Upcoming Events
A Virtual Economic Update
RegistrationPresented by: Baker Boyer
Thursday, May 06, 2021
from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Baker Boyer Continues Commitment of Special Pandemic Response Funding with New Donations Totaling $32,500
In response to the coronavirus pandemic and its continued impact on the most vulnerable in our communities, Baker Boyer chose to direct $32,500 in funding from its Legacy Giving Grant Program to be distributed to non-profits and organizations in Walla Walla, Milton-Freewater, Tri-Cities, and Yakima.
Baker Boyer 2020 Annual Giving Report
Baker Boyer's first Annual Giving Report recaps its volunteering and giving efforts to our communities in 2020.
Baker Boyer Funds Lunches for those Volunteering at Vaccine Clinic
Baker Boyer will help provide complimentary lunches from local restaurants to all those who are volunteering at the Walla Walla County Fairgrounds Vaccine Clinic. The bank would like to show gratitude for all those who are working tirelessly to get our community vaccinated and to provide a little relief for those volunteers who are putting in eight-hour shifts.
Baker Boyer Leadership on COVID-19 Vaccine
Baker Boyer encourages all local businesses to urge their employees to get vaccinated, announces it is granting its employees paid time-off for getting vaccinated against COVID-19, and is actively using its resources for vaccine education to help get Eastern Washington to herd immunity as quickly as possible.
Baker Boyer Announces New Chief Credit Officer, Rosendo Guizar
Baker Boyer is pleased to announce the promotion of Rosendo Guizar to Chief Credit Officer.
Baker Boyer Promotes Three to Vice President and Two to Assistant Vice President
Baker Boyer is pleased to announce the promotions of three to Vice President and two to Assistant Vice President effective January 1, 2021. Promoted to Vice President are Anna Duncan, Lacey Braswell, and Jessica Long. In addition, Hollina Wadsworth and Tyson Romanick have been promoted to Assistant Vice President.
Announcing Over $60,000 in Donations
Baker Boyer announces over $60,000 in donations to recipients of special pandemic response funding which has provided nearly $110,000 in additional community support this year.
Best Practices for Keeping Your Information Safe and Accessible
With our new Digital Banking Solution, you will need your account numbers in order to reset your username or password. It can be overwhelming to store such important and confidential information. We want to help you protect your information while also keeping it accessible for those times when you forget your password. This article will give you a few safe storage options to consider.
Announcing Nearly $40,000 in New Donations
Baker Boyer announces nearly $40,000 in additional funding to support nonprofits in the region. For this round of donations, our focus is primarily on the impact of the pandemic on homelessness, including shelter, clothing, food, health, and hygiene.
Baker Boyer Financial Center in Yakima Opens — Kip Kontos Named Interim Regional Manager
The new Baker Boyer Financial Center in Yakima to meet the expanding needs of the Yakima Valley. It is located at 921 Seattle Slew Run, just up the hill from Baker Boyer’s current facility. Kip Kontos has been named Interim Regional Manager.
Miles for Charity
Baker Boyer Employees got active for charity through an internal virtual event and raised funds one mile at a time.
New Yakima Building Nears Completion
Here is an aerial view of Baker Boyer’s nearly-completed Yakima Financial Center. This drone footage provides a time-lapse view of construction from early foundation work to finishing exterior signage and lighting.
Baker Boyer reports first known COVID-19 case
On Friday, July 24, Baker Boyer was notified by an employee that they tested positive for COVID-19. The employee had already been off work due to illness reported earlier in the week. The Bank quickly determined that the potential exposure to clients and other employees was minimal, thanks in part to appropriate pandemic controls and protocols already in place.
Baker Boyer Funds School Supplies
Walla Walla Public Schools and Baker Boyer Bank partner to help provide a bit of relief to families of younger students this fall by providing funding for school supplies to all elementary and middle school students.
Longtime Baker Boyer Bank Employee Retires
The final link between Bank of Commerce and Milton-Freewater branch of Baker Boyer Bank will punch the time clock one last time on Friday, July 3. Charlotte Birdwell is ready to retire.
Two New Directors Elected by Shareholders
Michael J. Mahoney and Jason H. Pratt were elected Directors at the Baker Boyer Bancorp Annual Shareholder Meeting on May 21, 2020.
