It’s been a bit over a week now, but people are still noting the

absence of the familiar “Big Red 1” on

several corners throughout the Valley.

On Monday, Sept. 27, Seafirst banks throughout the region

formally changed their name and logos to that of the “new” Bank of America.

Down came the Seafirst markings, and up went the stylized flag of BofA.

Seafirst – founded in 1870 as Phillips, Horton and Company

and later named Seattle First Bank – became a subsidiary of BankAmerica

in 1983. The Seafirst name is being dropped as a result of the

October 1998 merger of NationsBank and BankAmerica, which created

the nation’s first coast-to-coast banking company. The merged company is

the largest bank in the United States, with operations in 21 states and the

District of Columbia.

As part of the official unveiling, Bank of America announced it

is awarding over $700,000 in “Day One” grants to a variety of nonprofit

agencies throughout Washington state. In addition, on Oct. 2

approximately 3,000 bank employees fanned out throughout the state to perform

community volunteer service projects.

Seafirst Customers will see the new signs at the region’s branches,

but corporate spokesmen advise their banking services and account

numbers will not change. Customers can continue to use their existing checks

and deposit slips. Replacement ATM, debit, and credit cards with the

new Bank of America name and logo should arrive by the end of

November.

Bank of America currently employs over 8,400 in Washington at

235 banking centers and non-branch business units. The North Bend branch

is located at 128 Bendigo Blvd. and is managed by Anu

Sharma. Snoqualmie’s branch is at 38565 S.E. River St., under the direction

of Carolyn Fischer.

In Duvall, the Bank of America branch is located at 15630 Main

St. Robin Berger is the manager.