Telegraph photo by ADAM URQUHART Chase Bank Nashua Branch Manager Jon Lakaszcyck and Consumer Banking and Wealth Management Regional Director Roxann Cooke work at the first Chase Bank branch in New Hampshire on Tuesday morning.

NASHUA – Chase Bank officials are expanding the firm’s presence in New England, as they chose south Nashua as the site for their very first New Hampshire branch.

This branch, located at 232 Daniel Webster Highway, opened during last week’s snowstorm, while bringing 12 new jobs to the area. They also plan to hire another employee in January to increase their staff to 13 people.

Officials said this is just the beginning for Chase Bank in New Hampshire, as they plan to open four additional branches for a total of five in the Granite State. By the end of the year, Chase will have about 18 branches operating in New England, in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire.

However, dozens more are on the way as part of a five-year plan, officials said.

“The goal is to open 60 branches through out New England,” Consumer Banking and Wealth Management Regional Director Roxann Cooke said.

On top of the many new branches on the horizon, there are also plans to spread 120 ATMs across the area. As far as New Hampshire goes, with the five total branches, there will be about 50 jobs coming along with the expansion.

“It’s an extremely strategic decision where we decide to put a branch,” Branch Manager Jon Lakaszcyck said. “They look at a lot of factors.”

Cooke said Chase officials believe it is important to be where their customers live, work, play, and especially, where they bank. She said when looking at the expansion in New England, New Hampshire was a perfect extension.

“The goal is to open about five branches through the course of the next couple of years through 2021,” Cooke said relative to their New Hampshire footprint.

Cooke said the mission is to really help customers make the most of their money so they can improve their lives.

Additionally, the space in the Nashua’s south end features a welcoming atmosphere with an open concept layout. She said when customers walk in to the branch, they want them to feel as though they are walking into a living room to have a conversation about their financial matters.

A grand opening is slated to occur in January.

Adam Urquhart may be contacted at 594-1206, or at aurquhart@nashuatelegraph.com.