Question 1

What is Clear Mountain Bank?

Accepted Answer

Clear Mountain Bank is a locally owned and managed community bank serving North Central West Virginia and western Maryland. With approximately $997.6 million in total assets and $861.2 million in deposits, the bank operates 11 full-service branches throughout the region.

As a subsidiary of State Bancorp, Inc., Clear Mountain Bank specializes in providing personalized financial services to individuals, families, and businesses in its local communities. The bank focuses on retail banking, commercial lending, mortgage services, and wealth management with a strong emphasis on community engagement and customer relationships.

Question 2

When was Clear Mountain Bank founded?

Accepted Answer

The roots of Clear Mountain Bank trace back to 1891 when The Terra Alta Bank was chartered in Terra Alta, West Virginia. Just down the road in Bruceton Mills, The Bruceton Bank was chartered in 1903 and began operations in an office formerly occupied by McGibbons Saddle Shop.

Both banks operated independently for nearly a century, each building strong reputations in their respective communities. In 1987, The Terra Alta Bank became part of State Bancorp, Inc., which also owned Bruceton Bank. After 18 years of operating under separate names while working together under State Bancorp, the two banks officially merged in 2005, adopting the unified name Clear Mountain Bank. This consolidation preserved the same local ownership and management while creating a stronger regional presence.

Question 3

Where is Clear Mountain Bank headquartered?

Accepted Answer

Clear Mountain Bank is headquartered in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, located in Preston County. The main banking facility is situated at 160 Morgantown Street, serving as both the corporate headquarters and a full-service branch location.

Question 4

Where does Clear Mountain Bank operate?

Accepted Answer

Clear Mountain Bank operates 11 branches throughout North Central West Virginia and western Maryland. In West Virginia, the bank maintains locations in Bruceton Mills, Terra Alta, Kingwood, Rowlesburg, Reedsville, and multiple branches in the Morgantown area including Pierpont Centre, Sabraton, Suncrest, and White Oaks (Bridgeport).

The bank also serves customers in western Maryland with a branch in Oakland. The bank's primary service area encompasses Monongalia County, Preston County, and surrounding counties in West Virginia, as well as Garrett County in Maryland. The Morgantown metropolitan area represents a key market for the institution.

Question 5

What services does Clear Mountain Bank offer?

Accepted Answer

Clear Mountain Bank provides a comprehensive suite of banking products and services. Personal banking offerings include various checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, money market accounts, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and consumer loans.

For businesses, the bank offers commercial checking accounts, business savings, commercial lending services, equipment financing, and real estate loans. The bank's mortgage division provides residential mortgages, home equity loans, and construction loans with local mortgage specialists guiding customers through the homebuying process.

Digital banking services include SmartLink online banking for personal accounts, BizLink for business customers (now unified into a single platform), mobile banking apps for both iOS and Android devices, mobile check deposit, bill pay services, EasyLine telephone banking, and remote deposit capture for businesses. In October 2024, the bank launched an upgraded digital banking platform that combined personal and business online banking into one intuitive system. Additional services include safe deposit boxes, ATM access, drive-through banking, and financial advisory services.

Question 6

What makes Clear Mountain Bank unique?

Accepted Answer

Clear Mountain Bank distinguishes itself through its strong commitment to community involvement and exceptional financial stability. The bank has earned BauerFinancial's prestigious 5-Star rating for 86 consecutive quarters (since March 2004) and holds the designation of "Exceptional Performance Bank," reserved for institutions maintaining the highest rating for at least 10 consecutive years.

The bank's Clear Mountain Cares program provides every employee with paid time off to volunteer at organizations of their choice, resulting in thousands of hours contributed annually to local nonprofits and community organizations. Clear Mountain Bank has been recognized as one of America's Best Banks to Work For by American Banker for multiple consecutive years and has been voted Best Bank in Morgantown 11 times by readers of Morgantown Magazine.

The institution was named Best Small Bank in West Virginia by Newsweek magazine in 2022 and received the Lender of the Year Award from the Small Business Administration's West Virginia District Office. Independent Banker Magazine also recognized Clear Mountain Bank among the top 20 most innovative banks in the nation. The bank's local ownership, with decision-making happening within the communities it serves, enables responsive, personalized service that builds lasting customer relationships.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is Clear Mountain Bank?

Accepted Answer

Clear Mountain Bank is a state-chartered commercial bank and a member of the Federal Reserve System. As an FDIC-insured institution (Certificate #2443), Clear Mountain Bank operates as a traditional community bank focusing on relationship-based banking services.

The bank fits the community bank model by emphasizing local ownership, community involvement, and personalized customer service over standardized products and automated processes. Unlike larger regional or national banks, Clear Mountain Bank's leadership and staff live and work in the communities they serve, allowing for flexible decision-making tailored to local needs. The institution maintains a strong retail banking presence while also providing substantial commercial banking services to support local businesses and economic development in its market areas.

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