BAINBRIDGE ISLAND - DECEMBER 23, 2004 - The Board of Directors of AMB Financial Services Corporation declared a cash dividend of 40 cents per share on the company's common stock for the 4th quarter of 2004. This represents an increase of 5 cents per share from the previous quarter. The dividend increase is in recognition of continued growth and AMB's outstanding stock value. Dividends on the common stock are payable on January 15, 2005 to shareholders of record as of December 31, 2004.

Established in 1948, American Marine Bank has provided banking services to Western Washington communities for the past 56 years. The bank recently announced expansion of its banking office system through a partnership with Safeway, Inc. American Marine Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of AMB Financial Services Corporation with nine banking and two lending locations throughout the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas and downtown Seattle. The Home Office is located at 249 Winslow Way East, Bainbridge Island, WA. For more information call Judy Thorpe at (206) 855-8563.

Margaret has been an active member of the Bremerton Chamber for the past 5 years, Treasurer for the North Kitsap Options Program and served on the Community Relations & Development Committee of Kitsap Community Resources for 2 years.

Established in 1948, American Marine Bank has provided banking services to communities in Western Washington for the past 56 years. The bank recently announced expansion plans including new banking offices in Sequim, Port Angeles and Port Townsend through a partnership with Safeway, Inc. American Marine Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of AMB Financial Services Corporation with seven banking and two lending locations throughout Seattle and the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas. The Home Office is located at 249 Winslow Way East, Bainbridge Island, WA. For more information contact Judy Thorpe at (206) 855-8563.

SEQUIM - DECEMBER 17, 2004 - American Marine Bank and the Sequim Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for their new banking office in the Sequim Safeway on Friday, December 17th. American Marine Bank staff, Safeway Management and Chamber members were present to celebrate the opening.

Donna Davidson, Senior Vice President of Community Banking for American Marine Bank presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony. "American Marine Bank has been serving communities for over 56 years now and we're proud of our growth," said Davidson. "We now have 9 banking and 2 lending offices located throughout Kitsap and the Olympic Peninsulas as well as downtown Seattle. This is the first of 4 new Safeway in-store offices we're opening in the next few months. Port Angeles opened on Monday; Belfair and Port Townsend are set to open in the 1st quarter of 2005."

"We thank Safeway for their support and partnership," said Victor Samisoni, Sequim Branch Sales Manager. "The new in-store offices allow us to offer the same banking products that we have at our traditional locations, but in a more convenient way for our customers. We're open until 7 pm on weekdays and from 10:00 am to 5 pm on Saturdays."

Also in attendance were American Marine Bank Sequim Sales Associates Amanda Deckard and Penny Allen, Kristen Marshall, Senior VP of Operations and Judy Thorpe, VP of Marketing.

Established in 1948, American Marine Bank has provided banking services to communities in Western Washington for the past 56 years. American Marine Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of AMB Financial Services Corporation with seven banking and two lending locations throughout Seattle and the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas. The Home Office is located at 249 Winslow Way East, Bainbridge Island, WA. For more information contact Judy Thorpe at (206) 855-8563.

DECEMBER 15, 2004 - On Wednesday, December 15th, American Marine Bank sponsored a toy drive and radio remote by KISM FM 92.9 to benefit Toys for Tots. KISM broadcast from the parking lot of the Port Angeles Safeway on 3rd and Lincoln, encouraging the community to stop by and donate new toys or cash. American Marine Bank recently opened their new office in the Port Angeles Safeway. By noon, the event had raised over $1,000 and 13 shopping carts full of toys and 3 bicycles.
"We couldn't be happier to be involved with such a great cause." said Brian Kuh, Branch Sales Manager. "Safeway offers us a unique opportunity to provide a full line of banking services in a more convenient way for our customers. Our stores will be open from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm on weekdays and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturdays, providing more extended hours than most banks in the area." Brian was on hand to present coloring books, candy canes and a $250 donation from the bank.

