March 30, 2009

George Koffler arrived at the Bank of Eastern Oregon in 1979.Originally a teacher, he spent a year at Fred Meyer Savings and Loan before being offered a job as a junior loan officer in Heppner.Fifteen years after being named president, he's on the verge of retirement.His replacement, Jeff Bailey, came to the bank in 1994 as a branch manager and loan officer in Condon and Arlington. In July 2003 he was moved to Heppner as chief credit officer. Last July, he was named president - only the fifth person to serve in that capacity in the 65-year history of the bank.

Prior to becoming a banker, he was a grain merchant in Portland.Koffler's exit from BEO has been slowed by a recession which has wreaked havoc with the banking industry, although the Heppner-based financial entity has been less affected than most.Instead of leaving on March 31 as he had planned, Koffler will instead turn over his office on the second floor and take up residence on the main floor, spending three days a week on special assignment working with major loans and special customers.Considering his 15 years as president and 30 years with BEO, the bank isn't willing to part with the experience and relationships he has with some of its large customers.