Investing in Vancouver
In August, Allen Trust Company celebrated in our beautiful, newly redecorated Vancouver, Washington office, located downtown right across from Esther Short Park. During the event and later online, many mentioned their appreciation for our decision to open a new location in The ‘Couv – a trend for Oregonians these days for many reasons.
Well, get this – we’ve actually been there for years!
Below is a quick Q & A with our CEO, Stuart B Allen, to talk about the benefits for our clients and our team to have an office in Washington.
Q: How long have you been in Vancouver?
A: We’ve actually been here since 2006. In 2020, we monitored federal and state/local tax issues concurrent with the growth in Clark County. The pandemic caused a reshuffle of remote work and state migration prompted our new office visibility. We have been renting in Oregon for almost 22 years, but we own our office in Vancouver.
Q. Why have an office here?
A: Having an office in Vancouver is not only a response to covid migration; it’s also drawing into a more friendly business and social trend. In essence, we doubled down on our investment in the city and now look forward to being a more significant part of the community. Also, there’s no state income tax.
Q: What do you like about Vancouver’s downtown area?
A: Vancouver now has the “cool” factor. It’s a bit of a role reversal from Portland being the cool and trendy town. Vancouver has really stepped up with its downtown core, the waterfront, and higher-end living. It still feels like a small town with a very friendly vibe.
Vancouver, Washington Waterfront
Q: What are the business benefits?
A: From a trust and business perspective it's just easier. Almost everything we do in Oregon and Washington couldn't be more different from a state law standpoint. There’s still a lot of planning with an estate. People appreciate a comprehensive approach to managing their wealth. Having tax, investments, and financial planning integrated with trust and legacy planning with a short walk during lunch is ideal.
Q: What do you see for Allen Trust Company’s Vancouver office and business in five years?
A: We look forward to expanding our footprint in Vancouver. Just listening to our clients and following them to where they want to meet. Clients appreciate being able to walk to our office either for a business matter, or just to say hello. Our goal is to double our employee count to serve our existing clients and to match demand.