KAYSVILLE — For the first time ever, Zions Bank has a physical presence in Kaysville and Syracuse.

Utah’s largest bank has opened branches in both of those communities, leasing space in former locations of the now shuttered Barnes Banking Company.

A ribbon cutting and open house will be held Thursday at the Kaysville office, 33 S. Main Street, at 1:30 p.m.

Mayor Steve Hiatt, Davis High School Principal Dee Burton and representatives from the Utah State University Extension Service will participate, a bank release said.

As a part of the ceremonies, donations will be presented to Davis High, the City of Kaysville and the Extension Service, which has a strong presence in Kaysville with the Utah Botanical Center, Utah House and Discovery Center. In addition, Safe Harbor Domestic Violence and Crisis Center will receive a donation.

A familiar face will serve as manager of the branch as Kent D. Smith, a former Barnes Bank branch manager, has been named to that role. He will meet with visitors during the open house, which continues Thursday through 5 p.m.

Eight of the branch’s 11-member staff formerly worked for Barnes Bank.

The Syracuse office, at 975 W. 1700 South (Antelope Drive/Syracuse Road) was formally unveiled with a ribbon cutting Wednesday morning.

Donations were made to the Sunshine Playground and American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) VIP Soccer league. Mayor Jamie Nagel, city administrator Roger Worth, Davis Chamber of Commerce Lakesiders and Syracuse City Council members were due to participate.

The branch manager, Shilo Weaver, previously held that capacity at Zions Bank’s Ogden office.

“We’ve always been committed to serving the needs of families and businesses in Davis County, and now we’re thrilled to expand our presence,” said Zions Bank’s Northern Utah regional president Sherm Losee.

“Our business in the north part of the county has been growing rapidly, and the new branches will allow us to continue to bring existing and new clients the security of banking with an institution that has been safe and sound for more than 135 years,” he said.

Both new branches are under lease and were former Barnes Bank branches. Since Zions was approached by the FDIC in mid-January to serve as payout agent in the deposition resolution of Barnes, it has hired 41 former Barnes Bank employees.

Zions is the oldest financial institution in Utah, having been founded in 1873. It operates 105 branches in Utah. For more information, visit www.zionsbank.com.

tbusselberg@davisclipper.com