Member Spotlight- Peoples Bank & Trust 120th Anniversary
“What were they thinking” on November 1st of 1898 when F.A. & Mary Vaniman walked into the building on the corner of Kansas and Main? Peoples Bank president, Tom Pruitt reminisced about the historic sequence of events on the 120-year timeline of Peoples Bank. The details he shared wove a picture of a time when Mary Vaniman’s brothers owned a bank across the street, yet Mary and her husband F.A. signed a $5/month lease from Farmers Alliance to open Peoples State Bank, as it was initially called. As time went on, two of the Vaniman’s son-in-laws, Mr. Sargent and Mr. Reed, took active roles in the bank. Fast forward to 1988, a pivotal year according to Pruitt, when the bank ownership changed to the Houghton family (Mark, Dennis and Kent). In 1991, with the Houghton’s ownership and the leadership of bank president Tom Harms, Peoples Bank & Trust began a major growth trend. Do you think the Vaniman’s ever imagined that Peoples Bank would have 135 employees and $500,000,000 in total assets?
Pruitt said it has been about relationships since day one. He recognized Farmers Alliance, McPherson College and The Cedars who have all celebrated successful longevity along with Peoples Bank. A testament to effective leadership and an amazing team that is both capable and caring. Relationship building has been a key element in the success of Peoples Bank, and Pruitt said they “pledge to continue the same passion, conviction and commitment.”
Peoples Bank and Trust is celebrating 120 years of excellence while being progressive with new banking features and perks. Stop by their main bank at 101 S. Main in McPherson to see their newly remodeled lobby, contact Peoples Bank and Trust at 620-241-2100 or find out about their many locations to serve you at www.peoplesbankonline.com What will the next 120 years look like for Peoples Bank & Trust?