Everett "Officially" Welcomes The Bank of Washington

Chuck Morrison of Red Cross received $1,000 check from senior vice president Shelly Low.

The Bank of Washington entered the south Everett market in June with "neighborly" donations to three agencies providing important emergency services, personal support, and educational and developmental skills throughout Snohomish County.

Senior vice president Shelly Low and branch manager Rex Siapco presented $1,000 checks to the Everett chapter of The American Red Cross, to the Assistance League of Everett and to Housing Hope. Accepting the donations were Red Cross executive director Chuck Morrison with development director Kay Cramer; president Carol Pope and Nancy Haug of the Assistance League; and board member Maria Hicks and director of resource development Chris Heaton representing Housing Hope.

Bank of Washington president and CEO Larry Houk greets Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson.

The bank also paid tribute to Drewel's years Presiding at the official ribbon-cutting at its new Everett branch, were president and CEO Larry Houk and the bank's board of directors ember Bob Drewel. A past Snohomish county executive, Drewel presently serves as executive director of Puget Sound Regional Council.

The bank also paid tribute to Drewel's years of community service with a $500 donation to Everett's Human Services Endowment Fund, with fund director Maddie Metzgar-Utt accepting. The endowment provides grants targeting the needs of seniors, youth and the disabled throughout Snohomish County communities.

Shelly Low announces endowment fund donation recognizing Bob Drewel’s community service.

Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson and several officials from the Everett Area Chamber of Commerce were also present for the ceremonies. Stephanson commended the bank's recognition of the potential business and industrial development in the region served by the new branch.

Chamber director Louise Stanton-Masten assisted with the ribbon-cutting ceremony and welcomed manager Rex Siapco and his staff including assistant manager Jennifer Rybak and customer service rep Catherine Cavner, and commercial lender Cory Willard.

The location at 33 SE Everett Mall Way is the newest branch for The Bank of Washington which also operates branches in Edmonds, Lynnwood and Mukilteo in Snohomish County and in Issaquah and Redmond in King County.

Houk said proceeding with the bank's planned growth during a period of economic uncertainty "only reaffirms the confidence that our shareholders have in the role community banks play as well as in the strength and prospects for an ongoing healthy economy in Everett and Snohomish County."

Bank directors Bob Drewel, Glenn Gregory and board chairman Gary Schmitt got a preview of the new branch operations.

Well wishers, customers, and agency representatives fill lobby of The Bank of Washington's newest branch, open in south Everett.