In the News

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                    

Bank of Commerce Announces Branch Remodel

(Rawlins, Wyoming) - September 15, 2026 - Bank of Commerce, Carbon County’s only locally owned community bank, is excited to announce an upcoming remodel at the bank in Rawlins. Construction is set to begin October 5^th and is expected to last 6 months. The renovation will include relocating the teller line, creating new office space for the operations team, updating restrooms, and refreshing finishes throughout the interior of the bank. The redesigned teller area will provide a more functional space for both customers and employees, and additional office space will accommodate the bank’s continued growth. Refreshing the finishes from floor to ceiling will create a fresh new look for the bank. This project marks the first major remodel since 2000, over 25 years ago. “A lot has changed since our last major remodel, including the ways our customer’s bank. This renovation will help us create a more modern and functional space while maintaining the hometown service you already know and trust,” says Copper France, Bank of Commerce President and CEO.

As construction gets underway, customers will notice some temporary changes inside the bank, including a few staff members relocating during both phases of the remodel. The walk-up teller entrance located on Buffalo Street will be permanently closed and serves as a construction entrance during the remodel. This renovation may be slightly disruptive, but the bank will remain open for business inside the bank and at the drive-up teller. With this project, the hours of operation have been adjusted, and the bank lobby is now open at 8 am on weekdays.  “While our space may be changing, the things that matter most to us will remain the same: our team, our commitment to personal customer service, and our dedication to the communities we serve,” says Nicole Murry, Marketing Administrator. For Bank of Commerce, this project is about more than updating a building, it is an investment in the future of the bank that the community has long called home.

Media Inquiries Contact: Nicole Murry 307-324-2265, nmurry@bocrawlins.com

---

BANK OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES PROMOTION
We are proud to celebrate Samantha McVay on her recent promotion to Loan Officer. Sammie has been a valued member of the Bank of Commerce team for 7 years. In October 2024, she earned her certification in Commercial Banking & Credit Analysis and has continued developing her lending expertise while working closely with our team. “Sammie has worked hard to sharpen her credit analysis skills and prepare for this next step,” said Copper France, President & CEO. “We are proud to promote talented employees from within our organization whenever we can and she made this choice easy by demonstrating hard work, dedication to the bank, integrity, and drive.” Sammie is a tremendous asset to the BOC team and our customers. 

---

(Rawlins, Wyoming) - July 2, 2024 - After 36 dedicated years at Bank of Commerce, Vicky Sanchez, is set to retire. Vicky has been a friendly face at BOC since the beginning. Her dedication and commitment to excellent customer care over the years has earned a reputation with the customers at BOC. Copper France, President and CEO says, "Vicky has had many customers who insisted she be the one to take care of them, and I think that is a prime example of the level of pride she took in helping our customers." France goes on to say, "Vicky's smile and dedication to Bank of Commerce will be greatly missed. We truly wish Vicky the very best in her next chapter." Vicky's final day will be Friday, September 13th, 2024. 

---

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bank of Commerce Celebrates 40^th Anniversary

(Rawlins, Wyoming) - July 2, 2024 - This month, Bank of Commerce (BOC), your locally-owned bank, located in the heart of downtown Rawlins, proudly recognizes their 40^th Anniversary of banking in Carbon County. The journey began for Bank of Commerce on July 2, 1984, by a group led by John W. France and Dr. Archie Kirsch, who purchased the assets of Wyoming Bank of Rawlins. Through the years, the Bank has grown exponentially, even despite the recent economic challenges of the global pandemic and high interest rate environment that followed.  Copper France, President & CEO says, “We have continued to see nice growth within the bank, especially with the addition of our new branch in Saratoga. We have a very loyal customer base and our reputation and referrals have really helped to propel our growth.” Since its inception, the bank has had a long-standing reputation of providing excellent customer service.  France goes on to say, “We don’t take customer service lightly. It is important to our entire team and that’s one of the main things that has helped us continue to grow.”