A Message of Hope from Mark Kajita
Baker Boyer affirms the inherent value of every person and that each and every one of us deserve the benefits of fundamental human rights. We believe that a diverse community is stronger and more vibrant and are committed to helping foster equality to achieve the goal of mutual respect and love for all.
Baker Boyer continues to serve; public spaces remain closed
As restrictions temporarily ease as Northwest counties qualify for their state’s reopening phases, Baker Boyer has made the difficult decision to continue the closure of our public areas to our clients, continuing to offer a range of alternatives to in-person banking. However, effective immediately, we will begin to schedule in-person meetings on a limited basis for banking business.
Baker Boyer Announces Promotions and New Roles in its Retail and Digital Banking Division
Baker Boyer is pleased to announce the promotions of Shona Deckert, Stephanie Angotti, Karina Martinez, Camdia Byma, and Melody Baston. Baker Boyer makes a point to promote from within and capitalize on the significant developed experience and skills of our long-term employees.
Baker Boyer Contributes $42,000 to Support Increased Need of Food Programs
In response to the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the demand for food support and safety for many families and individuals, Baker Boyer has committed to donate $42,000 to selected programs in Walla Walla, Milton-Freewater, Tri-Cities, and Yakima.
Baker Boyer Continues Streak of Annual Recognition as a Top 200 Community Bank in the U.S.
Baker Boyer is pleased to announce that it has been ranked 53rd in American Banker magazine’s “Top 200 Publicly Traded Community Banks” for 2020, up six places from last year’s position.
Paycheck Protection Program Update
Baker Boyer announces will process more than 300 PPP loan applications at an average of $175,000. However, it has reached capacity and will no longer be accepting new applications for the program.
Baker Boyer Funds Meal Program for First Responders and Frontline Healthcare Workers
Partnering with nine local restaurants, Baker Boyer is subsidizing all the costs to show gratitude to those on the “front lines” caring for the community during this COVID-19 pandemic.
Letter from Mark Kajita to Business Owners with Latest News on PPP Funding
Baker Boyer president and CEO, Mark Kajita, provides an update regarding depleted funding for the PPP loan program.
Special Notice to Independent Contractors and Sole Proprietors - April 15 update
Updated guidelines for Independent Contractors and Self-Employed Individuals to officially apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) under the CARES Act.
Special Notice to Independent Contractors and Self-Employed Individuals
Today, April 10, is scheduled to be the first day for Independent Contractors and Self-Employed Individuals to officially apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) under the CARES Act. However, we will not be able to begin to process these applications until we receive additional guidance from the SBA or Treasury Dept.
April 3 Letter from Mark Kajita to Business Owners on the CARES Act
Today, April 3, is the first day for business owners to officially apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) under the CARES Act. This letter includes the latest “how to apply” information, including last-minute changes and clarifications. These changes may affect you if you already completed earlier versions of the application. Please read the letter for more details.
Letter from Mark Kajita to Business Owners on the CARES Act
The newly-enacted federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act aims to ease financial concerns for small businesses. However, many of the key programs like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) do not have clear processes about how to apply and process applications. In this letter to business owners, Mark Kajita provides more context about what to do now and what to expect in the near future.
Here to Serve
Baker Boyer President and CEO, Mark Kajita, reaffirms Baker Boyer's position of financial strength and ability to serve clients during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Baker Boyer Announces Temporary Closure of Public Spaces— Drive-Thrus Remain Open
In order to help protect our clients and employees in addressing the potential risks presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Baker Boyer announces the closure of all of our branch lobbies and meeting rooms to the general public effective Tuesday, March 17. Baker Boyer’s drive thrus and ATMs will remain open.
Baker Boyer's Response to COVID-19
During this period of market volatility and uncertainty about COVID-19, Baker Boyer's team of experts have created a collection of resources to help our community understand and navigate the current and changing environment.
Letter to Clients Regarding COVID-19
I am writing to share my thoughts about the current and potential impacts of a new strain of coronavirus, COVID-19. Overall, I believe this is a time to neither panic nor ignore precautions. Rather, it is a time to make calm, rational and prudent decisions in order to ensure your health and the health of others.
Fort Walla Walla Walla Museum Newsletter Article About Baker Boyer
The following was written by Shannon Buchal, Collections Manager, Fort Walla Walla Museum. It was originally published as part of the museum’s newsletter, The Dispatch, Volume 2019, No. 4. This content and images are republished by permission from Fort Walla Walla Museum. Be sure to visit the museum to view the special Baker Boyer exhibit, as well as the many rooms of artifacts and displays about the history of the Walla Walla Valley.
