When neighbors help neighbors, the whole community benefits. And that’s true prosperity.
2024 Community Impact Report
Thank you for taking the time to read our 2024 Community Impact Report. Each year, this report serves as a reflection of our shared values and a celebration of the partnerships that help bring our mission to life.
In its pages, you’ll find stories and statistics that highlight the many ways our employees gave back in 2024—through hands-on volunteerism, meaningful nonprofit partnerships and a record number of hours spent serving local communities.
You’ll also see how our corporate donations helped fund essential services and uplift those most in need.
We’re especially proud of the progress we’ve made in supporting affordable housing and community-focused financing projects—providing stability and opportunity for families across our region. Internally, our sustainability efforts continue to evolve as we work toward reducing our environmental footprint and creating a more responsible, forward-thinking organization.
This work is possible because of the people who believe in it—you, our community members, customers, partners and employees. Thank you for your continued trust and for sharing in our commitment to lasting, positive change.
Bryan McDonald, President & CEO
Heritage Bank is committed to improving our communities by driving impact in the areas of:
BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
EDUCATION & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
We will pursue all of our community work and support with a holistic focus on equity and inclusion. Our thriving company culture engages our employees and inspires them to serve our communities in the pursuit of positive change.
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
TYPES OF SUPPORT
Sponsorships & donations
Corporate match
Employee donations & volunteering
Corporate Giving
OUR COMMUNITY IMPACT IN 2024
In 2024, we achieved remarkable success in our corporate giving initiatives, demonstrating a strong commitment to social responsibility and community development. We contributed over $1.2 million to charitable causes, focusing on financial literacy, affordable housing, small business development, environmental sustainability and more. Our philanthropic programs reached underserved communities, empowering individuals with resources and opportunities to thrive.
Social Equity $48,266
Other $62,529
CORPORATE GIVING
$1,236,630 to 525 organizations including: Homestead Community Land Trust Sea-Mar Community Health Centers p:ear Boise Downtown YMCA Blanchet House Unite Oregon
UNITED WAY EMPLOYEE GIVING CAMPAIGN
NOVEMBER 4–15
What once required employees to fill out and mail physical pledge forms has become a fast, user-friendly online system that makes giving more accessible and efficient. This modernization has contributed to a steady increase in participation, with 215 employees taking part this year.
This year’s campaign was a resounding success, reflecting our team’s strong commitment to community impact. Employees came together to support local United Way chapters and other nonprofits through generous payroll contributions. These donations will help fund programs in education, financial stability and health across our region.
2024 BY THE NUMBERS
TOTAL HOURS VOLUNTEERED
5,723
ORGANIZATIONS SERVED 208
EMPLOYEES PARTICIPATING 570
together, WE CAN ACHIEVE MORE.
VOLUNTEER DAY 2024 PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS
Adopt a Pet of Shelton | Anacortes Rotary Charitable Association | Arlington Kids Kloset | Associated Ministries | Auburn Food Bank | BAG Pantry | Birch Community Services | Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County | Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County | Camano Center | Catholic Community Services | City of Hillsboro | Clark County Food Bank | Community Action of Skagit County | Economic Development Council of San Juan County | Emergency Food Network | Family Education & Support Services | Gifts from the Heart Food Bank | Good Cheer Food Bank | GRuB (Garden-Raised Bounty) | Habitat for Humanity of Central Lane | Habitat for Humanity Whatcom County | Helping Hands Food Bank of SedroWoolley | Hope Creek Charitable Foundation | Interfaith Sanctuary | Junior Achievement of Washington | Kelsey Creek Farm | Lakewood Habitat for Humanity Store | Lincoln Elementary Pantry | Longview Downtowners | Making a Difference Foundation | NW Furniture Bank | One Community One Family | OneLife Community Church | Portland Backpack | Puyallup St. Francis House | Rebuilding Together Thurston County | South Sound Reading Foundation | Sunshine Division | Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity | The Campbell Farm | The NOAH Center | Thurston County Food Bank | Tualatin Riverkeepers | Whatcom Humane Society | Whidbey Animals’ Improvement Foundation | Work Opportunities | YWCA Yakima
On September 18, 2024, employees across the Heritage Bank footprint came together for our company-wide Volunteer Day, demonstrating their dedication to community service and social responsibility. This annual event, now in its third year, saw teams from various departments stepping away from their usual roles to contribute time and effort toward meaningful causes in their local communities.
Collectively, employees logged nearly 1,700 volunteer hours in just one afternoon. With our biggest turnout yet, 555 employees and 60 enthusiastic organizations, this event showcased our dedication to giving back and making a meaningful impact. Volunteers participated in a wide range of activities, including environmental clean-up projects, food drives, supporting local shelters and painting houses.
