Idaho First Bank News

Idaho First Bank Hires Don Waniata as Boise President

Latest hire proves Idaho First Bank’s dedication to the Boise Market

McCall, Idaho, March 10, 2008 – Idaho First Bank welcomes the addition of Don Waniata as the Boise President of Idaho First Bank. As President of the Boise area, Don will drive the Business Banking focus, as well as manage Boise area operations. He will also play an integral role in partnering with CEO, Greg Lovell, to manage the Bank’s continued expansion into servicing local businesses with dedicated resources.

With over twenty years experience in the banking industry, Waniata has enjoyed success in both sales and management within various aspects of the banking industry including startup ventures, private banking and business banking. Waniata has worked for major financial institutions across the nation, including First Interstate Bank of California, Norwest Bank and US Bank in leadership roles that focused on providing key strategies and services for the small to medium-sized business.

“He is a valuable addition to our Business Banking team here at Idaho First Bank. His experience, accomplishments and dedication will help lead us into the growing Boise business marketplace,“ said Greg Lovell, President and CEO of Idaho First Bank.

Waniata has already initiated a thriving footprint in the Bank’s Meridian lending office and has an enthusiastic outlook for the business future in Boise. “I’m excited to take part in this critical stage of growth with Idaho First Bank. As a fairly new bank in the Boise market with a clear focus on local service. There are countless opportunities to share with the business community. Those will help facilitate cost saving methods and expedite better business practices!“ he said.

A native of Montana, Waniata is a graduate of Southern Methodist University (SMU) and The Multi Company Management School. He has also served on various national and community Boards of Directors in both the private and non-profit sectors.

The Bank’s Boise office is located in the C.W. Moore building at 5th and Front Streets, Suite 800. Waniata can be reached at 947-0435.

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Idaho First Bank Opens its Office in Downtown Boise

Boise, Idaho, March 6, 2008 – Today, Idaho First Bank announced the opening of its new commercial, professional and small business lending office situated in the heart of downtown Boise. The Bank was previously located on Tarpon Drive in Meridian.

The Bank’s new 6,800 square foot space is on the top floor of the historic C.W. Moore Building located at 250 S. 5th Street, Suite 800. This new location allows Idaho First Bank to continue the expansion of its footprint into small business and professional banking consistent with its community banking philosophy.

This move is not unexpected due to Idaho First Bank’s recent appointment of Don Waniata as the Company’s Boise President. In his role, Don will drive the Bank’s Business & Professional Banking focus and manage operations. He will also partner with CEO, Greg Lovell, to manage the Bank’s continuous growth.

“We are excited to expand into the Boise market, our new downtown location will serve as a great venue for building and enhancing our business banking relationships,“ said Waniata.

On March 19th the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce and Idaho First Bank will host a grand opening ceremony open to the public at 10:00 am. Please contact Pam Dell at (208) 472-5214 or the Bank at (208) 947-0424 for more information.

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Stephanie Wallace to Lead Cash Management Services at Idaho First Bank

McCall, Idaho, Oct. 15, 2007 – Idaho First Bank welcomes Stephanie Wallace as their new Business Services and Development Director. She will oversee the Bank’s Cash Management Services for business, as well as Online Banking Services for consumers.

Idaho First Bank offers several Cash Management Services geared toward its business customers such as Courier Service, Online Business Banking, Direct Deposit, Remote Capture (SKIP), and Merchant Bank Card Services.

With over six years of banking experience, Stephanie has specialized in Cash Management and Business Services for the last three years.

“I enjoy identifying ways for our business customers to streamline processes by providing them with efficient banking solutions,” she said. “It means a great deal to me to be able to make banking more personal for businesses in our community through customized banking solutions.”

“Stephanie offers personalized service, is knowledgeable about our Cash Management product offerings and is a valuable resource for all of our customers,” said Greg Lovell President and CEO of Idaho First Bank. “We are honored to have her as the newest addition to our McCall team. Stop in and meet her today to find out how she can help make your business more efficient.”

Prior to joining Idaho First Bank, Stephanie worked in Boise as a Bank Services Associate. “I am happy to be back in my home town working in this community,” she said.

