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January 2010 "Moving You Forward"
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www.vibrabank.com
(619) 422-5300
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 Dear VIBRA family and friends,
Welcome to our 3rd Edition of "VIBRA Buzz" developed to keep you connected to everything going on at VIBRA Bank: news about our services and products, upcoming events, your success stories, meet VIBRA's Team and the members of VIBRA Winners Circle! You will also see how VIBRA Bank is working with the community and learn how you too can get involved. Look for "VIBRA Buzz" every two months, and stay VIBRAntly connected! |
| Message from the CEO |
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 As we conclude the holiday season and the first full year of business for the bank, I'd like to say "Thank You" on behalf of the Directors, Management, and Staff of VIBRA Bank to our customers, our shareholders, and the many people in the community who have contributed to our success. 2009 has been a phenomenal year for us, as we have achieved strong results and tremendous growth by developing new business relationships that we hope to enjoy for years to come.
We at the bank are often queried about our position as a new bank during these challenging economic times. It is impossible to ignore the difficulties that have burdened the financial industry this past year, but it is from a unique position that we encountered the past year's turbulence. As banks have failed in disturbing numbers, VIBRA Bank has grown and strengthened. As our competition has suffered from non-performing loans and write-offs that weaken their capital, VIBRA Bank continues to have no non-performing loans, and an enviable capital position.
It is from this position of strength that we look ahead with anticipation to 2010. The past year has been gratifying, and next year will be another exciting year for VIBRA Bank, filled with new growth and the achievement of significant milestones in our development.
If you are receiving this newsletter and have not already become part of the VIBRA Bank family, I encourage you to do so now. Send us an email or call us, and take this opportunity to partner with a strong, local banking firm to help you achieve your dreams.
Our best wishes to all for a bright and prosperous New Year.
Scott Parker
VIBRA Bank CEO
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| VIBRA Stock by Howard Levenson, VIBRA Bank Director |
You can own a "piece" of your bank by joining the more than 200 individuals, trusts, partnerships, IRA's, and profit sharing plans that already are VIBRA Bank owners. Existing VIBRA Bank shareholders include customers, employees, friends, long-term investors and, naturally, all of the bank's Directors and senior officers. VIBRA Bank is a publicly traded company so anyone can be a part owner. Shares of the bank's stock are listed on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board (OTC-BB) under the symbol "VBBK". Current prices and activity can be accessed at most major financial web-sites including Yahoo! Finance, which adds an ".ob" to the symbol (vbbk.ob). On December 31, 2009 the stock was quoted at $17.00 bid and $20.00 asked, unchanged from the previous month. The stock does not trade actively and investors are cautioned to place their orders with care. For more information about VIBRA Bank shares and how you can establish a position in the stock (or add to your current holdings) please contact: Richard S. Levenson, President of Western Financial Corporation at (619) 544-0260 or rick@westfincorp.com. It is important to remember that the stock of VIBRA BANK is not FDIC insured, is not a deposit of the bank, and that the ownership of shares is subject to market risk including the possibility of loss of value. back to BUZZ Contents |
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VIBRA Team - Esperanza Daniel, VIBRA Bank Financial Marketing Specialist |
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Esperanza Daniel is our Financial Marketing Specialist. Born and raised in Mexico City and in California, Esperanza earned a BA in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of San Diego. Last June Esperanza joined the VIBRA Team after a very rewarding journey at the SD Hispanic Chamber of Commerce where she was able to support Small Business Owners through different programs and services. She has been involved with the Hispanic Community in San Diego for over 5 years, gaining the local knowledge and experience needed to support VIBRA Bank's marketing endeavors in the region.
As a Financial Marketing Specialist Esperanza works to build long term relationships with our customers through the maximization of our marketing activities and she also introduces the Bank to potential customers and makes sure all of our clients are pleased with their banking experience and our products and services.
Espe, as she is called by her friends and colleagues, enjoys spending quality time with her family. Giving back to the community is a big part of her life. She is currently a volunteer for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program where she is mentoring Evelyn, a 10 year old Mexican girl who recently moved with her family to San Diego. She is also a board member of the young adult division of the Ken Jewish Community. Finally, let's not forget that Esperanza is a devoted sushi connoisseur! back to BUZZ Contents |
| VIBRA Tips - Fighting Back Against Identity Theft |
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Identity theft is a serious crime. It occurs when your personal information is stolen and used without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity theft can cost you time and money. It can destroy your credit and ruin your good name.