Through events like Volunteer Day, Heritage continues to reinforce its commitment to fostering a culture of responsibility and support. We believe that when employees come together to give back, they not only strengthen their community but also build a stronger, more connected workforce.
“Thanks so much to you and your team for all the work you did at our family shelter! I drove by last night and the front hedge looks 100 times better than it did.”
– Tracy Montaron, Community Action of Skagit County
“I am thankful that I got to share this afternoon with my team and that our company is committed to our local community.”
– Yvonne L. Walker, VP, Branch Relationship Manager, Kent
Here are some of the projects employees worked on during Volunteer Day.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF CENTRAL LANE
Our Eugene team helped Habitat with their development project at Fischer Village in Springfield, OR. They finished the rock work around the brand-new Fischer Village Marquis along with dressing up the retaining wall and pulling weeds.
WHATCOM HUMANE SOCIETY
One of our Bellingham teams worked with the Whatcom Humane Society to clear a deer enclosure for the winter season.
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SNOHOMISH COUNTY
The team cleaned tables, chairs, rooms, bulletin boards and Legos for the Lynnwood Boys & Girls Club. They even had the opportunity to interact with the kids in the game room!
FAMILY EDUCATION & SUPPORT SERVICES
A team of nine helped FESS with miscellaneous tasks around their office, including touching up paint, shredding documents, creating holiday wish list tags for children, organizing donations and more.
NW FURNITURE BANK
Fifteen employees successfully built eight bookcases and 11 tables. The furniture bank will provide these items to newly housed individuals and families so they can make their house a home.
Heritage in the Community
At the Community Partners for Affordable Housing fundraiser, Kathy Swift was honored for all the incredible work she’s done. As a powerhouse at Heritage Bank, Kathy is known for building strong relationships and supporting the community with personalized financial solutions.
Jamie Louie-Smith, commercial banking officer, and Heather Gabbert, relationship banking officer, presented Greenhill Humane Society with a $500 donation.
Heritage received the top community bank award and Marlene Johanson, commercial banking officer, received the top individual lender award for most SBA loans approved through our partnership with the Evergreen Business Capital. We also ranked #1 as an SBA third-party lender in both the Seattle and Portland areas. We’ve held this honor for five out of the last nine years!
In October of 2024, our Union Gap, Yakima and Toppenish locations were all dropoff locations for the local Toys for Tots program, which is run entirely by active/ reserve component Marines. Each year, they give toys to over 3,000 underprivileged children in Yakima County. “This is one of my passions as I come from a family of Marines and my dad helped organize the toy drive for years here in our valley.” - Lisa Redtfeldt, Financial Services Associate
+ We’d like to congratulate Tamara Brown, one of our relationship banking officers in Portland, for being honored by the United Negro College Fund as an Outstanding Corporate Leader of the Year.
Congratulations to Melanie Tanguileg, treasury management relationship officer, who successfully earned her Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) credentials! Achieving this is a big accomplishment as only about 50% of those who attempt the exam eventually receive their CTP certification. This is a significant investment in Melanie’s career as a TMRO. It takes time, effort and dedication to achieve this symbol of excellence, demonstrating her ability to perform competently in today’s complex treasury environment. She also received an internal award for this achievement.
Our Longview branch was top team of the year in 2024! They hit all their goals in growth, retention and overall customer satisfaction. From team leader Lorie: “Success does not come through a single individual’s achievement, and the Longview team exemplifies this. They leveraged their banking partners inside and outside of the branch, supporting and celebrating each other’s achievements along the way.” Round of applause for Lorie Blain, Kelly Snaza, Leilani Burg, Jeri Dagleish, James Hoyt, Marlene Johanson, Lily Johnson-Schmaltz, Gabby Lara, Isaac Merly & Hayley Storie!
Our Culture & Our Communities
We strive to improve our communities by driving positive economic growth for businesses and individuals of all income levels. We continuously demonstrate our commitment to our customers and the communities, as exemplified by the array of loan, deposit accounts and service options that we offer.
