Founded in 1977, South Valley Bank & Trust (SVBT) was established to meet a fundamental need; to provide personalized, business-banking services cemented in the community.

Dissatisfied with other financial institutions, a group of Klamath Basin business leaders set out to create a new kind of bank; one that understood their business priorities on a local-level, delivered personalized, business-banking services and supported community decision-making.

Propelled by this driving force, those business leaders opened South Valley State Bank in Klamath Falls on January 12, 1977. Today, SVBT has grown to twenty four, full-service, Oregon branches located in the Klamath, Central Oregon, and Rogue Regions.

Over the years, SVBT has remained true to our original purpose as an active participant in every community we serve. After all, we, too, have a stake in the success of the places we call home. So it's up to us to make sure local businesses have the financial services they need to grow and prosper. Our mission has never been clearer: Your Business First^®.

South Valley started as a business bank, and quickly grew to meet the needs of local families. Whether you are the leader of a large business or the one in charge of your household checkbook you deserve business class banking with personalized service. It’s a standard we call putting Your Business First^®. You will never be just a number when you walk through our doors. Our friendly staff will greet you by name, listen to your needs and provide realistic solutions to help you reach your goals.

In January 2001, South Valley Wealth Management became another arm of the SVBT team. Originally known as Elliott-Ledgerwood & Co., South Valley Wealth Management provides investment expertise and advice to help clients make sound investment choices that will meet their financial and investment goals.

SVBT has grown since our first days in 1977, yet there are some things we will not change. Our mission, “To be the bank of choice in our communities through people committed to trust, integrity and superior service” and our promise to put Your Business First^®, will remain the same.




South Valley Bank & Trust Executive Officers
Back Row: David S. McLaughlin, Martin R. Ledgerwood, Gary A. Bedell, Loren L. Lawrie, Larry K. Bosworth
Front Row: Wonda L. Klooster, William E. Castle, Linda L. Couch