With one new branch in Tulare and two new branches slated to open in 2010, Porterville based Bank of the Sierra continues to grow, despite the struggling economy. “Our next opening, in Farmersville, is scheduled for early 2010 - with Selma following later that year,” stated Jim Holly, Bank of the Sierra President and CEO.

In a recent fundraising partnership between Bank of the Sierra and the Fresno Area Down Syndrome Society (FADSS), Bank of the Sierra and its customers helped collect over $4,000. The money raised will be used to help provide programs that promote greater awareness of the developmental, educational and social potential of people with Down Syndrome.

According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Bank of the Sierra gained top honors as the community bank with the highest share of deposit dollars in Tulare County. In the FDIC’s Deposit Market Share report, published in mid-October, Bank of the Sierra held $793 million or 20.62%.

Bank of the Sierra is pleased to announce Tanya Iacono as AVP, Branch Loan Officer for the Visalia Main Street branch. Tanya is currently working on obtaining a degree in Business Finance and has over 13 years in the banking industry. She started her banking career as a Teller and has most recently worked as a Credit Officer and a Relationship Manager.

Bank of the Sierra is pleased to announce Beth Messinger as the new Vice President/Branch Manager for the Visalia Mooney Branch.

Bank of the Sierra is pleased to announce the promotion of Rick Wehmueller to Senior Vice President and Director of Deposit Service. Rick has been an employee of Bank of the Sierra since 1996, and most recently managed the operations of the bank’s Visalia offices as Area Manager. Rick’s new position will allow him to oversee bank-wide and municipal deposit account acquisition.