Oct. 11--ENTERPRISE -- Heppner-based Bank of Eastern Oregon will open a branch in Enterprise on Tuesday.

The branch is temporarily situated at 103 Highway 82, Suite 3. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.

The bank plans to construct a new permanent facility in Enterprise. A fall 2009 opening is projected.

"Bank of Eastern Oregon is proud to expand into Wallowa County,'' said Jeff Bailey, BEO president. "We have served rural agricultural communities since 1945, communities just like Enterprise, Wallowa, Joseph and Lostine. Our history of service, professionalism and commitment to community are part of our character and we look forward to building very successful relationships locally in the years to come."

BEO Bancorp is the holding company for Bank of Eastern Oregon, which operates 12 branches and two loan production offices in nine Eastern Oregon counties. Branches are located in Arlington, Ione, Heppner, Condon, Irrigon, Boardman, Burns, John Day, Prairie City, Fossil, Moro and Enterprise. Loan production offices are located in Hermiston and Ontario.

Bank of Eastern Oregon also operates a mortgage division and offers brokerage services through BEO Financial Services. The bank's website is www.beobank.com .

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