Mechanics Bank of Richmond (MCHB)

[Enterprising Investor]

Mechanics Bank Grows Napa Team (1/27/17)

Experienced lenders add wine industry, food processing and agricultural depth

NAPA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Please replace the release dated January 26, 2017, with the following corrected version due to multiple revisions.

Mechanics Bank has added Samantha Foster and Debbie Watson, two experienced food and wine industry finance specialists, to its regional commercial banking team in Napa.

“Both Samantha and Debbie are seasoned bankers who bring tremendous expertise to our team,” says Dan Aguilar, Senior Vice President and Regional Manager, Napa Commercial Banking. “They will help fuel our initiative to expand in one of California’s premier agricultural areas.”

Ms. Foster, who joins Mechanics Bank as Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager, previously held a senior position in the Food and Agriculture Division of Rabobank, NA. Her 25-year career in commercial banking includes four and a half years at Wells Fargo Bank, six years with First Bank in San Francisco and nearly three years at Bank of the West. Ms. Foster will continue to focus on providing financing solutions to innovative, growing food companies as well as wineries and vineyard owners located throughout the North Bay and greater SF Bay Area.

Ms. Watson, who also joins as Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager, was previously Managing Director of First Republic’s Wine Industry Group. Prior to that, she spent nearly a decade with Wells Fargo, and previously held positions with City National Bank, Umpqua and Bank of the West. Her primary focus will be providing financing solutions to wineries and grape growers, as well as other wine industry-related companies.

“Mechanics Bank has been lending in the North Bay for over 65 years, and we know wine, food and agriculture exceptionally well,” Aguilar says. “This is a dynamic region on which Mechanics Bank is strategically focused. As we continue to grow our team in 2017 with talented and experienced professionals, our clients will derive even greater benefits from our high-touch client service model, expertise and innovative financial solutions.”

About Mechanics Bank

Mechanics Bank, established in 1905, is an independent, full service community bank. With more than $5.4 billion in assets, it is the largest bank headquartered in the Bay Area’s East Bay region. Its 30 branch offices throughout Northern California and five locations in Southern California provide a highly-personalized relationship banking experience that includes consumer and business banking services, commercial lending, commercial deposit and cash management services, and comprehensive trust and wealth management services.

Contacts
For Mechanics Bank
Hatti Hamlin, 925-872-4328
[e-mail]

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