City National’s Patterson Has Insider View of Area

Bob Patterson has worked in the Ventura County banking community for the greater part of the past 25 years.

So it would be safe to assume that he has seen countless and dramatic changes in the way the local business community handles its collective finances.

Then again, maybe not.

“Certain things have changed, but not as much as one would think,” Patterson said. “Generally, the business climate is the same as it was 25 years ago. It’s a friendly, positive community that is well-diversified--not reliant on one industry.”

Patterson’s intimate knowledge of the area should serve him well in his new capacity as supervisor of the Ventura County and San Fernando Valley operations of City National Bank. The longtime Ventura County resident also oversees the institution’s agribusiness division and a deposit division that handles titles and escrow.

Patterson, a graduate of Ventura College and Cal State Northridge, was named to his post after CNB’s merger with Ventura County National Bank this year.

He joined City National Bank in 1989 after working for Security Pacific’s Ventura County operation since 1972.

Given his resume, it’s hardly surprising that Patterson enjoys working in the area where he grew up. And he feels his employer should find its new service area equally pleasant.

“Historically, Ventura County has been one of the fastest-growing counties in the area, and we think it will continue,” Patterson said. “That’s why City National Bank wanted to be a part of it.”

CNB serves small- to medium-size businesses that have a high net worth, Patterson said. It’s an area of the business community that has inspired serious competition among local financial institutions, he said.

“Ventura County has representatives from every major bank and it will remain competitive,” he said. “As in most service-type industries, the key is to differentiate yourself with service by being part of the community.”

Patterson said he anticipates that City National Bank will grab a share of the local market served by both small and large banks.

“We envision having the best of both worlds--being able to handle the needs of large companies, the growing needs of growing companies, and still be small enough to form relationships with our customers.”