Building our Future in Yakima
Baker Boyer plans for growth in facilities and staffing to meet the expanding needs of the Yakima Valley. The new facility will open in Spring 2020. This page will chronicle construction progress and milestones.
Community Spotlight: Blue Mountain Action Council
Baker Boyer is deeply committed to the communities we serve and seeks opportunities to partner with amazing organizations who share that same commitment.
Baker Boyer Promotes Four to Vice President and Two to Assistant Vice President
Baker Boyer is pleased to announce the promotions of four to Vice President and two to Assistant Vice President. Promoted to Vice President are Michelle Conner, Cathy Schaeffer, Mario Delgadillo, and Anne Sumner. In addition, Dana Evans and Heather Dixon have been promoted to Assistant Vice President.
Baker Boyer Expands Executive Committee and Promotes Four to Executive Vice President
Baker Boyer is pleased to announce the promotions of Jolene Riggs, Kain Evans, Vesna Dodge, and Rob Blethen to Executive Vice President (EVP) and Executive Committee member.
Baker Boyer Partners with Lincoln High on Award-Winning Parade Float Projects
Baker Boyer tapped the students of Lincoln High School in Walla Walla to collaborate with them for the creation of a marquee float in the Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days Parade on August 31 and to repurpose the float into a lighted holiday version for the December 7 Holiday Parade of Lights. Both floats received “Grand Champion” honors as the overall best in each parade.
Camille Snell and Jessica Johnson Promoted to Vice President
Baker Boyer is pleased to announce the promotions of Camille Snell and Jessica Johnson to Vice President.
Baker Boyer Announces Two New Investment Advisor Representatives
Baker Boyer is pleased to announce Becky Kettner as an Investment Advisor Representative for the Walla Walla team and Sean Haselrig as an Investment Advisor Representative for the Tri-Cities team. This advisory securities registration includes the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE), Series 7 and 66 registrations, which are tests that cover ethics, investment suitability, and regulatory compliance.
September New Hire Announcements
Baker Boyer is pleased to announce the hiring of Sean Haselrig as an Investment Advisor Representative and Nick Punch as a Business Advisor for the Tri Cities location. Baker Boyer also is excited to announce Tyson Romanick as a Portfolio Manager, Travis Wittnebel as a Business Advisor, and John Adams and Caleb Flippo as Trust Advisors.
Baker Boyer Announces Promotions Sept. 2019
Baker Boyer is pleased to announce the promotions of Michelle Thacker to Director of Retail and Digital Banking, Lynsey Sherry to Banking Operations Manager, and Olivia Loomis to Trust Advisor.
Cathy Schaeffer and Hollina Wadsworth Achieve National Certifications
Cathy Schaeffer, Assistant VP and Family Advisor, and Hollina Wadsworth, Financial Planner, have been awarded the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
Baker Boyer continues streak of annual recognition as a Top 200 Community Bank in 2019
Baker Boyer is pleased to announce that it has been ranked 59th in American Banker magazine’s “Top 200 Publicly Traded Community Banks” for 2019. More than 600 qualified institutions were considered for the nationwide ranking. Baker Boyer is one of 11 banks to achieve ranking in the State of Washington. It is the 12th consecutive year Baker Boyer has received this distinction.
Alert: Social Security Number Phone Scam
We have had several reports that a phone scam has resurfaced in our area. In this latest scam, a caller says that he’s from the government and your Social Security number (SSN) has been suspended. He sounds very professional. So you should do exactly what he says to fix things…right? Wrong! Your Social Security number isn’t suspended. Ever.
Rob Blethen and Olivia Loomis Achieve National Certifications
Rob Blethen, VP and Family Advisor Manager, has been awarded the Certified Financial Planner™ designation by the CFP Board. In addition, Olivia Loomis earned the Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA) credential from The American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA).
Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve
This Statement of Support is Baker Boyer's pledge to fully recognize, honor, and comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.
Judy Hicks Receives "Patriot Award"
Judy Hicks, Baker Boyer Consumer Loan Supervisor, received the “Patriot Award” from the Washington Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).
Lora Zink named “Junior Citizen of the Year”
At the Milton-Freewater Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet on February 22, Lora Zink, Baker Boyer’s Branch Manager in Milton-Freewater, was named Junior Citizen of the Year.
