SMOKEY POINT — The grand opening of the Coastal Community Bank at 16419 Smokey Point Blvd. on Friday, May 10, drew a host of dignitaries, from state Sen. Kirk Pearson and Arlington Mayor Barbara Tolbert, to Arlington-Smokey Point Chamber of Commerce President Kristen Granroth and Stillaguamish Senior Center Executive Director Jo Olson.

“I’m a Coastal customer,” Pearson said. “My campaign account is at the Monroe branch. Even though we’re going into special session in Olympia, we have more money now than we did the last biennium, and that’s because our economy is growing, as hardworking people like you make more deposits.”

“I love community banks,” Tolbert said. “I love seeing the faces of familiar businesses here, and welcoming them back to Arlington.”

Granroth touted the building as literally ready-made for a new bank, having already housed a previous bank, and described its location as ideal for easy access and lack of I-5 congestion.

As for Olson, she received evidence of Coastal Community Bank’s stated commitment to supporting its surrounding community in the form of an oversized check for $1,000, to help offset the losses of the recent burglaries of both the Senior Center and its Thrift Store.

“We ordered our flowers and cupcakes from shops right here in Smokey Point,” said Robin Reinig, manager of the Smokey Point branch of Coastal Community Bank, who also pointed out the displayed artwork from local artists and the Fogdog Gallery in Arlington. “We have about eight or nine people in customer service, and another 20 working behind the scenes. Our team can do anything for the customer. Ten years ago, I was working at another bank in this area, so this is like coming home for me.”