People’s Bank Celebrates 25 Years In Oregon Banking

Medford, OR—March 2, 2023 marks the 25th anniversary for People’s Bank of Commerce, headquartered in Medford, Oregon. 25 years ago, two senior management bankers with diverse banking backgrounds seized an opportunity to offer a community bank in Southern Oregon. Ken Trautman and Mike Sickels recognized the possibilities of filling a need that was being lost during the common trend of bank mergers. From its inception, People’s Bank grew its community footprint to include Ashland, Central Point, Grants Pass, Jacksonville, and Klamath Falls. In 2017 the bank acted on their strategic goal of diversification with the acquisition Steelhead Finance, an accounts receivable factoring company founded in 1981. Geographic diversification was achieved in early 2021 through a merger with Willamette Community Bank, which added branches in Lebanon, Albany, and Salem. 

Concurrent with People’s Bank celebrating their 25th anniversary, the bank is also excited to announce the opening of a new branch in Eugene, Oregon. In late 2022, a loan production office was opened in the downtown area and, as of March 1, 2023, that office is now a full-service branch, making Eugene the bank’s 11th branch location. 

“It’s been an amazing experience to not only witness the prosperous growth of this company, but to be a part of its success,” says Julia Beattie, President. “We have an amazing team committed to serving our communities and it is this commitment that allows us to continue to build on the bank’s success to date.” 

“Community banking is such a vital part of a growing community. I am beyond proud of what we have built,” says CEO Ken Trautman. “On behalf of the employees and directors of People’s Bank, I would like to thank our customers for their belief and trust over the last 25 years.” 

People’s Bank of Commerce is a community bank headquartered in Medford, Oregon, with branches in Medford, Ashland, Central Point, Jacksonville, Grants Pass, Klamath Falls, Albany, Lebanon, Salem, and now in Eugene. For more information about People’s Bank of Commerce, visit www.peoplesbank.bank or contact Brande Cowden, marketing officer, at 541-774-7653.