Peoples Bank in Hawarden named 2023 Hawarden Chamber Large Business of the Year
3/23/2024
Peoples Bank in Hawarden was recently recognized as the 2023
Hawarden Chamber of Commerce Large Business of the Year at the Hawarden Chamber Banquet!
Hawarden Peoples Bank President Michelle Klocke said that the award is a direct reflection on the bank staff.
“The Peoples Bank staff and I are very honored to receive this award from the Chamber for the 2023 Large Business of the Year,” Klocke said. “This award is a reflection of the wonderful staff that work at Peoples Bank and
how blessed we are to be part of an organization that strives to deliver great customer service from knowledgeable and friendly staff and exceed customer expectations. This has allowed us to serve Hawarden and the surrounding area for many years, and we look forward to continued success and a bright future ahead.”
Thank you to the Rock Valley Chamber of Commerce for this honor!
Arreola Earns Certificate from Consumer Credit School
3/8/2024
Betty Arreola of
Peoples Bank in Akron successfully completed the Iowa Bankers Association Consumer Credit School, March 4-8, 2024, in Ankeny, Iowa.
The school is an intense one-week program sponsored by the
Iowa Bankers Association. Students at the school participated in rigorous coursework, gaining insights into risk assessment, compliance requirements, and strategic decision-making in consumer lending. The class advances a better understanding of the consumer credit function allowing students to better meet the credit needs of their customers and serve their local communities.
Arreola is the Lead Customer Service Representative at Peoples Bank in Akron where she enjoys helping customers with their everyday banking needs, personal loans, and home mortgage needs.
Peoples Bank Board of Directors Welcomes David Krahling
1/24/2024
The Peoples Bank Board of Directors is pleased to welcome David Krahling as a new board member.
“Selecting board members for a community-owned bank like Peoples can sometimes be challenging. We always look for someone who has the respect of their community, their industry, their worshipping community, and their peers,” said Peoples Bank Chairman of the Board Joe D. Van Tol. “David has all of these qualities and more. We are very pleased that he has agreed to join Peoples.”
Krahling spent 18 years with the Sioux Center Community School District as a high school agriculture instructor and technology coordinator. He then worked for Interstates for 23 years, serving as VP of Business Development until 2000.
Krahling recently completed 15 years on the Sioux Center City Council, serving the last five years as Mayor. He also serves on the Premier Communications Board of Directors. Krahling is now semi-retired and continues to farm his family’s farm in Lyon County.
“Locally-owned community banks are a unique strength of Northwest Iowa. I am honored to be asked to serve Peoples Bank in this way,” Krahling says. “I look forward to learning more about the financial industry and applying some of my background in agriculture and business in new and different ways.”
Peoples Bank in Rock Valley named 2023 Rock Valley Chamber Business of the Year
11/27/2023
Peoples Bank in Rock Valley is honored to have been named Rock Valley Chamber Business of the Year. This award is presented at the Annual Business Gala to honor a Rock Valley Chamber Business for their active role within the Chamber and business community.
According to the Rock Valley Chamber of Commerce, "Peoples Bank is a long-time Platinum Chamber member who go above and beyond their investment into the community. From collaborating with non-profits in order to raise funds to sponsoring a variety of events, to educating our youth and so much more, this business is known for their giving hearts and dedication to the success of our community."
"We are blessed to have Peoples Bank as a member, and we are so excited for them to receive this award! It's well deserved!"
Thank you to the Rock Valley Chamber of Commerce for this honor!
Kamerman Earns Certificate from Commercial Lending School
Wes Kamerman of Peoples Bank in Sioux Center successfully completed the 2023 Iowa Bankers Association’s (IBA) Commercial Lending School held October 2-6 in Ankeny.
The school is an intense one-week program sponsored by the Iowa Bankers Association. The purpose of the IBA Commercial Lending School is to prepare commercial lenders who have not been exposed to formal commercial lending education or lenders who want to broaden their commercial lending knowledge to serve effectively and profitably as commercial loan officers. This is accomplished by developing a better understanding of the economy and how it affects the lending decision, how a business is structured and how it competes, and the role of company’s management.
Attending the school demonstrates commitment to professional growth and expertise and graduates will use their knowledge to further serve their clients and local communities.
Kamerman is a Business Banker at Peoples Bank and has been with the bank for nearly 5 years. In his role, most of his time is spent with customers talking about different loan products. Kamerman enjoys being able to help customers live out their dreams through starting a new business or buying a new home. In May of 2023, Kamerman graduated from the IBA Leadership Institute.
Peoples Bank in Sioux Center Breaks Ground on Building Expansion Project
9/19/2023
Due to continued growth, Peoples Bank in Sioux Center is breaking ground on a two-story building expansion in September 2023.
