Exhibit 99(i)-Press Release


                                                     Joyce M. Joy
                                                     Vice President/Marketing

October 24, 2000 - Vernon, CT 06066

MATTHEW L. REISER ELECTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR
TOLLAND BANK AND ALLIANCE BANCORP OF NEW ENGLAND, INC.

Matthew L. Reiser has been elected by the Board of Directors of Tolland Bank and
its parent company, Alliance Bancorp of New England, Inc. to fill the vacancy
created by the death of director Francis J. Prichard, Jr. whose term would have
been completed at the 2002 annual meeting. Mr. Reiser will begin service in
December, 2000.

Joseph H. Rossi, President and CEO said, "We are very pleased that Matt has
accepted a position on our Boards. His areas of expertise, knowledge of our
marketplace and community ethic will make him a valuable asset to our
companies."

Mr. Reiser recently retired as Vice President, American Management Systems (AMS)
- - an international business and information technology consulting firm. In his
most recent role, he was the Business Unit and Engagement Manager responsible
for the overall business development and project delivery of strategic systems
solutions to both fixed-wire and wireless telecommunications firms throughout
the eastern U. S. and Canada.

A graduate of Syracuse University, Mr. Reiser received the Distinguished Alumni
Award in 1989. He serves as a Trustee for Eastern Connecticut Health Network and
is current Chairman of their Board of Trustees. He is past Treasurer, Board of
Trustees at Rockville General Hospital, and past President, Board of Corporators
for Rockville Public Library. A member of Ellington Ridge Country Club, he is
past Governor and past President of its Board of Governors.

Mr. Reiser lives in Manchester with his wife Dorothy.

Alliance Bancorp of New England, Inc. (AMEX:ANE) is a bank holding company for
Tolland Bank, a Connecticut-chartered bank with nine offices serving the market
in central and eastern Connecticut. (www.alliancebancorp.com and
www.tollandbank.com)