By Mary Wolbach Lopert

In an age of mega bank mergers and corporate buy-outs, Community First National Bank is making a commitment to community involvement. According to Niwot branch manager Selene Hall, "Community First is going into our community and emphasizing customer service for small businesses and individuals. Where some banks will emphasize corporate customers and computer banking, Community First's niche is more one-on one-service."

Community First is a regional bank head quartered in Fargo, ND. The bank has a presence in 22 states, with 50 locations in Colorado and 10 branches in Boulder County, five of which came from the merger of Pioneer Bank with Community First in May 1998.

Both the Niwot and Gunbarrel branches offer a full range of in-branch services, including safe deposit boxes, three drive-up windows, night deposit drop, debit card, overdraft protection and an ATM. ATM fees have been in the headlines lately but according to Selene, "If a Community First customer uses one of our machines there's no fee. But there is a $1 fee for non-customers." The bank is also upgrading the ATM in Niwot and adding ATMs at three locations in Longmont for customer convenience.

As for account services, Community First offers free checking with no minimum balance. There is a $6 monthly maintenance fee for returned checks. Other fees for account services may vary. Telephone and business on-line banking also are available

The bank has a full range of loans available including mortgage, personal and commercial loans. According to Selene, "We have a team approach. I will work with a loan officer who specializes in a specific type of loan. Loan documentation is also handled by specialists but the documents are signed in the local branch."

The branches have convenient hours.

Lobby hours: Monday through Friday - 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Saturday - 8:30 a.m. to noon
Community First Niwot
Drive Up hours: Monday through Friday - 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday - 8:30 a.m. to noon

97 Second Ave. 
Niwot, CO
303-652-3800