Apr. 17--City National Bank's Money Machine was a favorite among Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce members during Thursday evening's Business After Hours event hosted by the bank.

"The Money Machine is fun," said Charlie Houck, executive vice president of City National Bank in Beckley. "It gives those inside a chance to grab some cash."

Houck says the after hours events are one of many benefits to being a member of the chamber.

"I love the Business After Hours events," Houck said. "They are enjoyable and fun events that give you the chance to meet other business associates."

Houck said being a part of the chamber gives businesses a chance to serve and enhance the community.

"The chamber is involved in so many good things, like education, political affairs, economic development and business creation, just to name a few," he said. "They do so many wonderful things and we want to be a part of it."

During Thursday's event, the bank also introduced "Curby," the recycling and litter prevention robot, to chamber members. Hors d'oeuvres were served by the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center staff.

Houck said in today's no-growth economy, West Virginia banks are showing they still have the strongest brands, according to a recent report by the American Bankers Association.

"West Virginia banks are showing they can compete with banks in California, Texas, Pennsylvania and other states across the nation in brand strength," he said.

City National ranked No. 4 in mid-size bank brands, which are banks with assets of $2 billion to $30 billion, according to the ABA Bank Marketing report done in September.

"There are a lot of banks in that category," Houck said.

In the major bank brands category, JPMorgan Chase Bank and Branch Banking and Trust Co. (BB&T) rated in the top 10. JPMorgan Chase rated No. 10, while BB&T rated No. 9. Both have branch banks in the Beckley area.

"For three local banks to be rated this high is good banking news for West Virginia banking customers," Houck said.

-- E-mail: fpace@register-herald.com

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