News & Press Archive

Aimee Mendonca Promoted to McMinnville Branch Manager

December 2020

Aimee Mendonca has been promoted to manage the First Federal Savings and Loan Association McMinnville Branch located at 118 NE Third Street. Aimee previously managed the Sheridan Branch where she focused heavily on business development in the West Valley.

In her role as McMinnville Home Office Branch Manager, she is responsible for directing all operations including customer service, business development, administration, community support, and is an active loan officer. She is additionally responsible with bringing out the best of branch’s personnel by providing training, coaching, development, and motivation.

Mendonca is a native Oregonian and has over 20 years of banking experience. She is an Ambassador for the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, is a Past President for the Sheridan Rotary group, and is excited to participate in McMinnville area groups.

“Aimee is a perfect fit for our McMinnville Branch,” says Ron Wolfe, Chief Banking Officer. “She has proven herself to exceed our high standards in the Sheridan market and will reinvigorate our presence in our hometown.”

Please join us in welcoming Aimee to her new role within First Federal!

First Federal Recognized by Newsweek as One of America's Best Banks

October 2020

First Federal has been named to Newsweek magazine’s inaugural listing of America’s Best Small Banks 2021. Newsweek’s ranking recognizes financial institutions that best serve their customers’ needs in today’s challenging times. First Federal was recognized as the Best Small Bank in the state of Oregon.

“This is a proud moment for First Federal,” said Jim Schlotfeldt, President and CEO. “During our nearly 100 years, First Federal has preserved a strong community banking reputation and dedication to high quality customer service while evolving a variety of banking products and services.

“We at First Federal pride ourselves on delivering the capabilities of a large bank with a community bank feel. Our customer-first service culture is built around creating long-term relationships with customers by pledging to help our customers identify and achieve their financial goals. The pandemic tried to impact our service but our persistence and dedication has paid off.”

Schlotfeldt added, “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees, our focus on our Customer Service Pledge to deliver superior customer service, and our continued efforts to provide our customers with the best banking experience possible.”

Newsweek magazine partnered with LendingTree, the online loan marketplace and comparison site for financial services, to create this inaugural list of Best Banks rankings. From a universe of more than 2,500 FDIC-insured institutions, Newsweek assessed U.S. banks and the savings and checking accounts they offer based on 55 separate factors covering a wide variety of fees, current and historical interest rates, account terms, consumer service features, mobile app satisfaction and bank profile in order to develop best-in-class options across 19 categories.

See all rankings by state

First Federal Receives Top Philanthropy Award

October 2020

First Federal was awarded a 2020 Corporate Philanthropy Award from the Portland Business Journal during a virtual awards ceremony earlier this month. The award recognizes First Federal's charitable giving programs and the commitment it represents to the community. This award marked the 11th consecutive year First Federal was named as one of the most charitable contributors in Oregon.

The Portland Business Journal Corporate Philanthropy Awards celebrates the most generous companies in Oregon and southwest Washington. This year, 40 companies were honored in four categories: Small, Medium, Large, and Enterprise. Businesses in each category were ranked according to their financial contributions.

First Federal was ranked in the medium company category and received the first place award for charitable contributions with $305,468 in total cash contributions, $175,523 in-kind contributions, and 3,532 employee volunteer hours. Top nonprofit partners included McMinnville Area Habitat for Humanity, Linfield College, and Lutheran Family Services, A Family Place Relief Nursery..

“First Federal is proud and honored to receive the first place award for our philanthropic work this past year,” said First Federal President and CEO Jim Schlotfeldt. “Philanthropy is rooted deep in our company mission and has been a focus since our founding in 1922. Receiving this recognition reminds us that the work First Federal is having an impact on our communities still today.”

"Banks for the Bank" Diaper Drive is a Success

First Federal participated in the “Banks for the Bank” Diaper Drive for local nonprofit, A Family Place, during October and collected 4,544 diapers and $199 in cash donations. The drive brought in a total of 7,383 diapers.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, First Federal promoted a “Virtual Drive” which allowed community members to shop for selected items on Amazon and have them delivered directly to the Home Office branch, thus alleviating the need for them to make non-essential trips out of their home. A Family Place is very thankful for the banks’ and communities involvement.