The two-story addition will be constructed on the north side of the building and will include a partial basement of 1,900 square feet, a main level of 4,625 square feet, and an upper level of 4,275 square feet. Ten offices and additional workspace will be added on the main floor, and nine offices and additional workspaces will be added upstairs. There will also be several flex offices. These will be used for employees to meet with customers, but they will not be occupied by one individual like an office is.
Peoples Insurance will move downstairs to allow for more room for Peoples Bank Wealth Management Group and the Mortgage Department.
“Peoples Bank, Peoples Bank Wealth Management Group, and Peoples Insurance have all been blessed with continued growth,” stated Sioux Center Peoples Bank President Dale Vander Berg. “This expansion represents our commitment to our community, customers, and staff. It also allows us to be more efficient to better serve our customers.”
An office of a former bank was purchased in 1994, and that office became the Sioux Center Peoples Bank location in June of that year. At that time, the bank was located where ATLAS is currently located. Five years later, the bank relocated to a newly constructed building on the north end of Main Street. In 2012, Peoples Bank moved to a new building at its current location at 1701 South Main Avenue.
The new addition will take roughly a year to complete. Once that is completed, there will need to be remodeling to tie things together, which will take about another six months. During construction, the road on the north side of the building will be closed. Drive up traffic will need to enter the bank property from the west - 1st Avenue SW. Lobby traffic will be able to enter from the northeast entrance and exit through the southeast entrance on the frontage road.
Des Moines Register Names Peoples Bank a Winner of the Iowa Top Workplaces 2023 Award
9/17/2023
Peoples Bank has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2023 honor by Iowa Top Workplaces. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization: including alignment, execution, and connection, just to name a few.
“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That's something to be proud of. In today's market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That's paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”
About Energage
Making the world a better place to work together.TM
Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 16 years of culture research and the results from 27 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.
Flores Named a Business & Professional Women Scholarship Recipient
Maria Flores, Retail Banker at Peoples Bank in Rock Valley, was recently named a 2023 Sioux Falls Business and Professional Women Scholarship recipient.
The Sioux Falls Business and Professional Women organization awards annual scholarships to women pursuing a post-secondary education. Both traditional and non-traditional students are eligible to apply, and criteria is based upon academic achievement and financial need. Flores was awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the organization.
Part of the scholarship process included Flores sharing how she got to where she is and what her goals are.
“I come from a single-parent family where I am the oldest child, and my first language is Spanish,” explains Flores. “My childhood inspired me to go to college and have professional goals.”
Flores is a first-generation college student and is the first in her family to get a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management. She is currently enrolled at the University of Sioux Falls pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management and Certificate in Social Media Marketing.
Peoples Bank to partner with Midwest Honor Flight for 3rd Annual Christmas For A Cause
Event will relocate to Heritage Village
7/24/2023
Peoples Bank in Sioux Center is excited to partner with Midwest Honor Flight for the third annual Christmas for a Cause!
Midwest Honor Flight is a non-profit organization created to honor America’s Veterans for their sacrifices. The organization offers paid transport and tours to Washington D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated to honor the service and sacrifices of visiting veterans and those who have paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we have. The Midwest Honor Flight organization’s service area includes veterans throughout Northwest Iowa, South Dakota, Northeast Nebraska, and Southwest Minnesota. Learn more at midwesthonorflight.org.
This year Christmas for a Cause will be relocating to Heritage Village in Sioux Center.
“We appreciate the Heritage Village Board’s willingness and enthusiasm for Peoples Bank to move Christmas For A Cause to Heritage Village,” said Peoples Bank Sioux Center President Dale Vander Berg. “They have a great space and set up, and because of that, it opens more opportunities for us to expand this event.”
The event is a walk-through Christmas light display and will run from Friday, November 24 through Monday, January 1 from 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM each night.
“This event allows us to embrace part of our Peoples Bank core values by enriching families and communities,” said Peoples Bank Sioux Center President Dale Vander Berg. “This is a free family-friendly event where everyone can enjoy the Christmas light displays at Heritage Village and have the opportunity to support Midwest Honor Flight.”
“We are grateful to have Peoples Bank of Sioux Center select Midwest Honor Flight to help sponsor future flights for our Veterans, who are so deserving of this once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Aaron Van Beek, CEO of Midwest Honor Flight. “This is a way to show our appreciation and say thank you to those who served, and we are grateful to all those who will donate in appreciation for our local military Veterans in such a generous way.”
The first two years of Christmas For A Cause has brought around 9,000 people to enjoy Christmas lights while supporting a local non-profit.
