Pub. 4 2015 Issue 7

September 2015 13 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 SUELLENTROP FAMILY OF LEGACY BANK RECEIVE THE KBA “CENTURY OF FAMILY BANKING” AWARD By KBA President Chuck Stones O NE OF THE GREAT STRENGTHS OF THE banking industry in Kansas is the fact that many of our banks have remained under the leadership of the same family for many, many years. In order to recognize those families, the KBA created a special award– “A Century of Family Banking” – to be given to those banks where members of the same family have held positions of leadership in their bank for a century or more. Legacy Bank began as Colwich Bank on February 22, 1886. The involvement of the Suellentrop family started when Clemens Suellentrop purchased 33% of the bank in 1911. Clemens served as the Cashier of the bank and worked side by side with his son, John A. Suellentrop, until his death in 1936. John A. was named President of the bank in January 1937 and retired in 1972. John A.’s son, John F. Suellentrop began working in the bank in 1935, and succeeded his father as President in 1972. He served as President until he retired in 1988. John A.’s other son, Clement (Clem) succeeded his brother and became President in 1988 and served as President until 1990. He later served as Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the Board until 2003. It is nice to remember our ancestors, but it is a privilege and a pleasure to share the accomplishments and triumphs of our friends and colleagues who are still active and continuing a family legacy. Frank Suellentrop began working at the bank in 1973 and assumed the top leadership spot at the bank in 1991, marking the fourth generation of Suellentrop leadership. Frank has also been an active member of the Kansas banking community, serving on many committees of the KBA. He continues to serve in helping the KBA develop its position on Federal legislation and regulations as a member of the Federal Affairs Committee. Under Frank’s leadership, the bank expanded into the Wichita market and changed its name to Legacy Bank to reflect its expansion into other communities. In 2005, they opened a beautiful, new 2-story headquarters building in Wichita. Clem’s other sons, Mark, Gene and Mike Suellentrop also serve in the bank’s Board of Directors. Coming along with the 6th generation of Suellentrop’s is Frank’s son Steven, who works for the bank as a Loan Officer and Retail Manager. From the time that Clemens Suellentrop purchased that 33% of the Bank of Colwich, until today, the Suellentrop family has provided extraordinary leadership in their communities and to the banking industry. Each generation has unselfishly donated their time and energies to the betterment of Kansas banking and the industry. All generations have been active in the economic development activities and service organizations. Legacy Bank has been honored in the Top Ten Small Businesses in Wichita and is a regular finalist in the Best Places to Work award by the Wichita Business Journal. For these exemplary efforts, we at the KBA are proud to present to Frank and the Suellentrop family the KBA Century of Family Banking award.