The sun may not be shining on a local bank; however, that doesn’t mean the service will be impacted.

Sunstate Bank (19750 N. John Wayne Parkway) has officially changed its name to Great Western Bank. The official purchase was back in May, with the name change to the facility taking place on Sept. 24.

According to Market President Cecilia Estrada-Ashe, the name change came about as Sunstate Bank, “The Bank” (formerly known as Bank of Casa Grande Valley), established in August of 1984, had done a strong job in serving its communities which led to the purchase by Great Western Bank.

This bank in Maricopa was the first original bank in the town, according to Estrada-Ashe. It opened in 1999 at a location on Hathaway Avenue and moved to its current locale just over a year ago.

“The economic development growth in this region has led to an exciting opportunity of growth for Great Western Bank,” Estrada-Ashe said. “Great Western Bank also has a presence in Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and South Dakota with a total of 90 offices.”

Estrada-Ashe said customers will greatly benefit from the change in the additional products that a larger bank can provide.

“The genuine great customer service will continue and is what the bank is known for,” Estrada-Ashe said. “Customers may come in to talk to their banker at any time without an appointment.”

There are 11 branches of the bank throughout Arizona besides Maricopa which include Chandler, Coolidge, Eloy, Casa Grande (two), Sunsites, Tucson, Arizona City, Show Low and Globe. All branches are now part of Great Western bank as well.

Estrada-Ashe said the bank overall is doing well, and the plan is to continue to grow into other areas in the future.

For further information on the bank, call (520) 568-4230.

Photos by Dave Thomas