Middletown Valley Bank celebrated the grand opening of its new full-service Oakland Branch on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, expanding its existing presence in Garrett County and providing residents and businesses with greater access to banking and financial services locally.
The bank has been serving Garrett County customers since 2019, providing mortgage and commercial lending services. The new Oakland location represents an expansion of those services, bringing full-service banking to the community and giving customers access to additional resources closer to home.
Garrett County Chamber of Commerce President Nick Sharps led the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Garrett County Commissioner Paul Edwards, Garrett County Manager of Business Development Kim Durst, and Garrett County Business Specialist Connor Norman joined community and business leaders in welcoming the expansion and celebrating Middletown Valley Bank’s continued investment in Garrett County.
“Middletown Valley Bank has already been an important lending resource for Garrett County, and we’re pleased to see the bank take the next step by expanding into a full-service branch,” said Commissioner Paul Edwards. “This is a great example of a business that has been serving our community, sees the value in being here, and is continuing to invest in Garrett County. We appreciate that commitment and look forward to seeing Middletown Valley Bank continue to grow with our community.”
The expansion is also significant for Garrett County’s business community. Access to local financial services and commercial lending can help businesses make investments, purchase property and equipment, expand operations and create jobs.
“Middletown Valley Bank has already been working with Garrett County businesses through its commercial and morgage lending services, so this expansion builds on an established relationship with our community,” said Kim Durst, Garrett County Manager of Business Development. “Having a full-service banking location here gives businesses and residents another local resource as they make financial decisions and plan for the future. We’re pleased to see Middletown Valley Bank make this additional investment in Garrett County.”
Middletown Valley Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Robert “BJ” Goetz, Jr. said the opening represents an exciting new chapter for the bank in Garrett County.
“The grand opening of our Oakland Branch marks an exciting new chapter for Middletown Valley Bank, but the real story is the community that welcomed us so warmly,” Goetz said. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for the ribbon cutting and to the many residents, businesses, and community leaders who have embraced our presence in Garrett County. We are excited to serve Oakland and the surrounding region for many years to come.”
Jerry Merrick, EVP – Mortgage Market Leader, also recognized the community’s support.
“The support shown during our ribbon cutting celebration was truly humbling,” Merrick said. “Having raised my family in Garrett County, I’ve always appreciated the strong sense of community that makes this area special. I’m proud to be part of an organization that shares those values, and I look forward to helping more families navigate the homebuying journey and build their futures right here at home.”
Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Chamber Diplomats Julie Mead, Kristin Skeweris, Dave Stephens, and Macey Wells participated in the celebration and assisted with the official ribbon cutting.
“Middletown Valley Bank has provided mortgage and commercial lending services in Garrett County for several years, and the opening of this full-service branch represents an exciting new chapter and an even greater investment in our community,” said Sharps. “Strong community banking partners provide valuable resources for our residents and businesses, support entrepreneurship and growth, and contribute to the economic vitality of Garrett County. We congratulate the entire MVB team and look forward to seeing them continue to grow alongside the businesses and communities they serve.”
The new Oakland Branch is located at 19509 Garrett Highway, Suite 5, Oakland. The full-service branch offers teller services, an ATM and night drop, deposit account opening, consumer lending and cash management services, along with mortgage and commercial lending services.
For more information about Middletown Valley Bank and its services, visit mvbbank.com.