While Christmas for a Cause is free, attendees can support Midwest Honor Flight by giving a freewill donation at the event. There will be a donation box available or a QR code. There will be a hot chocolate stand for the first four weekends for a freewill donation to Midwest Honor Flight. The hot chocolate stand will be open from 6:00-9:00 PM on the following dates: November 24 & 25 and December 1 & 2 (Sioux Center's Hometown Holidays) , 8 & 9, 15 & 16, and 22 & 23. Peoples Bank will also be hosting a Chamber After Hours at Heritage Village following the Hometown Holidays Parade on November 30.
Peoples Bank Named Best of N'West in 13 Categories
6/24/2023
Peoples Bank, Peoples Bank Wealth Management Group, and Peoples Insurance were recently named the
Best of N'West in 13 categories. The second annual People's Choice Awards, hosted by the
Northwest Iowa Review, accumulated over 140,000 votes with over 800 local businesses represented. There were also 8,000 nominations and over 180 voting categories.
Peoples won in the following categories:
Peoples Bank¹
- Best Bank
- Best Place to Work
- Best Agricultural Lender
- Best Business Lender - Merlin Meyer
- Best Customer Service Representative - Evy De Kam
- Best Mortgage Lender - Wes Kamerman
Peoples Bank Wealth Management Group²
- Best Financial Planning Company
- Best Financial Planner - David McAlpine
Peoples Insurance²
- Best Crop Insurance Company
- Best Car Insurance Company
- Best Home Insurance Company
- Best Insurance Agent - Blake Kruger
- Best Crop Insurance Agent - Jeffrey Granstra
Thank you to all who nominated us and voted for us! We are humbled and honored!
1. Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender
2. Investment & insurance products are not FDIC insured, not a bank deposit, not guaranteed by the bank or any US Government Agency and principal may lose value.
Spaans Earns Certificate from Agriculture Credit School
6/15/2023
The one-week, two-year school sponsored by the Iowa Bankers Association and Iowa State University, provides a challenging education experience in addition to peer networking. The purpose of the IBA Agriculture Credit School is to prepare agriculture bankers who want to broaden their agriculture credit knowledge or who have not been exposed to agriculture credit education, to serve effectively and profitably as agriculture credit officers. This is accomplished by developing a better understanding of the agriculture industry and agriculture credit function allowing students to better meet the credit needs of their customers and serve their local communities.
Spaans has been with Peoples Bank for over eight years. As an Ag/Business Banking Officer, Spaans' main focus is on agricultural lending, but he also does some commercial and consumer lending. Spaans also gives back to the community as a volunteer firefighter with the Rock Valley Fire Department.
Kamerman & Knobloch Graduate from IBA Leadership Institute
6/13/2023
Wes Kamerman of Peoples Bank in Sioux Center and Derek Knobloch of Peoples Bank in Lester successfully completed the Iowa Bankers Association (IBA) Leadership Institute on June 9, 2023, in Cedar Rapids.
The Bank Leadership Institute is a comprehensive program designed for bankers who wish to set higher goals and enhance their personal skills for leadership roles in banking and the community.
Twenty-four bankers from around the state of Iowa participated in the 2023 Leadership Institute. Session topics included strategic thinking, DiSC profiles, public speaking, economic development, government relations, professional presence, and coaching. In February the class attended the IBA Management Conference and in March they visited the Iowa State Capitol as they learned about the IBA’s lobbying efforts.
The final session for the 2023 Institute included an educational workshop with speaker Coach Kevin Kush who is known for leading his Boys Town High School football team of at-risk youth to an undefeated regular season and spoke to the group on the eight traits of a quality teammate. The program also included an Iowa Banking Leadership panel with Iowa bank leaders sharing their thoughts on today’s banking climate and advice for the class.
Kamerman is a Business Banker for Peoples Bank in Sioux Center, Iowa, and has been with Peoples Bank since 2018. This past year, Kamerman has transitioned from Mortgage Loan Origination to the Business Banker role where he now focuses on commercial and business loans. He is a graduate of the 2020 Leadership Sioux Center class and has also completed the Iowa Bankers Association Consumer Credit School, where he now sits on the Advisory Board. Kamerman serves on the Leadership Sioux Center Advisory Board as well as the Sioux Center Chamber of Commerce Board.
Knobloch is an Ag/Business Banking Officer at Peoples Bank in Lester, Iowa. He had 12 years of banking experience prior to joining Peoples Bank in 2020. Knobloch is actively involved in the community serving as Vice President of the West Lyon School Board, Treasurer of the ISU Extension Council, President of the Lester Retirement Village, and is a member of the Merrill Pioneer Community Hospital (MPCH) Avera Board.
Peoples Bank Named SEDC Lender of the Year
5/10/2023
The Board of Directors of the Siouxland Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is pleased to announce it has selected Peoples Bank as the SEDC Lender of the Year for 2022. This annual award is given to commercial lenders in the Siouxland area who have demonstrated a high regard for customer service and have successfully, consistently, and creatively utilized the SBA 504 Loan Program and SEDC Revolving Loan Fund Program (RLF) to further economic development in Siouxland.
