Money may not be the only type of ‘green’ Wells Fargo becomes synonymous with in Malibu, as the bank celebrated the grand opening of its LEED-certified and eco friendly branch in west Malibu on Monday.
With more than 50 attendees crowded around the front of the new branch at the Trancas Market Center, officials from the city, state and local Chamber of Commerce were among those who welcomed the bank to west Malibu.
“We are pleased to announce that this new west Malibu location is one of our newest designs, built to really match the community and environment in which it will operate. Now, we will be able to serve more customers throughout the City of Malibu, from east to west,” said branch manager Angela Swan.
Wells Fargo opened its first Malibu branch in 1988. Its two other Malibu locations are both in Malibu’s Civic Center: one in the Malibu Village Shopping Center and another in the Malibu Colony Plaza Shopping Center.
Local officials commended the new Wells Fargo location for its new water-saving plumbing system, sustainable wood infrastructure and bike racks for locals who opt to bike instead of drive.
“This is a great addition because people in west Malibu won’t have to drive to east Malibu to do their banking,” said Tim Harter, a field representative for Assemblyman Richard Bloom (D-Malibu).
Mayor Pro Tem Skylar Peak was on hand to cut the grand opening ribbon and present the branch with a commendation from the City of Malibu. He was joined by Councilmembers Laura Rosenthal, Lou La Monte and John Sibert, and Malibu Chamber of Commerce Chair Beth Neal.
Along with its environmental friendliness, Wells Fargo officials are proud the branch corresponds with the Trancas Market Center’s rural characteristics.
“It’s one of our newest designs,” said Ibrahim Abboud, a district manager for the bank. “…You can feel that country feel.”
Representatives from the new branch also presented several local nonprofits with donations totaling $7,000, including $1,000 checks for the local Boys and Girls Club, the Malibu High School Shark Fund, the Malibu Kiwanis Club and Friends of Malibu Urgent Care. Wells Fargo also donated $3,000 total to Malibu Fire Stations 70, 71 and 99.
The newest branch promises to provide a nice boost to Wells Fargo’s staffing and financial holdings, officials said.
“With the west Malibu store, we’ll have nearly 123 retail banking professionals and more than $1.2 billion in deposits across 10 banking stores throughout this district including Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Woodland Hills, West Hills and Malibu,” Abboud said.
