News

AMERICAN FORK, UTAH (Feb. 6, 2007) – Bank of American Fork, a subsidiary of People’s Utah Bancorp, with more than $800 million in assets, announced today that Wolfgang T.N. Muelleck, will expand his role as a member of the organization’s board of directors to become chief financial officer of People’s Utah Bancorp.

Muelleck, who serves on the board of both Bank of American Fork and People’s Utah Bancorp, has been elected to his third one-year term. He is the former chair of the Bank’s audit committee and is a current member of its strategic planning committee.

“Wolf Muelleck is a sophisticated financial officer, whose guidance is indispensable as People’s Utah Bancorp expands its operations in both Utah and Salt Lake Counties. His appointment is a boon to our organization,” said Rick Beard, CEO of People’s Utah Bancorp and Bank of American Fork.

For seven years, until 1997, Muelleck served as the chief financial and operations officer of ValliCorp Holdings, Inc./ ValliWide Bank (Fresno, Calif.) – the ninth largest Calif. bank holding company – managing an average annual growth of 25% to $1.4 billion in assets. Muelleck spent fifteen years as a partner with Ernst & Young, both in Fresno, Calif. and Salt Lake City.

Muelleck, a resident of Highland, Utah, earned a B.S. in Accounting from Brigham Young University and an M.B.A. with an emphasis in finance and accounting from the University of Utah. He is a Certified Management Accountant and a Certified Public Accountant in both Calif. and Utah. He is a member of the AICPA and the California Society of CPA.

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AMERICAN FORK, UTAH (Feb. 6, 2007) – Bank of American Fork, a subsidiary of People’s Utah Bancorp, with more than $800 million in assets, today announced that Laura A. Murphy, executive director of communications for Westminster College, has joined the organization’s board of directors and will serve as the board representative in the Bank’s marketing focus group.

“Laura Murphy is a brilliant addition to the Bank’s board of directors,” said Rick Beard, CEO of Bank of American Fork. “She is a recognized leader in sales, marketing and public relations, and her experience will be of incalculable value to our Bank and its holding company.”

Murphy, a resident of Park City, has over 20 years of marketing and advertising experience. She has served as the marketing director at Park City Mountain Resort, the director of marketing and sales for the Sundance Resort, and the senior public relations counsel at Bremer Public Relations in Salt Lake City. Murphy serves on the Summit County Restaurant Tax Advisory Committee and is a former member of the Park City Chamber Bureau Marketing Council, Ski Utah Marketing Committee, and the Summit Institute for the Arts and Humanities.

Murphy earned a B.S. in Journalism from the Boston University School of Public Communications and an M.B.A. with distinction from the New York University Graduate School of Business Administration.

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AMERICAN FORK, UTAH (Feb. 6, 2007) – Bank of American Fork, a community bank with ten branches in Salt Lake and Utah Counties, announced today the hiring of two new employees and the promotion of one to the position of vice president.
 

William Beck has been hired as Vice President and Commercial Lending Officer at Bank of American Fork’s Orem branch, where he is responsible for commercial, SBA, and construction lending. Beck has 22 years experience in the banking industry. Most recently, he spent 11 years at Far West Bank in Provo.
 

Joshua Everton has joined Bank of American Fork as Assistant Vice President and E-Banking Manager in the Bank’s Operations Center in American Fork. Previously, Everton worked as the Corporate Sales and Marketing Manager at Fibernet Corporation. He will supervise all of the Bank’s online banking services, remote banking products and general website activities.
 

Kelly Palmer has been promoted to Vice President and Loan Officer at the Alpine branch of Bank of American Fork. Palmer joined the Bank in 1993 as a loan processor. She serves customers seeking consumer and commercial loans.

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Annual Teddy Bear Drive brings cheer to children in crisis
Bank of American Fork kicks off 2006 Project Teddy Bear for children at the Family Support and Treatment Center in Orem and the Christmas Box House in Salt Lake City
 

American Fork, Utah (November 27, 2006) – Bank of American Fork is conducting its sixth annual Project Teddy Bear stuffed animal drive for abused, neglected and traumatized children.

All Teddy Bears collected between Nov. 27 and Dec. 20 at the bank’s ten branches will be presented on Dec. 21 to the Family Support and Treatment Center in Orem and the Christmas Box House in Salt Lake City.

In 2000, the first year of the drive, Bank of American Fork collected 237 bears. Last year, the total number of donated stuffed animals reached 1,653 – all for the Family Support and Treatment Center. Because of the success of the Project, and in light of the fact that Bank of American Fork would like to spread goodwill into Salt Lake County (where it has three, soon four, branches), the Bank has decided to expand this year’s drive to help more children. This year, the Bank will donate bears to both the Family Support and Treatment Center and the Christmas Box House.

The Family Support and Treatment Center provides crisis care for children at risk of abuse or neglect and helps high-risk families create more stable homes. The Christmas Box House, as part of Christmas Box International, provides services to improve the quality of life for children who have been abused or neglected. Stuffed animals play a significant role in the healing process for the children at both care centers.

“The first things kids do when they walk through our front door is pick out a teddy bear from under our year-round Christmas tree,” said Becky Rhead, Community Outreach Representative of the Christmas Box House in Salt Lake City. “The bears become constant companions. When kids are afraid or unsure, they always have something to hug. And it would break your heart to see how tightly they hold on.”

“The Teddy bears are an important part of child therapy sessions,” said Joy O’Banion, director of the Family Support and Treatment Center. “The bears are safe, soft and sure. With their new friends in their arms, children are much more willing to open up to us, to share their deepest hurts. This begins the healing process.”

