Ninety years of serving customers in Guthrie County and beyond deserved a yearlong celebration for Guthrie County State Bank, its customers, and the community. Throughout the year, GCSB held events to connect the community and find ways to spotlight and reward small businesses and nonprofits. As an independent, employee-owned company, GCSB encourages community participation and leadership for its employees. “Our team values the opportunity to work with our customers both here at the bank and out in the community whether that’s at a fundraiser, community event, or celebration,” said Mike Underwood, president and CEO of Guthrie County State Bank. “The events we planned for the 90th anniversary were a reflection of our commitment to the community and those we serve, with the intent of creating an impact on many levels. We’re proud to have served the community for more than 90 years and appreciative of the patronage from our customers.” Here’s a look back at how GCSB celebrated its 90th anniversary:
- In May, Guthrie County State Bank invited its customers to “Celebrate May Day” by performing random acts of kindness in the month of May. When submitting a photo showing the act of kindness with the hashtag #GCSBMayDay, the customer nominated a local small business or nonprofit to receive one of nine $900 donations in honor of GCSB’s 90th anniversary. A total of $8,100 was donated to businesses and nonprofits in Guthrie County.
- Guthrie County State Bank recognized three employees in June for their five-year work anniversaries – Kate Brown, Shannon Neff-Muell, and Laura Stetzel – plus 15 years for Dale Behrends and 20 years for Gayle Shackelford. These team members are recognized personally and each chose a nonprofit in the community to receive a donation in their name.
- A series of Community Connection events throughout the year highlighted small businesses and community events to bring people together. On a hot day in June, GCSB gave away 90 ice cream cones at M&L in Guthrie Center and PJ’s Drive-In located in Panora. Amity’s Attic cookies were distributed in the bank lobbies in July and the GCSB partnered with Hometown Foods in Guthrie Center and Panora to give away 90 hot dogs in August. In October, GCSB offered free drinks and popcorn from the concession stand for the ACGC vs Panorama football game.
- An unveiling took place on August 20 for a plaque at the GCSB Guthrie Center location commemorating the Iowa Girls 6:6 All Star Series held in Guthrie Center, sponsored by GCSB and Hardees from 1985 – 1990. Players, coaches, and community members were invited to an open house to hear about the history of the event and reminisce.
- GCSB launched the $90 for 90 Visa debit card promotion for 13 weeks from July – September. Weekly winners took home a $90 gift card to a local business.
- 07/12/21 – Dea Kress – Cafe on the Hill
- 07/19/21 – Cheryl Wolfe – Dowd Drug
- 07/26/21 – Denise Dorsett – Panora Auto Parts/NAPA
- 08/02/21 – Raymond Watkins – 44 Drive-In
- 08/09/21 – Lauryn Embleton – Pearls & Lace
- 08/16/21 – Holly Aberg – Early Morning Harvest
- 08/23/21 – Roger Maine – It’s Your Time Massage
- 08/30/21 – Brenda Campbell – Strawberry Patch/Cabbage Rose
- 09/07/21 – Lisa Sherwood – Restyle Décor and Consignment
- 09/14/21 – Kennedy Young – Lake Panorama Pizzeria
- 09/20/21 – Jimmy Cate – Midwest Blooms & Co
- 09/27/21 – David Cook – Allen Family Chiropractic
- 10/04/21 – Kyle Kramer – Art on State
- The 3rd annual Tower of Tissue campaign gathered 400 boxes of tissues for our local schools, setting a new record for our collection. For every box donated, GCSB matches with another box of tissue. Tissues are the number one supply need for our schools, so our team was happy to deliver 200 boxes each to Panorama and ACGC Community School Districts.
- The GCSB Heritage Club Appreciation Dinner in early November signaled a restart to the popular 55+ customer group that gathers for travel and entertainment, social events, and financial education opportunities. An exciting new partnership with Commercial Savings Bank of Carroll’s Connect Club will create new travel opportunities. GCSB Heritage Club members interested in travel experiences are invited to attend a travel show on Wednesday, January 12, at 5:00 p.m., in the Barnett Room at the Guthrie Center location of GCSB.
- In appreciation for customer patronage, GCSB made donations in November to Little Panther Daycare & Preschool in Panora and Little Charger Early Learning Center in Guthrie Center. Both childcare centers have capital campaigns underway to raise funds for expansions.
It was a full year of community-focused investment and celebration reflecting the vision and values of GCSB. For more information about Guthrie County State Bank’s community commitment, spend some time on our website and social media channels.