American Riviera Bank announced its expansion into San Luis Obispo County with the opening of a new loan production office in Paso Robles. The new loan production office will open on August 7, 2017, at 205 Oak Hill Road, Suite 106, in The Highlands Shopping Center. The office will provide business, commercial real estate, agricultural, residential mortgage, construction, and Small Business Administration loans. This will be American Riviera Bank's first office in San Luis Obispo County. The loan production office will be replaced by a proposed full-service retail branch slated to open in late 2017 or early 2018. American Riviera Bank expects to open more branches between Santa Barbara and Paso Robles in the future.

Neil Amarante will serve as Senior Vice President - Regional Credit Manager. Neil has a 16-year background in banking and agriculture, with the last 12 years spent in senior community bank leadership positions in Paso Robles. Ann Cochrane will serve as Vice President - Commercial and Ag Banking Officer. Ann has been a business and agricultural lender in Paso Robles since she graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2007. Paul Tognazzini will serve as Community Relationship Officer. Paul has served in senior community bank leadership positions over his 40+ year distinguished banking career. He is a board member for the Cancer Support Community of the Central Coast, active in the County Cattlemen's Association, a supporter of Jack's Helping Hand, a member of the Agribusiness Tour Committee for the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West, and a member of the Paso Robles Elks Club. Paul is a graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.