This year, with the help of bank employees, customers and friends in the community, the bank is hoping to match the bears donated last year. This will provide enough bears for each child that visits the Family Support and Treatment Center between Dec. 21 and New Year’s Day (50-75 children visit the center each day), and for all the children staying at the Christmas Box House through early 2007 (the facility cares for an average of 100 children per month).

Community members interested in donating a Teddy bear or stuffed animal can do so at any of the Bank’s 10 branch locations during normal business hours through Dec. 20.

About Christmas Box House
The Salt Lake Christmas Box House provides temporary shelter and assessment services to children up to the age of eleven who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. Children receive mental, emotional, and physical care in a home-like, loving environment, and stay at the Christmas Box House until an appropriate placement has been made or until their environment at home is safe to allow for their return.

About Family Support and Treatment Center
The Family Support and Treatment Center serves the community by helping children and families build stronger and healthier relationships. The Center provides both prevention and treatment services for children, adults, and families dealing with child abuse and neglect, and serves as a shelter for children who have been removed from their parents' custody.

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Sandy Chamber of Commerce selects Daniel Flores as Chairman of the Board

AMERICAN FORK (Oct. 23, 2006) – The Sandy Chamber of Commerce has selected Daniel Flores, a Business Development Officer at Bank of American Fork, as Chairman of the Board.

Flores will start his new position as Secretary through the end of this year. In 2007 he will serve as Chair Elect and in 2008 will become Chairman of the Sandy Chamber of Commerce.
 

Flores has 25 years of banking experience, including three years at Bank of American Fork. He will continue his duties at the Bank in his role as a Business Development Officer serving both Utah and Salt Lake Counties.

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Bank of American Fork hires Gardner as Assistant Vice President, Bankcard Director

AMERICAN FORK (Oct. 2, 2006) – Bank of American Fork, a community bank with ten branches in Salt Lake and Utah Counties, has announced the hiring of Julie Gardner as Assistant Vice President/Bankcard Director at the Bank’s Operations Center in American Fork, Utah. In this role, she manages all Bank of American Fork credit and debit cards, check reserve and merchant servicing.

Gardner has 35 years of banking experience in banking. Prior to joining Bank of American Fork, she was the Bankcards Operations Manager at Zion’s Bank.
 

Bank of American Fork Celebrates Grand Re-Opening of Newly Expanded and Remodeled Murray Branch
Public Invited to View Remodeled Branch during Grand Re-Opening Sept. 29

MURRAY, Utah (Sept. 25, 2006) – Nearly four years after its original grand opening in December 2002, the Murray branch of Bank of American Fork will celebrate a grand re-opening to mark the completion of an eight-week remodeling and expansion project that increased the branch size by 1,300 square feet. Remaining in its original location at 135 East 6100 South, the branch will celebrate its renovation with a customer appreciation day.

“Since the branch opened in Murray four years ago, our customers have become our neighbors and our friends. We want them to know that we appreciate this friendship,” said Branch Manager Richard Gray. “The branch has been expanded by about 1,300 square feet. We are pleased that the extra space will allow us to better serve our customers.”

The newly remodeled branch will celebrate a grand re-opening on Friday, Sept. 29 featuring free refreshments and prize drawings from 11 am to 3 pm. The public is invited to participate in the day’s events and see the branch’s expanded offices.

The Murray branch is one of 10 full-service Bank of American Fork branches located in the communities of Alpine, American Fork, Draper, Highland, Lehi, Orem, Pleasant Grove, Sandy and Spanish Fork. The Bank continues to grow and will open a branch in Riverton late in 2006.

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LEHI, Utah (Sept. 1, 2006) – Today, longtime Bank of American Fork Lehi Branch Manager, Steve Swenson, will transfer responsibilities to Layne Cardon. Cardon has been appointed Swenson’s successor as Branch Manager. Swenson will continue serving the Bank as Senior Vice President at the Lehi Branch through his retirement in December and will remain on the Bank’s board of directors indefinitely.

Both Swenson and Cardon were born, raised and educated in Lehi. Both have spent the majority of their careers, and have raised their families there.
 

In addition to Swenson’s 36-year term as a banker in Lehi, he has a long history of service to the community. He has been the president of the Lehi Chamber of Commerce, the president of the Lehi High School booster club, a member of the Lehi City Council, a member of the Alpine School District Community Council and a supporter of the Lehi youth recreation program.

“I have been a community banker for a lifetime,” said Swenson. “I am comfortable and confident that Layne understands what ‘community banker’ means and that he will carry on an unwavering commitment to our customers and the Lehi community.”

Layne Cardon has worked at the Lehi Branch of Bank of American Fork since its opening in 1996. Before that, he served as a loan officer at American Investment Bank for 11 years. Cardon is a member of the Lehi Rotary Club.

Of his new role as Vice President and Branch Manager in Lehi, Cardon said: “We won’t lose any ground in the transition. Steve has been a wonderful leader. Now we are committed to carrying on the level of service that our customers have come to expect.”

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Dale O. Gunther named Distinguished Banker of 2006 at Utah Bankers Association Annual Convention

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH (July 7, 2006) – The Utah Bankers Association bestowed its highest honor, “The Distinguished Banker Award,” on Dale O. Gunther, President of People’s Utah Bancorp and former President of the Bank of American Fork, in recognition of his active leadership in Utah’s community banking industry and his many years of community service. The presentation was made at the Association’s 98th Annual Convention.