The new Safeway offices of American Marine Bank include Sequim and Port Angeles with Belfair and Port Townsend coming in the first quarter of 2005. The in-store offices will offer full service banking providing personal checking and savings products, loans, mortgages, trust & wealth management services and business banking products.

Established in 1948, American Marine Bank has provided banking services to its neighbors and friends for the past 56 years. American Marine Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of AMB Financial Services Corporation with nine banking and two lending locations throughout Seattle and the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas. The Home Office is located at 249 Winslow Way East, Bainbridge Island, WA. For more information call Judy Thorpe at (206) 855-8563.

DECEMBER 13, 2004 - American Marine Bank is pleased to welcome 3 Sales Managers to their new Safeway in-store offices in Sequim, Port Angeles and Port Townsend. The Sales Manager position is unique in that it is a multifaceted retail-banking role responsible for staffing and branch management as well as in-aisle sales and branch promotions.
Joining the American Marine Bank at the Sequim Safeway as Sales Manager is Victor Samisoni. Victor joins the company with over 17 years experience in the banking industry. His career has included customer service, teller, lending, sales management and legal department positions. Victor recently relocated with his family from the Fiji Islands in the South Pacific to the Sequim community. The AMB Sequim Safeway office opened on Friday, November 19th.
Brian Kuh is American Marine Bank's Port Angeles Sales Manager. Brian comes to the bank with a background in customer service management from FBO in Portland and print advertising sales from Gulf Breeze News in Pensacola Florida. Brian has developed marketing campaigns and direct sales programs and holds a BA in Marketing & Advertising Management from Portland State University. Originally from Portland, Brian and his wife recently moved to Port Angeles from Florida with their 1-year old son Liam. The AMB Port Angeles Safeway office opens on Monday, December 13th.

Ryan Anderson will manage the Port Townsend Safeway office of American Marine Bank when construction is complete in the first quarter of 2005. Ryan has a background in the hospitality industry serving as General Manager for Wyndham Garden Hotel and Port Townsend Vacations.

Bainbridge Island, WA - November 22, 2004 - Today American Marine Bank introduced its new Generations Gold® Checking, delivering added value by offering discounts and savings on a wide variety of non-bank consumer products and services. When customers sign up for Generations Gold® checking, they have access to discounts on travel services, prescription drugs, long distance phone rates, entertainment, insurance, national clothing and gift retailers to name a few. Consumers can choose from a free account or choose a low monthly fee for additional benefits.

"No other bank in our market offers this kind of product as a free checking solution," remarked Rex Townsend, President and CEO of American Marine Bank. "We want customers to think differently about our bank. It's all about offering products that help them economically; not just standard checking and savings. With Generations Gold®, we can offer products and services that will save you money. For our customers, we want life to cost less everyday."

American Marine is the first bank in the Puget Sound area to partner with Generations Gold® and will maintain exclusivity in the markets in which it operates. No other bank offers this kind of product packaged with a free checking account. Generations Gold® is currently offered in 37 states, mainly on the East coast and has been proven very successful at acquiring new depositors and retaining relationships.
In business for over 13 years, the corporation is located in West Palm Beach, Florida and currently serves over 700,000 members. For details on products and services, visit www.generations-gold.com.

Established in 1948, American Marine Bank has provided banking services to its neighbors and friends for the past 56 years. The bank recently announced expansion of its banking office system into Sequim, Port Angeles and Port Townsend through a partnership with Safeway, Inc. American Marine Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of AMB Financial Services Corporation with seven banking and two lending locations throughout Seattle and the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas. The Home Office is located at 249 Winslow Way East, Bainbridge Island, WA. For more information call Judy Thorpe at (206) 855-8563.

