Business Bank plans first branch in Reno

Business Bank of Nevada continues its march into northern Nevada with last week's announcement that it will open a full-service branch in Reno.

The branch is projected to open in early 2004 at 6518 S.

McCarran Blvd. a space currently occupied by First Independent Bank, which is moving to new headquarters on Kietzke Lane.

Barely more than a month ago, Las Vegas-based Business Bank announced plans to build a 1,400-square-foot office for its branch in Minden, which currently occupies leased space.

A big question remaining for Business Bank is staffing of the Reno branch.

The company long has said it expands only when it finds good bankers with the right local connections, and it opened a loan office in Reno this year only after it hired veteran banker Ken Achurra.

Jerry Gregory, who heads northern Nevada operations for Business Bank, said the company hasn't hired a manager for the Reno branch although it's talked with several candidates.

Gregory said staffing decisions including operations manager, tellers and new accounts representatives will be made by the end of the year.

The 4,400-square-foot branch location will include an automated teller machine.

First Independent had chosen not to provide ATM services at the location.

The branch will provide four teller windows, two new accounts stations, safe deposit boxes, and 24-hour night depository.

The facility will also house an office of StoneHedge Financial Group, the bank's investment partner.

Launched in 1995 as Las Vegas Business Bank, the company changed its name to Business Bank of Nevada in 1999.

That was the same year it opened a branch in Carson City, its first foray out of the Las Vegas area.

It also operates loan production office at South Lake Tahoe, and company executives said they continue to look at other markets throughout Nevada to open fullservice branches.