GROWING THE EAST VALLEY Making a long-term commitment to create economic growth
FOSTERING GROWTH IN THE EAST VALLEY
ENTREPRENEURIAL. BUSINESS-FRIENDLY. Alliance Bank of Arizona makes long-term commitment to Chandler, East Valley
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By Michael Ferraresi
he largest locally headquartered bank in Arizona opened a new base of operations in Chandler this month, capping a period of rapid corporate growth and emphasis on regional economic development. Alliance Bank of Arizona opened its 27,000-square-foot center near Ray Road and the Loop 101 in a Feb. 18 grand opening. The site will house more than 50 employees with the bank’s regional commercial and branch banking facilities, in addition to other support functions. The announcement also brings an economic boost to a city with a growing presence as a southeast Valley business hub. Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny said he appreciated Alliance Bank of
Arizona’s long-term commitment and investment in the city. The mayor added that the bank’s location at 3033 W. Ray Road could serve as an anchor for the commercial area north of Chandler Fashion Center. “This new facility is located in a very dynamic area of our city and should serve Alliance and its customer base well for many years to come,” Tibshraeny said. Alliance Bank of Arizona is a division of Western Alliance Bank. The local division was founded in 2003 by a group that included James Lundy, the current Alliance Bank of Arizona chief executive, and Robert Sarver, majority owner of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury. Western Alliance Bank has grown to more than $10 billion in assets. Lundy and Dee Burton, Alliance Bank of Arizona’s executive vice president
Right: The foyer of Alliance Bank of Arizona’s new Chandler location. Photo by Marilyn Szabo
Left: Rep. Bob Robson, District 18; City of Chandler Councilmember Jack Sellers; Chandler Vice Mayor Kevin Hartke; Chandler Councilmember René Lopez; Chandler Councilmember Jeff Weninger. Photo by Brock Elliott
and East Valley Bank Center director, characterized the company’s Chandler expansion as emblematic of its statewide evolution. The new site is Alliance Bank of Arizona’s eleventh in Arizona. “The Chandler banking center signifies our ongoing commitment to provide our clients direct access to the bank’s decision-makers and dayto-day service from some of the most entrepreneurial business bankers in the state,” Lundy said in a recent statement. 2 • AllianceBankofArizona.com • Spring 2015
“Our growth is a reflection of the trust we have earned from Arizona’s business community.” Micah Miranda, Chandler’s economic development director, said Alliance Bank of Arizona has already become “a community asset providing capital opportunities to businesses in all stages of their life cycle.” Roc Arnett, president of the regional East Valley Partnership economic development coalition, called Alliance
A division of Western Alliance Bank. Member FDIC.
GRAND OPENING
“This new facility is located in a very dynamic area of our city and should serve Alliance and its customer base well for many years to come.” — CHANDLER MAYOR JAY TIBSHRAENY
Bank of Arizona’s new Chandler location a vibrant future hub for the company he’s grown to know over the years. “It will be a broad expanse of their services, which I find to be quite robust,” said Arnett, who added that Alliance executives have long demonstrated an aggressive committed to caring for clients and customers. Terri Kimble, president of Chandler Chamber of Commerce, said she was impressed by how Alliance Bank of Arizona joined the Chamber and other city leaders in 2014 to host an “Exporting 101” seminar to coach local businesses
on how to export. Efforts like those, she said, are what set Alliance Bank of Arizona apart from other banks. “They are helping those mediumsized businesses, and some larger businesses, get a footprint to reach globally,” said Kimble, who added that the new Ray Road office would enhance the character of that Ray Road-Loop 101 corridor. Alliance Bank of Arizona also has a branch on Baseline Road in Mesa, in addition to others in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Flagstaff, Tucson and Sedona. “That’s only going to help strengthen Arizona’s economy,” she said.
A division of Western Alliance Bank. Member FDIC.
