Northwest Commercial Bank in Lakewood will celebrate its grand opening this Thursday. An independent community bank, Northwest Commercial Bank serves small-to-mid-sized businesses, entrepreneurs and service professionals.

In early 2000, a group of Pierce County investors decided to start a new community bank.

Many of them were small business people; they felt there was a need for a local bank to serve business owners and managers like themselves.

In June 2000, the group contacted bank president and CEO Scott Winship, and he agreed to serve as project leader.

Two years of organization and two name changes (from Lakewood Community Bank to Washington Commerce Bank to Northwest Commercial Bank) followed.

Chife Financial Officer Eugene Bray and Chief Credit Officer Kenneth Wise joined the leadership team.

After raising $5.5 million in initial capital, the bank opened for business on July 29, 2002 – operating out of a temporary building at the front of its construction site.

On Feb. 10 of this year, bank operations moved into the permanent facility.

The 5,567-square-foot building was designed by Cascade Commercial Design. Mountain Construction served as general contractor for the 2-story branch and headquarters at 5726 100th St. SW in Lakewood.

The grand opening celebration is set to begin at 5 p.m., Thursday, March 20.