Bainbridge Island, WA - November 19, 2004 - Today American Marine Bank announced the opening of its first Safeway in-store location in Sequim Washington. Sequim is the first of 2 Safeway offices slated for completion by year end. The Port Angeles office opening date is targeted for December 13th. A third office in Port Townsend is under construction and is expected to open along with the Safeway store remodel in the first quarter of 2005.

"Safeway offers us a unique opportunity to provide a full line of banking services in a more convenient way for our customers," said Rex Townsend, President and CEO of American Marine Bank. "Our stores will be open from 10:00 am to 7 pm on weekdays and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturdays, providing more extended hours then most banks in the area."

The new Safeway offices of American Marine Bank will offer full service banking providing personal checking and savings products, loans, mortgages, trust & wealth management services and business banking products. Plans for a grand opening event at the Sequim location are slated for early December.

Established in 1948, American Marine Bank has provided banking services to its neighbors and friends for the past 56 years. The bank recently announced expansion of its banking office system into Sequim, Port Angeles and Port Townsend through a partnership with Safeway, Inc. American Marine Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of AMB Financial Services Corporation with seven banking and two lending locations throughout Seattle and the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas. The Home Office is located at 249 Winslow Way East, Bainbridge Island, WA. For more information call Judy Thorpe at (206) 855-8563.

Bainbridge Island, WA/Seattle, WA/Olympia, WA - October 14, 2004 - Today American Marine Bank announced its selection of ET Financial Services to provide the bank with its market-leading consumer loan origination systems and servicing infrastructure. American Marine is the first bank in the Puget Sound area to partner with ET. The bank expects to release the new system to customers before the year-end.

"We have a proud history of serving the needs of our customers, communities and employees," said Rex Townsend, President and Chief Executive Officer of American Marine Bank. "Our customers are our neighbors and now more than ever we're working to provide them with products that make their lives better. Our partnership with ET will enable American Marine Bank to offer more services and even better consumer loan pricing to our customers.

"We are excited that we will be able to approve most consumer loans in just seconds, either in our lobbies or 24/7 across our website," Mr. Townsend added. "Leadership in service is central to our business strategy. We're delighted to partner with ET to offer better, faster service to our customers."

About American Marine Bank
Established in 1948, American Marine Bank has provided banking services to its neighbors and friends for the past 56 years. The bank recently announced expansion of its banking office system into Sequim, Port Angeles and Port Townsend through a partnership with Safeway, Inc. American Marine Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of AMB Financial Services Corporation with seven banking and two lending locations throughout Seattle and the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas. The Home Office is located at 249 Winslow Way East, Bainbridge Island, WA. For more information call Judy Thorpe at (206) 855-8563

About Enhanced Technology Financial Services, Inc.
ET Originates, Services, Collects and Reports on private label consumer loans for community and mid-sized banks using its proprietary OSCAR system and team. By combining ET's risk-related pricing and best-in-industry servicing, ET's client banks generate higher margins and more volume with lower risk and less volatility, simultaneously. The Washington Independent Community Bankers Association recently endorsed ET to its member banks. Headquartered in Olympia, Washington, ET markets its services to banks with assets up to $20 billion.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2004 - American Marine Bank (AMB) announces changes to its Board of Directors. Karen Beierle will resign her position on the Board effective September 16 after serving on the Board since 1993. Beierle, owner of Childwood Educational Materials, leaves her Board position to devote more time to her business and family. As an AMB board member, Beierle was supportive of the banks growth opportunities.

Joining the AMB Board of Directors as a new member is George Kanalos. Kanalos will serve until the next shareholders' meeting in April of 2005 and then stand for re-election. He brings over 26-years of experience in real estate lending and resulting expertise in marketing, construction lending, investments, builder/developer contracts and permanent loan placement. George served as Loan Officer at United Bank and later as VP and Manger of Commercial Loans for Shoreline Savings Bank. With previous experience in the life insurance and hospitalities industries, Kanalos owns and manages his own commercial mortgage business, Eastside Mortgage, LLC, which he opened in 1978. Originally born and educated in Czechoslovakia where he received a degree in History, George holds an Executive Management degree from LaSalle University in Chicago Illinois.