A Family Place helps reduce childhood abuse, neglect and foster placements in Yamhill County by providing resources to families with small children. Families in need can obtain a 3-day emergency supply of diapers. They also support at-risk families by offering free professional home visiting, parent education, and specialized preschool for children ages 0 to 5 – the time research shows these programs to have the greatest long term impact on children’s development. During the pandemic, they have experienced a 200% increase in need for their services.

First Federal Announces Newberg Branch Manager

September 2020

Amanda Bowlby has joined First Federal Savings and Loan Association as Branch Manager of the Newberg Branch located at 121 NE Edwards Street. Amanda brings over 14 years of banking experience within the banking industry. Most recently, she served as Branch Relationship Manager at Heritage Bank NW where she was responsible for overseeing commercial relationships with clients in the Newberg market.
In her new role as Branch Manager, she is responsible for directing all operations including customer service, administration, and community support. She is additionally responsible with bringing out the best of branch’s personnel by providing training, coaching, development, and motivation.

Bowlby is a graduate of Oregon State University. She and her family actively participate in supporting the community through involvement with the Newberg Youth Baseball, A Family Place Diaper Bank, and she is also a board member for the Newberg Wrestling Mat Club and Newberg Youth Football.

“I’m very excited to welcome Amanda to the First Federal team,” says Ron Wolfe, Chief Banking Officer. “Her background and knowledge of business and consumer banking will allow our team to provide a higher level of dedicated service to our clients and will further our footprint in the market.”

Previous Branch Manager, Angel Aguiar, has stayed on with the Newberg team with a promotion to the role of Mortgage Officer for the Newberg area. This will allow First Federal to dedicate a full-time team member to provide quality and responsive service to clients seeking mortgages, home loans, and lines of credit. “I’m thrilled that we were able to successfully shift to allow him to focus on growing our consumer lending opportunity,” says Jim Schlotfeldt, President and CEO.

Please join us in welcoming Amanda and Angel to their new roles within the First Federal team!

First Federal Announces Chief Credit Officer

August 2020

Brent Murray has joined First Federal Savings and Loan Association as SVP, Chief Credit Officer. Brent brings 18 years of banking experience within the commercial banking industry. Most recently, he was at Bank of the Pacific where he was responsible for the building and maintaining relationships with clients in the Salem market.

In his new role as Chief Credit Officer, he is responsible for First Federal’s loan portfolio, approvals, and risk management. He works closet with the loan production team to ensure credit decisions are made promptly and that communication with customers is clear and of the highest quality.

Brent is a graduate of the University of Oregon and the Pacific Coast Banking School graduate program. Brent has been a member of SEDCOR, the Salem Chamber and has volunteered with Salem Leadership Foundation Community Homeless Connect Project. He is active with anything outdoors with his family, hiking, fishing, or just enjoying Oregon’s lakes & rivers.

“We are very excited to welcome Brent to our Commercial Lending Team,” says Jim Schlotfeldt, President and CEO. “His analytical and personal skills and strong background in the local industry will help us build mutually beneficial relationships with our commercial clients.”

Please join us in welcoming Brent Murray to the team!

Business View Magazine Interviews First Federal

August 2020

Business View Magazine, a national news source covering industry trends and best practices, highlighted Top U.S. Banking Institutions and specifically featured First Federal.

"I'm very proud of our performance over the years and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic," says Jim Schlotfeldt, President and CEO. "Being recognized by Business View reassures that we are making the right decisions for the longevity of our institution."

Business View Magazine is North America’s source of news for executives, entrepreneurs, small business owners, franchisees, and anyone else interested in current industry trends and best practices.

Read the full article

First Federal Offers Second Round of COVID-19 Nonprofit Support Grant in Place of Community Rewards Program

May 2020

First Federal announced the launch of the COVID-19 Nonprofit Support Grant, in early April in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The goal of this program was to provide funds for the hard-hit nonprofits in the Yamhill County service area. Local nonprofits could apply for up to $3,000 for one-time assistance.

