8-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): December 14, 2017

BRIDGE BANCORP, INC.

(Exact name of the registrant as specified in its charter)

New York	001-34096	11-2934195
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(Commission File Number)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)

2200 Montauk Highway
Bridgehampton, New York	11932
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

(631) 537-1000

(Registrant’s telephone number)

N/A

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (See General Instruction A.2. below):

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4c)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2).

Emerging growth company ¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

Item 5.03 Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year

On December 14, 2017, the Board of Directors of Bridge Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) approved an amendment to the Company’s Bylaws to delete Section 203 of Article II of the Bylaws and thereby eliminate the mandatory board retirement age of 75.

Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure

On December 15, 2017 the Company issued a press release announcing that (i) Matthew Lindenbaum, Principal of Basswood Capital Management, L.L.C., has been nominated by the Board of Directors to stand for election as a Director at the next annual meeting of shareholders in May 2018, and (ii) The Bridgehampton National Bank (“BNB”) has received approval of its application with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to remain a member of the Federal Reserve System following its conversion from a national bank to a New York chartered commercial bank.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(a)   Not Applicable.

(b)   Not Applicable.

(c)   Not Applicable.

(d)   Exhibits.

Exhibit No.	Exhibit
99.1	Press Release dated  December 15, 2017

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.

	BRIDGE BANCORP, INC.
DATE:  December 15, 2017	By:	/s/ Kevin M. O’Connor
		Kevin M. O’Connor
		President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kevin M. O’Connor President and Chief Executive Officer (631) 537-1001, ext. 7263

MATTHEW LINDENBAUM TO BE DIRECTOR NOMINEE OF BRIDGE BANCORP, INC.

AND

BNB BANK RECEIVES FEDERAL RESERVE MEMBERSHIP APPROVAL

(Bridgehampton, NY – December 15, 2017) Bridge Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:BDGE), the parent company of The Bridgehampton National Bank (“BNB”), today announced that Matthew Lindenbaum, Principal of Basswood Capital Management, L.L.C., has been nominated by the Board of Directors to stand for election as a Director at the next annual meeting of shareholders in May 2018. Mr. Lindenbaum previously served as a Director of Community National Bank (“CNB”), acquired by BNB in June 2015. “Matthew has been a significant shareholder of the Company for several years and was offered a board position in connection with the CNB acquisition. While he declined at the time, the Board is pleased to announce his nomination for directorship today. His knowledge of our Company and considerable experience as both a director and investor in community banking make him an excellent Director candidate,” stated Kevin M. O’Connor, President and Chief Executive Officer.

The Company also announced that BNB received approval of its application with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to remain a member of the Federal Reserve System. “We are excited to receive all regulatory approvals associated with our conversion to a New York chartered commercial bank and look forward to operating under our new name ‘BNB Bank’ in 2018 and beyond,” stated Mr. O’Connor.

About Bridge Bancorp, Inc.

Bridge Bancorp, Inc. is a bank holding company engaged in commercial banking and financial services through its wholly owned subsidiary, The Bridgehampton National Bank. Established in 1910, BNB, with assets of approximately $4.3 billion, operates 44 retail branch locations serving Long Island and the greater New York metropolitan area. In addition, the Bank operates one loan production office in Manhattan. Through its branch network and its electronic delivery channels, BNB provides deposit and loan products and financial services to local businesses, consumers and municipalities. Title insurance services are offered through BNB's wholly owned subsidiary, Bridge Abstract. Bridge Financial Services, Inc. offers financial planning and investment consultation. For more information visit www.bridgenb.com.

BNB has a rich tradition of involvement in the community, supporting programs and initiatives that promote local business, the environment, education, healthcare, social services and the arts.

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