A ribbon cutting ceremony marked the grand opening of Alliance Bank of Arizona’s newest location near Ray Road and the Loop 101 in Chandler. Guests in attendance included Chandler Chamber of Commerce President Terri Kimble, Chandler Vice Mayor Kevin Hartke and Alliance Bank of Arizona CEO Jim Lundy. Photos by Brock Elliott and Emily Piraino
Spring 2015 • AllianceBankofArizona.com • 3
BUSINESS ALLIANCES
Banker Insulation values solid customer relationships
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ince the day Banker Insulation opened in August, 1977, the company has strived to offer top-notch customer service on every job from start to finish. Whether they are providing insulation for a dog house or a large high-rise building, Banker Insulation has what it takes to make sure the job is done right. “Our core business is insulation, and we service both residential and commercial markets,” Jeff Banker said, adding that from retro fitting insulation into existing homes to remodels or working on new builds, his company is ready, willing and able to help. “We have been installing comfort and energy efficiency since 1977,” Banker said. Over the years, Banker Insulation has grown to be one of the largest, independently owned insulation contractors in the Southwest. It now has 12 locations throughout Arizona, Southern California, Nevada, New Mexico and Washington. As for what helps Banker Insulation to stand out from the competition, Banker said it all boils down to one very important factor. 4 • AllianceBankofArizona.com • Spring 2015
East Valley Institute o ignites p
“It’s our people. Our people are what help to set us apart. They work hard, and they care about what they do.” As president of Banker Insulation, Banker said he also values the close relationships he has developed with several vendors, including his company’s bank. “We had been working with a big national bank, but several years ago when a lot of banks went through the crisis with the recession and government reform and bailout loans, our bank just really gave up their relationship with us, and became almost lifeless,” Banker said. After researching other banks, Banker decided to entrust his company’s accounts with Alliance Bank of Arizona. Now, several years later, he said he is still glad he made the switch. “Alliance Bank is smaller and more flexible and innovative, and they came in wanting to work with us,” Banker said. “As we value relationships with our customers, Alliance has shown us that they value their relationship with us.”
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he East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) was created in the early 1990s when voters in 10 school districts approved the creation of the EVIT Joint Technological Education District. As EVIT’s Superintendent Dr. Sally Downey noted, Mesa Public Schools led the push to create EVIT because their leaders recognized the value of quality career and technical education, but also knew how expensive it is for taxpayers to provide each district with its own technology and equipment necessary to ensure that students are trained to the latest industry standards. EVIT’s Main Campus, 1601 W. Main St., Mesa, was built to provide a centralized school where students from all 10 districts could receive advanced career training. In 2011, EVIT added the East Campus at 6625 S. Power Road. “EVIT offers 40 career programs tuition-free to high school students who live in those 10 districts,” Downey said, adding that they also provide tuition-based programs for adults. “EVIT is the school where students discover their passion — and how to turn that passion into a paycheck.
A division of Western Alliance Bank. Member FDIC.
of Technology passion for learning Our programs include everything from aviation, cosmetology, welding and automotive to fire science, engineering, fashion design, culinary arts — and so much more. The School of Health Sciences alone offers a dozen programs training students for a range of medical careers.” Downey said the strong business partnerships set EVIT apart from other schools, as every program is advised by industry representatives. And, nearly every program leads to a professional credential to make their students employable anywhere. “But it’s our results that truly make EVIT stand out: Our students have a 95 percent high school graduation rate and two out of three go on to college.” Results set Alliance Bank apart too, Downey said. “Since 2011, Alliance has provided us with unequaled customer service, continued follow-up, and remote deposits that are not only convenient, but also enhance the productivity of our staff,” Downey said, adding that EVIT and Alliance Bank share some key points in common. “Like EVIT, the real prep school, Alliance Bank provides real quality service — and is second to none.”
Chandler Harley-Davidson sets standard for service, sales
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s owner of Coulter Automotive Group, a 90-year-old Arizona automotive enterprise with four dealerships throughout the Valley and a number of Harley Davidsons nationwide, Bill Coulter takes pride in his beautiful showroom of new and used motorcycles. Customers who come into his full-service dealership can select from a wide variety of models like the Sportster, CVO, Softail and others. Those who are in the market for parts for their motorcycle will find what they need in the store’s fully-stocked parts department, and the motorclothes departments are great sources for genuine HarleyDavidson gear for both riders and their bikes. One thing that helps to set the Chandler HarleyDavidson store apart is that the dealership is well staffed at all times with a team of people who are happy to help provide a great level of customer service. They truly understand that without customers coming in to shop for bikes and gear, there would be no Chandler HarleyDavidson dealership.