Mr. Gunther started with the Bank of American Fork in 1979 and became president and CEO in 1988. During his tenure as president, the bank grew from 2 branches and $80 million in assets to ten branches and $650 million in assets. Last year, Independent Banker Magazine rated the Bank of American Fork one of the top 20 community banks in the country in its asset class. Mr. Gunther retired from the bank in 2004, but continues as President of the bank holding company. He was Board Chairman of the Utah Bankers Association in 2001.

At the core of his philosophy is the bank’s relationship with its customers and the communities it serves. Under Mr. Gunther’s direction, the Bank of American Fork has always been an integral part of community events and activities, including support of the Utah State PTA, American Fork Chamber and Rotary organizations, American Fork Library, Utah Valley State College, and an organizer and supporter of the American Fork Downtown Beautification.

Last year he was elected to the American Fork City Council and serves as chair of the Finance Committee.

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AMERICAN FORK, UTAH (Jul. 6, 2006) – Bank of American Fork, a community bank with ten branches in Salt Lake and Utah Counties, announced today that four officers have been promoted to vice president and assistant vice president.

Bryce Anderson has been promoted to Vice President, Information Security Officer at Bank of American Fork. He is in charge of electronic and physical security at the Operations Center in American Fork. He also covers disaster recovery, business continuity and information technology policies.

Janet Fisher has joined the Bank as a Vice President, Commercial Lender in the Draper branch. She will be providing credit facilities for commercial and residential real estate construction and business loans.

Ivan Warner has been hired at the Lehi branch as an Assistant Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer where he specializes in lending for commercial development projects, residential development projects and general business expansion financing.

Todd Penovich has been promoted to Vice President and Loan Officer at the Alpine branch also specializing in commercial lending and residential and business development projects.

American Fork, Utah (May 19, 2006) –Bank of American Fork has hired seven new employees to its various branches across Utah and Salt Lake Counties.

Julie Wilson was hired at the Murray Branch as a Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer responsible for commercial lending, including real estate, equipment financing and operating lines of credit.

Jeff Cromar also accepted a position as a Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer at the Murray Branch where he will oversee new commercial loan generation, business relationship development and relationship management.

Tracey Larson was recently hired at the American Fork Branch as the Reference & Policy Manager where her duties include designing, developing and managing job reference materials, job aids and performance tools. She has worked at numerous banks throughout Utah for 25 years.

Jess Peterson has been hired as a Business Development Officer at the Draper Branch to sell commercial loan services to prospective clients.

John Hart was recently hired as a Business Development Representative at the Orem Branch where he contacts existing and prospective customers to build banking relationships and develop new business.

Brett Jensen accepted an Assistant Vice President/Commercial Loan Officer position at the American Fork Branch where he will assist in accelerating the Bank’s market share in the Commercial Lending arena.

Nick Liechty was hired as a Business Development Representative for the Pleasant Grove branch. He develops new business with prospective customers as well as maintains relationships with existing customers.

And finally, Sam Taylor was hired as a Credit Analyst at the Murray Branch where he underwrites commercial loans for the senior loan committee.

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Bank of American Fork promotes three to Assistant Vice President
American Fork, Utah (May 2, 2006) – Bank of American Fork recently announced the promotion of three employees to Assistant Vice President.

Robert Colborn, an American Fork native, started his career as a teller at Bank of American Fork’s Orem branch in 1997. In 1999 he transferred to the accounting department. Colborn has been promoted to Assistant Vice President.

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AMERICAN FORK, UTAH (April 18, 2006) – Bank of American Fork, a community bank with ten branches in Salt Lake and Utah Counties, announced today that Randall D Benson will join the Bank as Vice President-General Counsel. Benson will be based out of the Bank’s Murray Branch.

As an attorney with Callister Nebeker & McCullough since 1981, Benson has focused his practice on litigation and transactional banking law. He has represented Zions First National Bank, Bank of Utah and Bank of American Fork, among others.

Benson is a member of the American, Utah and Idaho Bar Associations. He serves on the board of trustees for Lakeview Hospital in Bountiful, Utah. He and his wife live in Bountiful; they have four children and six grandchildren.

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Bank of American Fork reaches out to Elementary Schools for Teach Children to Save Days
Students from Guadalupe, McMillan and Forbes Elementary Schools will learn to treat money responsibly

American Fork, Utah (April 17, 2006) – For the third year, Bank of American Fork will participate in the American Bankers Association Education Foundation’s nationwide youth outreach project, Teach Children to Save Day. However, employees at the Bank are so excited about sharing the message with as many children as possible that they have decided to expand the one national day into four local “Teach the Children to Save” days.

“It is so important to show children how and why to treat money responsibly,” said Bank of American Fork President, Richard Beard. “Reinforcing this message early will help them make smart money decisions when they are older.”

Tuesday and Wednesday, April 25-26, the Bank will invite students from McMillan Elementary School to the Murray branch, on Thursday, April 27, volunteers from the Bank will visit Guadalupe Elementary School on Salt Lake City’s west side, and on Friday, April 28 students from Forbes Elementary School will visit the main branch in American Fork. All students will learn the meaning of financial responsibility in a one-hour program divided into three sessions.

Students from McMillan and Forbes Elementary Schools who visit Bank branches in Murray and American Fork will participate in similar curricula. In the first session, they will learn how money grows using plants, money and a watering can. In the second session, using the same metaphor, students will learn about credit and how banks help the community grow. The training will conclude at a real lemonade stand, where students will learn how money works and why it is important to spend wisely – all while sipping their lemonade. Students will meet bankers at each branch and take home information packets and a keychain of Seymore the pig, the Bank’s mascot.

