Press Releases

In Memory

E.W. Firstenburg

1913 - 2010

 

It’s with great sadness that we announce the passing of EW Firstenburg, founder of First Independent, on Saturday, August 21, 2010.

 

E.W. Firstenburg is survived by three children, along with seven grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. In addition to son Bill Firstenburg, First Independent CEO and Chairman of the Board, son Bruce E. Firstenburg chairs the bank’s holding company, First Independent Investment Group, and daughter Joyce Chiles is a Director Emeritus of the bank. Daughter-in-law Jeanne Firstenburg recently was named President of First Independent. Grandsons Jeffrey and Scott both hold management positions at First Independent, which is the region’s largest locally owned, privately held bank currently with assets of nearly $900 million.

 

Firstenburg was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, who died in 2009. They were married 72 years. Through the Firstenburg Family Foundation, which they established, the Firstenburgs’ philanthropy has been felt in all corners of SW Washington. The Firstenburg Community Center, Firstenburg Patient Tower at SW Washington Medical Center and the Firstenburg Student Commons at WSU Vancouver demonstrate the commitment EW and Mary had to their community.

 

2010 Announcements

 

August

• First Independent adds branch sales and administrative manager
• First Independent adds commercial banker in Portland
• First Independent adds seasoned asset manager to bank's wealth management group

 June

• Six high school grads receive First Independent scholarship to attend Clark College 

   

May

• First Independent and the Firstenburg Family Foundation donate $25,000 to support FVRL Summer Reading Program

April

• Jeanne Firstenburg succeeds husband as First Independent president
• First Independent hosts four free shred and electronic recycling events

March

• David Nierenberg joins First Independent board
• First Independent taps seasoned professionals to lead credit administration team
• First Independent forms corporate strategy and develoment team 
• First Independent names new branch team leaders

February

• First Independent announces branch mergers

January

• First Independent names new leader to manage all retail banking areas