Columbia Bank bidding farewell to Rosco

PONDERAY – After 27 years in the banking industry, Connie Rosco is set to retire in May.

Panhandle State Bank’s second location had just broken ground in Bonners Ferry and Rosco was working at Maier’s Restaurant when the manager of the branch, Don Johnson, asked her if she’d like a job.

“Thanks, but I don’t think that banking would be a good option for me,” Rosco said, recounting that first meeting.

Johnson didn’t give up and “some time later” asked again. This time Rosco said yes.

“And the rest is history,” Rosco said

When construction of the new bank was complete, Rosco went to work as a teller. Within six months she worked herself up to becoming a personal banker, making Basco responsible for selling bank products. This put her on track to eventually earn a Series Six license, allowing Rosco to represent the bank in the sales of mutual funds, variable annuities, and insurance.

While working at Panhandle State Bank, Rosco received accolades such as being selected for The President’s Council in 2000 and 2001, and then chosen as the “Employee of the year” in 2002.

Rosco remained at Panhandle State Bank until its merger and transition to Columbia Bank in 2015, where she continued working as a personal banker, a loan officer and assisting the teller line.

Being described as “knowledgeable, funny, honest and dependable,” Rosco continued to earn accolades receiving both a lender's awards and multiple customer service awards in her time at Columbia Bank.

“Connie has been a light in our Ponderay branch to her customers and everyone she works with,” branch manager Robin Rawlings said.

Rosco has enjoyed her 27 years in the banking industry and made meaningful connections with both her co-workers and members of the community.

“Connie has been such a stable fixture of Ponderay and an anchor for the team as well as clients,” said Rawlings. “She always does what’s right for her customers and coworkers.”

While she has loved the career she never thought she’d have , Bosco said she is looking forward to more time in general, during her retirement.

“My special love is relaxing and playing at the lake with friends and family,” Bosco said. “We all love to swim, kayak, jet ski and go on boating trips.”

A celebration for Bosco — both her career and newfound freedom — will be held on her last day, May 6. The branch will be offering refreshments during the day at the Ponderay location,300 Kootenai Cutoff Road.