Dusty Small, Chairperson of the SEDC Board of Directors, commented, “The Lender of the Year award has been created to recognize outstanding performance by private lenders. The commercial lenders at Peoples Bank have proven to us many times they are valued small business advocates committed to economic development in Siouxland.” In 2022, SEDC and Peoples Bank cooperated in completing economic development projects totaling $9.2 million that have created or retained 114 jobs in the Siouxland area. This will be the third time in the 23-year history of this award that it has been presented to Peoples Bank.
SEDC would like to specifically recognize three lenders at Peoples Bank that most significantly utilized the SBA 504 loan program and SEDC Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program. These lenders are Merlin Meyer for 3 projects with Wyhe’s Choice, Inc. d/b/a Dutchland Foods, Tim Matasovsky for Elk Creek Animal Hospital and 4Less Sales, LLC, and Brian Richter for VH Manufacturing, Inc. These projects totaled more than $9.2 million with Peoples Bank financing of $4.9 million and SEDC/SBA 504 financing of $3.9 million. These projects also created and retained 114 jobs.
SEDC Chairperson, Dusty Small, went on to say “Over the nearly 44-year history of SEDC and the SBA 504 program, Peoples Bank has worked cooperatively with SEDC to complete more than 55 SBA 504 & SEDC RLF projects that total more than $35.2 million and created or retained hundreds of jobs. Peoples Bank has also consistently utilized other SEDC and SBA lending programs to promote small business start-up and expansion in Siouxland. SEDC extends its congratulations to Peoples Bank, Merlin Meyer (Lester), Tim Matasovsky (Sioux City), and Brian Richter (Rock Valley) for the support they have shown to their business community. Peoples Bank is one of the great community banks we are fortunate to have in Northwest Iowa. The Board and staff at SEDC look forward to continuing our long and mutually beneficial partnership with all the commercial lenders at Peoples Bank.”
Peoples Bank is a locally owned financial institution with a rich history dating back to 1945. Peoples Bank has ten bank locations in the communities of Rock Valley, Lester, Sioux Center, Akron, Sheldon, Hawarden, Hinton, & Sioux City, Iowa, and Jasper, Minnesota. Peoples Bank recently expanded to North Sioux City, South Dakota in November 2022.
Siouxland Economic Development Corporation will host a reception on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, from 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM at Peoples Bank, Sioux City Morningside to formally present the 2022 Lender of the Year Award to Tim Matasovsky and Peoples Bank. Another reception will be held on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, from 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM at Peoples Bank, Lester to formally present the 2022 Lender of the Year Award to Merlin Meyer, Brian Richter, and Peoples Bank.
Wiggins Awarded Certificate of Completion at the 22nd Annual Human Resource Management School
4/10/2023
Amanda Wiggins was awarded a certificate of completion on April 6, 2023, at the 22nd annual Human Resource Management School presented by the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Wiggins is a Human Resources Specialist based out of Peoples Bank in Hawarden, Iowa.
The Human Resource Management School provides the foundation for new or veteran human resource professionals to tie together important issues in human resource management with a bottom-line understanding of the business of banking.
Designed specifically for financial services HR professionals, this program helps to expand knowledge of the banking industry and human resource management, improve employee performance and establish a network of colleagues with whom to interact and exchange ideas. The HR Management School provides an opportunity for students to learn from respected industry experts about today's key issues in human resource management.
The Graduate School of Banking is sponsored and governed by the Central States Conference of Bankers Associations in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Many of the chief officers from each of these member associations, along with representatives of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, serve on the GSB Board of Trustees, the governing body of GSB.
Flores Earns Certificate from Consumer Credit School
3/24/2023
Maria Flores, of Peoples Bank, successfully completed the Iowa Bankers Association Consumer Credit School, February 27 - March 3, 2023, in Ankeny, Iowa.
The school is an intense one-week program sponsored by the Iowa Bankers Association. The purpose of the IBA Consumer Credit School is to prepare consumer credit personnel who want to broaden their consumer credit knowledge or who have not been exposed to formal consumer credit education, to serve effectively and profitably as consumer credit officers. This is accomplished by developing a better understanding of the consumer credit function allowing students to better meet the credit needs of their customers and serve their local communities.
Flores is a Retail Banker at Peoples Bank in Rock Valley, Iowa, and has been with the bank for over three years. Flores started as a Customer Service Representative until starting her role as a Retail Banker in January 2022.
About the Iowa Bankers Association
The Iowa Bankers Association represents Iowa banks and savings institutions. Iowa bankers are committed to the values of honesty, hard work and community service, and have been a trusted resource for Iowans for more than 100 years. Iowa banks offer FDIC insurance and lend $67.7 billion to help individuals, business owners, and agriculture. Nearly 40,000 Iowans work at an Iowa bank, and bank employees volunteer more than 300,000 hours to support local communities each year. To learn more, visit
iowabankers.com.