DETER identity thieves by safeguarding your information.
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Shred financial documents before discarding them
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Protect your Social Security number
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Don't give out personal information unless you're sure who you're dealing with
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Don't use obvious passwords
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Keep your information secure
DETECT suspicious activity by routinely monitoring your financial accounts and billing statements.
Inspect your credit report
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Law entitles you to one free report a year from each nationwide credit reporting agencies if you ask for it
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Online: www.AnnualCreditReport.com; by phone: 1-877-322-8228; or by mail: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
Inspect your financial statements
DEFEND against ID theft as soon as you suspect it.
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Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports by calling any one of the three nationwide credit reporting companies:
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TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
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Review reports carefully, looking for fraudulent activity
Close accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently
File a police report
Contact the Federal Trade Commission
Want to learn more? Please visit the Federal Trade Commission website |
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Winners Circle |
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VIBRA Bank wants you to get to know our family! Every month, we will showcase the stories of people in our bank community, the business community, and the community at large who are moving forward and making a difference. We are a diverse group of customers, shareholders, colleagues and friends. If you want to nominate someone to be featured in our Winners Circle, email us at VIBRAbuzz@VIBRAbank.com Get acquainted and find out how you too can be part of VIBRA Bank Winners Circle.
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VIBRA Customer Showcase Kid's Depot of Otay Ranch |
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 International Preschool Services, Inc. is proud to announce the recent acquisition of Kid's Depot Child Development Center now known as Kid's Depot of Otay Ranch.
International Preschool Services, Inc. has been providing child care services in Mexico for over 20 years and believes this is a great addition to the family, consisting of owners Norma Rodriguez with Reuben and Natasha Katz.
VIBRA Bank provided International Preschool Services Inc. with the business loan to make the acquisition of the new business. "We got very favorable terms and we are pleased with the great customer service provided by the staff", said Reuben Katz.
Located in the heart of Otay Ranch, Kid's Depot employs over 20 San Diegans. The owners are committed to supporting children in our region through different nonprofit organizations such as The Milagros Unit Auxiliary of Rady Children's Hospital.
Kid's Depot of Otay Ranch is providing learning based childcare service for infants to preschool age kids, as well as after school programs for school-age children. Their mission is to create a safe and nurturing childcare program that offers your child an opportunity to grow and develop while having fun. Kid's Depot strives to establish and maintain open and ongoing communication with each family, provide innovative and creative indoor and outdoor activities, maintain a clean, safe, invigorating facility that allows each child room to explore & have fun. Our staff of caregivers is knowledgeable, nurturing and loving.
If you are interested in their services please contact them at (619) 656-0506 or visit their website at http://www.kids-depot.com
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VIBRA Family Showcase
Robin Stark, VIBRA Bank Investor, Starkland Cellars Founder |
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After 20 years as founder and president of the successful software company, DonorPerfect, Robin Stark sold the business and thought she would spend her retirement traveling and golfing. However, as a longtime wine collector and enthusiast, it didn't take long for her entrepreneurial bent to take hold, and she became involved in a variety of wine-oriented ventures.
Starkland Cellar Services provides cellar management for wine collectors. Starkland Tours puts together wine-tasting bike trips in regions including Tuscany, Provence and Burgundy. In addition, Ms. Stark conducts wine tastings throughout the Southern California area. As a computer educator for 20 years (and a writer with 10 published books), Ms. Stark has extensive public speaking experience, and is often praised for her enthusiastic and energetic style as well as knowing how much information is "just enough" for each particular audience. To learn more about Robin or to contact her please visit her website |
| You and your colleagues and friends can be part of VIBRA's Winners Circle too! Email us your "Winners Circle" nomination to VIBRAbuzz@VIBRAbank.com. Please make sure to include your name and contact information so we can reach you too. |
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Giving Back, Getting Involved |
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Being a community bank is not something we say, it's something we do. VIBRA Bank, its Board of Directors and its employees choose to serve our community in ways that go beyond the branch location. In the past year, VIBRA Bank or a VIBRA Team individual acting on a personal level, have supported a number of organizations and events, not only monetarily but also with our time, as leaders and volunteers. Below are some examples of our latest involvement. |
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First Annual Holiday Toy Drive |
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Last year VIBRA Bank joined forces with the Chula Vista Police Activities League (CVPAL) in an effort to bring joy to the children in our community this holiday season. Thanks to your unconditional support we are proud to report that together, we collected 100 toys that will bring a smile to boys and girls 0-17 years old.
