Washington Trust Bank honored as chamber business of the month

By Reader Staff

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce recently announced Washington Trust Bank as its business of the month for February, highlighting the 121-year-old institution’s “four generations” of “integrity and commitment to community.”

With more than 40 centers and offices in Washington, Idaho and Oregon, Washington Trust is the oldest and largest privately-held commercial bank in the Northwest.

“Being independent, they are able to set their sights on long-term goals rather than quarterly results,” the chamber stated. “They stay focused on doing the right thing for their clients and the communities they serve.”

Not only does Washington Trust serve the community as an institution, its employees are active in local volunteer efforts, the chamber stated.

Led by Branch Manager Nate Rench and Assistant Manager Connor Curry, their department sponsors the free Summer Concert Series in Farmin Park each year.

Rench is a member of Kiwanis and serves on the board of the Bonner Community Housing Agency, which works on photo. projects to bring affordable housing to the Sandpoint area. Curry is a member of the Chamber Ambassadors group and a community volunteer for chamber events.

Eric Paull, local vice president and relationships manager in commercial banking, is a board member and current chairperson of the Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency, a board member of the Kootenai-Ponderay Sewer District and Bonner County Development Corporation, and a member of the Sandpoint Rotary Club. His department sponsors the annual CHAFE 150 event, Panhandle Alliance for Education and the Festival at Sandpoint.