American Marine Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of AMB Financial Services Corporation with seven banking locations and two lending centers throughout Puget Sound. The Home Office is located at 249 Winslow Way East, Bainbridge Island, WA. For more information call Judy Thorpe at (206) 855-8563.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2004 - After several months of planning, the Tree House, donated to Stillwaters Environmental Center by American Marine Bank, will travel to its permanent home this Friday. The 2-story post and beam structure was moved in February from the bank's Kingston property at Highway 104 and Lindvog to it's temporary home up the street at the Lumber Yard employee parking lot. American Marine Bank arranged to donate the structure, making room for its new 8600 square foot banking and financial services facility schedule for completion in late summer of 2005.
This is actually the 4th time the Tree House has moved. Originally built by Kingston Lumber Supply as a model cabin kit called the "Tree House", the building was moved across the property where it became the Kingston Garden Shop. Then in the 1990's it was purchased by Billy Johnson, moved across Lindvog, and remodeled to become an office building and barber shop. The move on Friday is expected to begin after the morning commuter traffic and take several hours.

The open building has two large rooms on each floor and a kitchen and bathroom addition on the first floor. With some remodeling, Stillwaters Environmental Center will use the structure to accommodate a Great Hall conference and seminar room, library, and studio apartment for the caretaker.

American Marine Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of AMB Financial Services Corporation with seven banking locations and two lending centers throughout Puget Sound. The Home Office is located at 249 Winslow Way East, Bainbridge Island, WA. For more information call Judy Thorpe at (206) 855-8563.

SEPTEMBER 7, 2004 - Elizabeth Robertson joins American Marine Bank as a new Business Banking Officer. As a commercial lender, Elizabeth will focus on supporting local businesses through various loan programs offered through AMB's Business Banking division at the home office on Bainbridge Island.

Robertson comes to American Marine Bank with over 7 years in the banking industry with an emphasis on lending administration. Elizabeth has an impressive background in lending and credit analysis. As a Real Estate Loan Officer and Financial Services Representative for Winona National Bank, she underwrote residential and consumer loans. Most recently as a Commercial Credit Analyst for the Bank of Western Massachusetts she prepared written credit discussions to assist in the loan decision-making process including analysis of borrower background, credit exposure, collateral and financial performance.

Robertson is currently working to complete a Master of Business Administration with the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. She also holds a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music. Elizabeth is an accomplished French Horn player with over 20 years of performing including performances with the Aspen Music Festival as well as study with past principal horn players of the New York, Los Angeles and London Philharmonics. Elizabeth resides in Poulsbo with her husband Charles and enjoys hiking, running, golf, knitting and reading.

American Marine Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of AMB Financial Services Corporation with seven banking locations and two lending centers throughout Puget Sound. The Home Office is located at 249 Winslow Way East, Bainbridge Island, WA. For more information call Judy Thorpe at (206) 855-8563.

AUGUST 23, 2004 - American Marine Bank announces plans for three new locations within Safeway stores in Western Washington. The charter application, filed with the state of Washington and the FDIC, includes Safeway in-store locations in Sequim, Port Angeles and Port Townsend.

"We are pleased to partner with a prominent retailer like Safeway. The additional offices expand American Marine Bank's presence in Washington and provide a convenient way for customers to bank," said Rex Townsend, CEO, American Marine Bank. "We've made a name for ourselves on the special kind of banking relationship we provide customers. Proven community support, local decisions, product variety, convenience and personal service; that's what we'll bring to these communities."

Safeway Inc. is one of the largest food and drug retailers in North America. As of
March 27, 2004, the company operates 1,808 stores in the Western, Southwestern,
Rocky Mountain, and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States and in Western Canada. Although exact dates have not been confirmed, American Marine Bank plans to open its first Safeway in-store location in Sequim by early November. The Port Angeles location is scheduled for the end of November and Port Townsend in late December.