During the submission period, over 40 applications were received. A total of 9 grants were awarded in the first round of giving on April 30, with an additional 5 being supported with a generous donation from Laughlin Cartrell, Inc. and Laughlin Trucking, for a total of 14 nonprofits supported.

With the cancellation of First Federal’s Community Rewards Program, which rewards nonprofits for submitted volunteer hours, a second round of giving was established. This second round of giving funded grants for 7 Yamhill County nonprofits, including Grand Sherimina Community Services, Sheridan FFA Alumni, St. Barnabas Soup Kitchen, Wayside Friends Church, YC FFA Alumni, Life Strategies Counseling. Each grant awarded was worth $3,000.

Once again, a community partner stepped up to support a local organization. Local business owner, Kevin Simpson of Simpson Electrical, approached First Federal with the intent to partner and fund a grant. His monetary support provided funds for local nonprofit, Hope on the Hill.

“We’re disappointed to cancel our Community Rewards program this year, but are thrilled that these funds will still be able to support our local nonprofits. What is even better is to see the spread of giving from our own business community. Thank you to Simpson Electrical for your partnership during this second round of giving,” said Jim Schlotfeldt, President and CEO.

First Federal Gains a Community Partner in COVID-19 Grant

May 2020

First Federal announced the launch of the COVID-19 Nonprofit Support Grant, earlier this month in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The goal of this program was to provide funds for the hard-hit nonprofits in the Yamhill County service area. Local nonprofits could apply for up to $3,000 for one-time assistance.

Over 40 applications were submitted during the submission period, indicating a true need in the local community. A total of 9 grants were awarded to ABC Daycare, Carlton’s Walk in the Park Foundation, Isaiah 58 Food Pantry, Juliette’s House Child Abuse Intervention Center, McMinnville Free Clinic, Newberg Area Habitat for Humanity, St. Vincent de Paul, Willamina Civic Club, and With Courage. Each grant awarded was worth $3,000.

The promotion of the grant program struck a chord with one community member in particular who contacted his local First Federal branch with a desire to expand the community giving. Robert Laughlin owns two local businesses based in Carlton, Laughlin Cartrell, Inc. and Laughlin Trucking, which generously support the community year-round. On behalf of his businesses, Robert wanted to partner with First Federal to provide additional funds to help 5 more community organizations in Yamhill County. His generous donations supported the American Legion Carlton Memorial Post 173, Homeward Bound Pets, Newberg Animal Shelter Friends, Provoking Hope, and Your Community Mediators.

“We are inordinately thankful to have customers like Robert who are receptive to the needs of our community. Without his partnership we would not have been able to pursue this level of support,” said Jim Schlotfeldt, President and CEO.

First Federal Recognized by DepositAccounts.com in 2020 Top 200 Healthiest Banks in America

April 2020

DepositAccounts.com, a subsidiary of LendingTree, has released its list of the 2020 Top 200 Healthiest Banks in America.

“It is such an honor to have First Federal recognized among the top 200 healthiest in America,” said Jim Schlotfeldt, President and CEO. “Being part of this list shows our financial stability and commitment to excellence.”

DepositAccounts.com evaluates the financial health of over 10,000 banks and credit unions in the United States once per quarter. To determine bank ranking and recognition, DepositAccounts.com grades each institution on a number of factors, including capitalization, deposit growth, and loan-to-reserve ratios. First Federal is ranked #88 out of all financial institutions analyzed.

“We believe it is important to give consumers a way to evaluate the financial health of their institutions,” said Ken Tumin, founder of DepositAccounts.com. “Our list empowers consumers to make informed decisions when selecting a financial institution.”

Read the full press release

First Federal Supports Nonprofits during COVID-19 Pandemic

April 2020

On Wednesday, April 22, First Federal announced the launch of the COVID-19 Nonprofit Support Grant, which will provide grants to hard-hit nonprofits in the Yamhill County service area.

First Federal will offer one-time assistance of up to $3,000 to organizations in need of programming funds, or that have had to cancel critical fundraising events and services. A short application is required. Organizations that provide services to children, food insecurity, emergency relief, crisis intervention, and healthcare will be given priority.

