Pub. 1 2012 Issue 3

20 l e a d i n g a d v o c a t e f o r t h e b a n k i n g i n d u s t r y i n k a n s a s Briefly... In Kansas Banking Impact Bank Ready to Make Positive Impact in County First National Bank in Wellington and Caldwell State Bank Merger Final The Federal Reserve Board has approved. The State Bank Commissioner has signed on. For First National Bank in Wellington and Caldwell State Bank, the only remaining formalities are internal —merging two historic banks and two cultures into one. No small task for groups founded in 1879 and 1928, respectively. On Monday, April 2, the merged organization, Impact Bank, officially opened, launching what is now Sumner County’s largest locally owned, community bank. Rather than two unfamiliar organizations coming together, leaders of each bank said shared leadership and shared values have already created a sense of coop- eration. And each bank is eager to share strategic strengths. “The creation of this new bank is a sign of strength,” said David M. Carr, vice chairman of the board that serves both banks. “As a community bank we have a responsibility to keep standards for our services, lending capabili- ties and innovations high. Merging our two banks into one offers our customers a promise of service that will extend far into the future.” Leaders from First National Bank in Wellington see the value of partnering with Caldwell, an agriculturally-focused bank with customers based in the southern part of the county. “Our combined staffs will give us strength in agribusiness. We’re determined to help grow and invest in the next generation of farmers and ranchers,” saidAlan Campbell, board member and senior lending officer of Impact Bank. Leo Schiltz, boardmember and executive vice president of Impact Bank, said customers in Caldwell will benefit greatly from the ex- panded services and convenience as a result of the merger. “Increased regulations have made it difficult for small banks to expand. This merger will provide Caldwell customers with expanded services and investment services, plus the convenience of a bank and ATMs in Wellington,” Schiltz said. Human capital is also a strength these financial leaders mention often. “The new bank’s combined financial and human re - sources mean we can continue to serve this region and meet all the needs of our customers. We’re still the same people you know and trust. We will continue to invest in each community — in fact, by coming together we can do more,” said Bob Leftwich, board member and presi- dent of Impact Bank. Chairman of the board and lo- cal philanthropist, John T. Stewart III, is quick to espouse the “story” he said is behind the new name. “The name ‘Impact Bank’ was chosen to communicate the historic and ongoing commitment to positively impact the financial lives of our customers,” Stewart said. “Impact Bank will deliver expanded financial opportunities with the same leadership teams and staff members our customers know and trust.” Caldwell State Bank was char- tered in 1928. Wellington’s First National Bank was established in 1879. Since 1984, the bank has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Financial Corporation, a financial services holding company also based inWellington. First Financial Corporation is led by Stewart as CEO and Carr as president. American State Bancshares Names Robin LacKamp Human Resources Director for Three- Bank Holding Company American State Bancshares has an- nounced the appointment of Robin R. LacKamp to the newly created position of Vice President, Director of Human Resources, for the three- bank holding company that includes Rose Hill Bank, Peoples Exchange Bank in Belleville, and American State Bank & Trust in Great Bend. A business administra- tion graduate of Allen County Community College and Kansas State University, Ms. LacKamp began her banking career in 1975 as Personnel Assistant at First National Bank of Kansas City. She has since served in various administrative capacities includ- ing Staff Analyst with Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, and Vice President of Cloud County Bank & Trust in Concordia. She most recently served as Executive Vice President of Peoples Exchange Bank of Belleville, a subsidiary of American State Bancshares. She also serves on the bank’s Board of Directors. Bank of Hays Anounces Staff Promotions The Bank of Hays Board of Directors has announced promo- tions for four staff members at its Hays and Hanston locations. Darla Braun, Cashier and Compliance Officer, was promoted to Senior Vice President. She has 20 years experience in banking and the regulatory environment and has been a staff member of Bank of Hays for the past seven years. She directs and coordinates the bank’s operations functions, human re- sources, security measures and oversees adherence to federal and state laws and regulations. JoshDreher, Commercial Loan Officer, was named Vice President.