LAWTON – Business and community leaders met Friday, Feb. 14, as Arvest Bank opened it newest branch located at 2602 W. Gore Ave. The new branch replaces the 2622 W. Gore branch.
Arvest Bank currently has 267 locations across 135 communities in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, according to the company’s website. When the 2622 W. Gore branch opened in 2000, it was the first in south- west Oklahoma, according to a Feb. 5 press release.
David Madigan, President, and CEO of Arvest Bank Southwest Oklahoma, said the new branch is larger and more convenient than the original and offers a commercial drive-in and night depository box as well as a drive-up ATM.
Ambassadors with the Lawton-Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce, Cameron University cheerleaders, dancers and ROTC were also part of the grand opening celebration. As part of the bank’s continued support for the communities they serve, Arvest Foundation presented a $10,000 check to the Lawton Farmers Market to help with construction costs.
“Each year, the Arvest Foundation looks for opportunities in our communities to give back to programs that provide education and health,” said Angela Spradlin, Sales Coordinator for Arvest Bank. “This year, we came across the Lawton Farmers Market opportunity and they’re looking to break ground in June on a new permanent structure.”
Noting that many Cameron University students have worked for the bank over the years, Arvest also presented a $1,500 check to the Cameron University Foundation.
“I often reflect back on our start in Lawton,” Madigan stated. “It was a humbling and unique experience. I would definitely do it over again, especially as it created wonderful community bankers and friends in Gloria Martinez, Michelle Ramsey, Pat Kendall, and Larry Benson, to name a few. They were some of the first associates who worked for Arvest.”