On April 27, the Bank will conduct the training at the Guadalupe School. After sharing Aesop’s fable, The Grasshopper and the Ant, to relate the importance of saving, Bank employees will teach three interactive sessions explaining budgeting, the difference between needs and wants, and how interest grows.

Teach Children to Save Day is sponsored by the non-profit American Bankers Association Education Foundation. Member banks of the ABA throughout the United States are participating in this event. The ABA provides materials to participating schools that include color posters, lesson plans, age-appropriate activities and budget exercises, a quiz for parents and resources on the internet.

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American Fork, Utah (March 31, 2006) – Major James Slagowski, of the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) officially relinquished command on Feb. 12 after serving as commander of Support Company, 19 SFGA, Utah National Guard since November 2003. This is no small feat, especially considering that Slagowski also works full-time as a compliance officer at Bank of American Fork’s main office in American Fork, Utah.

During his command, Slagowski focused his leadership on training his soldiers in combat skills, crew-served weapons and base defense.

“I have loved working with these young soldiers. I’ve been in a position to influence them for the rest of their careers,” said Slagowski. “It’s rewarding to think that I’ve given them something that will have an impact on them 30 years down the road.”

Recently, the Department of the Army selected Slagowski for promotion to lieutenant colonel. While he has not yet received his new assignment, he is looking forward to continued service. In the meantime, he will continue to concentrate on his family and career.

“My wife has always been very supportive of me, and my employer, Bank of American Fork, has also given me tremendous support,” he said.

“We are very proud of Jim Slagowski,” said Bank of American Fork president, Richard Beard. “Never before in the Bank’s 93-year history has one of our full-time Bank officers achieved the honor of lieutenant colonel in the reserves. And he is as dedicated to his role at the Bank as he is to his role as a mentor and leader in the National Guard.”

Slagowski and his wife, Tammy, have been married for eighteen years. They have five children and currently reside in Lehi, Utah.

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AMERICAN FORK (March. 17, 2006) – Bank of American Fork, a community bank with ten branches in Salt Lake and Utah Counties, has announced the promotion of Ramon Beck to Senior Vice President at the Bank’s Alpine Branch.

Beck started his 33-year career at the bank in 1973 as an after-hours teller. In 1975, he was asked to manage the Alpine branch, which was founded in 1974. During his tenure as the Alpine Branch Manager, he has also served as a loan officer and loan committee member.

Beck has lived in Alpine all his life. He and his wife have three grown children and seven grandchildren.

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AMERICAN FORK (March. 8, 2006) – Bank of American Fork, a community bank with ten branches in Salt Lake and Utah Counties, has announced the promotion of Barbie Nuttall to Assistant Vice President/Branch Support Services Manager at the Bank’s Operations Center in American Fork, Utah.
 

AMERICAN FORK, UTAH (Feb. 16, 2007) – Bank of American Fork, a community bank with ten branches in Salt Lake and Utah Counties, has announced the promotion of Stephanie Green to assistant vice president/consumer loan specialist at Bank of American Fork’s main branch in American Fork.
 

Green is responsible for consumer loans and for aiding in the bank card underwriting process. She began her career in banking 10 years ago at Bank of American Fork. She served as a loan processor for eight years and a loan specialist for two years prior to her recent promotion.

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 BANK OF AMERICAN FORK (April 24, 2007) - They may be small, but in America, they have deep pockets.

Children between the ages of 9 and 12 spend about $19.1 billion per year, according to a 2003 Harris
Interactive poll. Teenagers spent an estimated $159 billion in 2004, Teen Research Unlimited reported.

But local bankers will converge on Utah's schools today to talk about the other part of the money equation.
As part of Teach Children to Save Day, an annual event sponsored by the American Bankers Association,
bankers will meet with kids in more than 300 classes and every grade, spreading the good word about
money -- from interest and credit to budgeting and record-keeping.

"Smart money managers are not born, they're made," Laura Fisher, director of the ABA Education
Foundation, said in a statement. "The sooner children learn about saving, spending and budgeting, the
sooner they can develop good financial habits."

U.S. Bank employees will be at Rose Park, Nibley Park and Lynn Elementary schools, for example, while
Zions Bank will dispatch more than 185 of its employees around the state and in Idaho.

"Understanding financial matters is one of the most critical elements in a child's future success, and teaching
them good principles early is critical to developing good habits toward that future success," said Howard
Headlee, Utah Bankers Association president. "The way you manage your money can either provide you the
greatest opportunities, or present the biggest hurdles."

Richard Beard, president and chief executive officer of Bank of American Fork, will meet with 60
second-graders today at Bank of American Fork's Riverton branch.

"In general, I think we don't do a good job of educating our kids" about sound money management, Beard
said. "Our advertising tells them to be consumers but doesn't ever teach them about the financial side of it.
What we hope to do is help kids understand some real basic money facts."

At Bank of American Fork, the Teach Children to Save event is part of a larger, three-week program
designed to help kids learn about money basics. The first session introduces the fundamentals of saving and
the impact of compounding interest, Beard said, while the second covers the double-edged sword that is
credit. In the third session, Beard said the kids are presented with some real-world scenarios where they can
put their newfound skills to work.

"It might sound corny, but we really do believe that banks are a part of the community, and the real
foundation of any community is its kids," Beard said. "To us, this (program) is at the root of what bankers
ought to be doing."

