People's Bank

There has been a massive use of the word “Peoples” in the industry of banking not only in the United States but also world wide. It seems that local banks just can’t get enough of the word. Probably because of the intimacy the term connotes. For a local bank to be successful it must be able to capture the hearts of the local people. And banking with the people starts in building a brand that does not only say but also serve.

And it’s never been truer for Washington bankers and customers. The People’s Bank in Washington State is a bank that does not only serve the people but also represent the people. The People’s Bank in Washington State is a mere reflection of the locals, a bank that commits itself to a higher altitude of banking service. All things are created equal, indeed, but with Washington State’s People’s Bank, service to their customers is unparalleled, surpassing all expectations.

The People’s Bank in the greater Washington market, has been serving its people for decades now. And just a snapshot of its services, the bank has been a consistent quality provider of products like marine loans, home equity loans, home loans, business loans, savings, business checking and personal checking.

The use of people’s in their name and neither the quality of service they offer are a coincidence nor product of a pop-cultured marketing strategy. People’s Bank, of what it is known today is an offshoot of years of customer service perfection. People’s Bank was never a name of gimmick to entice people but a way to make local people and businesses economically stable.

The drive to serve the local people of Washington State started in 1920. It was summer, and the sun is shining for Lynden’s banking market. Before this day, there was only one bank in town. And “one” was not a good number for the banking people because having only one bank meant non-competitive rates and product services.

This saw the formation of the new bank called the Peoples State Bank, founded by fifty six Washington locals who convened at the former Odd Fellow Hall, now called the Eagles Hall. Among these 56 lads who organized for a change, rose P.J. Van Hemert, the bank’s first president, J.W. Stearns, the company’s vice president and Cashier Albert Kok. The Peoples State Bank became a bank of choice for many Washington business owners and private individuals after its State ratification on the 9th of December, 1920.

The early years of Peoples State Bank were heydays. In 1938, a new vice president was elected by the name of Irwin LeCocq. LeCocq also served as the new Executive Officer. The Peoples State Bank grew even better and in 1941, LeCocq continued as the President of the company. The bank stood through the test of time, and even through the World War II, the bank flourished. By the end of the Second World War, the Peoples State Bank has summed up $2,000,000 of total assets.

To continue the legacy of his father, Irwin LeCocq Jr. came to the Peoples State Bank as the new Assistance Cashier. The idea of community bank that catered to the true needs of the local citizens became a huge part of the Washington economy. As the local economy grew, the Peoples State Bank also progressed. Expansion was unstoppable, from Bellingham and Lynden, the bank now reaches places like Douglas Counties, Chelan Counties, Kitsap, King, Snohomish, Skagit, Island and Whatcom.

In 1996, Peoples States Bank was changed to People’s Bank, a move that will further its lead in the market, but still retains its value for personalized service. Business loans from People's Bank are now a top choice for many entrepreneurs. The Peoples Bank online banking is just one of the many additions to their product lineup. Despite adapting new technologies in banking, growing asset and expanding network, People’s Bank still relies on their greatest asset so far, the people.