A division of Western Alliance Bank. Member FDIC.
Whether someone is coming in to ask questions about a new model, schedule a test drive or purchase a handful of parts for an at-home repair, Coulter’s team of employees strive to provide a warm welcome in their inviting showroom. Coulter, whose Harley-Davidson group has eight locations around the country, said most of his general managers are also equity partners, which gives them an ownership mentality as well as a dedication to their store’s success. Around five years ago, Coulter started working with Alliance Bank. Just like Chandler Harley-Davidson prides themselves on working closely with their customers, Coulter has found that Alliance Bank also places a strong emphasis on the importance of customer relations. “I like that the leadership is local and I can speak to them if need be, and they have also been quick to respond to my requests,” Coulter said, adding that he has been pleased with his experiences with Alliance Bank because as a bank, “they get it.”
Spring 2015 • AllianceBankofArizona.com • 5
MEET YOUR
BANKERS LOCAL BUSINESS
CUSTOMERS
SMALL BUSINESS
By Meghan Moravcik Walbert
Alliance Bank of Arizona strives to offer businesses the best of both worlds — the strong capacity and robust product offerings of a large bank, along with the flexibility, commitment and personalized service of a local bank. Meet some of bankers who will help provide that personalized service at Alliance Bank of Arizona’s new Chandler branch.
DEE BURTON
VICTOR NAPOLITANO
TAMMY MILLER
The best thing about Dee Burton’s job is that he gets to help local businesses grow and expand. “Arizona entrepreneurs are especially driven and dynamic,” said Burton, a Mesa resident who has been with Alliance Bank of Arizona since 2007. “Their needs are ever-changing. It makes my job challenging and exciting, not to mention that it gives me great pride and satisfaction to have a hand in the economic growth and vitality that’s visible today in the East Valley.” Burton sees his diverse banking background as a major asset to his customers. “I served over the years in a lot of banking divisions,” he said. “From corporate finance, leasing and SBA lending to agricultural loans and resort finance, I’ve done it all. I can be a true business partner at the table because I understand even the most specialized aspects of a client’s business.”
Victor Napolitano takes pride in acting as a trusted advisor to his customers. “I go beyond deposit services and loan products,” said Napolitano, a Chandler resident. “I like to take that additional step by answering two questions: Where does the customer have opportunities, and who do I know that can help them optimize these opportunities?” Napolitano’s experience in deposit services and loan products helps him offer personalized solutions to each customer. “For example, we work with a Canadian company that was expanding into Arizona and they were in need of a deposit relationship,” he said. “This company couldn’t get the response time they needed from the large banks. They needed a responsive bank that understood the complexities of doing business internationally—areas where we have excelled.”
Tammy Miller brings with her 10 years of experience working with SBA loans and small businesses. “Having focused my career around SBA loans and small businesses, I’ve had the privilege of watching many area businesses grow,” said Miller, a Tempe resident. “By providing them relevant information, these small businesses can make decisions to optimize cash flow. Once they see the resource potential and personalized service of a banker, there’s a change in perception and value of the relationship.” Miller focuses on figuring out each customer’s specific needs, so the bank can provide the best possible service. “Many small business owners don’t understand what a dedicated business bank can provide,” Miller said. “Small businesses often think all banks are the same. It’s my job to be a true business partner, helping my clients manage their momentum as well as their access to capital, often making their lives much easier.”
480-609-2309 dburton@alliancebankofarizona.com
480-609-2912 vnapolitano@alliancebankofarizona.com
602-952-5457 tmiller@alliancebankofarizona.com
EVP Valley Regional Manager
6 • AllianceBankofArizona.com • Spring 2015
Senior Vice President
Vice President
A division of Western Alliance Bank. Member FDIC.
