West Michigan Community Bank opens new branch

West Michigan Community Bank opens new branch
Hudsonville-based West Michigan Community Bank said it will host an Aug. 20 ribbon-cutting ceremony with representatives from the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce for its new retail and commercial lending center at 4797 Cascade Road SE. <strong>Courtesy West Michigan Community Bank</strong>

A bank based in Hudsonville is opening its seventh location this month.

Hudsonville-based West Michigan Community Bank said it will host an Aug. 20 ribbon-cutting ceremony with representatives from the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce for its new retail and commercial lending center at 4797 Cascade Road SE, in the Cascade area of Grand Rapids Township.

Construction began last summer. Design plans were modified this spring to address the need for physical distancing in light of COVID-19.

David Bareman, owner of Holland-based DLB Architects, served as the principal architect on the project, and Grand Rapids-based First Companies was the general contractor, according to a previous Business Journal report.

The new 8,000-square-foot branch, which is the bank’s seventh location, will house about 15 staff members and will feature a retail branch on the first floor to provide everyday banking needs, including retail lending. The second floor will serve as a commercial lending center with room for up to five commercial bankers and their support staff. The facility is situated on a lot that features free parking.

“We’re grateful to be able to celebrate this new investment, which represents our commitment to becoming the premier community banking franchise in West Michigan,” said Philip Koning, president and CEO, West Michigan Community Bank. “With our focus on building relationships and providing products and customer service that exceed expectations, we’ve enjoyed great success and are looking forward to continuing that momentum.

“We’re dedicated to ensuring the new location will be a great economic asset for the community, providing prudent fiscal stewardship, responsiveness and willingness to always lend a helping hand for the success of our customers. We have built-in new measures to ensure our team and customers can feel comfortable and secure each time they walk through the door.”

To help safeguard customers and staff from the spread of COVID-19, the bank is limiting the total number of guests allowed in branches, requiring face coverings and asking people to respect social distancing of at least 6 feet apart from others. Guests are asked to use alternative banking options if they have cold or flu-like symptoms, fever, cough or shortness of breath. Online account access is available 24/7.

The bank also encourages customers to schedule appointments for loans and wealth management to ensure staff is available.

Koning said the bank’s commitment to building relationships is a key reason for its continued success.

“We actively listen to customers’ needs and keep their best interests in mind in order to offer personalized service and a quality community bank experience,” he said. “We are excited to welcome the community to our new facility.”

West Michigan Community Bank

Founded in 1976 as the Bank of Hudsonville, West Michigan Community Bank has grown and expanded over the years and now has more than 100 employees working at seven branches in Hudsonville, Grand Rapids Township, Holland, Jenison, Zeeland and downtown Grand Rapids.

The bank offers retail and commercial services, including personal, business, loans and wealth management.