For more than 130 years, Clear Mountain Bank has been doing business the old-fashioned way: by putting people first. This year, the Morgantown Area Partnership recognized that legacy by naming Clear Mountain Bank the 2025 Large Business of the Year.
Founded in North Central West Virginia, Clear Mountain has grown with the region—supporting businesses, families, and community partners while staying true to its roots as a locally owned, community-centered bank.
“Whenever you’re banking with Clear Mountain Bank, you know you’re dealing with local folks—people who live in your neighborhood, go to church with you, and whose kids go to school with yours,” David M. Thomas, CEO of Clear Mountain Bank, said. “We’re really ingrained in the community.”
Through the Clear Mountain Cares program, every employee receives paid time off to volunteer at an organization of their choice—an initiative that has created a tangible impact across the region.
In addition, Clear Mountain Bank helped to secure a $1.2 million affordable housing grant for Libera, an organization dedicated to supporting girls and young women in West Virginia.
“Clear Mountain was the first meeting we had,” said Kelsey Riggi, director of strategic initiatives at Libera. “They immediately understood how important this would be—not just for us, but for the entire community.”
Those partnerships are part of what defines Clear Mountain’s approach. Whether it’s helping a customer secure their first home loan or backing a local nonprofit, their work is rooted in long-term relationships.
“I always do business with businesses that care,” said Cliff Sutherland, a client of Clear Mountain Bank. “And Clear Mountain has always been that way. They still give you the warm and fuzzies when you come in.”
“Nothing’s more rewarding than when a customer says, ‘You gave us our first loan,’ and now they’ve built something incredible. There are so many local stories like that—and that’s what community banking is all about,” Thomas said.
Clear Mountain Bank’s story is one of longevity, consistency, and care. After more than a century of service, they’re still finding new ways to make a meaningful difference—and setting the standard for what it means to be a true local partner.