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Layne Cardon Lehi Branch Manager

LEHI (April 13, 2007) - Layne Cardon has been named branch manager of the Lehi branch of Bank of American Fork.

 

 

 

Washington, D.C. (June 6, 2007) - ICBA Independent Banker, the national magazine of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) highlighted Bank of American Fork as a “Top 20” industry earnings performer.

  Named a Top 20 Performer
by the ICBA

Bank of American Fork was recognized for posting one of the 20 best year-end earnings performances in 2006 for ICBA member banks with more than $500 million in assets.
 

"Community banks are integral parts of the economic and civic fabric of thousands of towns and cities across America,” said ICBA Chairman James P. Ghiglieri, Jr., president of Alpha Community Bank, Toluca, Ill. “In addition to offering the quality financial products and services their customers need, community banks like Bank of American Fork spend countless hours and resources helping their communities thrive. ICBA congratulates Bank of American Fork for serving its community so efficiently and effectively.”

Bank of American Fork was identified in ICBA Independent Banker’s annual year-end ranking of ICBA members based on the standard industry performance measures of return on average assets and return on average equity. The magazine compiles its annual member rankings in its June issue from year-end FDIC call report data.

Separate performance rankings are listed for Subchapter S corporation community banks and Subchapter C corporation community banks among five asset categories. For details, visit the online news and media center at www.icba.org and click on Top 20 Best Performers.

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Go to work, punch the time clock, start working, eat lunch, work again, punch out, go home. Repeat every day. That’s exactly the drudgery that workers employed at Utah’s Best Companies to Work For avoid. Whether it’s foosball in the break room or yoga classes in the workplace, these companies offer uplifting environments for their employees.

The businesses distinguished as the Utah Business 2007 Best Companies to Work For succeed by offering perks beyond competitive salaries and comprehensive health benefits. They consider their employees’ satisfaction a key component to their business success and encourage personal growth in a variety of ways, including offering paid tuition and time for community service.

Each of the companies featured underwent a rigorous survey process administered by South Jordan-based Allegiance Inc. A representative from each company described their benefits and policies, and a percentage of employees from the company responded to a survey covering all aspects of these areas. Responses were scored, and the top 12 companies, three from each of four size categories, as well as five outstanding achievement categories, are featured in the following pages.

            In 2006, the bank donated more than $200,000 and 2,100 hours of volunteer work to 235 charitable organizations in the communities it serves. Among the charities that benefited were Habitat for Humanity, the Christmas Box House and Teach Children to Save Day.

            “We believe we are part of the community,” says CEO Richard Beard. “We believe a bank is a custodian of the community wealth and we have an obligation to take care of those assets for the community.”

             As the bank grows (the 11th branch opened in March and a 12th is planned), the leadership also recognizes the importance of creating opportunities for associates to grow within the company as well. Bank of American Fork has established an Associate Strategic Plan for those who want to stay long-term to develop career goals for the future.

            “We’ve grown to be the largest community bank in Utah. The way we approach that is that I really believe that if employees are happy, then customers are happy. And if customers are happy, then the bank grows,” Beard says.

            Attempts to encourage personal growth among employees have not gone unnoticed; many responses in the Best Companies survey recognized this culture within the company. “I feel the company offers all qualified personnel the same opportunity to advance, and encourages you to set career goals,” said one respondent. “[The bank] also helps provide those avenues in which you can achieve those goals.”

Survey Highlights

•     All employees eligible for profit sharing.

•     Community involvement includes Teach Children to Save Day, Project Teddy Bear, Christmas Box House, and   American Fork High School Marching Band.

•      Two annual company-wide parties.



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October 2007: BauerFinanacial, Inc., the nation's leading independent bank rating and research firm, is pleased to announce the Bank of American Fork, Utah has earned its highest 5-Star rating for safety and soundness. This is the 74th consecutive quarter that Bank of American Fork has merited this highest honor earning Bank of American Fork the added distinction of being an "Exceptional  Performance Bank" for having earned this highest distinction for ten years or longer. The 5-Star rating is based on the financial condition of the bank and indicates that Bank of American Fork is one of the strongest banks in the country. 

"We credit 5-Star community banks, like Bank of American Fork, for their ability to shine evern in this challenging economic enviornment," remarks Karen Dorway, president of the research firm. "With a tradition of dedication to its community, you can be assured that protecting your assets is Bank of American Fork's top priority."

Richard T. Beard, CEO of Bank of American Fork says, "Despite the current credit crisis and instability in the banking industry, it is good to note that community banks like Bank of American Fork are solid and operating as always. Mortgages and other products continue to be offered despite the conditions that fill the press.
           

Health care weighs on voters
The Salt Lake Tribune, January 2008
By Lisa Rosetta 
  

For people like Tammy Morgan, America's deepening health care crisis is all too real. 

The widow of 49-year-old Scott Morgan, an actor who died of AIDS in October, Morgan is now struggling to pay more than $30,000 in medical bills her insurance didn't cover. 

"I'll pay it," she said on a recent Saturday as people strolled by tables of homemade pecan pies, wheat bread and pink frosted heart-shaped cookies during a bake sale at Hale Centre Theatre. "It's just going to take some time." 

Friends organized the bake sale - and Morgan created the Scott D. Morgan Memorial Fund (in her name) at Bank of American Fork - to raise money.

Whoever is elected president in November has "got to do something [about health care]," she said, because "the cost of this medical insurance is just a joke." 

It's a sentiment that will likely factor predominantly in many voters' choices for president. 