Digital banking services that are secure, cost-effective and sustainable
Deposit products, such as Fresh Start Checking that provides our customers the opportunity to reestablish a positive checking account history
Flexible small business lending options:
– In-house quick decision small business lending
– Small Business Administration (SBA) lending
Community development loans, investments and grants with a focus on affordable housing and community services:
– Working with multiple stakeholders to maximize lending and tax credits to construct multi-family housing and wellness facilities for those most in need, such as struggling families, homeless youths, elders, disabled persons and veterans
Economic development, revitalization and stabilization:
– The Heritage Bank Community Development Entity is focused on economic development, revitalization and stabilization which targets investments in low-income communities through a subsidized loan fund. We partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration for higher-dollar small business lending and offer the Main Street Tax Credit Program for lending in defined opportunity zones. We also offer funds through the Washington State Small Business Credit initiative which provides much-needed capital to small businesses and nonprofits throughout Washington, particularly those in historically underserved and under- banked communities. The SSBCI is administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce in partnership with the U.S. Department of Treasury and financial institutions statewide.
+ OUR CULTURE & OUR PEOPLE
Heritage’s success depends on the success of its people. As a result, Heritage is focused on enhancing employee empowerment through human capital and talent management. Our strong culture was built upon adherence to a well-defined company mission and values which aligns employees across all levels of the company to a common goal and enables them to reach their full potential.
Financing Projects
BOISE DOWNTOWN YMCA
The Treasure Valley Family YMCA has been the heart of the downtown Boise community since the founding in 1891. Located on the seam of the residential North End, the downtown business core, adjacent to Boise High School, and near the Idaho State Capitol, they serve one of the most diverse communities in the state.
Due to immense population growth, the YMCA’s services have outgrown their current 54-year-old facility, and the building lacks the capacity to continue meeting vital community needs. In response to these identified needs, they are embarking upon a legacy project—the construction of the new CapEd Downtown Boise YMCA facility— which will be the anchor of a mixed-use four block catalytic revitalization project.
The new facility will include a child development center, an aquatics center, eight fitness studios, and sports performance training space and courts. The new location will be nearly twice the size of the current one and will have the capacity for twice as many visits per month.
Heritage Bank is supporting the project through a $19 million construction loan and $9.5 million dollar line of credit. We also sponsored $10,000 to their 2024 FUNDSY Gala, a benefit that supports the build of the new YMCA.
Our partnership with Interfaith Sanctuary has earned us the FRED Award, the most “Fearless Resilient Empathetic & Dynamic” business partner of the year.
INTERFAITH SANCTUARY
Interfaith Sanctuary is the only low-barrier shelter in Boise, Idaho. They’re a sanctuary for all genders, races, religions and sexual orientations. Their guests include those with disabilities and major health issues; the unemployed and underemployed; those who lack access to education or are priced out of housing; unhoused seniors; and LGBTQIA+ community members. They offer unhoused neighbors a home for community, a warm meal and a safe place to rest.
Interfaith has made the best of their cramped 10,000 square foot shelter. But when COVID-19 hit, they knew they had to protect their most vulnerable guests. They moved families with children and medically fragile individuals to a hotel, which allowed them to care for an additional 100 people each night. This experience showed just how many neighbors truly needed their help—far more than their current shelter could serve.
In late 2020, they found an available Salvation Army building that offered the potential to create an improved shelter with expanded services.
So, with the help of an $8.1 million construction loan from Heritage Bank, along with the City of Boise and other community partners, Interfaith is transforming the 42,500 square foot building into a comprehensive facility that will provide 24/7 access for guests, dedicated spaces for families with children and seniors, on-site medical support, case management, and learning spaces. This isn’t just a bigger building; it’s a place where their neighbors experiencing homelessness can find the dignity, safety, and support they need to rebuild their lives.
Affordable Housing
BELLIS FAIR FAMILY HOUSING
Bellingham,
Washington
In partnership with the City of Bellingham, the Opportunity Council has purchased a 2.7-acre property near Bellis Fair Mall in Bellingham, Washington. Phase one of construction began in October 2024, which focuses on families, and a second phase is expected to begin in late 2025 that will support seniors.
The new property is located at the corner of Eliza Avenue and Bellis Fair Parkway. It will include 120-130 permanently affordable units, mostly serving households whose incomes range from $25,000 to $60,000 per year. The first phase of construction will include a large childcare center, with space for approximately 100 children, housing for families with children and bike/pedestrian access to the site.
The project is estimated to cost a total of $60 million. The Opportunity Council is investing approximately $34 million in the first phase. The City of Bellingham is investing $8.7 million to support acquisition and development of the project, including part of the $3.1 million cost to purchase the property. Heritage provided a $15 million construction loan.
RIALTO APARTMENTS, THE EXLEY & ST. HELENS BUILDING
Downtown Tacoma, Washington
In 2023, Pierce County announced $17 million in affordable-housing investments raised from a new sales tax. Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello advocated for the sales tax when he was on the Pierce County Council.
