Bank of the West 2008 Annual Report Download - page 12

10
SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISE BANKING
Bank of the West understands the unique challenges
that owners of small and medium-size businesses face
in building and managing their companies. Our
products and services provide the day-to-day tools
that allow small and medium enterprises to focus on
future growth.
Through our branch network, we provide small compa-
nies and entrepreneurs with business checking
accounts, cash management products, credit
cards, electronic deposit service, lines of credit,
loans, leases, investment products and private
banking services. Equipment leasing, inventory
flooring plans and other commercial banking
products as well as insurance and wealth man-
agement services are also available.
Growing the Economy
From manufacturers to service firms, wholesalers to
retailers, our customer base of small and medium-size
enterprises reflects all aspects of a diverse economy.
One such company is frozen food products manufac-
turer, Ramar Foods in Pittsburg, California. The bank-
ing relationship began with a revolving line of credit
for working capital and deepened to include multiple
products and a larger line of credit. When Ramar
wanted to expand its headquarters and manufacturing
facility, the bank provided a letter of credit to the State
of California that allowed the company to receive
favorable financing through industrial revenue bonds.
In New Mexico, Keva Juice, a smoothies franchise
headquartered in Albuquerque, expanded its relation-
ship with Bank of the West from a term loan to cash
management, merchant services, business and personal
bank accounts and private banking services.
Bank of the West’s dependable, professional service is
why so many Asian-American business owners rely on
our Pacific Rim Banking Division for loan and deposit
products, cash management services and banking
services related to international trade.
Exclusive Loan Products
Lawrence Allen of Stockton, California, came to Bank
“Important factors when a person selects a bank include the liquidity, the
strength and the overall financial stability of that institution,” says Sil Gonzales,
President and Chief Executive Officer of Gonzales Automotive Group in South
Gate, California. “We put our total cash management account into Bank of the
West. So our balances are where we feel we are safe.”
Understanding
Business Pa r tner
Our loan and deposit products allow business owners to
stay focused on doing business.
Sil Gonzales, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gonzales Automotive Group, left, with Bank of the West’s
Tony Hernandez, VP, Sr. Commercial Relationship Manager.