Governor Kotek Proclaims Community Bank Week, Celebrating The Banks Supporting Oregon Communities (Photo) - 10/01/26

October 19–23 proclamation recognizes more than 110 Oregon branches and loan offices, 2,365 jobs, and the role community banks play in small-business lending

SALEM, Ore. — Oct. 1, 2026 — Governor Tina Kotek has officially proclaimed October 19–23, 2026, as Community Bank Week in Oregon, recognizing the important role community banks play in supporting families, small businesses, and communities across the state.

“For well over a century, community banks doing business in Oregon have provided local financial services and have supported the prosperity and growth of our communities,” Governor Kotek said in the proclamation. “Community banks are an integral part of Oregon's overall economy through their community giving, dedication as good neighbors, and above all, their critical role in providing reliable financial services to Oregonians.”

Community banks serve Oregon through more than 110 branches and loan offices and provide more than 2,365 family-wage jobs. They make more than half of all bank loans to small businesses and play a significant role in local economic development, helping stimulate the economy, create jobs, and provide new opportunities.

“Community banks are deeply connected to the communities they serve,” said Scott Bruun, president and CEO of the Oregon Bankers Association. “They provide capital to local businesses, support community organizations, create jobs, and contribute to the economic vitality of communities across Oregon. Governor Kotek's proclamation recognizes the important role these banks play in the lives of Oregonians.”

During Community Bank Week, participating banks will celebrate with customer appreciation events, community service projects, food drives, financial education, and other activities that highlight the ways banks support the communities they serve.

“We invite Oregonians to join us in celebrating the banks that are investing in their communities every day,” Bruun said. “Community Bank Week is an opportunity to recognize the relationships, businesses, organizations, and community efforts that help Oregon communities thrive.”

About the Oregon Bankers Association
Established in 1905, the Oregon Bankers Association is a full-service trade association with a membership that includes state and national commercial banks, savings banks and trust companies doing business in Oregon. The mission of the OBA is to be the voice of Oregon banking.

The Oregon Bankers Association serves a dynamic, innovative and community-minded industry. The competitive nature of banking gives Oregonians and Oregon businesses a wide variety of choices for their financial services. In our collective endeavors, the Oregon Bankers Association and its members strive to ensure that Oregon remains a great place to do business and a great place to do banking. To learn more, visit www.oregonbankers.com.

David Gates Receives 2026 OBA Presidential Award; Clackamas County Bank’s Chief Information Officer Recognized For Exceptional Leadership Of OBA’s Technology Committee And Commitment To Oregon’s Banking Community (Photo) - 09/15/26

During The MAIN Event held September 10, the Oregon Bankers Association (OBA) announced that David Gates, vice president and chief information officer at Clackamas County Bank, was the recipient of the 2026 OBA Presidential Award for his outstanding leadership as chair of the OBA Technology Committee.

The OBA Presidential Award is given annually to one of OBA’s peer group chairs in recognition of their exceptional leadership, commitment, and service to their peers and Oregon’s banking industry. OBA’s committees and roundtables are led by volunteer bankers who serve two-year terms, helping shape meeting agendas, bring forward timely issues, connect members with one another, and create valuable opportunities for education and peer collaboration.

As chair of the Technology Committee, Gates has distinguished himself as an outstanding facilitator and advisor. He consistently brings forward timely topics and engaging speakers while keeping discussions focused on the technology issues that matter most to bankers today. His ability to engage participants and create an environment where members feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their experiences has helped make the Technology Committee a valuable resource for its members.

“David understands that the value of a peer group goes beyond the agenda or the speakers. It’s about the relationships, ideas, and experiences that members take away from being part of it,” said Scott Bruun, president and CEO of the OBA. “He genuinely believes in the value of the peer group experience. In fact, he recently told us that, of all the various meetings that occupy his schedule, OBA Technology Committee meetings are by far his favorite. That kind of enthusiasm says a lot.”

In addition to his leadership of the Technology Committee, Gates has contributed to OBA through his service on the board of Synergy by Association, OBA’s for-profit subsidiary. Through both roles, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting his peers and strengthening Oregon’s banking industry.

“David’s leadership of the Technology Committee has been exceptional,” Bruun said. “He focuses on creating value for participants, guides discussions toward the issues that matter most, and consistently fosters the kind of open exchange that makes an OBA peer group successful. We are grateful for his dedication, leadership and service to Oregon banking.”

The Presidential Award was established 25 years ago to recognize the volunteer peer group chairs who go above and beyond in their service to OBA and their fellow bankers.