History & Family :: First Independent Bank

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We were founded in 1910 and the Firstenburg family has owned and operated the bank since 1936. In 2005, E.W. Firstenburg retired as Chairman of the Board of Directors after 69 years. Today, he continues to serve on the Board, providing his insight and strategic thinking.

Historical Timeline

1910 -	Bank chartered as Ridgefield State Bank.
1936 -	E.W. Firstenburg starts working at the Bank. Becomes shareholder.
1945 -	E.W. Firstenburg becomes the majority shareholder of the State Bank of Battle Ground.
1947 -	E.W. Firstenburg merges the State Bank of Battle Ground and Ridgefield State Bank.
1954 -	Hazel Dell office constructed and opened as the Head Office.
1954 -	Ridgefield, Battle Ground and Hazel Dell merged to become First Independent Bank.
1960 -	Downtown Vancouver office opens and becomes Head Office.
1966 -	Trust Department established.
1984 -	First Independent Bank purchases The Columbia Gorge State Bank (Stevenson, Bingen, and Carson).
1991 -	Head Office expands to new location at 1220 Main St., Vancouver, Washington.
1997 -	First Independent Mortgage Company established to expand home loan products.
1998 -	Woodland Financial Center opens in September.
2001 -	22nd branch opens in Camas.
2003 -	23rd branch opens inside the Waterford at Fairway Village.
2004 -	24th branch opens in Bellevue, Washington
2004 -	Commercial and Wealth Management office opens in Portland, Oregon.
2005 -	E.W. Firstenburg retires from the board after 69 years
2005 -	Firstenburg Family Office established
2006 -	5-star superior rating for 70th consecutive quarter from Bauer Financial
2006 -	Opening of International Branch Office on 4th Plain Boulevard (late fall)

The Firstenburg Family

The Firstenburg Family came to the SW Washington area in 1935. They have deep roots in the communities of the region and today three generations of Firstenburgs work for First Independent and serve on the Board of Directors.

E.W. Firstenburg began working in the Ridgefield State Bank and became a stockholder in 1936. He became the majority stockholder in the State Bank of Battle Ground in 1945 and merged both banks in 1947. In 1954 the Hazel Dell branch was constructed and opened as the Head Office when all three were merged to become First Independent Bank. E.W. Firstenburg remained chairman of the board of directors until November 2005 when he relinquished that position to his son, William. Today, at 94, E.W. remains an active member of the board and the community. He continues daily office hours working with clients at the Waterford branch office. He also works from the Firstenburg Family Office located at First Independent's corporate office in Vancouver, where he manages philanthropic giving and other family investments.

William J. Firstenburg, current President and Chairman of the Board of First Independent, began his career with the company in 1963. He has worked with every business group, and today guides the strategic direction of the institution as it continues its regional expansion.

Bruce E. Firstenburg serves as an Executive Vice President of First Independent Bank, and is President of the First Independent Holding Company, which owns the bank, as well as real estate properties, businesses and other investments. Bruce has been with the company for more than 40 years.

Jeanne Firstenburg is an Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of First Independent and serves as Secretary of the First Independent Holding Company. She manages the day-to-day operations of the bank.

Scott Firstenburg is Vice President and Cash Management Officer. Scott works with closely with SW Washington business clients helping them to manage their cash flow and improve their bottom line.

Jeff Firstenburg is Senior Vice President and Oregon Strategy Manager. Jeff works with a senior team that is developing the business strategy in Oregon and leading sales efforts in metro Portland.

Joyce Firstenburg Chiles serves as a Director Emeritus on the First Independent Board of Directors.

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