t has been smooth sailing for Washington Business Bank in downtown Olympia as they celebrate yet another year of being voted the Best Bank in the South Sound by readers of The Olympian in their annual Best of the South Sound contest. It is a huge vote of confidence for one of the few, truly local banks in the area to be recognized by their community five years in a row. Their mission statement really sums up their philosophy stating that \u201cWashington Business Bank provides financial services that enable our clients to become more successful.\u201d How are they meeting this lofty goal? No one knows better than long-term client and restauranteur, Patrick Knutson who has been trusting them with his business for over 12 years.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is so great to work with a bank that has local ownership and understands our community,\u201d says Knutson. \u201cWhen I needed a loan to expand my business during a downturn in the economy, Washington Business Bank was very supportive.\u201d No other banks were loaning money to open or expand restaurants, understanding the risks and low profit margins involved in the business. \u201cThey knew me and my reputation and were willing to invest in me because of that long-term relationship.\u201d<\/p>\n
Since then Knutson has opened the newly remodeled and re-tooled Olympia Oyster House to rave reviews from their customers. Washington Business Bank is thrilled to be a part of bringing back an institution that means so much to long-term residents who have been regulars of the eatery for decades. The Olympia Oyster House is an important anchor in the revitalization of the downtown core that Washington Business Bank calls home.<\/p>\n
Investing in the Community
\nAfter a record year in 2018, which resulted in the highest earnings since their grand opening in 2002, along with double-digit growth in both loans and deposits, Washington Business Bank is now offering an investment opportunity to members of our community. \u201cIt has just become easier to own a piece of a successful community bank. Washington Business Bank\u2019s common stock has begun trading on the OTC marketplace under the symbol WBZB,\u201d shares Jon Jones, President and CEO of Washington Business Bank. With the continued growth and financial success of the bank, the Board believes that offering an efficient way for shareholders to trade stock is a natural step in their evolution.<\/p>\n
If you are looking for a place to invest your money knowing that your investment will stay in your community, WBZB might be just the right choice for you. At a time when people are making more deliberate decisions about their investments, a community bank is a great choice. When you invest in Washington Business Bank, you are providing the capital that drives our local community and creates jobs here. As a Small Business Administration preferred lender, the bank is investing in local residents and their dreams every day. Buying stock in Washington Business Bank is a decision to use your money to create success in your own community.<\/p>\n
Unlike many larger corporate banks, all the decision-makers are under one roof, right here in Olympia with a great understanding of our local market. \u201cBeing a business bank, we are experts in what businesses need to get started and to expand,\u201d explains Jones. All employees are local residents who enjoy living and working in the South Sound.<\/p>\n
Joanna West, VP and Marketing Director, loves working in downtown Olympia. \u201cWe really see the potential in downtown and enjoy walking to local restaurants for lunch or being able to pop out after work to pick up a gift at one of the unique shops nearby,\u201d she shares.<\/p>\n
Washington Business Bank Management team
\nThe management team at Washington Business Bank takes pride in living and working in Olympia. Photo courtesy: Washington Business Bank
\nWashington Business Bank is a proud sponsor of many local non-profit organizations including the South Sound YMCA and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington. President and CEO, Jon Jones serves on the South Sound YMCA board and is a past Board Chair. West is a familiar face at many local fundraisers and currently serves as the Chair on the Thurston County Chamber Board of Trustees.<\/p>\n
Experts in the banking business and knowledge of our local community along with a parking lot and drive-thru make it easy to choose Washington Business Bank. Their investments in our community and ability to be an engine of our economic success make them a smart choice.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
t has been smooth sailing for Washington Business Bank in downtown Olympia as they celebrate yet another year of being voted the Best Bank in the South Sound by readers of The Olympian in their annual Best of the South Sound contest. It is a huge vote of confidence for one of the few, truly…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":522,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n