In 2001, Bank of Commerce was busting at the seams and doubled the work space with a remodel and expansion. Then, in 2022, BOC identified the Platte Valley's need for lending options and opened a Loan Production Office (LPO) in Saratoga. The LPO quickly expanded into a full-service branch in late 2023 with devoted customers who were excited about another option for banking services. “We can serve our customers in the Platte Valley area just a little bit better now and have a top-notch team that is eager to help at the new Saratoga branch,” says Buddy Barto, Senior Vice President.

Bank of Commerce remains Carbon County’s only locally-owned bank, providing a full range of personal, business, and agriculture banking services. “We are proud to celebrate 40 years of banking in the community we love and look forward to many more. Thank you for trusting us with your banking needs,” says France. 

For Immediate Release

Media Inquiries Contact: Nicole Murry 307-324-2265, nmurry@bocrawlins.com

---

 

 

 

_{FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE}

_{Bank of Commerce Opens Full-Service Branch in Saratoga}

(Rawlins, Wyoming) – December 11, 2023 - Bank of Commerce (BOC), a locally-owned community bank in Rawlins, announces today the official opening of a new full-service branch in Saratoga, Wyoming. The branch opening comes one year after opening the location as a Loan Production Office. Copper France says, “We are pleased to expand our footprint in Carbon County. We have been providing banking services to the Platte Valley for many years, and now we are excited to offer a more convenient way for our customers to do their local banking.” To celebrate this milestone, Bank of Commerce will host an open house after the new year, welcoming the public to meet the team and explore the bank’s offerings.

Bank of Commerce identified Saratoga as an ideal branch location due to the existing relationships that have been built with local developers, builders, and realtors, as well as the bank’s ties to the thriving businesses in the Platte Valley communities. Buddy Barto, Senior Vice President, says “We are motivated by the thriving vitality of the Platte Valley area. This opportunity, represented by growth, is the main reason we chose to expand.” The expansion is pivotal for Bank of Commerce and reinforces its commitment to providing excellent services. Copper France says, “Opening our doors in the Valley took a little longer than we originally planned, but we wanted to make sure our branch was fully-staffed and trained to make the experience exceptional for customers.” He goes on to say, “our team of banking professionals stand ready to serve the people, businesses, and business leaders in this community and across our county, just as we’ve done for many years, only now with the convenience of another great location.”

With their headquarters in Rawlins, Wyoming, Bank of Commerce is a relationship-driven community bank with a commitment to uphold those values in the new branch as well. Lacey Herring, Vice President of Operations says, “We know our customers by name, develop relationships with them, and care about their well-being. I believe that level of personal service sets us apart from the rest and will continue in the Platte Valley with Karen Youngberg leading the team.” Karen has over 40 years of banking experience in the Platte Valley and serves as the Branch Manager for the Saratoga location. As a life-long local community member with valuable banking knowledge, Karen has played a key role in the transition from Loan Production Office to a full-service bank branch. She says, “I am proud to be part of the BOC team as we expand our presence in Carbon County, right here in the place that I call home. I am simply thrilled with the team we have assembled to serve our current and future customers.” Karen and her team have been training for the last several months to ensure that when the doors open in Saratoga they are ready to serve the community. Copper France says, “This is an exciting time for BOC! We are dedicated to cultivating the growth across Carbon County with the commitment to support and invest in the communities we serve”.

The physical address is: 217 N 1^st Street. Lobby hours will be Monday through Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm with a night deposit and ATM available 24/7.

Media Inquiries Contact: Nicole Murry (307)324-2265 nmurry@bocrawlins.com

---

 

 

 

A New Opportunity to Make an Impact: Bank of Commerce Leverages Member Impact Funds to Benefit Carbon County

Rawlins, WY, June 9, 2023 – Bank of Commerce (BOC) recently partnered with Federal Home Loan Bank Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines) to utilize their Member Impact Fund program. This is a joint effort to provide nearly $15 million to hundreds of non-profits and government agencies to help strengthen communities in targeted areas. Recipient organizations were selected based on the needs for grant funding to support capacity-building or working capital. Bank of Commerce identified 7 non-profits in Carbon County that they currently support, applied, and were awarded matched funding. 

