Window of opportunity opens for independent banks

Large holding companies consolidating their Northern Colorado banking operations have opened a big window of opportunity for the region’s independent banks.

But locally owned financial institutions need to establish a market niche and capitalize on consumers’ perceived discomfort with branch banking before the window closes again.

“There is always going to be a difference between locally owned banks and out-of-state banks,´ said Gary DeFrange, executive vice president of First National Bank of Greeley. “But any independent bank that sits back and says, ‘We’ve got it made!’ is kidding itself. Those guys are very good at what they do, and they will get…