In addition to her work at the Bank, Stephanie is furthering her education at the American Institute of Banking.

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Idaho First Bank Welcomes Jamie Kite to the Meridian Lending Team

McCall, Idaho, Sept. 18, 2007 – Jamie Kite has joined Idaho First Bank as a loan processor where her expertise in various loan products, VA, FHA, IHFA, Conventional, and Construction, enables her to create a lending experience customized to each customer’s particular situation. She is constantly improving her quality of service through product knowledge, whether the loans are in-house or on the secondary market, providing a tailored lending approach.

Jamie has been in the lending industry for several years and has had experience in real estate industry as well. She enjoys working in the community environment that Idaho First Bank fosters. “My role at the Bank suits me very well, I like being a part of this community and its growth,” Jamie said. “At Idaho First Bank we are able to work outside of the box, building it instead around our clients’ lending needs. We can even offer same day cash opportunities,” Jamie explained.

“On top of her experience in the lending industry, Jamie has valuable customer service skills that make her a pleasure to work with,” said Greg Lovell President and CEO of Idaho First Bank. “As Idaho First Bank grows in both the Boise and McCall communities, Jamie continues to bring quality service to our team.”

Jamie is a former Bronco from Boise State and resides in Caldwell with her husband Greg and her four sons.

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Debbie Grems Joins the McCall Lending Team at Idaho First Bank

McCall, Idaho, August 27, 2007 – Debbie Grems was recently hired at the McCall branch of Idaho First Bank as a new Residential Loan Officer. With over 15 years experience in the lending industry, Debbie specializes in a broad range of loan programs including conforming and non-conforming loans, as well as FHA.

Debbie enjoys the community atmosphere of Idaho First Bank and the customized loan programs she is able to offer as a result. “Because Idaho First Bank is community oriented, I am able to offer my clients unique loans that are tailored to meet their needs,” she explained, “there is nothing more rewarding and exciting than being able to help my clients purchase their dream home.”

“Debbie is a great addition to Idaho First Bank. Her vast industry knowledge and dedication to her clients is invaluable,” stated Greg Lovell, President and CEO of Idaho First Bank.

Most recently, Debbie worked at Trinity Home Mortgage for five years. Throughout her lending career she has held positions within both consumer and mortgage lending.

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Idaho First Bank Appoints New Loan Officer

August 6, 2007 – Idaho First Bank recently hired Francine Redding as a loan officer in their commercial/residential lending office in Meridian, Idaho. Francine has been in mortgage lending full time for 11 years specializing in FHA/VA loans, conforming & nonconforming loans.

Francine works with her clients from loan origination through closing, “I am committed to serving all of my clients’ financial needs,� she explained. “It is exciting to work at Idaho First Bank and be a part of the company’s growth in the community.�

“We are very happy to have Francine at Idaho First Bank. She brings rich experience and is a valuable addition to our team,� said Greg Lovell, President and CEO of Idaho First Bank. “With her strong customer service skills and her extensive industry knowledge, she will undoubtedly be an asset as we expand our reach in the Boise and McCall communities.�

Most recently, Francine worked at The Mortgage Place as a senior loan officer and prior to that she worked in a variety of roles within both the mortgage and consumer lending industries.

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Idaho First Bank Appoints New Operations Manager

McCall, Idaho, June 29, 2007 - Idaho First Bank announced today the appointment of Dorothy Pease as their new Operations Manager.

Starting her career in banking as a teller over 30 years ago, Dorothy brings extensive experience in the financial services industry to this new role. Pease has held numerous positions within large banks and savings and loan institutions and most recently served as Operations Supervisor.

“Idaho First Bank understands the importance of commitment to the McCall community,” said Pease. “I look forward to this new challenge and the opportunity to enhance the operations group to better serve our customers.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Dorothy to our growing team,” stated Greg Lovell, President and CEO of Idaho First Bank. “With such an accomplished banking background, she will be instrumental in streamlining our operations department and boosting overall efficiency throughout the organization.”

Pease currently resides in McCall with her husband, Richard.

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