Is it Alive and Well in Community Banking?

Bo Smith Barbara B. Covell For the News-Times This is part two of a two-part series on customer service in community banking. The News-Times ran part one on Wednesday, Feb. 6, about Waldport’s Oregon Coast Bank. Eight miles south of Waldport is the community of Yachats, home to 600 plus residents and countless vacationers during the long days of summer.

Tourism is the primary revenue source for the economy, as is evident in the many hotels, motels, restaurants, cafes, art galleries and art-related businesses. Real estate, often abundant with oceanfront and ocean view properties, still remains an attractive investment for buyers. There is only one community bank in Yachats, the Bank of the West, a national chain that purchased the former Pacific One Bank, which had five locations, including one previously located on the Yachats bank site.

The only “game in town,” Bank of the West decided early on to take the citizens of Yachats seriously, knowing that coastal residents will drive north or south to get the services they want. Upon entering the Bank of the West, there is a bulletin board covering the entire wall in the foyer. It is covered with announcements, signs, and posters for upcoming chamber and local non-profit events.

A calendar of Lion’s Club activities, school events, senior center notices and information on the Yachats Community Health Clinic were posted; all visible signs of community engagement. The lobby area is traditional of most banks - a large service desk for the tellers or “customer assistance agents,” wood-paneled walls, high ceilings and open lobby area. Several customer service desks are also in the immediate lobby area for ease in loan applications, new accounts, and other client needs.