Communications
Nancy Orlando
Public Relations Manager
nancy.orlando@santander.us
617.757.5765 

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SOURCE Santander Bank, N.A.