The Peoples Bank Story
Our History
It was the summer of 1920 when the residents of Lynden, Washington decided they needed a change. At the time, there was only one bank in town. To create healthy competition and expand financing options for the local community, a town meeting was held at the Odd Fellow Hall (now known as Eagles Hall) to begin the process of establishing a new bank. By the time winter rolled around, the new Peoples State Bank opened for business on January 7, 1921.
In 1938, Irwin LeCocq Sr. purchased a controlling interest in the Bank, joined as President and established the Bank’s core values of honesty, integrity, respect, and commitment. As World War II ended, the Bank saw itself on solid footing with $2,000,000 in assets. Irwin LeCocq Jr. joined the bank in 1952, assumed the role of president in 1969, and oversaw $13 million in assets and three branches. His son, Charles LeCocq, was elected President and CEO in 1987, carrying on the family tradition and supporting the core values set by his grandfather. He served in that capacity through early 2013 when he became Chairman of the Board and continues as CEO. Charles has grown the Bank to 23 branches and more than $2.6 billion in assets. Charles represents the third generation of LeCocq leadership at the Bank and is a fifth-generation banker.
Irwin LeCocq Sr.
President 1938 - 1969
Irwin LeCocq Jr.
Chief Executive Officer & President 1969 - 1987
Charles LeCocq
Chief Executive Officer & Chairman of the Board
People First
In 1995, the Bank changed its name from Peoples State Bank to Peoples Bank. As we did over 100 years ago when we established our roots in Lynden, we operate from a “People First” philosophy. Our unwavering commitment to our employees, customers, and local communities is what makes us a true community bank and distinguishes us from other banks in the area. We provide generous support to regional and national organizations at the local level through giving and community service campaigns, and our employee benefits programs support professional growth and personal well-being. We are committed to recruiting locally and creating jobs and long-term career opportunities. Our diversity policy ensures that our culture is open to talent from the broad cross-section of residents in rural, small town and urban communities where we live and work.
A Full Relationship Banking Experience
Our stable and ongoing growth is predicated on the same values that we started with: be responsible and dedicated to our clients and serve our local communities beyond the business of banking.
Today, Peoples Bank has assets of over $2.6 billion and 23 branches across Western Washington, offering a full relationship banking experience.
For our personal banking customers, this includes flexible checking and savings accounts, personal loans, and expert investment and planning services.
For our commercial clients, our business banking services are designed to improve the efficiency and growth of your operation through a full range of accounts, business loans, merchant services, and treasury management services. We also offer a suite of sophisticated mobile and online banking tools on par with any national bank’s offering.
A Higher Level of Service
Our history, outstanding employees, and enduring core values are the pillars of our Bank. They unify our team to serve beyond what is expected to make a difference in the lives and businesses of our customers.
Over the years we have learned that delivering on our promise, “A Higher Level of Service,” always starts and ends with people. We are a proud member of the local communities in which we operate, and we are honored to serve your banking needs.