From left, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Doris Elderman looks on as A. Pierce Stone, Laura Rasmussen, Bob Atkinson and Goochland Economic Development Director Greg Reid cut the ribbon.

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A. Pierce Stone, chairman and CEO of Virginia Community Bank, cut the ribbon at the new Goochland branch grand opening on Saturday.

While many were away cheering for the Bulldogs football squad in Harrisonburg, there was still a sizeable and enthusiastic audience at the event. 
After a luncheon catered by Lars Bors-Koefoed of the Hickory Notch Grill, all gathered on the front lawn for Stone’s remarks.  

He told how the bank started modestly in a 600-square-foot trailer in Louisa County in 1976. There were only six employees, he said, and capital of $500,000.  Yet in 30 years they have grown to $33 million in market capital, 75 plus employees and — with the new Goochland location — seven branches. 
An eighth branch is under construction at Zion Crossroads with a planned May 2007 opening.

Stone said they are used to competing with major banks in their markets, but they feel Virginia Community has an edge by being dedicated to the local community.  That’s something depositors and borrowers favor, he said.

 The “ribbon” was a string of ten-dollar bills, all of which will be donated to local charities.  Laura Rasmussen, the Goochland Branch Manager,  said that she and her staff are enthusiastic about serving the Goochland community and expect to do very well in this market. 

They invite everyone to come in for a tour of the remodeled interior and learn more about the bank.

Rasmussen said VCB is a full-service bank with all the amenities.