Heritage Bank Community Development Entity FINANCING FOR VALUABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

In 2021, we formed the Heritage Bank Community Development Entity (HBCDE). The program encourages investments in small businesses and commercial real estate located in low-income communities through a subsidized loan fund offering payment amounts that average 50% of conventional loan alternatives.

The first recipient of this program was a full-service electrical business specializing in design-build electrical systems for federal, industrial and commercial clients.

Additionally, the new building is located in the recently designated Cascade Industrial Center (CIC). A long-term joint effort by the cities of Marysville and Arlington, the CIC includes just over 4,000 acres of manufacturing and industrial zoned land.

The CIC supports a wide range of mechanized and technologydriven industries due to its distinctive and abundantly qualified advanced manufacturing workforce, smart manufacturing practices and access to emerging platform technologies. It’s expected to bring in 20,000 more family-wage jobs over the next decade, helping residents work close to home and boosting the local economy.

HBCDE, LLC, a subsidiary of Heritage Bank, has been certified by the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund of the United States Department of Treasury as a Community Development Entity to provide loans, investments and services to low-income communities.

Tamara Brown, relationship banking officer, combined her banking expertise with her passion for social justice by joining the Oregon Bankers Association BIPOC Task Force. The group explores issues, identifies challenges and proposes opportunities related to diversity, equity and inclusion in the Oregon banking industry with a focus on serving Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities in the state.

“Serving on the BIPOC Task Force gives me the space to advocate and be a voice for the diverse communities in our state. At Heritage Bank, we believe that by embracing, integrating and celebrating our differences we become stronger as an organization, an industry and a country.”

- Tamara Brown, VP, Relationship Banking Officer

OBA Racial Equity Statement

The Oregon Bankers Association is committed to racial equity. We strive for a culture where all employees, members and stakeholders are valued and treated with dignity. We acknowledge that there are historic and systemic inequities in financial services, and we recognize that it is our responsibility to deepen our collective understanding of racial injustice, implicit bias and systemic inequities.

As an industry, the banking community is uniquely positioned to increase economic inclusion through access to safe and sound financial services. We are committed to using our knowledge and resources to increase racial equity and economic inclusion and will:

Strive for more diversity in the banking industry’s workforce, including executive and board positions. Increase cultural agility within the banking industry through training and conversation.

Include racial equity as a lens in evaluating public policy positions. Support bank initiatives to increase e conomic inclusion for BIPOC communities.

Partner with other organizations that share goals of increasing economic justice and access to financial services.

Identify, condemn and end practices that are racist or lead to racial inequity. Learn more at oregonbankers.com/bipoc.

Marlene

Johanson,

Commercial Banking Officer 201 hours

AVP,

“At Heritage, volunteering and giving back isn’t just something we list on our website, it’s fundamentally woven into who we are and what we do every day. I’m honored to work for a bank that shares those same values of giving back and empowers me to be a leader within my community. Volunteering has given me the unique opportunity to share my skills with others, expand my knowledge and expertise, influence the direction of local organizations, network with other professionals and business leaders and, most importantly, make a positive impact in the place I call home.”

Marlene has worked at Heritage for a number of years, mostly in retail as a branch manager and community banking manager. Now in her currently role as a commercial banking officer, she works with business customers to find financial solutions that meet their goals. Her experience in small business lending, branch management and consumer lending gives her a solid foundation to help her customers succeed. As a longtime resident of Longview, Marlene is an avid supporter of a number of local community organizations. She is currently the treasurer for the KLTV board and board president for the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce and is past president for the United Way of Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties.

Jess Daly, Relationship Banking Assistant 213 hours

“As a queer woman in banking, it makes a huge difference working for a company that not only believes in the work that you do but is enthusiastic about it too. Since joining the bank, I’ve had the opportunity to serve on the DEI Council and Heritage Helps Committee. I believe these types of platforms are crucial in allowing employees to amplify their voices, advocate for change and lead with purpose. I’m thankful for the ability to follow my passions but more so that I’m encouraged to make a change in my community.”

Jess is an experienced banker with a history in business relationship management, portfolio management, commercial lending, SBA expansion and business acquisition. She provides daily support for other business lines, manages accounts, processes transactions and assists with incoming customer inquiries. She also works closely with customers to recommend products, services and solutions that fit their specific needs. Jess actively volunteers at New Avenues for Youth, Friends of Trees, SOLVE Oregon, Cupcake Girls, Oregon Food Bank and Blanchet House. Additionally, for almost a decade, she’s volunteered at and fundraised for Cascade AIDS Project; worked at their summer camp, Camp KC, dedicated to children who are living with and/or affected by HIV/AIDS; and is a member of their Ambassador Council.