finance | naming rights

Calling card
Bank makes an arena play

By SUZANNE SPROUL

CITIZENS BUSINESS BANK is proud of its roots, and it shows. In fact, when the naming opportunity for the $150 million Ontario-owned Arena was announced, company officials were at the head of the line, knowing they wanted to be involved with fueling the economic engine of growth for the city and the surrounding Inland Empire.

Being associated with a community landmark isn't new for the institution. The bank was created in 1974 by a group of enthusiastic local businessmen led by George Borba, who wanted a premium institution to serve the city of Chino.

The single office opened that summer as Chino Valley Bank. Growth and success soon followed, with the bank renamed in 1996 to reflect its expanding geographical strategic presence serving business and professional clients.

The headquarters shifted to Ontario, and today, what was once a solitary location has grown to 45 banking centers serving 40 cities in seven Southland counties.

Growth has brought change, but some things have remained the same. Three members of the original board of directors — Borba, John A. Borba and Ron Kruse — remain on the board as steadfast supporters of the bank and community.

Commitment is a cornerstone of daily operations. The name, too, says it all — Citizens Business Bank is in the business of doing business. The new entertainment venue is expected to produce a lot of buzz and revenue in the local economy.

Pairing the two is a natural fit because Citizens Business Bank and Citizens Business Bank Arena are located just blocks from each other in a flourishing hub of enterprising activity just off Haven Avenue and Interstate 10.

"Citizens Business Bank is one of the best success stories in California if not the United States," said a smiling Christopher D. Myers, president and chief executive officer.

The bank's success mirrors the growth and prosperity of the Inland Empire, as it serves small- to medium-sized businesses and professional firms.

"That's our niche. We know who we are and what we do well," Myers said. "Our earnings are up 8 percent from last year. I'm proud of our consistency and delivery to our clients."

Partnering with the city continues Citizens Business Bank's engagement in the community and its investment in its stability and future.

"The Arena is really part of the city's economic development strategy," said Ontario City Manager Greg Devereaux.

The facility will bring a state-of-the-art, quality entertainment venue to a community excited to support it.

"This is an investment that will further the economic impact of this region," Devereaux said.

Having Citizens Business Bank, formed locally, associated with it speaks volumes to the city's and bank's mutual commitment for the Arena's success.

"Citizens Business Bank Arena is another step in Ontario's evolution as an urban center," Devereaux said.

"Our association with the Arena shows our commitment to this city and to the Inland Empire," Myers said. "Citizens Business Bank is here to stay, and Ontario is our home."

The Arena has luxury box seats and suites, more than half of them owned by Citizens Business Bank customers. Those seats and suites allow the bank to entertain current and future clients, extolling the idea that you can live, work and play in the Inland Empire.

The bank operates with five core values, Myers said, and one of those is the idea of having fun. Happy and content people are productive people, allowing work and personal lives to remain balanced, for the benefit of everyone.

"We are thrilled to be a part of this monumental step forward for Ontario and the Inland Empire," Myers said.

D. Linn Wiley is vice chairman of the board of directors. He helped negotiate the naming venture with the city.

"We've had an excellent relationship with the city of Ontario for many years.

Our headquarters is there, and we have about 250 associates employed in the city of Ontario. It seemed to be a natural for us to partner with the city and Arena," he said.

Citizens Business Bank Arena should put Ontario in a strong position as the primary entertainment venue in the Inland Empire.

"Citizens Business Bank is the largest financial institution in this region as well, so our involvement is fitting," Wiley said.

"We believe strongly in supporting the communities that support us."