CLALLAM BAY — The only bank that serves the northwestern tip of the Olympic Peninsula will close its doors Jan. 28.
Bank of America officials confirmed Friday that the Clallam Bay branch is closing due to a low volume of business.
“We do need to consolidate the Clallam Bay branch into the Forks branch,” said Harvey Radin, a Bank of America spokesman.
“We have been pleased to be able to serve Clallam Bay. This was a very difficult decision for us to make.”
The Clallam Bay branch employs five people, Radin said.
The bank first opened its doors in 1976 to Clallam Bay, Sekiu and Neah Bay residents.
“The closure is a result of a low volume of business activity at the Clallam Bay location,” he said.
“We hope to do everything we can to assist customers.”
Transferring to Forks
Radin said customers will be offered help transferring accounts to Bank of America’s Forks branch and will be given information about online and telephone banking.
Clallam Bay-Sekiu Chamber of Commerce President Bill Drath said the closure will be a tremendous hardship for Clallam Bay, Sekiu and Neah Bay.
“Every business and individual relies on the bank directly or indirectly,” Drath said, “whether it be a business needing change or someone needing to use an ATM machine.
“It will put all those people on the road by making them have to drive to either Port Angeles or Forks.”
