Banking on It - March 2003

Community Connections Lead to Success

For Bank of Commerce

Henderson-based Bank of Commerce has established itself in the Southern Nevada banking market by recognizing the importance of diversity in the Las Vegas Valley. A community bank offering a full line of fiduciary products for small to medium-sized businesses and individuals, Bank of Commerce encourages bank employees and executives to participate in community programs.

"The Las Vegas Valley hosts a diverse population," said Rich Robinson, president of Bank of Commerce. "Participating in various civic organizations allows our employees to better understand our diverse customer base and provide better service. It also gives us a chance to improve the communities that we live in."

Dedicated to preserving economic and cultural diversity, Bank of Commerce staff members hold membership or advisory positions with a number of community organizations, including the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, the Nevada College of Pharmacy, the Literary Society of Las Vegas, the Latin Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Lions Club, the Nevada Association of Women Business Owners and the Henderson and Las Vegas Chambers of Commerce.

According to Robinson, well-rounded involvement in Southern Nevada’s communities has contributed to the bank’s success, including being honored with the 2001 Economic Independent Award by the U.S. Small Business Administration for providing the most loans to women and minorities by a community bank in Nevada.

The same commitment to diversity in the Las Vegas Valley prompted Bank of Commerce to participate in educational programs that expose minority students to careers in business and banking. The community bank recently sponsored local high school students for the Latin Chamber of Commerce Career Day and donated two $1,000 scholarships to the Latin Chamber’s scholarship program.

Bank of Commerce also participates in the Clark County Summer Business Institute Program, which encourages the pursuit of higher education by providing mentors who offer on-the-job experience and guidance in helping students choose a career path. The local bank sponsors a student intern at the company, providing hands-on experience in the world of finance and business management. Additionally, Bank of Commerce provides educational tutorials by hosting bank tours for students and visiting classrooms to show students banking basics, such as how to balance a bank statement.

In addition to their dedication to various community and business organizations, Bank of Commerce supports the American Cancer Society and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Executive Vice President Robin Panek said the community’s health and prosperity rely on the support of local businesses, just as the bank’s growth and success depends upon the support of the community.

One sign of its growth and success is the construction of its new headquarters. Bank of Commerce recently broke ground for a building at 7450 W. Sahara Ave, just north of the original location at 5811 W. Sahara Ave. The two- story office building, scheduled to open the first quarter of 2003, contains approximately 11,500 square feet. It will house both the corporate offices and a new 5,000-square-foot branch, which is being designed with both convenience and customer service in mind.

Bank of Commerce has also opened a temporary banking facility at 5295 S. Decatur Blvd. in Las Vegas and has begun construction on a permanent structure on the same parcel of land. The temporary facility, which officially opened for business Nov. 21, 2002, is fully staffed with senior local community bankers and is open for all banking services.