Bank of Commerce, located in Rawlins, Wyoming, is Carbon County’s only locally owned bank.
Their mission has always revolved around providing quality and friendly banking services to the community along with being actively involved in bettering the community. The bank’s mission is simply to “Be a Better Bank.” The staff strive to fulfill this mission by always working to improve not only themselves, but the community as well. Progress is defined by being better tomorrow than they were today.
Bank of Commerce was started on July 2, 1984, when a group led by John W. France and Dr. Archie Kirsch purchased the assets of the Wyoming Bank of Rawlins. An advertisement in the local paper on that day announced to the community that Bank of Commerce was locally owned and is “Rawlins’ Only Home-Owned Bank”—a distinction that remains today. The France family has been in the banking business in Rawlins and Carbon County since the late 1800s. The first banking house in Rawlins was started by James France.
“Family” is how one could describe the staff at Bank of Commerce. Its current President and CEO, Copper France, was raised in Rawlins. Many of the staff are also native to Rawlins and have chosen to remain here to raise their families. Some left to attend college or for other jobs and then later returned.
While Bank of Commerce offers the same services as many other banks, it is the staff, their dedication to its customers, and the nearly 100 shareholders that sets them apart from other banks. Working together for the betterment of everyone is their goal. The staff are truly a team. And deep down, they like to have fun!
Bank of Commerce is involved with many organizations within Carbon County through various sponsorships and by volunteering in and around the communities they serve. One of the many ways they give back is through a bank and staff sponsored program that allows employees to pay up to dress down every Friday. Employees’ contributions through this program are matched and then the money is donated to local nonprofit organizations within Carbon County. These donations benefit education, the arts, youth sports and clubs, seniors and other local charities and service clubs. Bank of Commerce is committed to giving back in Carbon County.
Bank of Commerce is looking to the future as well to provide services throughout Carbon County. There are plans in the works to expand into the Platte River Valley and open a loan production office and possibly someday a full branch.
Bank of Commerce believes that the future is bright for them and for Carbon County if we can get everyone to come together, embrace change and work to grow our communities. They see a great opportunity to set aside negativity and embrace positivity and growth.
Bank of Commerce is located at 22Street in Rawlins. More information bout Bank of Commerce can be found on their website: https://www.bocrawlins.com
