CBW Bank Receives Flint Factor Award
CBW Bank in Weir was recently presented with KBA’s Flint Factor Award. This award is given to bankers/banks who go above and beyond. As a CDFI institution, CBW helped their fellow Kansas bankers by accepting PPP applications this past spring when other funding was exhausted. Thank you, CBW Bank!
ESB’s Eric Porter Earns Spot On Independent Banker 40 Under 40 List
ESB Financial has announced that Eric Porter, VP Commercial Lender, has been recognized as an emerging community bank leader by Independent Banker magazine, the award-winning monthly publication of the Independent Community Bankers of America. This award recognizes up-and-coming innovators, influencers, and civic servants who represent the future of community banking.
Porter graduated from ESU in 2012 with a degree in Business Administration with a focus in Economics and Finance. He joined ESB Financial in 2017 after several years of working in community banking. He believes that community banking means offering all the services large banks offer but with a more personal connection to the client. Porter is also a member of the Young Bankers Officers of Kansas, which is for young bank professionals dedicated to improving their knowledge and understanding of the Kansas banking industry.
Olpe State Bank to Merge with Citizens State Bank
of Gridley
Olpe State Bank announced its intent to merge with Citizens State Bank of Gridley. The announcement was made by Citizens Bank President Bruce Trimble and Ople State Bank Chairman of the Board Joe Wendling. The Board of Directors of Olpe State Bank was committed to seeking a merger partner that shared their commitment to rural communities. Upon completion, the Olpe community will have the added convenience to conduct their banking business at any of Citizens State Bank’s nine additional locations. Customers will continue to work with the same familiar staff at the Olpe location.
First Bank Kansas Named 2021 Top-Scoring Bank in America by Forbes
First Bank Kansas has been recognized on the Forbes list of America’s Best-In-State Banks 2021, ranking number one in Kansas and the top-scoring bank overall in America. Forbes presents this distinguished award based on data produced in collaboration with the market research firm Statista.
Cooper Celebrates 70 Years in Banking
KBA President Doug Wareham joined by Jim Cooper, Chairman of Patriots Bank, and State Senator Caryn Tyson at Mr. Cooper’s 70-Years in Banking Celebration held on July 1st in Garnett.
Joining Jim Cooper for his 70-year banking career celebration are members of the Cooper family.
Taylor Hight, President and CEO of American Bank of Baxter Springs, Nominated to State Banking Board
Taylor Hight, President and CEO of American Bank of Baxter Springs, was nominated to the State Banking Board. He will replace Casey Lair, President for First Neodesha Bank, who has served his full term. Born and raised in southeast Kansas, Hight completed his undergraduate and master’s degrees at Pittsburg State University and earned his J.D. from Washburn University School of Law. Hight started with the bank in 2012, and he worked as an in-chamber research attorney at the Kansas Court of Appeals. Hight is an active member of the Kansas Bankers Association and has served as a KBA Employee Benefits Committee member.
Rod George Retires from BSB
The Bennington State Bank announces that Rod George, loan officer, senior vice-president, retired June 30 after 29 years of dedicated service. George began his career at BSB in 1992 as a loan officer. During his tenure, George served in several capacities in Minneapolis, Wamego and Bennington. “Rod’s talents have served BSB and our customers extremely well over the years. His contributions to the bank have made an indelible impact on generations of employees and customers,” stated BSB President/CEO Darren Gragg. “Words cannot express our gratitude to Rod,” said BSB President Emeritus Burke Matthews.
