First Step Taken In Area Bank Expansion

IRONWOOD, MI - Thursday, January 01, 2009 - The old Shell gas station on Douglas Boulevard, behind the Gogebic Range Bank, has already been razed. The two houses behind the bank will also be removed in order to make construction of a new bank possible.

According to the bank's website, the Gogebic Range Bank (GRB) is a locally owned and operated bank. They make all loan decisions locally at their Ironwood and Bessemer, MI offices. Gogebic Range Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of West End Financial Corporation, a single bank holding company.

GRB opened for business on May 20th 2002 with $ 3,250,000 in bank capital. Today they have exceeded $ 32,000,000 in bank assets. They are a full service bank with a complete line of deposit and loan products for both consumer and business customers. They also offer full-service brokerage services through PrimeVest Financial Services, Inc.

They currently employ 17 people with total banking and investment experience exceeding 200 years. they have a very dedicated, loyal, and hard working staff that is dedicated to providing the finest and best service to their customers.

Bank officers include: Neil J. Beckman, President and CEO of West End Financial Corporation and the Gogebic Range Bank; Michael Sejbl, Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer; Judy Pietrocatelli, Operations Manager; Cherie LaMarche, Mortgage Officer; Donald M. Armata, Ironwood Branch Manager; and Yvonne Morzenti, Investment Representative and Financial Advisor through PriveVest Financial Services.

The bank's Board of Directors include: Robert L. Abelman, Chairman of the Board; Paul T. Malmberg, Secretary; Robin Kafczynski; John M. Stempihar, Vice President;  Dr. Mark E. Stempihar, Assistant Treasurer; Raymond W. Brown, Treasurer; and Cheri Constantini.