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On a regular basis, different sites throughout Winchester play host to gatherings of the Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce. 

Burke & Herbert Bank, located at 1705 Bypass Road, recently received such honors. 

Dozens recently gathered for the final 2024 after hours event of the Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce. 

“It [is] an awesome opportunity,” stated Toby Taylor, Market President of the Huntington, West Virginia, and Kentucky market for Burke & Herbert Bank. “As you look around, they love Christmas!” 

While the location might be familiar, the name understandably might seem new to some in Clark County. 

In May 2024, Summit Community Bank, Inc, merged with Burke & Herbert Financial Services, Corp. – originally from Northern Virginia. 

Taylor offered much hope in the bank’s future endeavors in Winchester. 

“It [is] a great opportunity for us…to start introducing [our] name to the community,” he added. “We really haven’t changed the way we do banking here. We’re all community bankers, and we’re going to remain community bankers.” 

As one looked around the room, they could see numerous notable Winchester citizens gathering in a festive environment – punctuated by Christmas-themed decor. 

Among those present for the event were former Winchester Mayor Ed Burtner and his wife Carolyn Burtner, Magistrates Robert Blanton and Steve Craycraft, City Commissioner Kitty Strode, former Clark County Judge-Executive Gardner Wager, Sheriff Berl Perdue, Jailer Frank Doyle, numerous business owners, and more. 

While they discussed, attendees could also dine on a number of items, such as chicken skewers, fresh fruit, casserole, and more. 

Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cindy Banks and Board President Tim Duncan were also present. 

Banks offered enthusiasm for the coming year, during which the Chamber hopes to expand upon its current total of over 400-plus members. 

The latter spoke as well. 

“I do want to welcome this fine bank to our community,” said Duncan, a retired banker. “There’s a ton of tradition here.” 

As is common, the event concluded with a raffle in which victors were able to take home different prizes, which included ornaments from Arts on Main, gift cards, gift baskets from companies such as Ale 8, and more. 

Taylor offered some final words. 

“We are the new bank, but we’re really not. This is one of the most tenured staff we have,” he said. “I really appreciate everybody being out.”