The Eye: Eaton Bank, Wells Fargo set for battle

Bill Farr is ready to circle the wagons.

After Wells Fargo & Co. of San Francisco and Norwest Bank of Minneapolis announced plans for a merger, some locals in the banking industry began speculating about stagecoach trademarks, given that the Wells Fargo moniker will replace Norwest hereabouts.

Wells Fargo has a stagecoach in its logo, but so does Farr’s home-grown Eaton Bank, and the competition over which will survive is shaping up as a classic western shootout.

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The big national company has deep pockets and muscle, and probably will be quick on the draw.

“If I were a betting man, I’d bet on Wells Fargo,” Farr said. “But they’d be underestimating us.”

Farr has done his homework. He knows Wells Fargo has fought other small independents over similar trademarks. He also knows the big company has lost at least one of those fights.

Even if it comes to a fight, and Wells Fargo were to win, Eaton Bank still would have its bright red stagecoach that it sends to parades around the region.

And, Farr notes, if a trademark battle netted Well Fargo a victory, the big guys still would lose in the long run.

“They can’t win the popularity contest,” Farr said.

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The Eye offers kudos to Roland Mower and the Fort Collins Economic Development Corp. for getting into the spirit of regional cooperation.

The eco-devo group recently invited some guests to its annual retreat, extending invitations to economic-development officials from Cheyenne, Greeley, Longmont and Loveland. The event offered participants a chance to learn of the others’ approaches to economic development and issues faced by the different communities.

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Have a seat. Or not.

The Eye spotted this item on a recent KUSA Channel 9 newscast. Seems that a ticket seller at the Greeley Independence Stampede couldn’t quite decide whether fans were standing or sitting.

The official was quoted telling some prospective rodeo-goers that an event was near sellout. “We have standing-room only,” she said. “And it’s $20 a seat.”