“First Federal is and always will be committed to supporting our local community organizations,” said Jim Schlotfeldt, President and CEO. “While we do not know the full effects of COVID-19 we can be certain that the effects will be significant, particularly for the most vulnerable in our community.”
Applications will be reviewed and approved in the order that they are received. This program will continue to accept applications until all funds have been distributed.

Read the full press release

First Federal Announces Chief Banking Officer

March 2020

Ron Wolfe has joined First Federal Savings and Loan Association as Senior Vice President Chief Banking Officer. Wolfe brings over 20 years of banking experience, including both branch banking and commercial lending to his new role, most recently serving as the VP Senior Business Banking Relationship Manager at Key Bank. In that position, he was responsible for the acquisition and management of business clients in the Newberg market.

Wolfe is an Oregon native, and a graduate and active alumni of George Fox University in Newberg. He is deeply committed to serving the Newberg and surrounding communities by being actively involved in the Chehalem Chamber of Commerce, Newberg Early Bird Rotary, and local nonprofit, A Family Place.

“Ron is an incredible asset to our First Federal team,” says Jim Schlotfeldt, President and CEO. “He has a wealth of knowledge in developing the strategy behind the customer experience and is going to take First Federal to the next level.”

Please join us in welcoming Ron Wolfe to the First Federal family!

First Federal Announces Plans for 3-Story Headquarters in McMinnville

March 2020

Yamhill County staple, First Federal, has announced that its new headquarters location is expected to begin construction in the Spring. The new 3-story building, to be developed by SUM Design + Architecture and R&H Construction, will be located at their existing Third Street location in Downtown McMinnville and will serve as the Corporate Headquarters for First Federal Savings & Loan Association of McMinnville.

Upon opening in summer 2021, the building will encompass more than 31,000 square feet of office and retail space with additional options to accommodate future growth. The street level retail space will be occupied by an ADA accessible and a seismically sound state-of-the-art technology bank branch and lending center.

The new building will enable consolidation of the Company’s current headquarters operations based out of three adjacent buildings, driving improved efficiency, collaboration, and productivity to benefit First Federal’s customers, employees, and communities. The building will create a central hub that houses First Federal’s executive leadership as well as multiple groups that support the Company’s commercial and consumer banking departments.

“First Federal has successfully served Yamhill County for nearly 100 years, and is proud to call McMinnville home,” said Jim Schlotfeldt, President and CEO. “In that time, how we operate has changed dramatically. This new headquarters will allow us to further serve the community and make a positive impact in the city we call home.”

This new headquarters affirms First Federal’s commitment to its home market and to the continuation and growth of its community engagement and hiring in Yamhill County.

First Federal Announces New Chief Banking Officer

March 2020

Ron Wolfe has joined First Federal Savings and Loan Association as Senior Vice President Chief Banking Officer. Wolfe brings over 20 years of banking experience, including both branch banking and commercial lending to his new role, most recently serving as the VP Senior Business Banking Relationship Manager at Key Bank. In that position, he was responsible for the acquisition and management of business clients in the Yamhill County area.

Wolfe is a native Oregonian, and a graduate of George Fox University in Newberg. He is deeply committed to serving the Newberg and surrounding communities by consistently volunteering and is an active member of Newberg Sunrise Rotary.

“Ron is an incredible asset to our First Federal team,” says Jim Schlotfeldt, President and CEO. “He has a wealth of knowledge in developing the strategy behind the customer experience and is going to take First Federal to the next level.”

Please join us in welcoming Ron Wolfe to the team!

"Like Us" On Facebook

February 2020

Beginning, 9:00am Monday, February 3, 2020 through 6:00pm Friday, February 28, 2020, Yamhill County residents who "Like" First Federal's Facebook page will be entered into a random drawing to win one of two $50 VISA gift cards. Winners will be selected by a random drawing from all eligible entries on or about the week of March 2, 2020 and will be notified through Facebook. View Official Contest Rules here.