About 47 million Americans are now uninsured, up from 40 million in 2000, said Karen Davis, president of the Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation that supports independent research on health issues. 
   
"They certainly see that major growth in the number of uninsured," said Davis, who was President Carter's health care policy adviser from 1977 to 1981. "They certainly see health-insurance premiums are going up a lot
faster than their wages and, as a result, they have less take-home pay." 
 
A recent survey by the foundation shows a majority of people - regardless of their political affiliation - believe employers should continue to provide health insurance. 

What's more, that same majority also believes that everyone should be required to have health insurance, with the government helping out those who can't afford it. All are ideas reflected in the leading Democrats' plans, Davis said. 
Many policy analysts and health care advocates agree universal coverage is needed to get a handle on costs. 
   
"You've got to get everybody in," said Judi Hilman, executive director of the Utah Health Policy Project. "Whether you call it a mandate or shared responsibility, it is a very important feature of any reform." 
   
The Democrats' underlying philosophy is that by pulling everyone in - including young healthy people who generally have lower health care bills - the risks are spread and costs are less, said Jennifer Tolbert, principal policy analyst for the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured. 
   
Candidates from both parties urge the broader adoption of electronic medical records, which could improve the efficiency and quality of care, Tolbert said. Barack Obama, for one, wants to invest $10 billion in health IT. 
   
Republican candidates, including Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, John McCain and Mitt Romney, generally oppose an increased government role or any requirements on people to buy. 
   
Only Romney has said universal coverage is his goal; he would encourage each state to develop its own plan. "The general thrust for all of the Republicans is to find ways to make insurance more available in the private individual marketplace and to make that marketplace more affordable for people," said Drew Altman, president of the Kaiser Family Foundation. 
   
The GOP candidates want to loosen the tie between work and insurance, and tout tax credits to help individuals buy it. 
But credits only work for those who owe taxes, Davis explained. About 55 percent of the uninsured in the U.S. don't. Only McCain suggests a tax refund, which would help people regardless of whether they owe taxes. 
   
The philosophy driving the Republicans' plans, Davis said, is that since individuals would be responsible for buying their own insurance, they would have more incentive to scout out the best premiums, and likewise, the best buys from doctors and hospitals. 
   
The insurance plans wouldn't cover everything, and as a result, there would be "a direct economic incentive to be prudent shoppers and not use care that isn't necessary," she said. lrosetta@sltrib.com
    ---
    * MATT CANHAM contributed to this report. 
            

Bank of American Fork names new executive

AMERICAN FORK, UTAH (The Daily Herald, January 22, 2008) – Bank of American Fork names new executive -- Bank of American Fork, which has 11 branches statewide including seven in Utah County, named Scott King assistant vice president/loan officer for its Pleasant Grove branch.

King, who has 19 years of banking experience, completed a two-year program at Western Banking School in Reno, Nev.

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HR News Banking/Finance
Enterprise, February 28, 2008

Bank of American Fork, a community bank with branches in Salt Lake and Utah counties, has promoted Janet Lopez to assistant vice president/central operations manager at the Central Operations Center in American Fork. Her duties include overseeing data processing, wire/ACH, the mail room, and bank courier. Cheri Westover has been promoted to assistant vice president/SBA assistant manager for the Murray branch. Her duties include processing, closing and disbursing 504, commercial and SBA loans and lines of credit as well as dealing with the operational side of the bank. Ryan Jones has been promoted to assistant vice president/loan officer at the Riverton branch. He originates new and manages existing commercial and residential real estate loans. Mark Holley has been promoted to assistant vice president/systems manager at the Central Operations Center. He manages internal support for the bank’s computer systems.


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DESERET MORNING NEWS, Bank, development group get funds for affordable housing
Published: February 28, 2008

AMERICAN FORK — Bank of American Fork and Rural Housing Development Corp. were recently awarded $140,000 in Affordable Housing Program funding from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle.

The award will support the development of quality affordable housing in two Utah County neighborhoods.

Rural Housing Development Corp. will use the award to create 20 single-family homes for income-eligible residents, including at the Jessica's Ranch Estates in Payson and Pine Meadows project in Spanish Fork. Both are planned to break ground in the spring and fall this year.

Every year, the Seattle bank contributes 10 percent of its profits to support affordable housing development throughout the United States. Funds for the program are awarded on a competitive basis to organizations "who demonstrate an ability to effectively create affordable housing and promote community stability." Applications for the AHP are sponsored by community financial institutions that are members of Seattle Bank, including Bank of American Fork.

The RHDC was created as a nonprofit organization by the Housing Authority of Utah County to address affordable housing issues in rural areas. Since then, RHDC has helped over 200 families obtain affordable homeownership.


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Community Banking
Utah Group's Ads Touting Bankers' Community Role
By Katie Kuehner-Hebert
627 words
22 February 2008
American Banker
5
Vol. 173, No. 36
English
(c) 2008 American Banker and SourceMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

WASHINGTON -- The banking industry's image has suffered as fees have jumped and foreclosures have spiked, so bankers in Utah are trying to change the public's perception.

"Some people perceive us as fee-grubbing, parasitic, and greedy," said Michael Pazzi, an executive vice president in Salt Lake City for Wells Fargo & Co. "We want people to know that we are very concerned about our communities, that we want to have better schools and encourage" business growth.

The Utah Bankers Association, which Mr. Pazzi chairs, began airing a series of commercials last month to remind residents of the role banks play in building communities.

