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Local entrepreneurs and Winestock owners Carlos and Sarrah Torres followed their love of fine wines to open their dream business. But their vision goes beyond simply opening their doors and popping the cork. Five years in their vision remains slightly a bit more Utopian. One has to ask, what type of role can a wine shop play in a community?

Winemaking stretches back through the annals of history, and so does the self-sustaining, Main Street concept where customers loyally support their local bakeries, meat shops, and more  - where community is an action, not just a place. "We're kind of dreamers," Sarrah remarks. "We thought how cool it might be to have that experience down here in Oregon City." Sarrah and Carlos were doing their part, building community by sharing their passion for wine and making new friends through their downtown business.

"We enjoy watching people evolve," added Sarrah.  "They are learning to try other styles of wines.  Our palates change as we mature.  Our customers seem to be always reaching for more.  As they become more knowledgeable, they are learning to pair wines with different foods. They are experiencing the savoring of different layers of wines."

Lewis & Clark Bank fit their Main Street approach. And besides, the Torreses weren't very happy being treated like a number at their big box bank.

As Sarrah and Carlos explain it, Lewis & Clark Bank "is part of this local community, as we are. We like that. It follows along with our business theory that if you treat your customers with respect and make them feel special, they'll come back and bring their friends. Lewis & Clark Bank is personable that way."

These days, the Torreses are very happy. They love being in business for themselves. They love the customers that grace their doors. Their dream is being realized at the wine shop they've poured their heart and soul into.

Being local, "Main Street", is just one more reason Lewis & Clark Bank is an ideal Partner for Business.