No purchase or payment of any any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. Open only to legal residents of Yamhill County, Oregon who are at least 18 years old as of the date of entry. By entering this promotion, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules and the decision of First Federal as to who is the contest winner. Any violation of these rules may result in disqualification. First Federal reserves the right to discontinue contest at any time. You do not need to be a customer to participate in promotion. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by or associated with Facebook.

First Federal Announces Grant Winners

January 2020

The First Federal Community Grants Committee has selected five nonprofits operating in Yamhill County to receive grants this quarter.

Grants were awarded to:

• McMinnville Montessori School to expand the opportunities for outdoor education
• Reach NW to launch foster parent recruitment events in Yamhill County
• Remnant Initiatives for basic needs for individuals being released back into the community
• “See Ya Later” Foundation to replace an existing canopy tent used at fundraising events
• Yamhill Carlton Together Cares to re-purpose donated Adidas campus turf and build a soccer field adjacent to the arena in downtown Carlton

The Community Grants Program has been active since 1999. Grant requests range from $1,000 to $5,000 and are reviewed quarterly by a five-member committee. The goal of the program is to support local nonprofits with capital improvements or equipment.

The next Community Grants deadline is March 31, 2020.

Learn more or Apply

7 Tips for Farmers to Develop a Strong Business Plan

November 2019

One of the keys to success for today’s agricultural producers is a strong marketing plan which includes knowing break-even costs, having a solid action plan and keeping emotions out of it, according to a tip sheet recently released by the American Bankers Association. The tip sheet—developed by members of the ABA Agricultural and Rural Bankers Committee—includes seven tips to help farmers and ranchers manage their risk.

“A well-developed marketing plan can take some of the price risk off the table, which is especially important in today’s ag economy,” said Ed Elfmann, senior vice president, agricultural and rural policy at ABA. “It’s also a useful tool to help farmers and ranchers communicate with their banker.”

Tip Sheet

Tips to Avoid Fake Check Scams

November 2019

Checks may seem like a relic of the past, but according to the most recent Federal Reserve Payments study, banks process nearly 18 billion checks annually. And, according to data from both the banking industry and government agencies, check fraud is on the rise.

“Chances are you’ve been the target of a fake check scam,” said Corey Carlisle, executive director of the ABA Foundation. “Maybe a scammer contacted you about an item you listed for sale online or you saw a too-good-to-be-true offer to work from home on social media. The fraudsters are sophisticated and convincing, and while their scams may vary, there’s one constant: check fraud.”

This infographic provides tips to recognize scams involving check fraud and offers advice to consumers on how to avoid becoming a victim. The FTC recommends following these precautions:

• Slow down. Before you act, talk to someone you trust and contact your bank.
• Never send money back to someone who sent you a check.
• Selling online? Consider using an escrow or online payment service.
• Never take a check for more than your selling price.

Spot this scam? Tell the Federal Trade Commission

First Federal Supports Diaper Drive

November 2019

First Federal participated in the “Banks for the Bank” Diaper Drive for local nonprofit, A Family Place, during October and collected 7,794 diapers and $120 in cash donations. The drive brought in a total of 11,000 diapers.

First Federal partnered with Serendipity Ice Cream, a division of MV Advancements, to provide community members who donated diapers to any First Federal branch, a coupon for free ice cream.

In addition to First Federal, the following McMinnville banks also participated: Bank of America, Chase, Citizens Bank, Columbia Bank, First Community Credit Union, Heritage Bank, KeyBank, and OnPoint Community Credit Union. A Family Place is very thankful for the banks’ and communities involvement.

A Family Place helps reduce childhood abuse, neglect, and foster placements in Yamhill County by providing resources to families. Families in need can obtain a 3-day emergency supply of diapers (only being eligible once a month). They also support at-risk families by offering free professional home visiting, parent education, and specialized preschool for children ages 0 to 5 – the time research shows these programs to have the greatest long term impact on children’s development.

First Federal Announces Community Grant Winners

October 2019

The First Federal Community Grants Committee has selected seven nonprofits operating in Yamhill County to receive grants this quarter. Grants were awarded to: Chehalem Cultural Center, Friends of Sheridan Parks & Recreation, McMinnville Free Clinic, Newberg High School Tiger Manufacturing, Pregnancy Counseling and Information Center, See Ya Later Foundation, and Unidos Bridging Communities.