Peoples Bank Board of Directors Welcomes Glenn Zevenbergen
3/20/2023
The Peoples Bank Board of Directors is pleased to welcome Glenn Zevenbergen as a new board member. Zevenbergen is in his 20th year as Chief Executive Officer of Hegg Health Center in Rock Valley, Iowa.
“Selecting board members for a community-owned bank like Peoples can sometimes be challenging. We always look for someone who has the respect of their community, their industry, their worshipping community and their peers,” said Peoples Bank Chairman of the Board Joe D. Van Tol. “Glenn has all of these qualities and more. We are very pleased that he has agreed to join Peoples.”
Zevenbergen has spent his entire 33-year career at Hegg. He first served as a Medical Technologist in the Lab and then as the Director of Hegg Medical Clinic before stepping into his current role as CEO.
“I am honored and humbled to be asked to serve on the Board of Directors at Peoples Bank,” commented Zevenbergen. “It’s an exciting to learn about an industry outside of healthcare, continue to grow personally, and to contribute to the success of our community in another way.”
In addition to his new role on the Peoples Bank Board of Directors, Zevenbergen also serves as Vice Chair on the Church Council at Trinity Christian Reformed Church in Rock Valley. He has served on a number of boards in the past and currently serves on the Boards of Creative Living Center, Community Health Partners (Sioux County Public Health), and the Iowa Health and Education Research Foundation.
Peoples Bank is Here For You
3/13/2023
On March 10, 2023, the FDIC took control of deposits held at Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank amid a series of unique circumstances that led to their collapse. This collapse has made it clear: the historic stability and resiliency of a community bank, like Peoples Bank, is vital for our customers. Regulators, officials, and the Federal Reserve have come up with a plan so depositors of SVB and Signature Bank can access their money, but the collapse of these two institutions may still have people wondering about their money with their local community bank.
Peoples Bank wants to address worries, answer questions, provide peace of mind, and educate you about the difference of being a community bank.
- Silicon Valley Bank was highly specialized in serving venture capital firms and technology startups. As a community bank, Peoples Bank serves customers across a variety of diverse industries, business models, and business types. Because of this diversification, Peoples Bank remains well-capitalized and well-positioned to continue to serve our customers and community. We were chartered 78 years ago and expect to serve our communities for generations to come.
- As a community bank customer, you have access to our experienced team, and we stand ready to assist you at all times with any of your questions or concerns.
- As a community bank, we take pride in our relationships focused on building long-term trust with our customers. After all, we live in your community, too, and your success is our success.
- Nobody has ever lost a dime of FDIC-insured deposits up to $250,000. For those customers who have questions about whether additional insurance coverage is needed, we are ready and prepared to assist you in identifying whether additional insurance coverage is necessary and ensuring your deposit needs are met.
- If you have questions about your coverage, or would like to learn more about FDIC insurance and how it works, we encourage you to access the following resources or contact us:
At Peoples Bank, we believe that banking locally is important. Banking locally means reinvesting in your community. Not only does banking locally support small businesses (community banks fund more than 60% of small business loans and more than 80% of ag loans), but as locally owned and operated businesses themselves, they are part of the economic engines that create 62% of new jobs annually. Additionally, community banks contribute tax dollars that help maintain local municipalities.
“We embrace our role as community bankers and as financial stewards. We listen to our customers and cater to our customers’ unique financial needs,” says Peoples Bank CEO Al Vermeer. “Our vision is Where Values Matter!, and through our mission, core values, and how we treat customers and each other, we strive to carry that out each day.”
Peoples Bank wants to be a financial resource for you. If you have financial questions, please contact any of our bank locations. We are more than willing to help in any way we can!
Peoples Bank in Sioux Center to Host Second Annual Christmas for a Cause
November 4, 2022
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Peoples Bank in Sioux Center is excited to partner with Katelyn’s Fund for the second annual Christmas for a Cause!
Christmas for a Cause is a free walk-through Christmas light display that will be located at Peoples Bank in Sioux Center. The display will run from Friday, November 25, 2022, until Monday, January 2, 2023, from 5:00-10:00 PM each night.
“Part of our core values at Peoples Bank is to, ‘enrich families and communities’, and this event truly embraces that,” said Peoples Bank Sioux Center President Dale Vander Berg. “This is a free family-friendly walk-through event where everyone can enjoy the Christmas light displays and have an opportunity to support Katelyn’s Fund.”