American Marine Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of AMB Financial Services Corporation with seven banking locations and two lending centers throughout Puget Sound. The Home Office is located at 249 Winslow Way East, Bainbridge Island, WA. For more information call Judy Thorpe at (206) 855-8563.

JULY 27th, 2004 - The Seattle Professional Banking Office of American Marine Bank held a grand opening ceremony on the evening of July 27th in their newly renovated location at 1000 2nd Avenue. American Marine Bank was previously located in Suite 200 on the 2nd level at the same address. The expanded space on the first floor allows for additional offices to accommodate growing business needs. The celebration on Tuesday included a ribbon-cutting ceremony coordinated by President and CEO Rex Townsend, Chairman Bess Alpaugh and Branch Manager Susan Heerlyn. "We are excited about expanding in the downtown Seattle market," said Rex Townsend, "and we think our personal attention and great service will make for a winning combination in the market." The new space can accommodate four commercial loan officers and one trust officer as well as traditional personal banking services.

American Marine Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of AMB Financial Services Corporation with seven banking locations and two lending centers throughout Puget Sound. The Seattle office is located at 1000 2nd Avenue, Suite 110. For more information call (206) 587-2504.

Rex Townsend, President and CEO of American Marine Bank announced Judy Thorpe has joined the staff of American Marine Bank as Vice President responsible for Marketing and Public Relations focusing on strategic planning and brand management.

Thorpe will develop and implement marketing strategies for all lines of business including personal and business banking, commercial and residential lending, trust and wealth management. Thorpe brings over 15 years of financial services marketing experience most recently with KeyBank and Washington Mutual. She will be employed at the Bainbridge Island office of American Marine Bank and may be reached at
800-648-3194, ext 8563.

American Marine Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of AMB Financial Services Corporation with seven banking locations and two lending centers throughout
Puget Sound.

They're a small team in a small building, but already they're hitting big numbers. Having opened less than two months ago, the Kingston branch of American Marine Bank broke over a $1 million in deposits on Monday, July 19th. When asked what they attribute their success to, Debbie Anderson the bank Manager responded "We've made it really convenient for people to bank with us by offering extended hours that are unmatched by any other in the community. Also, we all live in the area and between us, we know a lot of people. Because our customers are essentially our neighbors, we really do care about them and listen to them". In this time when big corporate banks often dominate the scene, it is nice to know when a home grown and operated financial institution has its day.

American Marine Bank is full service bank now with nine branch locations throughout the Puget Sound. The Kingston branch is located on the corner of highway 104 and Lindvog. The current building is temporary as the bank builds a new two-story 9600 square foot facility. For more information call 360-297-1711.

July 15, 2004

Dear Stockholders:

Your second quarter dividend check in the amount of 35¢ per share is enclosed. AMB Financial Services Corporation has experienced both loan and deposit growth this year, and is working to achieve greater market share with our new and remodeled facilities.

Interest Income Improves and Interest Expense is Down! After six months, Net Interest Income is $6,184,145 compared to $5,741,935 for the first six months of 2003, an 8% improvement.

Deposits, Loans and Total Assets Continue Strong Growth! Deposits at 6/30/04 grew 9% to $250.0 million from $230.3 million at 6/30/03. Total loans increased to $243.2 million from $200.5 million a year ago, a 21% improvement. Total assets are up to $321.1 million from $286.3 million at 6/30/03, a 12% growth rate. Significantly, we haven't yet realized the benefit of many of the new, experienced bankers that we have recently brought into the AMB team. We look forward to even stronger 2nd half of 2004.

Non-Interest Income and Expense Control a Focus for the Second Half of 2004! Your management team has been reviewing and adjusting fees and service charges all over the company to ensure that we are competitive, yet adequately compensated for our efforts. Several new systems have been recently implemented that will help control general business expenses including centralized supply purchasing, document imaging and a new phone system utilizing the data lines for voice transmission.

