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C
onnie
Christianson,
branch
manager for HomeStreet Bank
at Fisher’s Landing, fondly com-
pares her HomeStreet Bank
branch to the television show “Cheers.”
“We are very, very similar to ‘Cheers,’”
she said, noting she has six other employ-
ees. “I would say we know 95 percent of our
customers by name. It’s just a small com-
munity bank. We understand our custom-
ers and the relationship they have with us.”
Christianson has 30 years banking ex-
perience between five different financial
institutions. She said the partnership be-
tween the HomeStreet Bank, its customers
and the community is unlike any other. Yet
for many years, she said HomeStreet Bank
was “the best kept secret.”
But the secret
is out. The finan-
cial institution has
recently
added
two additional of-
fices and loan of-
ficers in Vancou-
ver. Even though
the financial crisis
and crippling na-
tional
economy,
Christianson said
this unique rela-
tionship has only
grown stronger.
“People want
a banker they can
trust,” she said.
“They want to be
able to come into
a brick and mor-
tar store and be
greeted.”
Home S t r e e t
Bank specializes in personal and busi-
ness banking. New and existing custom-
ers are treated to a streamlined process,
in that HomeStreet Bank has no personal
tellers or bankers. Customer accounts can
be handled by any person on staff, entirely
through the teller line.
New checking account customers can
even receive up to $300 cash back for sign-
ing up for services like direct deposit, on-
line banking and debit cards. The bankwill
even buy back customers old checks.
“We also offer one of the only free small
business checking accounts,” Christian-
son said. Businesses can open a variety of
checking accounts, however the monthly
fee is waived for small business.
The bank also offers the “Refer a
Friend” program. If a customer refers a
friend or family member to sign up for a
checking account theywill receive $50. Per-
sonal saving and business accounts can be
opened with an initial $100 deposit and the
deposit is waived for minors.
The ATMs are also hassle free — you
can even purchase stamps at them. Home-
Street Bank ATMs are on the MoneyPass
network, which means which means with-
draws can be made at any ATM location on
the MoneyPass network surcharge-free.
HomeStreet Bank also offers IRAs and
CDs. A financial representative is in the
branch every Thursday to answer ques-
tions and offer products to those who are
thinking of, or are about to retire. Chris-
tianson suggests calling 360-253-6166 to
schedule an appointment.
“Most people have lived here their
whole life or been here a long time and they
are getting ready to retire,” Christianson
said. “They care very much about the com-
munity and want a bank that cares about
the community as well...I thinkmost banks
offer similar products, but you really can’t
beat the service at HomeStreet Bank.”
It’s no wonder Christianson compares
her branch to “Cheers.”
HomeStreet Bank at Fisher’s Landing
is located at 2100F SE 164th Ave. in Van-
couver. The bank is open Monday through
Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday
from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9
a.m. to 1 p.m.
The location features an ATM, night
deposit and drive through. For more infor-
mation, visit homestreet.com or call 360-
253-6166.
HomeStreet Bank offers
community banking at its best
By
JORDY BYRD
Fishers Landing HomeStreet Bank Branch Manager Connie Christianson (second on the right) with her crew, Customer Service Representatives (left to
right) Joan Stacey, Barbara Waite and Tom Snyder.
Homestreet Bank is part of the MoneyPass ATM network which means customers can make withdraws
surcharge-free from over 16,000 ATMs across the country.
Considering a reverse mortgage? Contact Janet Kaul, Homestreet’s Reverse Mortgage Lending Manager.
Holiday Giving
Toy Drive...
“It’s just a small
community
bank. We
understand our
customers and
the relationship
they have with
us.”
— Connie
Christianson, branch
manager
341429.102612 FL
Premier
Retail Space
Available.
For information about leasing space
at Fisher’s Landing Marketplace
contact Josh Oliva,
HSP Properties -
360-213-2222
Receive up to $300
back for opening a
new account
■
Donate
new, unwrapped toys for
children ages toddler to high school
now through Dec. 17 at HomeStreet
Bank. Donations will be taken to
the Children’s Center and given to
children in the foster care system.