From an interview done at The News Tribune, “Mello said even though the $17 million investment covers a diverse range of projects across a broad scope, it is just a drop in the bucket, as many more affordablehousing units will need to be built in the coming decades. ‘To fully meet the housing needs of current and future residents, the county needs to produce, on average, over 2,300 units per year of housing affordable at or below 50% of area median income (AMI) through the year 2044,’ the county’s Housing Action Strategy of 2022 found. ‘Over half of these units are needed for households at 30% of AMI or below.’”1
According to Pierce County, the region’s area median income (AMI) is around $98,200 per household. The round of investments announced by the county will account for more than 350 affordable-housing units.
One project in particular, led by Seattle-based real estate company Urban Black Community Development (UBCD) with partner Great Expectations LLC, is renovating three historic buildings in downtown Tacoma: Rialto, The Exley and St. Helens.
Heritage’s financing of $5 million, combined with financing from Washington State Housing Finance Commission and Section 8 Vouchers from the Tacoma Housing Authority, allowed UBCD to significantly renovate and stabilize the properties.
In total, these three buildings will preserve nine retail spaces and 78 residential units. Apartments will target people who earn 30%-50% of the AMI and include workforce housing for front-line workers, seniors, veterans and students.
SOUTH PARK FAMILY HOUSING
Seattle, Washington
Sea Mar Community Health Center’s South Park Family Housing will bring 77 homes to the South Park neighborhood in Seattle, Washington, with a focus on serving lowincome families and individuals. It will also include a clinic operated by Sea Mar Community Health on the ground floor.
Demolition and permits were approved late last year. Construction is expected to last about two years. Heritage provided a $10 million construction loan.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Investing in the community through a range of impactful loan programs and affordable housing initiatives is essential in fostering inclusive growth and longterm stability. These investments help create jobs, stimulate local economies and provide much-needed resources to underserved neighborhoods. By financing small businesses, we empower local entrepreneurs to revitalize commercial corridors and build generational wealth. Supporting affordable housing ensures that families have access to safe, stable living environments, which is foundational to education, health and economic mobility. These efforts not only strengthen individual lives but also contribute to the resilience and vitality of entire communities.
Signature Lending Programs:
Heritage Bank Community Development Entity (CDE)
SSBCI
Small Business Loans
Affordable Housing
in
Large Grants
BLANCHET HOUSE
Blanchet (pronounced Blan-shay) House has provided critical aid and given people a chance at a better life for 70 years. It’s one of the largest meal providers in Portland, Oregon. Open six days a week, they run two life-changing residential programs for men.
One of the programs, Blanchet Farm, was started in 1962 by the co-founders of Blanchet House in Carlton, Oregon. After years of serving meals in downtown Portland, the founders knew a retreat was needed outside of the city for men to heal themselves from alcohol and drug addiction.
But, as effective as the farm program has been for nearly 60 years, the organization faced challenges to their operations, growth and ability to meet the community’s needs. They faced issues such as small and restrictive dormitory rooms, inadequate space for therapeutic services, an outdated facility and little to no gathering spaces.
General contractor AC Schommer & Sons, in partnership with SERA, an architecture and design firm, crafted and carried out a plan to update the facilities and increase capacity.
“Our farm program has been incredibly successful at helping people change their lives for the better. But the facilities are worn out. They were not designed with a recovery program in mind,” explains Scott Kerman, executive director of Blanchet House.
With this new building, Blanchet Farm now offers up to 24 men a safe and supportive no-cost residential recovery opportunity to build sobriety, regain self-worth and learn job skills. Residents in addiction to recovery at the farm spend time in nature tending the gardens and caring for animals as well as learning beekeeping and woodworking.
Success of the project has resulted in:
Expanded space of 14,000 square feet to accommodate presently housed men, visiting families, volunteers/supporters from the community and staff
Enhanced sustainability through a completely solar electric facility
Calm, comforting and healing spaces designed with home-like aesthetics, natural light and ample storage to promote a soothing, trauma-informed environment conducive to recovery
Purpose-built dormitory to house up to 24 men while they move through a nine-month program
Enriched therapeutic environments supporting a social enterprise program
Commercial kitchen for preparing nutritious meals and snacks
Outdoor space for meetings, relaxation or community gatherings
Specially designed rooms to offer customized case management and private consultation
Indoor space to host community recovery meetings (AA/NA) and other activities open to Yamhill County residents
UNITE OREGON
Unite Oregon, located in Portland, is a membership organization led by Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC); immigrants and refugees; rural communities and people experiencing poverty. They work throughout the state to build a unified, intercultural movement for justice.
As a result of the pandemic, Oregon communities continue to see the economic and health impacts, with low-income and communities of color being hit the hardest. Reports have cited that 28% of Black, 30% of Latinx and 26% of Asian households say it’s very difficult to pay monthly expenses.