Katelyn’s Fund helps to bring orphan awareness to others, provide emotional and prayer support to families, and assist Christian families with the high costs of adoptions. The organization also supports One Vision orphanage and schools in Haiti. Schools include primary school pre-k through grade 6 and secondary school through grade 13. Katelyn’s Fund is solely responsible for their monthly provision and care, not only the children living at One Vision but also opening the schools to kids in the community for education and sharing the Gospel. You can learn more about all that Katelyn’s Fund does at katelynsfund.org.
“We are so honored that Peoples Bank has chosen to partner with Katelyn’s Fund in this way,” says Katelyn’s Fund Founder Sheila De Jong.
“I appreciate the dual purpose of Christmas for a Cause,” continued De Jong. “It’s an event that brings families together, and it also brings awareness to those in great need. God continues to bring people and businesses to partner with us, and we are so grateful!”
Last year was the first year for the event which brought around 5,000 people, and there will be even more light displays to be enjoyed this year!
While Christmas for a Cause is free, attendees can support Katelyn’s Fund by giving a freewill donation at the event. There will be donation envelopes available, a QR code and URL for online donations, and there will be a hot chocolate stand for the first four weekends for a freewill donation to Katelyn’s Fund. The hot chocolate stand will be open from 6:00-9:00 PM on the following weekends and dates: November 25 & 26 and December 2 & 3, 8-10 (Sioux Center’s 1st Annual Hometown Holidays), and 16 & 17, and December 23 & 30.
Peoples Bank Announces New Bank Location Coming to North Sioux City
June 1, 2022
Peoples Bank is pleased to announce a new bank location coming to North Sioux City, South Dakota. This will be the 10th bank location for Peoples Bank.
“Having been in the Sioux City market since 2018, we began to look around for pockets of opportunity. North Sioux City stood out as one of those pockets,” commented Peoples Bank CEO Al Vermeer. “The new housing being built, redevelopment of the former Gateway complex, and the beautiful Dakota Valley School District all stood out to us, along with several more projects in various stages of development. ”
The North Sioux City Peoples Bank will be located in the newly constructed Sodrac Place at 100 South Sodrac Drive and will open Fall 2022. The bank office space will be 2,855 square feet and will feature a drive up window and ATM.
Peoples Bank provides a full line of banking services including deposit products, loans, and Online & Mobile Banking. Peoples Bank tailors our products and services to meet the needs of each customer and also strives to be a financial resource.
Part of Peoples Bank’s Mission and Core Values is to enrich families and communities, and we look forward to doing that in and around the North Sioux City community.
“North Sioux City is where we want to be,” said Vermeer. “We look forward to becoming a part of the community!”
Peoples Bank in Lester Celebrates Grand Opening of New Building
May 24, 2022
Peoples Bank in Lester celebrated the Grand Opening of their new building on Tuesday, May 24 with an estimated 500 people attended the event.
After ten months of construction, the Peoples Bank staff moved into their new building at 2272 Iowa 9, next to Local Convenience Store in Lester. Peoples Bank broke ground on May 19, 2021, and opened for business on March 21, 2022.
“We are enjoying our new facility after moving from the old building. It was a busy transition, but the move went very well. The new bank has a very spacious design with a lot of windows and lighting. We are grateful to the community for providing the support to have this opportunity to invest in our customers, employees, and community,” said Peoples Bank Lester President Merlin Meyer.
The new facility is approximately 5,600 square feet and provides the bank and insurance staff with much-needed space to accommodate growth. It features enhanced highway visibility, additional offices, a bigger lobby, a conference room, and a more accessible drive up, which includes a second lane for an ATM.
Peoples Bank in Sioux Center Awarded the Business Community Service Award at Spirit of Community
April 22, 2022
Accepting the Business Community Service Award from Sioux Center Mayor Dave Krahling (far right) are (from left) Wes Kamerman, Lindsey Van Bemmel, Bonita Van Otterloo, and Blake Kruger.
Peoples Bank in Sioux Center location was awarded the Business Community Service Award for Christmas for a Cause at Spirit of Community on Friday, April 22.
Sioux Center Mayor Dave Krahling had this to say as he presented the award: "After a year of feeling separated from one another - even in our local community - in 2020, some people were dreaming about ways to bring us all back together.
And some of those ways were big ones.
It took a year of planning, an entire bank staff, 300 strands of Christmas lights, 40 different light-up decorations, some hot glue and duct tape, 6 committees, and many gallons of hot cocoa, but Peoples Bank made it happen: a giant walk-through holiday light display to bring the community together again, Christmas for a Cause.
Peoples Bank staff had been brainstorming about something to do for the community, something family friendly, something that stood out. They also wanted to benefit an organization helping others in difficult times.
They decided to create a giant lighted Christmas display and allow visitors to give donations benefitting Family Crisis Centers.
It took everybody at the Sioux Center Peoples Bank location to make it happen. They formed six different committees, coordinating everything from parking to the layout to hot cocoa. Despite shipping delays, they made it happen, installing the displays over several months to get it ready for Christmas.
