The new division will have special teams in place in key metropolitan markets including Eugene and Portland, Oregon, Seattle, Washington, the San Francisco Bay area and Sacramento, California.

Umpqua Bank has promoted Tim Jones to executive vice president and commercial regional manager, to lead this new initiative.

Jones will be responsible for Umpqua’s business lending activities, including the expansion of loan products and portfolios. He has over 25 years of banking experience with an emphasis on commercial banking.

Through Umpqua’s business banking division, business owners can approach for loans to be used for working capital, business expansion, leasehold improvements, equipment purchases, and other general business expenditures.

Umpqua Bank executive vice president of commercial banking Cort O’Haver said that this new division will provide companies throughout Umpqua’s footprint with the expertise they need to grow and succeed.