Pub. 5 2016 Issue 7

September 2016 23 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 THE KBA “CENTURY OF FAMILY BANKING” AWARD THE ANDOVER STATE BANK THE MCCONACHIE FAMILY 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. As with many cases, the fortunes of a community and the local bank are tied together. In January 1916, local businessmen and farmers J. Earl Tanner and Fred D. Wilson were convinced that the unincorporated town of Andover needed a bank to reach its potential. So, together they started Andover State Bank. Fred Wilson would eventually buy Earl Tanner’s share of the bank in 1924. The Great Depression was hard on our nation’s banks, over 300 banks in Kansas alone closed in 1933. When President Roosevelt declared a “bank holiday” and ordered banks to close their doors, Fred Wilson knew that Andover’s citizens would still need access to their money. So, while he technically adhered to the President’s orders by locking the front door, he kept the back door open so people could get to their money. He even gave everybody that came by the bank an apple as an added bonus. When Fred’s son-in-law, Max McConachie, came to town and to the bank in 1945, he recognized that Andover needed to grow and modernize. He, and the bank, were instrumental in bringing water, sewer and gas systems to Andover. With Andover growing and incorporating, the bank wanted to project a modern image. In 1961, the bank built an ultra-modern hexagon shaped building that was recognized statewide. Max and Harriet were partners in the bank until their respective passing: Max in 1991 and Harriet’s being just this past spring. 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. Kirk McConachie joined his father in the bank in 1977 and became President in 1991 and serves as Chairman of the Board today. Kirk has been active in the banking industry and the KBA for many years. The fourth generation of McConachie’s in the Andover State Bank is represented by Allison Grace, Kirk’s daughter. Allison is SVP and CFO of the bank and is a past member of the KBA’s Bank Leaders of Kansas program. Parker McConachie, Kirk’s son, also works at the bank’s Waterfront branch in Wichita. Andover State Bank continues to be a leader in the banking industry in Kansas. From the time that Fred Wilson co-founded the Andover State Bank until today, the McConachie family has provided extraordinary leadership in their community and to the banking industry. Each generation has unselfishly donated their time and energy to the betterment of Kansas banking and the industry. For these exemplary efforts, we at the KBA are proud to present to Kirk McConachie and the members of the McConachie family, the Kansas Bankers Association “Century of Family Banking” Award.