AMB Opens the Temporary Kingston Office! We began accepting deposits in Kingston on May 24 and had the groundbreaking ceremony for the permanent building on June 15. We are very excited to be back in this vibrant community!

We have a very strong team at American Marine Bank and we are very well poised to handle significantly more growth. The pipeline of new business is strong at the moment, but we are most appreciative of any and all recommendations and referrals you can send us.

Sincerely,
Rex Townsend
President and CEO

Edward Forman joins American Marine Bank as a new Commercial Loan Officer for the Home office in Downtown Bainbridge Island.

Ed has had over 20 years in the banking industry with experience as a credit analyst, credit examiner and commercial lender. Formerly, he was a VP and Loan Officer for Kitsap Bank, VP, Relationship Manager for Wells Fargo of Tacoma, VP and Credit Products Officer for Bank of America.

The American Marine Bank Bainbridge home office is at 249 Winslow Way East, Bainbridge Island, Washington. Edward Forman can be reached at 206-855-8521.

They were all revved up and ready to roll. Literally that is, down Ridgetop Blvd in Silverdale. 64 racers showed up for the 2nd annual Sunrise Rotary 2004 Soap Box Derby on Sunday, June 27th. The Soap Box Derby is open to youngsters 8 to 17 years of age and is designed as a parent-child program with the expectation that a parent or guardian will help in the construction of the car. The intent of this youth racing program, is to teach participants some of the basic skills of workmanship, the spirit of competition and the perseverance to continue a project once it has begun.

As part of it's ongoing community support, American Marine Bank sponsored 9-year-old Drew Strep. American Marine Bank provides social, cultural and educational assistance to various non-profit organizations in the areas they serve. This is part of American Marine Bank's commitment to help build more vibrant communities throughout Kitsap and Jefferson County.

The Kingston branch of American Marine Bank held a grand opening gala event Friday, June 4th. "We had a tremendous turn-out," said Debbie Anderson, Branch Manager, "and we couldn't be more excited about being here. Right now we're in a temporary structure, but we have a walk-up window and two full-time tellers on hand. With our hours from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday - Thursday; 8:30 to 6:00 on Friday and 8:30 am to 1:00 on Saturday, we hope to provide valuable and convenient financial services to the community in and around Kingston". Ground breaking for the new facility, a two-story 9600 square foot building is scheduled for later in June.

American Marine Bank is full service bank now with nine branch locations throughout the Puget Sound. The Kingston branch is located on the corner of highway 104 and Lindvog. For more information call 360-297-1711.

For the past seven years American Marine Bank has been awarding $4,000 scholarships to seniors from high schools throughout Kitsap County. This year, awards went to three outstanding students who were chosen based on their academic achievement, community or school involvement and financial need.

Hillary Ann Marie Woods from Central Kitsap High School ranked fifth in her class of 385 students with a GPA of 3.973. She held leadership roles in her Key Club and was part of the National Honor Society. She hopes to attend nursing school at the University of Washington.

Zach Ainsley from Bainbridge Island High, graduated with a 3.774 GPA. He has been past class president, a volunteer coach and captain of the football team. Zach has applications out to several different colleges with plans to study business.

Daniel Gallagher form North Kitsap High School graduated with a 3.946 GPA. Daniel's past awards in school have included NKHS honor roll, LINK, NKHS varsity letter (for golf) and the National Honor Society. He plans on attending University of Washington's Business School with a focus on Market Finance and Economics.

Susan Whitmire brings over nineteen years of experience and financial expertise to the Port Ludlow branch. Previously, Whitmire was a branch manager in Eureka, California before moving to Seattle. She spent two years working for WAMU in downtown Seattle supervising a Loan Servicing Department and the last eight years working for a Canadian based foreign exchange firm where she managed first a branch then a region and finally moved into the audit/compliance arena.

