Bank on it

Eastern Sierra Community Bank opens its new location on Old Mammoth Rd. next to Roberto’s on Feb. 8. (Photo: Lunch)

Eastern Sierra Community Bank poised for move

The groundhog will not be the only one to emerge from its hiding place in February. After nine long years of being tucked away in a little alcove off Mountain Boulevard in Mammoth Lakes, the Eastern Sierra Community Bank is relocating to a more central business district in town. Beginning February 8, the bank will be more prominently located on Old Mammoth Road.
Jeff Buss, vice president and branch manager of ESCB, said he and his staff are excited about the move, hoping the more visible location will entice more clients to open accounts. Buss said investing in ESCB is a smart idea for those in the community who are locally-minded.
“All the deposits here are reinvested in the Eastern Sierra,” Buss said. “Everything we take in comes back to this community in some form.”
In addition to supporting non-profit organizations and foundations in town, Buss said the bank prides itself on hiring local and experienced banking professionals who are very tied to the community. He said the staff is also invested in making personal connections with clients, making them feel welcome and at home with the bank.
“When I see someone opening an account, I go out and introduce myself, and let them know that they should feel free to reach me at any time,” Buss said. “The staff knows you by name and doesn’t treat you like a number.”
Bill Nunes, vice president of marketing for the bank, said a community bank like ESCB is more able to tailor to the specific needs of clients than major national banks. Because ESCB covers a smaller area and population, it retains more flexibility to customize plans for every customer’s unique needs, and offer products comparable to those offered by major banks.
“We’re a small, local and community bank,” Nunes said. “So when it comes to the product selection, we offer all the same or very similar products and services.”
ESCB offers free checking, loans and lines of credit to any size business, with specialized services for small business owners.
In addition to the location change, ESCB will be extending its daytime hours to 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Friday. The bank will also now be open on Saturdays. The ATM machines will remain open 24/7.