Baker Boyer again voted "Best of the Best" by U-B Readers
Baker Boyer voted Best Bank and Best Mortgage Company in the Union-Bulletin's "Best of the Best" readers' choice awards for 2019.
Announcing the "We've Got Your Back" loan program
The “We’ve Got Your Back” loan program will have simplified qualifying terms and be available to any Federal Employee impacted by the government shutdown if they are on furlough, working without pay, or have experienced any direct financial impact due to the lack of monthly payroll income.
Baker Boyer Announces Four Promotions
Baker Boyer is pleased to announce the promotions of Jodi Venneri and Levi Waggoner to Vice President, and of Nick McShane and Anna Duncan to Assistant Vice President. All promotions were effective January 1, 2019.
Yakima Expansion Approved-- New Building Slated for 2020
Baker Boyer plans for growth in facilities and staffing to meet the growing needs of the Yakima Valley. This is in stark contrast to many financial services firms that have exited the market in favor of remote phone and web-based service only.
Bayer Boyer promotes Jessica Johnson to Assistant Vice President
Baker Boyer recently promoted Jessica Johnson, a Business Advisor, to Assistant Vice President.
Ted Cohan rejoins Baker Boyer
Ted returns to Baker Boyer as Senior Portfolio Manager. He is responsible for the management of individual and retirement accounts as well as researching and choosing the right investments for clients.
Rosendo Guizar Promoted to Credit Administrator
As Credit Administrator, Rosendo will be in charge of the bank's entire commercial and consumer lending portfolio. He will use his loan experience to assess and manage credit risk for the bank and its clients, ensuring successful lending practices.
$25,000 Legacy Donation Awarded to Walla Walla YMCA
This $25,000 Legacy Gift will help the YMCA to refurbish and expand the Harmony Room/Learning Center serving preschool, after-school child care, and summer camp. These programs are essential to serve working families in the Walla Walla Valley.
John Cunnison Appointed as CIO
Baker Boyer has appointed John Cunnison as Vice President, Chief Investment Officer effective on January 1, 2018. Cunnison is a CFA® charterholder and served as Senior Portfolio Manager since 2013.
Susie Colombo Named Woman of the Year
Susie Colombo received the 2017 Award of Merit recipient and the Walla Walla Valley’s Woman of the Year from the Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce. Susie is a Vice President and Family Advisor at Baker Boyer in Walla Walla. Over the past 35 years, she has been an active participant and generous member of the Chamber of Commerce, Exchange Club and Providence St. Mary Foundation.
Legacy Donation Awarded to Christian Aid Center
Legacy Donation Awarded to Christian Aid Center
Jim Wilson Hired as AVP | Marketing Director
Jim Wilson Hired as AVP | Marketing Director
Cathy Schaeffer Hired as Family Advisor
Cathy Schaeffer Hired as Family Advisor
Baker Boyer Promotes Karen Benge to Vice President
Baker Boyer Promotes Karen Benge to Vice President
Mark Hess Named to Community Bankers of Washington’s Board of Directors
Mark Hess Named to Community Bankers of Washington’s Board of Directors
TJ Middlesworth Leaving Position as Chief Investment Officer, John Cunnison Takes on Additional Responsibilities as Interim CIO
TJ Middlesworth Leaving Position as Chief Investment Officer, John Cunnison Takes on Additional Responsibilities as Interim CIO
Your Financial Security is Important to Us
Your Financial Security is Important to Us
Baker Boyer is Proactive in Technology Security
Baker Boyer is Proactive in Technology Security
Kip Kontos Appointed to Board of Directors
Kip Kontos Appointed to Board of Directors
Baker Boyer Announces Second Recipient of Legacy Giving Program
Baker Boyer Announces Second Recipient of Legacy Giving Program
Baker Boyer Presents Two Business Advisors
Baker Boyer Presents Two Business Advisors
Vesna Dodge Promoted to Regional Manager
Vesna Dodge Promoted to Regional Manager
Camille Snell Earns National Certification
Camille Snell Earns National Certification
Introducing Our Legacy Giving Program & First Recipient
Introducing Our Legacy Giving Program & First Recipient
Baker Boyer’s Security Systems Foil Intruder
Baker Boyer’s Security Systems Foil Intruder
Baker Boyer Announces Change for Foreign Debit Card Transactions
Baker Boyer Announces Change for Foreign Debit Card Transactions