The Community Grants Program has been active since 1999. Grant requests range from $1,000 to $5,000 and are reviewed quarterly by a five-member committee. The goal of the program is to support local nonprofits with capital improvements or equipment.

First Federal Sponsors Speaker Series

September 2019

First Federal will be sponsoring a new impact speaker series, entitled Newberg Perk, which will be held the third Wednesday of each month from 7:30am to 8:30am. This reoccurring event is an opportunity for the business men and women to network with, and learn more about local businesses and relevant issues.

Newberg Perk aims to foster conversation and learning about a variety of local business-related topics. This event series is free of charge. Coffee, tea, and pastries are provided at no additional cost. This event series is sponsored by three local businesses: First Federal, the Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Headwater Investments. Click Here to find out about upcoming speakers and locations.

8 Financial Tips for College Freshmen

September 2019

For many young adults, college is the first time they are in control of the majority of their finances. As freshmen across the country embark on their first semester, First Federal has highlighted eight tips to help ease their transition to financial independence. “Striking the balance between spending and saving can be particularly hard when you are focused on everything else that comes with college life, but it is important to keep a close watch on your spending habits from day one,” said Jim Schlotfeldt, CEO. “There’s no better time than the first year of college to establish good money habits and take control of your financial future.”

Click the link below to learn how to ease the transition to financial independence for college freshmen.

Money Tips for College Freshmen

First Federal Awards Eight Scholarships

June 2019

Eight graduating seniors received First Federal Scholarships to continue their education at an accredited four-year college or university or a two-year community college. Representatives from First Federal presented a $1,500 scholarship certificate to a senior at each of the seven public high schools, as well as one to a private or home schooled student, in Yamhill County. Overall, $220,900 has been awarded by First Federal to 165 students in Yamhill County since the program began in 1996.

Scholarships

First Federal and Linfield College Internship Program Helps Nonprofits

May 2019

First Federal and Linfield College have partnered for the 9th year to provide Community Internships to five Linfield students during spring term 2019. These students take on short-term project-based paid internships with charitable organizations in Yamhill County. This year the students are working on projects for the First Presbyterian Church, McMinnville Area Habitat for Humanity, SNACK: Student Nutrition & Activity Clinic for Kids, Unidos Bridging Community, and the Willamette Valley Cancer Foundation. The internship program is a wonderful community partnership, leveraging student learning and the needs of local nonprofit organizations.

Community Internships

Teach Children to Save 2019

April 2019

Teach Children to Save (TCTS), sponsored by the American Bankers Association Foundation, is celebrated annually during Financial Literacy Month in April. Bankers from across the country demonstrate their commitment to community by teaching young people the value of saving. First Federal staff visited 15 classes in Yamhill County to teach over 700 2nd and 3rd grade students about the importance of saving.

First Federal Supports Dayton Affordable Housing Project

April 2019

Several First Federal Team Members attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Dayton's newest subdivision, Filbert Point. The 2.5 acre property sits right across from Dayton High School, at the corner of Ferry and Sweeney streets. Nine of the homes are reserved for families with household incomes of 80% or less of the median area income. Along with the USDA, First Federal will be assisting in the financing of mortgages for these homes. "Yamhill County is lacking affordable housing and the rising home prices are preventing buyers from qualifying for conventional financing. As a local lender in the community since 1922, First Federal promotes home ownership and we are pleased to work with a long-time Dayton family on this project. The construction of new homes in smaller towns is a crucial part of the continual growth and vitality for our Yamhill County," said Jim Schlotfeldt, President and CEO. The project is being managed by Fishbone Construction and actual home construction is set to begin in October.

