By Ron Goodman

First National Bank was chartered in 1965 in Estes Park. The bank was founded by citizens of Estes Park, and the bank’s stock was only sold locally. Many of the original investors remain shareholders and the present board still consists entirely of Estes Park residents. David Taylor has been the president of First National for the last twelve years. The bank’s name has remained the same since it’s founding in 1965.

First National maintains three locations; the main building and a branch are located in Estes Park and the third location is the Niwot branch, which shares a building with Steele’s Market.

Branch Manager and Vice President, Wanda L. Fisher explained that the bank uses all of the modern banking technology available behind the scenes but maintains a personal service in dealing with bank customers. "There are no telephone answering systems here," Fisher explained, "When you call, a person answers your call. Our customers talk to people."

"Some of the typical banking fees are lower in this branch. I occasionally check other banks in the area." Fisher said, "I try to be less." Fisher offered some examples of no fee services:

• No charge for the transfer of funds
• Free first checking, no minimum balance

• No charge for using another bank’s ATM machine
• Free ATM card
• No charge for a reserve fund on your account
• Free Xerox copies and change counting
• Free Notary service and account inquiry
• "We are here because of our customers," Fisher opined, "because they deposit their money in our branch. We don’t have a ‘Good customer’ list. We don’t automatically bounce checks, we try to call everyone."

Fisher described an unusual service performed by this branch. "Many of the stores in town have only one or two employees. They can’t get out during the day. We will pick up deposits and bring them change." Debit cards are available; there are no credit cards.

"The branch has grown steadily since opening in 1995. The board is very pleased with the progress of this branch," Fisher proffered.

There is no drive-up window but you can make a deposit and get a quart of milk in Steele’s in one trip. Oh yes, dog biscuits are available and cookies on holidays too.