SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
HomeStreet, Inc. (NASDAQ: HMST), the parent company of HomeStreet Bank of Seattle, Washington, today announced that they are sponsoring the H1 Hydroplane race shop previously operated by Hydroplanes Inc., located in Tukwila, Washington. The shop, which has been used by many of the H1 Hydroplane racing teams over the years, will be rebranded as HomeStreet Racing and will continue to be managed by former Miss Budweiser crew chief Mark Smith.
“We are proud to sponsor this racing shop, which has a 20-year-long tradition of supporting the H1 racing community,” said Mark Mason, President and CEO of HomeStreet Bank. “We have enjoyed being a part of this unique sport, and, as a community bank, we truly value the camaraderie and connections this opportunity provides.”
Hydroplanes, Inc. is owned by the Little family, who previously managed the day-to-day operations of the facility. Bernie Little, Sr. was the most successful owner in H1 Hydroplane history. After his death in 2003, his son, Joe Little, took over the operations.
“The Bernie Little family and the Miss Budweiser racing team are thrilled to transition this wonderful facility to the Miss HomeStreet team,” said Joe Little, President of Hydroplanes, Inc. “My father and the whole Little family have always been incredibly proud of this site, the sport, and all the people involved. We know the shop is in good hands with HomeStreet, as they have the same community-focused values.”
Located in Tukwila, Wash., the shop has long been a destination for all H1 Hydroplane teams to access equipment, parts, and boating essentials. This sponsorship will continue to allow all-access availability for the teams.
“HomeStreet Bank and the Miss HomeStreet team are committed to supporting this great sport,” said Charlie Grooms, Manager of the Miss HomeStreet race team. “We’re excited to be able to share this unique space with our fellow race teams.”
HomeStreet Bank will be hosting a celebration for fans and community members at its Kennewick branch on June 1 to kick-off the hydroplane season. The Miss HomeStreet hydroplane will be on site, and championship driver Jimmy Shane will be in attendance to greet fans and sign autographs. The first H1 Hydroplane event of the 2017 season is a test session, taking place on June 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the Columbia River in Tri-Cities, Wash.
For more information about HomeStreet Bank, please visit www.homestreet.com.
About HomeStreet, Inc.
Now in its 97th year, HomeStreet, Inc. (NASDAQ:HMST) is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Seattle, Washington and is the holding company for HomeStreet Bank, a state-chartered, FDIC-insured commercial bank. HomeStreet offers consumer, commercial and private banking services and investment and insurance products, and originates residential and commercial mortgages and construction loans for borrowers located in the Western United States and Hawaii. The bank has consistently received an “outstanding” rating under the federal Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). Additional information on HomeStreet Bank can be found at www.homestreet.com.
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