|
A Tradition of Heritage Recently, Heritage Bank acquired Bay Bank (a division of Cowlitz Bank). Heritage was already a well established and growing company in Washington State with over twenty locations around western Washington. The Bay Bank acquisition further established their presence in the larger metropolitan areas such as Seattle, Bellevue and Portland. On the Christmas tree at Heritage Bank, Santa placed an ornament that continued a tradition that has become a staple of marine motorsports and commemorates a ULHRA sponsor relationship that has been ongoing for years.
Many seasons ago, Bay Bank had stepped up and engaged the idea that boat racing, particularly hydroplane racing in the Pacific Northwest, was a great medium with which to get acquainted with new accounts and also demonstrate appreciation for existing ones. Shore side hospitality at regatta’s such as Seafair created an attraction that was not only popular with the business side of banking but with employees also. Sponsoring the Hospitality Pavilion at Seafair also introduced them to a new market represented by the marine motorsport enthusiast. After a season or so of participation, Bay Bank increased its involvement with marine motorsport’s beyond a single event by becoming the Official Bank of the Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association (ULHRA). This enabled a stronger presence through the ULHRA’s web site and shared links for the fans to directly get acquainted with their branches. “ With Heritage literally being a part of our name, we felt that becoming part of the Northwest’s unique heritage of hydroplane racing was a natural fit. “ said Heritage representative Al Shott. “ Not only did we see the benefit of this relationship with the ULHRA, we elected to extend the arrangement a further year.” “Heritage Bank was under no legal obligation to continue with our previous contract with Bay Bank. The acquisition had set aside such considerations.” said Wil Muncey, Director of Marketing for the ULHRA. He went on to say, ” Nevertheless, the reassertion of commitment clearly demonstrates our new partners appreciation of a long standing tradition in the Pacific Northwest which is hydroplane racing.” Heritage Bank plans to open a full-service branch in Gig Harbor next February. The branch, the 26th for Heritage Bank, will be located at 5119 Olympic Drive NW. It will offer a variety of business and personal banking products, including checking and savings accounts, commercial and residential loans, as well as merchant services. For more information about Heritage Bank go to www.HeritageBankWa.com.
|
|