Learn More

You Voted, We Donated! $40,000 to Local Nonprofits

March 2019

First Federal is donating $40,000 again this year based on votes received by First Federal customers. The popular annual Customer Ballots program concluded recently and checks are being delivered to 88 Yamhill County nonprofits. In the past 20 years, First Federal has given over $800,000 to Yamhill County nonprofits voted by First Federal customers. “We believe in the work of our nonprofits and are happy to donate funds to those organizations where our customers have a heart for the mission,” said Jim Schlotfeldt, CEO/President of First Federal. The organizations receiving the top amount of votes include Homeward Bound Pets, YCAP Food Bank, Newberg Animal Shelter Friends, Pregnancy Counseling & Information Center, the Soup Kitchen @ St. Barnabas, Juliette’s House Child Abuse Prevention Center, Yamhill County Gospel Rescue Mission, Love in the Name of Christ (Love INC.), Henderson House and 4-H Clubs of Yamhill County. Since 1999, First Federal has donated more than $2.8 million to nonprofits in Yamhill County through the community giving programs. Thank you, First Federal customers, for helping determine how this money will be shared!

Customer Ballot

First Federal Welcomes Community Impact Coordinator

March 2019

Kathie Byers has joined First Federal Savings and Loan as Community Impact Coordinator. Byers comes to First Federal from the local Sheridan nonprofit LINCS, where she was the Executive Director for over ten years. Prior to nonprofit management, Byers served as a Paralegal for attorneys in McMinnville, Newberg, and Sheridan. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Linfield College. In her new position, Byers is responsible for First Federal’s Community Giving Programs and community outreach. “We are thrilled to have Kathie on board, she’ll bring a fresh perspective and approach to our community involvement,” said Jim Schlotfeldt, President and CEO. Kathie and her husband of 30 years have three adult children. When she’s not out in the community, she enjoys cooking, reading, and painting. Getting to know someone and hearing their stories over a good cup of coffee are two of her favorite things. “I am excited about my new position because I get to be an advocate for nonprofits, and a representative of an organization that I have admired for the past 30 years,” says Byers. Please join us in welcoming Kathie to First Federal.

First Federal Welcomes VP Commercial Relationship Manager

January 2019

Tony Journey has joined First Federal Savings and Loan as Vice President Commercial Relationship Manager. Journey is an experienced banking professional, most recently serving as a Business Banking Specialist at US Bank. In that position, he was responsible for business lending, new accounts, and relationship management across the Willamette Valley. While his focus is on business accounts, he has also held positions as a personal banker and an assistant branch manager for the Dayton/McMinnville area. Prior to starting his career in banking in 2007, Journey spent time in the restaurant and metal fabrication industries. He is currently enrolled in Leadership Mac through the McMinnville Chamber of Commerce to further develop himself as a leader but also to gain a better understanding of how all of the moving parts work together to create this cherished community. He’s also looking for ways in which he as an individual can help for the greater good, while building lasting relationships with local leaders. “It’s one thing to just live in a city, but I want to connect with this city,” says Journey. Journey is a Yamhill County native, growing up in Newberg and now living in McMinnville with his wife Lacey and their children Delaine and Dakota. He is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys camping, gardening, fishing and hiking in the Mount Jefferson wilderness area.

“Tony is a fantastic addition to our lending team,” says Jim Schlotfeldt, CEO. “He has a very strong background in commercial lending and we are delighted to have someone with his experience to help grow our commercial lending team.” Please join us in welcoming Tony to First Federal.

First Federal Welcomes Commercial Relationship Manager

January 2019

Cindy De Las Heras, First Federal Residential Mortgage Loan Officer, has been promoted to Commercial Relationship Manager. She has over 15 years of banking experience from a variety of roles. In her new position, she is responsible for building trusted relationships with business clients in the Newberg area. She is passionate about Yamhill County and exceeding her commercial client’s needs. De Las Heras and her family are active in the McMinnville and Newberg communities. She is an currently an active member of the Newberg Kiwanis Club

“Cindy has shown true dedication and leadership throughout her time as a dedicated employee,” Jim Schlotfeldt, President and CEO said. “We’re very confident in Cindy’s abilities and are extremely happy to award her with this promotion.” Please join us in congratulating Cindy in her new position.

