BEDFORD - MARCH 27, 2023 -The Banx on J ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Monday morning, with Bedford Mayor Sam Craig on hand to unveil the naming of the building.
Photo: The new name of the Citizens National Bank was unveiled on Monday
Several people attended the historical event, with Bedford Chamber of Commerce members, city officials and members of the public on hand.
Photo: Bedford Mayor Sam Craig looks on as Anthony Webb cuts the ribbon for the new business on Bedford's Downtown Square
" It really cool for all the people from the community with the connections to the building who came to be a part of this. The idea for the naming of the building came from my wife, it was her idea. We thought about having the community come up with the names. But, as we got to talking about it, with the building being a bank all these years, and being on J Street, this name was decided," said Anthony Webb.
Video: Bedford Mayor Sam Craig's comments and Anthony Webb's comments on prior to the ribbon cutting Monday morning
The building has been a bank since 1926, therefore the connection and history of the bank remains. In addition, doctor offices and other businesses have been located in the building over the years.
Photo: The Lee Family takes a look inside the old bank vault
The bank is home to Espy Services Inc. Identity Counseling, Momentum Mortage WBED Radio and Webb Construction to name a few.
" We have state approval for apartments on the top three floors of the building. That has been the plan for a while. There are a few more businesses interested in office spaces and probably use the floor above for office space," added Webb.
Video: Unveiling of the sign
Trying to keep the name a secret until Monday morning, was done very quickly. The actual placement of the sign was done during the night, a few people was able to get a sneak peek for a time. But, for the most part the secret remained. Webb received a few texts that the name of the building was discovered.
Video: Comments by Steve Poole Espy Services Inc.
One of the main anchors of the building is Espy Services Inc. who is always looking for employees and local talent. The business started 13 years ago in the telecommunication field, with communications morphing in something new, Steve Poole( Espy Services Inc.) says the company decided in this type of business.
Espy Services Inc. looks for refunds and overcharges, or mistakes on telecommunications bills for large companies. " We do work for international, large corporations, hospitals, we go through their bills and find errors and omissions. We go to their vendors AT&T and Verizon, and build the case, and seek credits." said Steve Poole, Espy Services Inc.
This is done on a contingent basis so if the company finds no errors, then there is no charge.
In addition, they work with rural hospitals all through the United States on government funding from the FCC to help in getting the technology larger hospitals receive.
Photo: Denise Henderson holds the scissors prior to the ribbon cutting
The company has 24 employees and is seeking people who are good with numbers and professional attitude.
Photo: WBED radio station is part of " The Banx on J" building
" This building gives us the look of a much larger company than we actually are, offering credence to our clients. I amazed how this all turned out," said Poole.
Tours of the first floor of the building was offered to attendees. New life has been birthed into the facility, offering something new to Bedford's downtown business community.
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