Union Bank Opens to The Community In More Ways Than One

The new Union Bank in Lakemont Village didn't just open its doors to the Lakemont neighborhood of Bellevue last month.

It also opened its building to local nonprofits and local clubs, with a small conference room intended for community use.

"We know this community and we want to be part of this community," said branch manager Steve Palomo. "It's entirely free. There's free wi-fi access, a 65-inch LCD TV for presentations."

The small conference room has tables, chairs, room for between 30 and 35 people and a fireplace and is separated from the main part of the bank, so that community groups can hold meetings in the evenings after bank hours.

"Basically, it's the public's," Palomo said. "They can check out a key from us."

"It's just a great way for us to connect with customers and the community," Palomo said.

Next month, the bank plans to hold its grand opening celerbation and has plans to start holding financial literacy and other educational classes in that room, Palomo said.

The bank, which has a branch in downtown Bellevue, opened this new branch in the location that used to be a Blockbuster video at 4851 Lakemont Boulevard SE not too far from Starbucks.

The Lakemont branch is also the first new branch of the bank in the northwest since it acquired Everett-based Frontier Bank in May 2010. The bank has more than 50 locations throughout Washington and Oregon.

New at the Location

Palomo most recently was vice president, banking center manager for Bank of America in Bellevue and has more than 14 years working for and managing retail establishments and branches.

Also joining the Union Bank Lakemont location is Kelly Kavanaugh, senior Priority Banking relationship manager for the branch’s Priority Banking unit, who has 23 years of mortgage lending and investment experience to the Lakemont community. Kavanaugh specializes in the jumbo mortgage market and serving the needs of the mass affluent, including families, individuals, and entrepreneurs on complex banking and investment needs, such as succession planning. 

Other team members include Brett Riese, senior relationship banker; and Amy Bailey, customer service manager.