2015 has been a good year for Pacific Continental Bank. The Eugene-headquartered company enjoyed record earnings on loan growth for the second year in a row, and received a number of accolades for its business and its executives throughout the year. The bank also successfully acquired Portland-based Capital Pacific Bank.
“Doing the deal and merging the systems, technology and people has been a monumental undertaking,” said Kristy Weaver, Pacific Continental Bank senior vice president and team leader in Vancouver. “The successful acquisition and merger is one of the reasons that Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Rachel Ulrich, received the Portland Business Journal’s 2015 HR Leadership Award.”
All of that might sound like the makings of a banner year, but 2016 is setting up to be even better for the bank – specifically in Vancouver where a move to a new building will help Pacific Continental expand its presence in Southwest Washington while continuing to serve their clients at a high level of service.
The new building, located at 6th and Main in downtown Vancouver, fits the concept office perfectly, said Weaver.
“We took three years to develop a concept office and looked at more than 20 locations. The new building, developed by Killian Pacific, fits our concept office,” Weaver said. “We’re trying to approach this as a partnership with the community. We’ve looked at best practices – even of non-bank entities –and have been experimenting with new ways to meet the needs of our clients. We want to make sure we are here for the long-term.”
Out of space at the bank’s current location, Pacific Continental employees in the new facility will have room to feel comfortable and to better serve the community. Not only that, but, according to Weaver, the new space will allow the bank to increase its staffing by 25 percent.
“This is not the typical small bank build-out,” Weaver added.
In addition to investing more than $2 million into the location, branch executives took staff input on the design of the new office and will include stand-up/sit down workstations, bike storage and even showers, to allow those who choose to bike to work to have an opportunity to do so and shower before working with clients. The new office will also include a community room to accommodate 48 people, which will be accessible to clients on a reservation basis, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“[The new building] really represents our company. We are all about balance and recognizing employee needs,” Weaver said. “We also really wanted to honor place in this beautiful location. The building will feature artwork from local artists, including nine new and original pieces of art that will be on permanent display.”
The upcoming move is tentatively scheduled for mid-March. In the meantime, Weaver said, there’s much work to be done.
“We are working toward creating a sustainable workplace for this area,” she said. “We are exploring how to look different, feel different and be different for the community.”
Editor’s note: Pacific Continental Bank is a member of the Vancouver Business Journal’s Strategic Partners Program. To learn more about the program, contact Irene Pettengill at 360.448.6013.
Pacific Continental Bank
Founded 1972 www.therightbank.com
