Wyoming State Bank to Change Name

Following a merger with First Express of Nebraska, the holding company of Valley Bank and Trust Co and Western States Bank, Wyoming State Bank will undergo a name change.

Wyoming State Bank President Gary Crum said that "the merger represents a tremendous opportunity for the customers and communities we serve--we will be better together." Crum also said that the merger is "creating a stronger bank that's committed to delivering the highest level of service, cutting edge technologies, and hometown bank values and benefits our customers count on."

Also commenting on the merger, President and CEO of Valley Bank and Trust Craig Ockers added that "First Wyoming Bank shares our core values and a similar culture, and together, we will continue our strong traditions of community banking, outstanding customer service and community involvement."

Wyoming State Bank was established in Laramie in 2006 and has since opened 3 branches in Laramie and Cheyenne. They are currently held by First Wyoming Bancorporation. Valley Bank and Trust Co. opened in Gering, Nebraska in 1988 and operates 11 branches in Colorado and Western Nebraska.  In Colorado, the banks operate under the name Western States Bank.

Crum, along with Ockers, who grew up in Wyoming, will work together to ensure a smooth transition for customers and staff across Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska.