"We offer the sphisticated products and expertise of a large bank, but we deliver them witht he personal service and engagement of a community bank and the innovative experioence of a great retailer." —Lindsey Strange
Founded in 1953, Umpqua Bank is the West Coast’s largest community bank.
“We have more than 4,000 associates and 330 locations, spanning from Seattle to San Diego and from the Oregon Coast to Idaho and into Northern Nevada,” says Lindsey Strange, senior vice president and retail regional director.
“Our bank offers a combination of consumer banking services, including deposits and loans, home lending, private banking and a broad suite of small business products and services, like cash flow management and lending. On the commercial side, our expertise includes commercial and industrial loans, wine specialty and commercial real estate lending.”
Over its 63 years, in business, Umpqua has earned a reputation as a different kind of bank.
“Umpqua is special in many ways, but what truly sets us apart is our unique culture and local decision making,” affirms Strange. “Our associates are empowered to make decisions and do what’s right for our customers. We offer the sophisticated products and expertise of a large bank, but we deliver them with the personal service and engagement of a community bank and the innovative experience of a great retailer. We call our locations stores, and they’re designed to be inviting spaces for customers and noncustomers alike—come in and read the paper, surf the Internet, enjoy a cup of coffee, attend an event or host one.”
In short, Umpqua Bank’s mission is to serve its communities.
“All of us at Umpqua are deeply committed to investing in the health of the communities we serve, both financially through active lending to businesses and consumers, and philanthropically with the company’s time and resources,” explains Strange. “Personally, I’m a huge fan of our Connect Volunteer Network program, which provides every associate with up to 40 hours of paid time off to volunteer for organizations they’re passionate about. In 2015 alone, Umpqua was actively involved in the North Bay community, making financial gifts of more than $150,000 via sponsorships and grants. In addition, through our Connect Volunteer Network, Umpqua associates donated time and resources to more than 30 nonprofit organizations including Cope Family Center, Boys and Girls Club of Napa and Sonoma, Big Brothers Big Sisters and others.”
For those that are not familiar with the Umpqua Bank’s unique approach, Strange recommends people visit. “I encourage you to stop in to your neighborhood Umpqua Bank store and learn more,” she says. “Our Universal Associates are cross-trained to help customers with any consumer banking need—and they’re also passionate about our history and our commitment to our customers and communities.”
To those familiar with their services, and especially those who voted to make Umpqua Bank the Best Consumer Bank in the NorthBay biz readers poll, Strange’s gratitude is palpable. “Thank you! This is a great honor—and a testament to how hard we strive to serve you, our customers and communities, at the highest possible level.”