Bank of Commerce is a longstanding community bank with a proud tradition of reinvesting in the communities they serve. Nicole Murry, BOC Marketing says, “Because our nonprofit community does such a great job of building up our neighbors most in need, we are excited to have this opportunity to add additional support across Carbon County.” BOC accounted for 7 of Wyoming’s 264 awards. With close to a  3:1 match, the grant funds given totaled $27,290 distributed in the community by BOC and FHLB Des Moines. Copper France, President & CEO says, “This is just another tremendous opportunity for us to give back to our community and leverage resources we have access to as a local community bank. We are grateful for FHLB in helping us give back in our community.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Nicole Murry – (307)324-2265 nmurry@bocrawlins.com

Bank of Commerce Set to Open Full-Service Branch in Saratoga

(Rawlins, Wyoming – June 6, 2023) Bank of Commerce (BOC), a locally-owned community bank in Rawlins, has plans to open a full-service branch in Saratoga as soon as this fall. BOC has served the Platte Valley community for many years and has identified the need for more options. With business exploding in the Platte Valley area, the Bank opened the Saratoga Loan Production Office last December that is quickly transitioning to a full-service branch.  Copper France, President & CEO says, “It became glaringly apparent that the people in the Platte Valley would like to have a choice in who they bank with. We are offering them that option while bringing the excellent customer service they have grown accustomed to, closer to home.” While the branch expansion is in the works, Bank of Commerce will continue to serve loan customers at the Loan Production Office that remains open weekdays from 8 am – 5 pm.

Bank of Commerce identified Saratoga as an ideal branch location due to the existing relationships that have been built with local developers, builders, and realtors, as well as the bank’s ties to the thriving businesses in the Platte Valley communities. Karen Youngberg joined the BOC team last fall with 40 years of valuable banking experience and will continue to serve in a leadership role at the new branch. She says, “We are pleased to expand our presence in Carbon County. Our core strengths remain in personal attention, local decision making, and exceptional service.” BOC is in the process of hiring and training new customer service staff for the Saratoga location to begin onboarding immediately. France says, “Today’s announcement is another reminder of the Bank’s continued commitment to support and invest in the communities that we serve across Carbon County”. 

The physical address is: 217 N 1^st Street. Lobby hours will be Monday through Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 with a night deposit and ATM available 24/7.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Nicole Murry – (307)324-2265 nmurry@bocrawlins.com

Ruby Ogden announces upcoming retirement.

February 8, 2023 (Rawlins, Wyoming) – Bank of Commerce, the only locally-owned community bank in Carbon County, announced today the retirement of Senior Executive Vice President, Ruby Ogden. After over four decades of distinguished service, Copper France, President and CEO of Bank of Commerce says, “The passion and dedication to this bank for the past 44 years will not be easily matched.”   

Ruby Ogden has been instrumental in Bank of Commerce’s success having held various positions in the bank. She started her career as a young woman in a predominantly male banking world and says, “I am proud to have learned everything I could over the years, to earn the respect of my superiors and coworkers along the way.” She did just that. Ruby worked her way up and held positions in nearly all areas of the bank; bookkeeping, new accounts, loan department, human resources, payroll, and completed her career as Senior Executive Vice President of Bank Operations.  She says, “I set out to prove that I was not only capable of doing the job, but doing it well was important to me.”

As the bank expands its footprint across Carbon County, Ruby passes the torch stating, “I am honored to have shared the oversight of the bank’s growth with a talented team and group of executives. I am proud to have worked all these years for Bank of Commerce. The bank is in good hands.” 

Copper France leaves Ruby with final remarks as she retires saying, “I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to learn from someone whose heart has the BOC brand embossed on it. Our motto is to "Be a Better Bank" and thanks to Ruby and all her years with Bank of Commerce, we are certainly better. Our bank is better, our community is better, and our team is better! Congratulations on a job well done!”

Bank of Commerce invites you to honor Ruby Ogden at an Open House Celebration on Wednesday, February 15^th, from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm at BOC, located at 221 3^rd Street in Rawlins. Refreshments will be served.

Contact: Nicole Murry – (307)324-2265 nmurry@bocrawlins.com

Saratoga Loan Production Office Now Open for Business. 

