Heppner, Ore. — The Bank of Eastern Oregon recently presented a $10,000 check to the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association Wildfire Fund.

Matt McElligott, OCA board of director’s president, accepted the check from Jeff Bailey, president and CEO of Bank of Eastern Oregon. McElligot, a Baker County rancher, told Capital Press that “we’ll feel the effects of this fire season for a long time. The economic losses to the state and the beef cattle industry are probably the largest ever for a single fire season.”

The OCA has been working with state lawmakers and Oregon’s congressional delegation to lobby for all available state and federal programs that can help cattle ranchers, as well as creating a wildfire fund for other donations.

“Our bank was started in 1945 by a group of farmers and ranchers who wanted local decision making, and a Bank that supported agriculture and the communities that depend on agriculture. We have stayed true to our roots. Bank of Eastern Oregon takes its responsibility to support rural communities — of which agriculture is a large part, very seriously. It’s not just a line of business; it is our business,” Bailey said.

For further information on the Company or to access internet banking, please visit our website at https://www.beobank.com .