Company Profile
West Coast Bank
Company Overview
In an age of mega-merger banks, where service decreases as size increases, West Coast Bank remains devoted to our customers above all. Decisions are made locally — by people who live and work in the same communities as the people we serve. Our representatives are a quick phone call — or a short walk — away. That’s how we stay in business - by treating our customers with the respect and personal attention they deserve. It constantly amazes us that other banks stay in business doing anything less.
Company History
In today's cold, impersonal financial marketplace, West Coast Bank's proud 80-year heritage sets us apart. Customers have put their trust in us since 1925, when our first location, under the Bank of Newport name, opened on the historic Newport, Oregon bay front.
One of our first advertisements, in a 1926 edition of the Yaquina Bay News read: "Our aim is to make a safe place for deposits, to be a real service to the community, to make good returns for our stockholders."
We've made good on that promise and continue to serve clients who seek the resources, sophisticated products and expertise of large financial institutions, coupled with the local decision making, market knowledge, and customer service orientation of a community bank.
In 1981, a holding company - West Coast Bancorp - was formed to give the bank greater flexibility in responding to changes in banking practices and to engage in bank-related, but non-commercial, bank activities. During the years that followed, customers came to rely on us for helping their businesses grow and prosper, and for our personalized financial services. In 1995, The Bank of Newport expanded its reach through a merger of equals with Commercial Bank - an organization equally devoted to customers, communities and service. New additions over the years included Valley Commercial Bank, Centennial Bank (Olympia, Washington) and Bank of Vancouver.
In 1999, the West Coast Bancorp successful family of affiliate banks came together under a common name - West Coast Bank - which has grown to $2.1 billion in assets and 66 branches(based upon data as of May 2, 2008).
Our customers' business. Our neighbors' friendship. We value both highly. We always have. We always will.
Notable Accomplishments / Recognition
Voted Oregon's 100 Best Companies to work for 5 years in a row!
Benefits
We wouldn’t be able to provide world-class service if we didn’t have a workforce to match. We invest in a more rigorous selection and training process because our employees are expected to perform at a higher level. Which means that in return, you can expect a higher level of performance from us. At West Coast Bank, we work to provide a benefits plan that takes your life outside the office as seriously as you do.
Flexible Benefits Plan - Tax-advantaged programs for:
Health Care Spending Reimbursement
Dependent Care Reimbursement
Premium Payment
Adoption Services
Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Long Term Disability insurance
Supplemental insurance through AFLAC
Stock Purchase Plan
401(k) Plan with company matching funds
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick/Personal Time
Employee Referral Bonuses
Life Balance - Recreational & Culture Benefit Program
Shining Star Awards - given for "above-and-beyond" commitment to special projects
Empowered Star vouchers - Given by peers and supervisors for excellence in teamwork
Incentive bonus plan participation at all levels
Sales events with monetary rewards
Professional Dress Advance
Paid Federal holidays
Free checking and savings, as well as additional discounts on banking services and loans
Paid volunteer time
Matching gifts program
Service Awards
Dependent Scholarships
Dell Employee Purchase Program
Employee Asistance Program offering work/life solutions and assistance
In-house professional development (25,728 hours in 2007!)
Numerous online services and discounts