The American Marine Port Ludlow office is at 9500 Oak Bay Road, Port Ludlow, Washington. 360-437-8805.

Pete DeBoer and Jeff Petterson from Olympic Printer Resources were so anxious to start banking at American Marine Bank's newest Kingston branch, that they became the banks first customers while the staff was still moving in. "We like to work with locally based businesses and wanted the free business checking" said Jeff Petterson, vice president of Olympic Printer. "Debbie Anderson (Branch Manager) and Ann Bopp (Assistant Manager) are also both in Kiwanis Club with us and we know they're good quality people, the kind we want to do business with".

American Marine Bank officially opened the Kingston branch doors on May 24th and will be throwing their grand opening gala event Friday, June 4th. The current building is only temporary as the bank plans on breaking ground this summer for the construction of a two-story 9600 square foot facility.

American Marine Bank is full service bank now with nine branch locations throughout the Puget Sound. The Kingston branch is located on the corner of highway 104 and Lindvog. For more information call 360-297-1711.

Copyright Courtesy Bainbridge Island Review
Staff Writer - Tina Lieu

The chain-link fence and construction detritus are finally gone, and the doors of American Marine Bank are wide open. "It's wonderful," said Rex Townsend, bank president and CEO. "It's been a long project for our employees and the community, and we appreciate everyone's patience. We wanted to make a statement that downtown Winslow is vibrant and alive- truly the focus of activity on Bainbridge."

American Marine Bank celebrated the grand opening of its headquarters on Winslow Way Thursday morning after two years of major construction that expanded and refaced the building. After a morning ribbon-cutting, visitors were treated to all-day cookies, cake, coffee and prize drawings.

When reconstruction started in spring 2002, AMB had largely outgrown its old space, a mix of the original 1948 building and add-ons in 1955 and 1973. Storage space was rented some departments were in a separate building. The expansion added about 4,000 square feet, and the new fourth floor brought the bank's trust and wealth management in-house with the rest of the staff. "We've been a close-knit group," said Donna Davidson, senior vice president and branch administrator. "We like to see each other on a daily basis. It keeps us cohesive."

From the lower level, a wide atrium now stretches up through three stories with winding honey-colored, wood banisters. A row of small square windows rings the walls just below the ceiling to let in bright sunlight. "I love it. It's open and airy," said Sandy Crider, switchboard operator. "It's really inviting for customers, especially the fireplace area, where you can just sit and have a cup of tea."
On the lower level, the mortgage department replaces the teller counters, which are now at street level to the left of the Winslow entrance- one goal of the remodel. The 1973 add-on put the tellers downstairs, facing a planned square that never materialized. "The bank started on Winslow Way, and we wanted to be back there," Townsend said. An inviting, living room-like area lets customers drop by for a cup of coffee by the fireplace with customer services officer Eddie Rollins.

The planned one-year expansion and renovation dragged out to nearly two years. Unexpected hitches, such as having to change the basement from half to full mid-project, and working around a fully operating bank, contributed to the delays. "When you're almost two-thirds the way through, people are crazy with the noise and working to keep the doors open," Davidson said. "But it's been definitely worth the effort. Bruce (Woolover of Toilsome Construction) and his group did a real quality job." "The biggest thing was moving the tellers up to the second floor (street-level) in October," she said. "We knew there was light at the end of the tunnel."

President Rex Townsend has announced that Linda Sutherland has joined American Marine Bank as Vice President and Residential Loan Officer. Sutherland, working out of the bank's Silverdale Lending Center will be serving customers in the Kitsap area.

Sutherland has over 20 years experience in all aspects of residential lending including VA, FHA, Rural Housing , conventional and jumbo loans.

Sutherland, a Kitsap Housing Coalition member, is also a trained Washington State Housing Finance Commission Homebuyer Education Instructor.

Sutherland and her husband have resided in Kitsap County for nine years.