 If you still want to make a donation to CVPAL it's not too late. Please contact Mariluz Alvarez via email.
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Celebration With The Media |
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This past October 15th we invited the San Diego media leaders to celebrate with us a year of continuous growth and service to the community!
Robin Stark, Founder of Starkland Cellars and VIBRA Bank shareholder, shared her expertise in wines with our distinguished guests. Thank you to all that attended and we hope to see you again soon.
Sandra Torres, Daniela Villalobos Geri Ibarra, Robin Stark &
& Myriam Solis Coronel Marco Torres
Gerri Ibarra, Horacio González Max Freifeld, Enrique Schon &
& Libia Sau Scott Parker
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La Cuna |
 On December 2nd of 2009 VIBRA Bank joined La Cuna for a holiday celebration of children and new beginnings. The guests enjoyed a great night filled with food, wine and live entertainment but most importantly the smiles of the children whose lives have been changed dramatically, thanks to this great organization.
La Cuna, Spanish for "cradle," was founded in 2003 as a non-profit foster family agency to address the needs of Latino children in foster care. Their new model of care, and the creative use of private dollar donations, has resulted in a 96% success rate in permanency for each La Cuna child. This statistic reflects the number of children who are able to remain in one La Cuna home until they are either reunified with rehabilitated family members or adopted by their La Cuna foster parents. To date they have found loving foster homes for 71 babies, toddlers and young sibling groups.
If you want to learn more or make a donation to La Cuna, please visit their website |
| Business Networking Corner |
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If you are a VIBRA customer and want to reach other VIBRA Bank clients, shareholders, colleagues and friends, join our Business Networking Corner. In VIBRA Buzz e-newsletter each month we will select several VIBRA Bank customers and showcase their business and special promotions. It's a great opportunity exclusively created for VIBRA Bank Clients to reach a new audience. Email us at VIBRAbuzz@VIBRAbank.com Make sure to include your contact information, the name of your business and one or two sentences describing your business. And keep checking VIBRA Buzz for your feature!
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Thank you for being part of a year of continuous growth and active lending!
Sincerely,
VIBRA Bank
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1.81% APY*
12-month Certificate of Deposit |
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* Annual Percentage Yield (APY) advertised is valid as of 1/04/2010 and subject to change without notice and is not guaranteed until account is opened. A penalty may be charged for early CD withdrawal. CD will automatically renew at the interest rate and APY in effect for CDs of such term at the time. Current Rate applicable to initial term only. Minimum deposit $2,500. Rate restrictions may apply on balances over $250,000. |
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Refer friends, family and business owners to VIBRA Bank today. When they open a new account you can get a cash bonus.
Business Checking: you receive $100
Certificate of Deposit:
you receive $50
Personal Checking:
you receive $25
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If you think it's going to be a hassle and headache to switch from your current bank to VIBRA Bank, think again! We are making it easy for business owners to change their checking accounts and bill pay to our bank. We do it all for you!
Call us today at (619) 422-5300 or e-mail us at VIBRAbuzz@vibrabank.com and make an appointment for us to come to you. We'll come to your place of business and get everything taken care of. How's that for easy? |
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Upcoming Business Community Events |
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>> Jan 7 - National City Chamber -Estate Planning Workshop more info
>> Jan 14- Chula Vista Chamber Mixer more info
>> Jan 22- Chula Vista Chamber Installation Dinner more info
>> Feb 12- San Ysidro Chamber Installation Dinner more info | |
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Certain statements in this newsletter, including statements regarding the anticipated development and expansion of Vibra Bank's business, and the intent, belief or current expectations of Vibra Bank, its directors or its officers, are "forward-looking" statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to the local and national economy, Vibra Bank's performance and implementation of its business plans, loan performance, interest rates, and regulatory matters. |
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