Wheatland Bank

Yakima Remodel Complete: Wheatland Bank to Host Weeklong Open House

Yakima Herald - Whealtand Bank Open House (PDF)

(Yakima, WA) – Wheatland Bank will hold a weeklong open house at 201 E. Yakima Ave to commence the expansive remodel of their Yakima Branch from Tuesday, January 19th at 9 AM through Friday, January 22 at 6 PM.  Local and corporate executives will be in attendance on Tuesday, January 19 to begin the weeklong celebration. The general public is invited and encouraged to attend.

Wheatland Bank’s extensive Yakima branch remodel began when they purchased the 10,000 square foot building on Yakima Avenue and embarked upon a three phase project including an expanded new branch, drive-thru facility and available tenant space.  With the City of Yakima’s support and approval, Wheatland used 2000 square feet of the building to create a two lane drive-thru which is accessible from 2nd Street. The new state of the art branch is 6,200 square feet and includes a traditional yet innovative customer service center, full service loan center, new ATM and night deposit and customized Wheatland Bank interior furnishings. The branch will allow for full service business and personal banking and includes a large welcoming lobby and Wheatland’s unique “Customer Connection Center” with local and national news, internet, television and coffee bar features. The decision to purchase and remodel the current building they were leasing came after a yearlong property search.  “We wanted to be a part of the Downtown Yakima renaissance and after looking throughout the community we couldn’t find a more ideal location than the one we were already in,“ said Susan Horton, Chairman, CEO and President. “It is important to the Board of Directors and employees to continue investing in our local communities and supporting the growth and revitalization of the areas in which we do business.”

Susan noted that a successful branch is not only dependent on a great location and facility, but on having the right team of employees in the local Yakima community. Susan stated that Wheatland Bank’s Yakima team has a wealth of banking and lending expertise in the greater Yakima and Ellensburg communities that is stronger and deeper than other banks in the area. She credits Wheatland’s loan officers and other customer service personnel, with the early success in Yakima. Their efforts and the new business generated by loyal customers made this project feasible.

Wheatland Bank was recently rated five stars by Bauer Financial and noted as one of the strongest banks in the country, for the 11th consecutive quarter.  The 5-Star rating is the highest rating attainable from Bauer Financial, the nation’s leading independent bank and credit union rating and research firm. No institution pays for its rating, nor can it be eluded. Wheatland Bank had total assets of $241 million at December 31, 2009, representing strong annual growth of over 15%. Total deposits grew 13% during 2009 to $198 million at year end, and total loans increased 4% to $175 million. Despite the tumultuous industry and economic conditions, Wheatland Bank has maintained strong capital, liquidity, asset quality and profitability levels, comparing favorably to the industry peer groups, both locally and at the national level. Wheatland is proud of the fact that they maintained their safe and sound position without ever taking a taxpayer bailout.

Susan Horton stated that the central Washington expansion, including Yakima, Ellensburg, Wenatchee and Chelan has been extremely successful for the Bank, and that a significant portion of the Bank’s recent growth has been directly associated with these new branches. Susan reported that as of December 31, 2009, Yakima’s Wheatland Bank branch had over $30 million in loan and deposit balances, and that Wheatland’s central Washington branches together had over $100 million in total customer loan and deposit accounts. Susan noted that the newly expanded Yakima branch will only further enhance Wheatland’s ability to serve new and existing customers with five star treatment.

Wheatland Bank, formed in 1979 in Davenport, Washington, is a locally owned independent community bank. Wheatland Bank’s commitment to eastern and central Washington is strong and has deep roots.  It’s a commitment that is kept alive with powerful local ownership and decision making.  In the 30 years since inception, Wheatland Bank has grown to 13 branches throughout Lincoln, Adams, Grant, Spokane, Chelan, Yakima and Kittitas Counties and over 10,000 customers. Wheatland Bank focuses on helping small businesses, farmers, and consumers succeed by offering the highest quality personalized banking relationships and services. Wheatland Bank is a value-oriented financial services provider dedicated to serving the needs of its customers, communities and employees while enhancing shareholder value.

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