Peoples Bank staff worked to put the regional spotlight on the Family Crisis Centers. They invited the organization to collaborate and bring volunteers to help.
In the end, more than 5,000 people walked through Christmas for a Cause, donating $12,500 for Family Crisis Centers.
We recognize our 2022 Community Service Award business recipient for their incredible efforts to make an impact and bring our community together in a bright way: Peoples Bank!"
Christmas for a Cause was held from November 2021 until the beginning of January 2022. The event was a walk-through Christmas light display just north of the Sioux Center Peoples Bank parking lot. All freewill donations were given to Family Crisis Centers.
Thank you to all who made this event possible and to all who came and supported Family Crisis Centers!
New Peoples Bank Sheldon Location President Announced
November 8, 2021
On behalf of Peoples Bank, Chief Executive Officer Al Vermeer has announced that Dave Van Den Brink has been promoted to President of Peoples Bank in Sheldon.
Dave has been a loan officer for 22 years and started his career with Peoples Bank in May of 2005 when a Peoples Bank location was established in Sheldon.
Dave was raised on an acreage north of Sanborn, Iowa. He graduated from Sanborn High School in 1988. He attended Northwestern College in Orange City and graduated with a degree in business in 1992. Dave and his wife, Sheila, have two grown children, Kaleb and Levi. Sheila is a graduate of Western Christian High School and Dordt College (now Dordt University). She has been teaching for 31 years and is currently a 3rd grade teacher at Orange City Christian School.
Dave and Sheila currently attend Trinity Reformed Church in Orange City, where Dave is currently serving on the Leadership Team. He is also serving on the board for the Unity Christian High School Foundation and the Orange City Christian School Foundation. He is a member of the Sheldon Noon Kiwanis, is on the Sheldon Housing Review Board, serves on the Sheldon CAPS Advisory Board, and the Village Northwest Unlimited Board. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends.
Dave will take over as Sheldon Location President following the retirement of Location President Lyle Kuiper on December 10, 2021.
Peoples Bank in Sioux Center Partners with Family Crisis Centers for Christmas for a Cause
November 1, 2021
Peoples Bank in Sioux Center is excited to partner with Family Crisis Centers (FCC) for the first annual Christmas for a Cause!
Christmas for a Cause is a free walk-through Christmas light display that will be located at Peoples Bank in Sioux Center. The display will run from Friday, November 26 through Saturday, January 8 from 5:00-10:00 PM each night.
“Part of our core values at Peoples Bank is to, ‘enrich families and communities’, and this event truly embraces that,” said Peoples Bank Sioux Center President Dale Vander Berg. “This is a free family-friendly event where everyone can enjoy the Christmas light displays and have an opportunity to support the Family Crisis Centers.”
"Family Crisis Centers is honored to be part of this new and exciting event for Northwest Iowa,” stated Tara Raman, Director of Marketing & Development for FCC. “Community support has always been vital to our mission and the people we help each year. We're thankful to have Peoples Bank walk alongside us in support of others this holiday season."
While the event is free, attendees can support FCC by giving a freewill donation to FCC at the event. There will be FCC donation envelopes available, a QR code, or you can donate online. There will be a hot chocolate stand for the first four weekends for a freewill donation to FCC. The hot chocolate stand will be open from 6:00-9:00 PM on the following weekends: November 26 & 27 and December 3 & 4, 10 & 11, and 17 & 18. It will also be open from 6:00-9:00 PM on Wednesday, December 8 and Wednesday, December 15, which will be perfect evenings to bring church youth groups to enjoy the lights!
Peoples Bank in Hawarden Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony
August 25, 2021
A Groundbreaking Ceremony was held for our new Peoples Bank building in Hawarden on Wednesday, August 25.
The new building will be on the corner of Highways 10 & 12. The new space will be more efficient for staff, as well as customers. It will feature a more accessible drive up, which will include a second lane for the ATM.
Pictured from left: Peoples Bank Board Member Charlie Van Driessen, Peoples Bank Chairman of the Board Joe D. Van Tol, Peoples Bank CEO Al Vermeer, Peoples Bank Hawarden CSR Teresa Vande Pol, Peoples Insurance Hawarden Agent Jonathan Parks, Peoples Bank Hawarden CSR Kara Vander Hamm, Peoples Bank Hawarden Lead CSR Carol Gregg, Peoples Bank CSR Tara Ramos, Peoples Bank Hawarden President Michelle Klocke, Peoples Bank Hawarden Retail Banker Karri Bushby, Peoples Bank Hawarden Ag/Business Banker Levi Stoesz, and Hawarden Mayor Ric Porter.