Dale Gunther, vice chairman of the $864 million-asset Bank of American Fork, said that the ads are intended to remind people that banks support a lot of nonprofits, charities, and school programs such as marching bands and athletic teams through grants.

"Some people look at banks as the bad guys, and that we're just in it for the profit," Mr. Gunther said. "But profit is not a dirty word - it is the means by which we can grow more opportunities in our communities, and profits enable us to donate to worthy causes."

The 30-second and 60-second spots are airing on television stations in all the state's media markets, as well as in movie theatres in Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Provo.

The commercials depict various Utahans - including a rancher, a restaurant owner, a teacher, an engineer, a firefighter, and a doctor treating a teen and her baby at a nonprofit clinic - "laboring today, fulfilling the pioneering spirit tomorrow."

Howard Headlee, the president of the Utah group, said it launched the $200,000 ad campaign in part to commemorate the Utah Bankers' 100th anniversary.

Bank trade groups typically confine their advertising to print, and even then the ads often are geared toward public officials who might be considering banking-related legislation.

From time to time state bank groups have launched campaigns to highlight the activities of member banks.

In 2006 the Oregon Bankers Association distributed to the news media and state legislators an updated version of a booklet, "Oregon Banks: Cornerstones of Our Communities," which described how member banks helped their communities by making small-business and affordable housing loans and contributing to local charities.

Linda Navarro, the group's president and chief executive, said at the time that Oregon bankers wanted lawmakers to keep these things in mind as they considered legislation that could add to banks' regulatory burden.

Last summer the Wisconsin Bankers Association launched a statewide radio and TV campaign to advise consumers on how to spot and avoid lenders that encourage borrowers to take out risky loans, such as adjustable-rate mortgages with teaser rates that skyrocket if homeowners do not refinance multiple times.

At the time, Eric Skrum, the Wisconsin group's communications director, said it launched the campaign to remind people that many of the loans that produced the mortgage meltdown had been made by unregulated lenders, and that in most instances banks "weren't part of the problem, but part of the solution."

Carol Kaplan, a spokeswoman for the American Bankers Association, said it was smart for the Utah group to remind people just how much bankers are the backbone of their communities, "because banks are easy targets" and often can be taken for granted. "I don't think the banks expect the commercials to have an immediate impact, but there's nothing like building good relationships over the long term with the communities you serve," Ms. Kaplan said.

(c) 2008 American Banker and SourceMedia, Inc. All Rights Reserved.


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Daily Herald, Friday, 15 February 2008

People On the Move
Bank of American Fork promotes four managers -- Bank of American Fork, a community bank with 11 branches statewide including Alpine, American Fork, Highland, Lehi, Orem, Pleasant Grove and Spanish Fork, promoted four managers.

Janet Lopez was promoted to assistant vice president/central operations manager at the Central Operations Center in American Fork. Lopez, who joined the bank in 2002, has 25 years prior banking experience. Her duties include overseeing data processing, wire/ACH, the mail room and bank courier.

Cherie Westover was promoted to assistant vice president/SBA assistant manager for the Murray branch. Westover began working for the bank three and a half years ago and has more than 14 years of banking experience and 12 years of management consulting experience. Westover processes, closes and disburses 504, commercial and SBA loans and lines of credit as well as deals with the operational side of the bank.

Ryan Jones was recently promoted to assistant vice president/loan officer at the Riverton branch. Jones began working for the bank three years ago and has five years of banking experience. Jones originates new and manages existing commercial and residential real estate loans. Mark Holley was promoted to assistant vice president/systems manager at the Central Operations center. Holley, who joined the bank in 2000, now manages internal support for its computer systems.

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NORTH COUNTY STAFF
Cathy Allred
February 14, 2008

Bank of American Fork -- The Bank of American Fork received preliminary and final plat approval for new location in Saratoga Springs on Jan. 8. The new facility will be located just north of the Wal-Mart development. The future branch will be about 3,000 square feet in size. Bank representatives say they hope to break ground in the spring, and be open to serve the community before the end of the year.
North County


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Industry Briefs
The Enterprise, Feb. 10, 2008
Banking/Finance

Bank of American Fork, a subsidiary of People's Utah Bankcorp, has hired Scott King as assistant vice president/loan officer, and Douglas Gillmore as the business development officer at the Draper branch. King brings 19 years of banking and customer service experience to his new position. Gilmore will be responsible for maintaining client relationships with existing customers, develop new client accounts and promote the bank at various community functions.

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Industry Briefs
The Enterprise, Feb. 25, 2008
Banking/Finance

Bank of American Fork, a community bank with branches in Salt Lake and Utah counties, has promoted Janet Lopez to assistant vice president/central operations manager at the Central Operations Center in American Fork. Her duties include overseeing data processing, wire/ACH, the mail room, and bank courier. Cheri Westover has been promoted to assistant vice president/SBA assistant manager for the Murray branch. Her duties include processing, closing and disbursing 504, commercial and SBA loans and lines of credit as well as dealing with the operational side of the bank. Ryan Jones has been promoted to assistant vice president/loan officer at the Riverton branch. He originates new and manages existing commercial and residential real estate loans. Mark Holley has been promoted to assistant vice president/systems manager at the Central Operations Center. He manages internal support for the bank’s computer systems.

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South Valley Journal
February 7, 2008, Page B12
Southland Elementary Donate 72 Stuffed Animals


Southland Elementary students from Jeana Garcia's second grade and Kay Bybee's sixth grade classes collected and donated 72 stuffed bears to the Bank of American Fork's eighth annual Teddy Bear Project. Bears donated to the program were presented to the Family Support Center of Midvale and the Family Support and Treatment Center of Orem Dec. 19. Each year donations to the Teddy Bear Project grow. In 2003, the bank collected 275 bears; the goal for 2007 was 3,000 bears. With the help of Southland's 72 bears, 5,286 bears were given to the family support centers.