Unite Oregon is expanding the Community Prosperity Initiative (including BRIDGES) to resolve three critical and interrelated crises: lack of affordable and quality housing, economic opportunity (wealth creation and asset retention) and equitable response to the negative impacts of climate change. Throughout the state, communities encounter similar outcomes from economic displacement and disinvestment including lack of access to living-wage jobs, long commutes to and from work, low-quality housing options and more.
Their focus now is to partner with community members to assess priorities and solutions for housing, climate resilience, disaster emergency response, green workforce development, small business incubation and support. This will include: BRIDGES, a small business program
Study and computer areas for residents to work on job applications and school
With the help of several community members, including $60,000 from Heritage Bank, Blanchet House staff, board and supporters celebrated the farm’s grand opening on September 12, 2024.
designed to create 40-50 new immigrant, refugee and BIPOC businesses in East Portland
State-wide childcare initiative, resulting in 80 newly licensed IR-BIPOC small business childcare providers and offering up to 300 new childcare slots
New, immigrant and refugee created and led community gardens, providing access to free, fresh, culturally relevant food and small business opportunities in East Portland
Climate Resilient Innovation Centers, indoor and outdoor hubs that provide cooling centers, emergency relief and resource navigation to address the climate crisis and its disproportionate impact on our communities, as well as serve as a small business incubator, workforce training center, childcare center and community space
Emergency response fund to meet immediate community needs, from wildfire recovery to food insecurity to those facing eviction or houselessness
To support this expansion, Heritage Bank is providing $60,000 over four years. The funding will be allocated for community outreach, engagement and recruitment, small business and entrepreneurship development and training, credit building and access to capital via Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) and microloans.
Environment & Sustainability
As a financial institution, we do not have as significant of an impact on the environment as businesses in some other industries. Nevertheless, we demonstrate environmental responsibility in various ways, including:
reducing our carbon footprint with the consolidation of facilities using green janitorial products and LED bulbs that have a longer life and use less energy
repurposing existing furniture whenever possible recycling across our footprint
We also continually find ways to implement technology platforms that provide efficiencies and paperless options.
+ GREENER TOGETHER: THE HERITAGE HELPS ECOCHALLENGE
At Heritage, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a shared commitment. This April, our team came together for our sixth Ecochallenge, a month-long initiative designed to inspire eco-friendly habits, encourage collaboration and spark creative solutions for a greener future.
Over 320 employees across all departments participated, forming small teams to tackle weekly sustainability goals. From reducing single-use plastics to lowering energy consumption in our offices, every action counted. Participants logged their efforts on an interactive platform, earning points for sustainable choices both at work and at home.
Some standout achievements:
75,728 gallons of water saved
25,783 pounds of CO2 saved
14,741 minutes spent learning
7,047 plastic items not sent to the landfill
1,667 miles not traveled by car
1,166 meatless or vegan meals consumed
The challenge wasn’t just about numbers— it was about impact. “I absolutely love Ecochallenge! Every year, the challenges serve as a powerful reminder to be more mindful in my daily choices and to consider the environmental impact of everything I do during these three weeks. From my food choices to waste, water and electricity usage, I become more aware of how each action contributes to my personal footprint—and where small changes can lead to lasting impact,” comments Kristen Connor, senior vice president-relationship banking team leader.
The winning team, The Planet Professionals, went above and beyond, completing 8,283 actions. They volunteered; consumed organic, whole and zero-waste meals; and spent 1,370 minutes learning about sustainability.
We appreciate each and every employee who participated and supported this initiative. Together, we’re proving that meaningful change starts from within—and that sustainability is a journey we’re proud to take, side by side.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
We recognize and appreciate the importance of building an environment where all employees feel valued, included and empowered to do their best work. We recognize that each employee’s unique experiences, perspectives and viewpoints add value to our ability to be the leading commercial community bank in the Pacific Northwest.
We are dedicated to fostering a workplace where every individual has the opportunity to succeed based on their exceptional talents, skills and contributions. We’ve built a foundation based on respect, fairness and equal opportunity that empowers employees to reach their full potential. We are committed to serving a diverse workforce where all employees have access to the resources and opportunities they need to excel—ensuring that success is driven by merit, dedication and performance.
We have a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) plan, statement, council and officer who has been certified by the National Diversity Council. The DEI Council is made up of a diverse group of employees and serves as an advisory board to executive leadership.
By cultivating a workplace that values inclusion and belonging, our employees thrive and our customers benefit from a team that brings excellence, expertise and a deep commitment to their financial success.
