In 2005 Community First Bank celebrated its 25th anniversary,
and we are proud to say we have been putting this community of
Central Oregon first during that entire time. For 25
years, our primary goals have remained largely the same;
To provide a superior level of customer service to both
businesses and individuals right here in Central Oregon, and to
be very involved in the communities in which we serve.
These efforts are evolving Community First Bank into the region's only financial institution that is big enough to handle business, real estate and construction loans, small enough to honestly care about an individual's personal checking account, and perhaps most importantly a company whose sole focus remains right here in Central Oregon. "We don't have branches in Seattle, Portland, San Francisco or New York like other banks in the area. For 25 years we have been all about re-investing 100% of our local deposits right back here in Central Oregon," says Robin Freeman, President and CEO.
The bank's leadership team is definitely excited about all of the positive growth that is continuing to come to the region. Check out these facts:
• Census figures released in September of 2005 show
Bend being the sixth fastest growing metropolitan service area
(MSA) in the entire nation.
• In 2004 Central Oregon had more building permits
issued than Seattle, Portland, San Francisco and Boise
combined!
• A recent study by Portland State University showed
more people moving to Bend than any other place in the entire
state of Oregon - including Portland which is nearly eight
times the size of Bend.
• That same study showed Redmond leading the entire
state in highest percentage of growth, followed by Bend as #2
and Prineville as #3. All higher than Portland,
Beaverton, Eugene and Salem.
• Since 2000 the regions bank deposits have grown
more than $700,000,000
Our commitment to expand along with this new economic development is solid. Good examples of that range from our new Redmond facility to the ATM we opened in Christmas Valley. As we continue to strengthen our position in the more populated areas of Bend & Redmond, the outlying areas are also an integral part of this community and we are absolutely committed to continuing to add service locations throughout the entire region," says Freeman. Community First Bank offers a full range of lending and deposit products, including business and commercial lending, residential mortgages, personal accounts, business accounts, lines of credit, merchant credit card services, equipment loans, safe deposit boxes, 24-hour phone banking, on-line banking and competitive rates on CDs. As if that's not enough, in the bank's effort to truly be "full-service," we also offer financial planning and business, life and health insurance products. These days it seems as though everyone "talks" service, but very few companies really "walk" it.
"While our locations and extensive line of top-notch products are continuing to strengthen our market position, the biggest asset we have is definitely our people," says Freeman. "You hear a lot of companies make comments like that however, we view truly knowing our customers as our number one focus. It's all about being responsive and flexible to their needs. In fact, being a customer-focused, relationship centered company is such an integral component of our success, it is actually written into the very core of our strategic business plan. Other key elements like having the best products and services, having convenient locations, timely local loan decisions and being easy to do business with all go hand-in-hand with being a community bank. You simply can't do all of that without attracting and retaining the best people to serve your customers and the community," says Freeman. Oregon Business Magazine previously named Community First Bank one of the 10 fastest growing banks in Oregon. "Our deposits have grown by double digits for the last three consecutive years," says Freeman. "Our sound financial condition and focused strategic direction ensure that the bank will be serving this community for the long term. And of course we are honored to be able to say that our commitment to local non-profits and youth oriented programs has supported dozens of wonderful community-involved efforts over the years." The banking industry is highly competitive, and it can be a challenge for some institutions to clearly convey their market niche. At Community First Bank our name says it all. Our Board of Directors are local business people and are accessible to our customers. The deposits we receive from customers are 100% re-invested back in the local community. And for 25 years our team members have been putting this community first.
