What do bubble tea and banking have in common? Both are available at the Grand Opening Week of First Fed’s newest branch in downtown Bellevue. And you’re invited!
From June 21 to 24, you can enjoy free bubble tea from 1 to 3 p.m. daily in the Bellevue branch at 1100 Bellevue Way NE, Unit 6. Also, the celebration will include other treats, giveaways, and daily prize drawings. First Fed is a local community bank that will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2023. Originally founded in Port Angeles, their Proudly PNW heritage is showcased throughout their locations. The Bellevue branch includes a topographic map of WA and fern wall art. Also, make sure you check out the moss wall in the lobby behind the counter which has samples available to touch.
“It’s real moss, which is a fun conversation starter,” noted Nicole Zhao, Branch Manager. “We wanted to create an inviting space that celebrates the natural elements of the region.”
Stop by for a closer look at the moss wall at the new Bellevue branch of First Fed.
But it’s not just the natural elements of the region that First Fed aims to reflect. To better serve the diverse local community, the Bellevue branch team speaks English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
“People open up when you speak their native language,” explained Ambrose Ng, First Fed Bellevue’s Assistant Branch Manager. “There is an instant connection that forms. The better you can understand the customer the easier it is to find the right financial solutions to help them.”
Universal Banker Toshi Mei is ready to help customers in Chinese or English.
The location in Bellevue came about from First Fed’s acquisition of the branch from Sterling Bank, which is headquartered in Michigan. During the remodel of the space, First Fed donated $30,000 worth of airline-themed furniture to the Museum of Flight.
“Giving back is at the core of our bank,” said Matt Deines, President and CEO of First Fed. “From sponsorships to supporting our team members with paid volunteer hours, we are committed to investing in our communities.”
In the Bellevue area, First Fed is currently involved with the Boys and Girls Club, Chinese Information and Service Center (CISC), and Eastside Legal Assistance Program (ELAP).
In addition to the new branch, First Fed is opening the Bellevue Business Center which is available to their Mortgage and Commercial Lending teams. Partnering with local businesses is an important part of their commitment to strengthening the local community. First Fed was the largest lender in Washington for Main Street Lending Program during the pandemic. Currently, First Fed has partnered with Innovation Refunds to help business customers get tax rebates from the Employee Retention Credit program.
Inside First Fed’s new Bellevue Business Center.
First Fed was recognized as a 2021 Best-in-State Bank by Forbes Magazine. Based on customer feedback about their banking relationships, only 2.7 percent of the nation’s 5,000 banks made the list. The community bank was also recognized by Puget Sound Business Journal as a Middle Market Fast 50, Best Workplace, and Top Corporate Philanthropists.
The First Fed team is looking forward to celebrating their Grand Opening Week with the Bellevue community. They are excited to connect with customers and new people who want to learn about this new addition to the neighborhood.
Exterior of the new First Fed Bellevue branch.
“In addition to daily prize drawings, we have promotional interest rates for savings. Ask about our Money Market Special and CD Specials,” noted Ng. “It’s a great time to open an account.”
Learn about the Grand Opening Week at www.ourfirstfed.com/locations/bellevue.
First Fed is a member FDIC and equal housing lender.
