By The Kansas Bankers Association
Kansas Bank Gets New Name First State Bank & Trust Co will become Fusion Bank.
After 125 years, the First State Bank & Trust Co., founded in Larned, Kansas in 1896, is getting a new name. Effective February 22, this long-established Kansas business will open under the new name Fusion Bank.
For most of the bank’s 125 years, it was not inconvenient that so many other banks in the state and the country were also named First State Bank, or some variation began with the word “First.” But once branch banking was approved in the 1980s, bank business territories began to overlap, and similar names became confusing. Add to that the explosion of the internet and mobile world in more recent years and the confusion multiplied.
Choosing a new name for a 125-year entity could be a daunting task, but the team knew what they wanted the name to represent.
Sharon Lessard, EVP, explains, “The new name has meaning for us. To be the best bank for our customers, we work for our customers, and we work to create a fusion of traditional Classic Banking with outstanding Online and Mobile technology. Our bank is a fusion of personal and digital; traditional and technical; heritage and future; local and everywhere. Additionally, we wanted to keep our iconic “Flying F” logo, so we were hoping for a meaningful name that begins with the letter ‘F.’ Fusion Bank was the perfect solution.”
The newly named Fusion Bank has locations in Larned, Pratt and Overland Park and can be found at fusion.bank.
Bank of Hays promotes new Senior V.P. and Commercial Lender
The Bank of Hays was founded with a single mission — to serve the community. This work is at the heart of everything we do, and it has to be in the hearts of everyone on our team. For this reason, we believe that our employees are our most valuable asset, and when we get the opportunity to recognize and promote them, we couldn’t be more proud.
Randy Walker, the Bank of Hays CEO, said, “I’m excited that our Board of Directors has approved these promotions effective immediately. Please join me in congratulating Jaden and Josh.”
Jaden Richardson, newly appointed Commercial Lender
Jaden Richardson grew up in Ness City, Kansas, before attending Fort Hays State University. He graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance/Banking. In 2017, he started at Bank of Hays as a teller and, through hard work and dedication, moved into credit analysis in 2019. Jaden is eager to begin his position as a Commercial Lender at Bank of Hays.
In addition to serving the community’s financial needs, Jaden has been involved with CARE Council, Relay for Life, and the Hays Bowling Association.
Josh Dreher, newly appointed Senior Vice President
Josh Dreher has been an employee of Bank of Hays since March of 2006. After graduating from Fort Hays State in May of 2009 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, he became a full-time commercial loan officer. Josh specializes in all types of conventional and government-guaranteed loan programs for small business customers. Josh looks forward to making an even greater impact in his new role as Senior Vice President.
Baysinger Joins KANZA Bank Board of Directors
KANZA Bank is pleased to announce Jennifer Baysinger as the newest member of the KANZA Bank Board of Directors. Baysinger brings a wealth of business and legislative expertise combined with multiple facets of entrepreneurial leadership experience. She has more than 25 years of experience launching, growing and selling businesses. As a fifth-generation Kansan raised in a family of independent oil producers, she knows firsthand the importance of a strong and prosperous business community. Growing up in rural Kansas, she also understands and appreciates the value of relationships.
“Jennifer’s impressive background in business, along with her commitment to the values of our bank, make her an excellent addition to our team,” John Boyer, KANZA Bank Chairman, said.
Currently, Baysinger serves as Vice-President of Political Affairs for the Kansas Chamber of Commerce. She and her husband, Blake, also own Wichita Collision and Dent Center. The Baysinger’s have three sons and live near Andover.
Chief’s Superfan and Kansas Banker Holds World Record
The Spain-based Official World Record organization on Jan. 25 certified Curt Herrman, Information Technology Director and Vice President at Manhattan’s Community First National Bank, of having the world’s largest collection of Kansas City Chiefs-related memorabilia. “The fruit of his passion for Curt Herrman has led him to collect these pieces for 52 years,” the award certificate said. “At present, his collection amounts to 642 pieces.” Herrman has collected Chiefs memorabilia since 1970, the year K.C. got its first Superbowl win.
Bennington State Bank Announces Promotions
The Bennington State Bank (BSB), a leading independent community bank in Central Kansas, has announced several key leader promotions. The strategic appointments will play a key role in supporting the company’s expansion, growth and goals. The Board of Directors unanimously elected Darren Gragg to succeed Burk Matthews as President and Chief Executive Officer of The Bennington State, effective Jan. 31, 2021. Matthews will continue as President Emeritus for the next several years.
