Community Bank, headquartered in Joseph, Oregon, was a commercial bank serving customers in Oregon and Washington. Established in 1955 as the Bank of Wallowa County, it rebranded to Community Bank in 1991 to reflect its expansion beyond Wallowa County. The bank operated 10 full-service branches—seven in northeastern Oregon and three in southeastern Washington—demonstrating its commitment to local communities. In May 2025, Community Bank was acquired by Spokane Teachers Credit Union (STCU), leading to the rebranding of its branches under the STCU name.
Key Strategic Focus
Community Bank's strategic focus centered on providing personalized banking services to the communities of northeastern Oregon and southeastern Washington. The bank emphasized local decision-making and community involvement, aiming to be the premier financial institution in its service areas. By maintaining a strong local presence, Community Bank sought to support the financial well-being of its customers and contribute to the prosperity of the communities it served.
Financials and Funding
As of December 31, 2024, Community Bank reported total assets of approximately $550.8 million and total deposits of about $523.7 million. The bank's net income for the year was $4.99 million, reflecting a solid financial performance. These figures underscore the bank's stability and its ability to serve its customer base effectively.
Leadership Team
Community Bank's leadership team comprised experienced professionals dedicated to the bank's mission:
- Tom Moran, CEO
- Jim Fortner, CFO
- Kirk Amick, CCO
- Bruce Morehead, COO
These leaders played pivotal roles in guiding the bank's operations and strategic direction.
Competitor Profile
Community Bank operated in a competitive landscape alongside several regional financial institutions:
- Bank of Eastern Oregon: Headquartered in Heppner, Oregon, with total deposits of $647.4 million and 15 branches.
- People’s Bank of Commerce: Based in Medford, Oregon, holding $662.6 million in deposits across 11 branches.
- Oregon Pacific Bank: Located in Florence, Oregon, with $679.7 million in deposits and six branches.
These competitors, like Community Bank, focused on serving local communities with personalized banking services.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
In August 2024, Community Bank announced a significant strategic move by entering into a purchase and assumption agreement with Spokane Teachers Credit Union (STCU). This collaboration aimed to combine resources and expand service offerings to customers. The acquisition was completed in May 2025, resulting in the rebranding of Community Bank branches as STCU locations.
Operational Insights
Community Bank's operational strategy emphasized local decision-making and community engagement, distinguishing it from larger, more centralized financial institutions. This approach allowed the bank to tailor its services to the specific needs of its communities, fostering strong customer relationships and loyalty.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
The acquisition by STCU presented strategic opportunities for Community Bank's former customers, including access to a broader range of financial products and services, enhanced technological platforms, and a more extensive branch network. This transition aimed to build upon Community Bank's legacy of community-focused banking while leveraging STCU's resources to better serve the region's financial needs.
Contact Information
For more information, customers can visit STCU's official website.