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Utah Busines Magazine, March 24, 2008
by PR or Business News Wire

Bank of American Fork and Rural Housing Development Corp were recently awarded $140,000 in Affordable Housing Program funding from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle. The award will support the development of quality affordable housing in two Utah County neighborhoods.

Rural Housing Development Corp (RHDC) will use the award to create 20 single-family homes for income-eligible residents, including the Jessica’s Ranch Estates in Payson and Pine Meadows project in Spanish Fork. Both are planned to break ground in spring and fall of 2008.

 “We appreciate Bank of American Fork’s support in sponsoring our application for this Affordable Housing Program (AHP) award,” said Brad Bishop RHDC executive director. “Their commitment to this project not only helps us meet the affordable housing needs of our residents, but also serves to enhance the Payson and Spanish Fork communities.” 

Every year, the Seattle Bank contributes 10 percent of its profits to support affordable housing development throughout the United States. Funds for the program are awarded on a competitive basis to organizations who demonstrate an ability to effectively create affordable housing and promote community stability. Applications for the AHP are sponsored by community financial institutions who are members of Seattle Bank, including Bank of American Fork. Projects supporting homeownership, people with special needs, farm workers, mixed-use housing, and preservation of Section 8 (a rental assistance program), Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and USDA 515 buildings (rural multifamily housing) receive priority status in the scoring process. 

“We are proud to be a participating member of Seattle Bank to help fund projects that provide affordable housing for Utahans,” said Rick Beard, Bank of American Fork president and CEO. “It’s important to work together with community partners to ensure housing solutions for all Utahans. After all, stable housing creates stable families and in turn, stable and communities.”

Chamber of Commerce holds 60-year
Murray Journal, March 2008
By Erin McShay

The Murray Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 60th birthday in conjunction with the second annual Taste of Murray on Feb. 20 at the Woods on Ninth.The event raised money for various charities while paying tribute to business leaders and valued members of the community.

The MACC donated 50 percent of all proceeds to several nonprofit organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club of South Valley, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Utah Foster Care Foundation, Salt Lake Valley Emergency Fund, Make-a-Wish Foundation and the Adoption Exchange.

“It’s just been a huge success this year,” said Brenda Scharman, who headed up the silent auction. “Our focus is on our charities; it’s actually for a very, very good cause.”

The night started off with the auction and raffle. Specialized baskets for Utes fans, mothers, gardeners and golfers were abundant. Theater tickets to the Hale Center and Desert Star were auctioned, as well as a trip to China to walk the Great Wall with the MACC. The two special items raffled off at the end of the night were a Wii entertainment system and a HDTV flat screen.

“We had a really nice turn out,” said Lisa Luke, the event chair. “We had about 160 guests. It was definitely up from last year.”

MACC held an awards banquet to honor outstanding citizens as well as chamber businesses important to the community. US Bank, Bank of American Fork, Master Mark, Custom Images and the Woods on Ninth all sponsored the event.

The two big awards of the night went to Eagle Gate College for the Big Business of the Year and to Jim Welch, owner of Statewide Insurance, for the Small Business of the Year Award. Welch has been with the Murray Chamber for seven years.

“He’s always, always there for the Murray Chamber, enlisting new members, whatever needs to be done,” said Scott Baker, president of MACC and master of ceremonies for the night.

Special awards were also presented to individuals invaluable to MACC: Luke, George Wilkinson, Georgia Bogden and the MACC Board Chair, Sheri VanBidder.

All of the restaurants involved donated their food. Food vendors such as Black Angus, Buca di Beppo, Golden Corral, JohnnieBeefs, Maui Tacos, the Tea Rose Diner, Thai Gardens, Yamasaki, Olive Garden, Mimi’s Café and the Woods on Ninth all participated.

“We had a huge response from vendors,” said Luke. “We almost had to turn people down, which was incredible.”

Each guest was asked to fill out a ballot to award the best food of the evening. Black Angus won best appetizer side dish for its mushroom, onion, shrimp, spinach dip, while Mimi’s Café won for its carrot raisin nut bread. The Tea Rose Diner was awarded best entrée for its ribs and Edible Arrangements won best dessert for a fruit arrangement and chocolate-dipped fruit. Certificates were handed out to all who participated in the Taste of Murray and the winners will receive plaques from the Chamber.

Following the dinner, Luke passed out karaoke books to willing participants. Baker and Mayor Dan Snarr sang a duet of the University of Utah’s fight song. Snarr also gave a short speech thanking everyone involved with the event.

“I applaud, salute and appreciate everyone involved with the chamber,” he said. “I’m the most blessed mayor in the world. I have a great staff. The support of the city and the chamber has just been inspiring.”

MACC has more birthday events planned this summer. The chamber will be participating in the Fourth of July parade with a float, and in August the chamber will host a street dance with live entertainment and an antique car show.

 

Industry Briefs
The Enterprise, May. 12-18, 2008
Banking/Finance

Bank of American Fork, a subsidiary of People's Utah Bancorp, has hired Christopher Liechty as its new vice president of communications. He will oversee internal and external communications and marketing strategies. Liechty is co-founder of the AIGA Center for Cross-Cultural Design, a non-profit that helps graphic designers compete in the global design community.

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