Contact: Nicole Murry – (307)324-2265 nmurry@bocrawlins.com

Bank of Commerce to Open Loan Production Office

October 17, 2022 – (Rawlins, Wyoming) – Bank of Commerce (BOC), a community bank headquartered in Rawlins, Wyoming, will expand its footprint in Carbon County with the opening of a Loan Production Office (LPO) in Saratoga, Wyoming. Nicole Murry, BOC Marketing Administrator says, “Although we are anxious to get going, our official open date is yet to be determined. We have been held up by delayed office furniture and equipment delivery.” The new office, located at 217 N 1^st Street will be led by Dennis Kilmer, Vice President / Loan Officer and Karen Youngberg, Office Manager. The pair will be supported by the lending team and entire staff at Bank of Commerce. Karen is a Saratoga native and has nearly 43 years of experience in banking in the Saratoga community. She says, “Bank of Commerce has been helping valley residents for many years and we are excited to further support these communities by bringing a Loan Production Office to Saratoga.” Dennis Kilmer brings 20 years of experience in mortgage lending. “Dennis has developed key relationships with realtors, builders and developers in the valley which has led to valuable referral business” says Copper France, President & CEO. Kilmer says, ”We believe that better banking builds a better community, and we look forward to serving you at our new location.”

While the Loan Production Office isn’t a full-service branch, the expansion will support customers who are looking for a banking partner that is focused on community and making local decisions. As Carbon County’s only locally-owned bank, Bank of Commerce keeps its promise to continually strive to live up to the banks mission to “Be a Better Bank” by doing things like opening the Saratoga LPO for the convenience of our customers.  Copper France noted that ultimately, the bank would like to convert the Loan Production Office into a full-service branch, but that process will take some additional time and resources.  

The Bank of Commerce Loan Production Office will be open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, closed for an hour for lunch. All bank products and services can be found at www.bocrawlins.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Nicole Murry – (307)324-2265 nmurry@bocrawlins.com

 BANK OF COMMERCE JOINS ‘SAFE BANKING FOR SENIORS’ CAMPAIGN

New education initiative to combat $2.9 billion in annual senior fraud

(Rawlins, Wyoming) – Bank of Commerce has joined the national effort to protect seniors from becoming victims of fraud and financial abuse through Safe Banking for Seniors social media campaign and in-person workshops at Senior Center’s in Rawlins and across Carbon County. Bank of Commerce encourages both seniors and their financial caregivers attend these information sessions to learn about identifying and avoiding scams, choosing a responsible caregiver, preventing identity theft, and choosing a responsible financial caregiver. Watch for more information on upcoming sessions.  

Each year older customers lose approximately $2.9 billion to fraud, but it is suspected that number is drastically underestimated because only 1 in 44 seniors report financial abuse. Safe Banking for Seniors is a new financial education program established by American Bankers Association Foundation to help combat this growing problem. 

 “Scammers are always developing new ways to rip people off, and sadly, they often targeting our seniors for numerous reasons,” said Copper France, President & CEO. “The Safe Banking for Seniors presentations and information sharing will provide older customers and their financial caregivers with the knowledge they need to proactively protect themselves and their loved ones from these crimes.”

 Bank of Commerce also offers the following tips for seniors and their financial caregivers:

• Know the warning signs of scams. Scammers are always thinking of new ways to steal from seniors, but knowing the warning signs of scams will help stop fraud in its tracks.  Paying fees or taxes for sweepstakes or lottery “winnings”, acting immediately on an offer or insisting on secrecy are characteristics of some types of fraud. When in doubt, talk to a trusted advisor, family member or friend.
• Protect your financial identity. Some scammers are more interested in stealing financial identities to open new credit cards or loans in seniors’ names.  Shred receipts, bank statements and unused credit card offers before throwing them away. Never give personal information, including Social Security Number, account number or other financial information to anyone over the phone unless you initiated the call and the other party is trusted.
• Choose a responsible financial caregiver. Sadly, family members and friends can also take advantage of seniors and leave them in financial ruin. Plan ahead for the day that you may not be able to manage finances on your own.
• Talk to your banker about options to ease financial caregiving responsibilities. Banks offer a wide range of services to help seniors and financial caregivers manage finances in accordance with seniors’ needs and desires.   
• For more consumer tips, see the Consumer Resources section at www.aba.com/seniors.