Others promoted are:
- Kory Tinkler, Executive Vice President, Chief Credit Officer
- Brett Mitchell, Executive Vice President, Chief Banking Officer
- Evette Beckman, Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer
- Brandy Felzien, Senior Vice President, Chief Wealth Officer
- Joshua Marquardt, Senior Vice President, Wamego Market President
- Debra Adams, Vice President, Treasury Management Officer
- Ryan McMillan, Vice President, Loan Officer
- Dakota Rohleder, Vice President, Loan Officer
- Shannon Bosch, Assistant Vice President, Loan Officer
IN MEMORY
Phil Perry Dec. 13, 1942-Feb. 22, 2021
Phillip Thomas Perry was born on Dec. 13, 1942, to Lee and Addie Perry in Caldwell, KS. After graduating from Caldwell High School in 1960, Perry attended the University of Kansas for two years and graduated from Emporia State University in 1965 with a B.S. in Business Management. He became a national bank examiner for 10 years and was then appointed as a regional director in the 10th National Bank Regional Headquarters in Kansas City. In 1968, following the “Pueblo” incident, Perry’s Air National Guard unit was activated, and he spent one year in Kun San, South Korea. After his tour of duty, Perry returned to Wichita, resuming his job as a bank examiner. He was later transferred to Columbia, MO. After meeting his wife and having their daughter, the Perry’s returned to Caldwell in 1980 as Executive Vice President of Caldwell State Bank and became the President and CEO three years later.
Gerard “Jerry” W. Lehman Jan. 14, 1942-Dec. 10, 2020
Gerard “Jerry” Lehman, age 78, of Towanda, KS, passed away on Dec. 10, 2020. He graduated from Towanda High School in 1960 and married his high school sweetheart, Loretta (Starr), in 1963. They were married for 57 years. Gerard graduated from Pittsburg State College in 1964 with a Bachelor’s degree in business administration. At age 16, he was hired at Towanda State Bank as a janitor. He later became a teller, loan officer, Vice President, President for 30 years, and later Vice President again. Gerard was employed at Towanda State Bank for 58 years and received his 50-year pin in banking in 2010 from the Kansas Bankers Association in Topeka, KS. He also served as the director and chairman of the board for Towanda State Bank.
Richard William “Bill” Poquette Feb. 16, 1936-March 12, 2021
Richard “Bill” Poquette, 85, Lenexa, Kansas, passed away on Friday, March 12, at his home. Bill was born Feb. 16, 1936, the son of Dick and Caroline Poquette, in Cheboygan, MI. Bill was the former Managing Editor with BankNews Media and served with BankNews Publications, which produced the Kansas Directory for Financial Institutions and other banking publications, for 50 years. When Poquette retired, he said he received greetings from people he coached throughout his career, letting him know how much he helped them and how much it had meant to him. This especially was special to Poquette since he had been helped as he had helped others that he could pass on through mentorship. “Always keep that attitude of learning and eagerness to listen,” Poquette had quoted. “I’ve covered a lot of banking conferences, talked to a lot of important banking people, and it felt like I was always learning something. I never lost that. When they responded, it was a thrill they saw what I wrote and responded, even to disagree with me.”
Donald “Don” B. Mense April 30, 1938-March 15, 2021
Donald B. Mense, Hoxie, Kansas, 82, passed away on Monday, March 15, 2021, at K.U. Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas. He was born April 30, 1938, in Grinnell, Kansas, to Ben and Hilda (Ostmeyer), the oldest of four children. Don graduated from Grinnell High School in 1955 and attended Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and spent two years serving his country while Flo, his wife, attended nursing school. He returned home to his farm and married Flo on Nov. 26, 1960. They were blessed with 60 years of marriage. In Hoxie, Don began his banking career at the Hoxie State Bank. He served over 50 years at the bank, 30 of those as bank president. Although he enjoyed many of the relationships he built with his bank customers and colleagues, he never lost his passion for farming and the love of the land. He continued to farm in his spare time and through his retirement years. He was an active member of the Hoxie community. He was a member of the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Rotary Club and Elks Club. He also served on many advisory boards through his years and enjoyed giving back to the community.
Anna M. McMorris Dec. 11, 1926-Jan. 22, 2021
Anna M. McMorris, 94, died on Friday, Jan. 22, 2021, at the Rossville Healthcare and Rehab Center in Rossville.
Anna was born to Mathias and Edith Brubaker Rodenbaugh at St. Marys on Dec. 11, 1926. She attended Immaculate Conception Catholic Grade School and graduated from Immaculate Conception High School. Anna attended Clark’s School of Business in Topeka.
Anna worked for the Kansas Bankers Association in Topeka for 38 years until her retirement.
