SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. (May 6, 2025) – Southwest Heritage Bank commemorated its 1-year anniversary with a celebratory ribbon-cutting event, emphasizing its commitment to serving small businesses and fostering economic growth in the region.
The event at the bank’s 16435 N. Scottsdale Road, location brought together business leaders, members of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce, and community members to recognize the bank’s role in supporting local entrepreneurs and strengthening Scottsdale’s financial landscape.
Mark Stanton, President and CEO of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the significance of Southwest Heritage Bank’s mission.
“The chamber thrives on small businesses; it thrives on connectivity. This bank is a testament to how important a small business is to helping build the economy,” Stanton said. “May is Small Business Month. How appropriate it is here today that we celebrate a bank that specializes in small businesses – an important sector of the economy. The best part of an organization like this is that customers have a person who knows them, and cares about their business, their risks, and helping build a quality of life in Scottsdale.”
Chris Webster, President of Southwest Heritage Bank, reflected on the bank’s journey and its strong foundation in the community.
“Southwest Heritage Bank is a product of a merger of two great Arizona community banks, Commerce Bank of Arizona and Bank 34. The combined banks are now one community bank, still serving the needs of Arizona based businesses,” Webster said. “We are the same great people – providing the same great service. As the second largest bank headquartered in Arizona with just under $1 billion in total assets. We are committed to helping small businesses grow and prosper in the communities where we live, work, and play.”
In early 2024, Commerce Bank of Arizona joined forces with Bank 34, a well-established community bank with a 90-year history in New Mexico. To reflect their shared heritage and growing presence in Arizona and New Mexico, the newly unified institution adopted the name Southwest Heritage Bank, paying tribute to the legacy of both banks in the Southwest.
Southwest Heritage Bank, a member of the FDIC, has two offices in Scottsdale and branches in Alamogordo and Las Cruces, New Mexico; and Gilbert, Oro Valley, Tucson, and Green Valley, Arizona.
“We offer customized banking solutions to businesses in Arizona and New Mexico using a concierge service approach,” Webster said. “We’re proud to be headquartered in Scottsdale and we are proud to partner with the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce, one of the most well-known legacy business organizations in Scottsdale.”
Southwest Heritage Bank specializes in business banking insured depository services including Treasury Management products. The bank also offers government guaranteed loans for new businesses along with competitive rates for a wide range of business needs such as commercial real estate purchase, construction, business acquisition, equipment financing, and working capital to name a few.
“Southwest Heritage Bank’s one-year post-merger anniversary marks a significant milestone in our continued commitment to small businesses across Arizona and New Mexico,” said Christina Heide, Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer. “This celebration recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our communities forward. We remain dedicated to providing personalized financial solutions that empower local business owners to succeed.
“As a community bank, we take pride in fostering strong relationships, understanding our customers’ unique needs, and contributing to the economic vitality of the regions we serve. We are also proud that a local business publication ranked us No. 1 as the fastest growing commercial lender (banks) in the Valley and No. 3 among Phoenix-area banks with the fastest growing deposits,” Heide added.
For more information visit swhbank.com.
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