DOING BETTER BUSINESS IN ARIZONA ALLIANCE BANK OF ARIZONA IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
CHANDLER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
COMMUNITY EVENTS
5/20
May 20, 8-10 a.m. Developer Round Table Location: Alliance Bank, Chandler Office 3033 W. Ray Road Chandler, AZ 85226
6/16
June 16, noon-1:30 p.m. Women in Business Location: SoHo63 63 E. Boston St. Chandler, AZ 85225
For more information, call 480-963-4571 or visit chandlerchamber.com
JIM LUNDY CEO, Alliance Bank of Arizona
4/10
April 10, 7:30-9 a.m. Rep. Matt Salmon (AZ-05) — Townhall on how to create better business in AZ and an update on events in Washington, D.C. Location: Alliance Bank, Chandler Office 3033 W. Ray Road Chandler, AZ 85226
QA
“’No’ doesn’t exist in Alliance Bank’s vocabulary. They really take time to brainstorm and think creatively. They don’t just want to present their own ideas, but they also want to hear ours and collaborate about how to bring the community together.” — CHANDLER CHAMBER PRESIDENT TERRI KIMBLE
A division of Western Alliance Bank. Member FDIC.
As one of Arizona’s top banks for local businesses, Alliance Bank has seen record growth and an expanding presence in the East Valley. With the bank’s newest branch now open in Chandler, the company is poised for even more success in the future. Alliance Bank of Arizona CEO Jim Lundy discusses what the new branch means for Chandler residents and the bank’s future growth. Why did Alliance Bank of Arizona decide to expand even further in the East Valley? The Chandler/Gilbert sector is one of the most vibrant regions in not only Arizona but the country. Many of the local business and professional clientele that represent our customer base are located there and so we believe it is a great expansion opportunity. What qualities does the East Valley possess that make it the perfect candidate for expansion? A young mobile work force, a great education system, forward-looking local government, a good range of housing and retail choices and a good transportation system. What can customers expect out of the new Alliance Bank of Arizona branch? The Chandler Office gives us a great opportunity to build on that momentum. It symbolizes our ongoing commitment to the state. After only 12 years we have the fourth largest bank deposit market share in Maricopa County, behind the “big three” banks. What sets Alliance Bank of Arizona apart from other banks in the state? Unlike many businesses, leadership within Alliance Bank of Arizona still takes an active role in the day-to-day interactions with our customers. Many of our executives, including myself and Robert Sarver, still go out on local client calls. This unique business model has propelled Alliance Bank of Arizona to record growth and an important roll in building community relationships. Spring 2015 • AllianceBankofArizona.com • 7
(Left to right): Dee Burton, EVP, Alliance Bank of Arizona; Terri Kimble, Chandler Chamber President; Jim Lundy, CEO, Alliance Bank of Arizona
SETTING A FOUNDATION
FOR THE FUTURE
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fter more than a century of forging communities and commerce out of the ofteninhospitable desert landscape, e, residents of Arizona have set the economic foundation for the future. The spirit of the state’s developers, civic leaders and industry pioneers is displayed in the book, “At Work in Arizona: The First 100 Years” — a series of pictorial essays published by Alliance Bank of Arizona. The book includes more than 200 historical photographs, including many
collected by the bank over the past 12 years to display in its branch locations. “At Work in Arizona” has been shared with audiences at Arizona Storytellers
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events in partnership with Republic ev Media. Photos highlight the state’s M economic development over the decades, ec the first train to roll into Flagstaff, from fr to Jerry Colangelo at a groundbreaking of o the Arizona Diamondbacks stadium in downtown Phoenix. The book, which is showcased at next100years.org, was curated by photon grapher Marilyn Szabo and written by g Rosebrook. It’s available for a $100 Stuart St donation and proceeds benefit 12 Arizona nonprofits dedicated to improving the quality of education in the state.
CHARITIES
AT WORK IN ARIZONA SUPPORTS:
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A Stepping Stone Foundation Act One Foundation AZ Earn to Learn Boys Hope Girls Hope College Success Arizona Children’s Museum of Phoenix Children’s Museum Tucson Elevate Phoenix First Things First Friendly House Junior Achievement of Arizona Support Our Schools AZ For more information, visit next100years.org.
A division of Western Alliance Bank. Member FDIC.