Northwest Bank announced plans to open a new branch location in Ames, which would be the 20th branch location for the bank. The Spencer-based bank has hired Doug Ragaller, who has 25 years of community banking experience, most recently as a market leader with U.S. Bank, as its Ames market leader. “Doug is a smart, talented community banker who is passionate about the Ames community and helping bankers serve their customers,” said Greg Post, president of Northwest Financial Corp. Northwest Bank’s Ames location is contingent on regulatory approval by the Iowa Division of Banking and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Northwest Bank in Ames is expected to open this summer. The bank on Monday officially opened its newly constructed Ankeny branch at 1005 S.W. Oralabor Road.