The First International Bank opened the doors to its temporary quarters in August.

Karen Clayton, Vice President and Branch Manager had recently opened a branch in Amaragosa where she became involved in community interests. She plans to do the same in Pahrump.

Clayton stated "I have lived in Texas all my life, but coming to Pahrump has been the best move I ever made. I am the treasurer of the PV Rotary and secretary for the Senior Citizens Board in Amaragosa. I expect the bank to be an active community member as well."

According to Clayton, the bank will be offering "the best customer service as well as the Gold super new checking account. We offer financial services (loans, etc), electronic deposits, long term growth tools (investments), and remote merchant deposits."

Clayton said, "The bank president, W. R. Kerr picked the site of the branch as he has always loved Nevada and especially Pahrump. He wanted the bank to be available to commuters between Pahrump and Las Vegas."

Bank President/CEO W. R. (Ralph) Kerr said, "I've probably been to more Nevada towns than Nevadans and loved Pahrump. As part of beginning a bank to attract the Asian market in Las Vegas, we had to open branches in rural areas, so choosing Pahrump was easy. The majority of residents of Pahrump are commuters to Las Vegas, so I wanted to be in and area where people pass by."

Regarding the risk of opening a new bank in the current economic conditions, Kerr said, "Getting money from the Fed (Federal Treasury), is a little tighter right now, but still working well and I expect an economy turnaround. It will come back. If you go after the community market the economy will come back. I feel that after the elections all economies will come back."

The bank branch plans to hire four people from Pahrump, both full time and part time, and more positions later on. Their new two story building at the same location is scheduled to be completed in two years. It will have 12,000 square feet finished with offices available to lease.

Clayton commented that the "town has been good to us. The county commissioners helped and there were very few obstacles. It's good that there is a master plan." The fees charged by the town/county were not considered to be exorbitant.

For young people interested in working for the banking industry, Clayton advised that "They should get a part-time job at a bank, continue their education and get a degree in accounting. Once you are in banking, you'll like it so much you won't want to leave." That's how she did it and has had a great career.

To learn more about the bank and its services, stop at 3340 S. Highway 160 in Pahrump.