22nd Annual Blanket & Book Drive

December 2018

This year, our employees, customers and friends have generously donated to First Federal's Holiday Blanket & Book Drive, allowing us to deliver 582 blankets and 1,975 children's books to YCAP and other local food banks to be distributed this holiday season to Yamhill County families in need. First Federal branches have also been collecting items for local toy drives and Trees of Giving. Thank you to all for helping us help our neighbors this holiday season!

Employee Ballots

November 2018

Our 89 employees voted, and we're donating $4,450 to 44 local nonprofits! In addition to First Federal's other charitable giving programs, employees have the opportunity each year to designate a $50 donation to the Yamhill County nonprofit of their choice.

First Federal Welcomes VP, Loan Operations Manager

November 2018

Barbara Colson has joined First Federal Savings and Loan Association as Vice President Loan Operations Manager. Colson is a highly experienced banking professional, most recently serving as Vice President and Manager of Loan Operations of Premier Community Bank located in Hillsboro. She also has experience from OnPoint Community Credit Union and US Bank in Hillsboro. Over her career, Colson has held several positions of increasing responsibility and developed broad expertise in lending procedures, compliance, and talent management. She was previously a member of the Hillsboro Lions Club, and also taught financial education in Hillsboro elementary schools through the local Financial Beginnings program. She is looking forward to participating in volunteer activities in the McMinnville area. When she isn’t working, she can be found gardening, camping, and creating crafts and floral designs. Please join us in welcoming her to First Federal.

First Federal Honored with 10th Portland Business Journal Corporate Philanthropy Award

October 2018

First Federal was awarded a 2018 Corporate Philanthropy Award from the Portland Business Journal at an awards banquet at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Portland on October 17th. The award recognizes First Federal's charitable giving programs and the commitment it represents to the community. This is the 10th consecutive year First Federal has earned this honor.

The Portland Business Journal Corporate Philanthropy Awards celebrates the most generous companies in Oregon and southwest Washington. This year, 40 companies were honored in four categories: Small, Medium, Large, and Enterprise. Businesses in each category were ranked according to their financial contributions.

First Federal moved from the small company category up to the medium company category this year and ranked seventh overall for charitable contributions last year of $202,892.

“We are proud to support our many Yamhill County nonprofit organizations through cash donations and volunteer efforts. This year our 88 employees volunteered 3,300 hours of volunteer time. Their continued commitment to sustaining our local communities is what continues to drive First Federal’s charitable giving programs. It is a great honor to be recognized as leaders for corporate giving in the state of Oregon," said Jim Schlotfeldt, President and CEO.

Since 1999, First Federal has donated more than $2.6 million to nonprofits in Yamhill County. Donations are made through the Customer Ballot, Community Rewards, Scholarship and Internship Programs, as well as through numerous local organizations and event sponsorship.

First Federal Welcomes New Board Member

July 2018

Tonna Farrar, JD has been selected to join the Board of Directors at First Federal. Farrar has more than two decades of legal experience, and practices in the areas of insurance bad faith, consumer litigation, equine law, disability insurance, transactional and corporate matters. For more than a decade, Farrar served as lead counsel in national banking and insurance class action litigation. She is licensed in four states and last fall opened an office in Newberg, to better serve local clients in her own community. She is the Managing Partner of TKF Law LLC in Oregon, representing business owners and individuals in the Valley. In order to serve her clients in other areas, she is also a Partner with Evangeline Fisher Grossman Law in California, and serves Of Counsel to Comitz | Beethe PLLC in Arizona. She brings experience as both a banking litigation attorney and a representative of local businesses. Please join us in welcoming her to First Federal.

First Federal Community Rewards Program Donates $20,000 to Non-Profits Based on Customers' Volunteer Efforts

June 2018

Now in its 10th year, First Federal reopened its Community Rewards program on May 1. The program pays $2 for each hour our customers volunteer with a local non-profit, up to a maximum of $500 per organization. In three months, First Federal customers had volunteered over 10,000 hours. Sixty-six (66) non-profit organizations working in Yamhill County received funds as part of this program. A big thanks to 410 customers who volunteered their time to do good works and earn money for their favorite non-profits!

Community Rewards