Business & Finance
Business and Finance
Business and Finance
Mon, November 15, 2010 
SEATTLE--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--[ Umpqua Bank ], a subsidiary of Umpqua Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ:UMPQ), has identified six new store sites in the Seattle metropolitan area where it will soon introduce its innovative retail approach and customer experience. In addition, later this month the company will begin remodeling 19 acquired store locations throughout the Puget Sound.
"Umpquaa™s store concept represents a dramatic shift away from traditional bank branches. We integrate into existing neighborhoods the way a coffee shop would, combining friendly associates who know you by name with smart design and a customer experience that reflects the character of the community."
Each store will showcase emerging and existing technologies that foster community and redefine what consumers can expect from a banking experience. Like caf©s and other gathering places, Umpqua Banka™s stores will provide customers and visitors with an engaging space to browse local merchandise, shop online, enjoy a cup of coffee and learn about local events, in addition to banking.
aWe are committed to reinventing conventional banking practices and restoring the financial footing of customers throughout the Puget Sound,a said Ray Davis, president and CEO of Umpqua Bank. "Umpquaa™s store concept represents a dramatic shift away from traditional bank branches. We integrate into existing neighborhoods the way a coffee shop would, combining friendly associates who know you by name with smart design and a customer experience that reflects the character of the community."
About Umpquaa™s Store Model
Each location will be fully equipped to offer personal banking, mortgage lending, business finance and lending resources, and will also feature:
- A Discover Wall digitally presenting bank products and services for customers to peruse before printing or emailing any items of interest.
- An electronic community bulletin board where Umpqua a" as well as local organizations and individuals a" can post events and neighborhood photos.
- A LocalSpotlight program featuring local merchants and their products.
- A Computer Caf© for consumers to bank online and surf the Internet, and explore Umpquaa™s in-store digital experience.
- A hotline phone to call the bank president directly.
- Umpquaa™s signature service delivery model, which includes Ritz Carlton-trained associates, and regional touches such as a gourmet chocolate coin with each transaction and videos by Pacific Northwest artists.
Upcoming Locations
In December, Umpqua Bank will open a new store in Seattlea™s Capitol Hill neighborhood. This location will feature several defining features to celebrate the history of the Capitol Hill district and encourage community involvement. In the spring, Umpqua will open another location in the Queen Anne neighborhood, and has identified four additional locations in the metropolitan area that will be announced before year-end.
Umpqua Banka™s signature and award-winning neighborhood store concept grew from the companya™s belief that it's possible to create community and foster connections between businesses, organizations and consumers by offering a thoughtful combination of products, services, information and resources. For a sneak peek at the Capitol Hill store, visit [ www.umpquabank.com/capitolhill ].
For information about store locations and hours of operation, visit [ www.umpquabank.com/locator ].
About Umpqua Bank
[ Umpqua Bank ], headquartered in Roseburg, Ore., is a subsidiary of Umpqua Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: UMPQ) and has 183 locations between San Francisco and Seattle, along the Oregon and Northern California Coast, and in Central Oregon and Northern Nevada. Umpqua Bank has been recognized for its innovative customer experience and banking strategy by national publications including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, BusinessWeek, Fast Company and CNBC. The company has been recognized for the past four years in a row on FORTUNE magazinea™s list of the countrya™s a100 Best Companies To Work For.a Umpqua Holdings also owns a retail brokerage subsidiary, Umpqua Investments Inc., which offers services through Umpqua Bank stores and in dedicated offices throughout Oregon. Umpqua's Private Bank Division serves high net worth individuals and non-profits providing customized financial solutions and offerings. Umpqua Holdings Corporation is headquartered in Portland, Ore. For more information, visit [ http://www.umpquabank.com ].