Peoples Bank in Lester Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony
May 19, 2021
A Groundbreaking Ceremony was held for our new Peoples Bank building on Highway 9 next to Keith's Korner in Lester on Wednesday, May 19. The new facility will be approximately 5,400 square feet, which is over 2,000 square feet more than the current office space. It will provide the bank and insurance staff with much-needed space to accommodate growth and will feature enhanced highway visibility, additional offices, a bigger lobby, a conference room, and a more accessible drive up, which will include a second lane for an ATM.
Pictured from left: Peoples Bank Chairman of the Board Joe D. Van Tol, Lester Mayor Dan Gerber, Peoples Bank Lester President Merlin Meyer, Peoples Bank Board Member Shorty Blauwet, Peoples Bank CEO Al Vermeer, Peoples Bank Board Member Phil Kooima, Peoples Bank Lester CSR/Administrative Specialist Rachelle Johnsen, Peoples Bank Board Member Earl De Bey, Peoples Bank Digital Banking Director Shelly McCarty, Peoples Bank Board Member Charlie Van Driessen, Peoples Bank Board Member Darla Arends, Peoples Bank Lester CSR Amy Martin, Peoples Bank Board Member Denny Michels, and Peoples Bank Lester Ag/Business Banking Officer Derek Knobloch.
Peoples Bank Presents 'Teach Children To Save' to Local Schools
April 23, 2021
Peoples Bank in Rock Valley recently partnered with the Netherlands Reformed Christian, Rock Valley Christian, and the Rock Valley Elementary Schools to celebrate Teach Children to Save Day with savings education presentations. About 123 local first graders explored the difference between needs and wants, ways to earn money, and the importance of saving.
“It is always interesting talking with the first graders about saving, how many have a savings account, and how proud they are to tell us about coming to the bank,” said Peoples Bank Rock Valley Location President Dale Kooima.
Peoples Bank employees shared a story about a squirrel named Quincy. Quincy had to save enough money for a skateboard he wanted and chose to do chores to help earn money. Peoples Bank employees encouraged the classes to save their money and to determine their needs and wants before spending money.
Additionally, the kids each received five nickels. They could then spend their nickels on various items from the “Peoples Bank Store,” or they could choose to save their money. If a student saved all of their money, they could choose an item from the “store” for free as a reward for saving. Each child also received a piggy bank to remind them to save.
“It was so much fun watching the kids who saved all their nickels and were able to pick any prize and get choice of a piggy bank,” said Kooima.
One way parents can teach their children the importance of saving is through their children’s savings accounts. While opening a savings account is a great first step, children also need to learn how to use those accounts to reach their financial goals. As kids grow older and get a checking account and debit card, it’s important to keep instilling the importance of saving. By using the following steps, parents can teach their children financial responsibility.
- Set Specific Measurable Attainable Realistic Trackable goals. Choose your priorities whether it’s saving for a computer or building an emergency fund—and make sure they are achievable. Create a plan of action and measure your progress over time.
- For younger children, start a savings account (if you don’t have one already).
- For working-age students, consider part-time or seasonal employment. You will learn more about personal responsibility and have an opportunity to manage expenses.
- Track your spending and avoid making impulse purchases. Create a budget and review it periodically to make necessary adjustments.
- Learn about credit scores—a representation of your financial past, present, and future. Peoples Bank can offer tips to help you establish and maintain good credit.
Northwestern College Welcomes Business Leader in Residence
February 24, 2021
Northwestern College’s Center for Innovation and Leadership welcomes Todd Boote as its first business leader in residence. Boote, Leadership Development Officer at Peoples Bank, will be involved in a variety of the center’s activities this semester.
“We are very excited to have Todd serve in this role,” says Erica Vonk, the center’s director. “He has a long history of making businesses and organizations better because of his ability to see people through a different lens and motivate them to work together for the common good.”
Boote, a resident of Lester, Iowa, has been part of Peoples Bank’s leadership team since 2018. His role involves collaborating with others to promote the bank’s culture, achieve financial goals, and make strategic decisions that lead to growth for the bank and the communities it serves. He previously was a founding partner, director for business development and controller for Bion Companies, a start-up serving the fuel ethanol industry that grew from $10,000 in sales in its first year of operation to a staff of seven and more than $1 million in sales.
With more than a decade of experience in the banking industry, Boote also has experience as a leadership consultant with Mindset LLC; a discipleship trainer, coach and board member for Primary Ministries; and a personal trainer with CPM Fitness. He has been involved with launching several businesses and nonprofit ministries. Boote is a graduate of Augustana University and is in his second year of studies in the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he is also completing a Certificate of Executive Leadership.
In his role at Northwestern, Boote will speak in classes; conduct training with organizations served by the center; be involved with the Accelerate Siouxland leadership development program; and participate in Innovation Sandbox, a campus laboratory that enables students and organizational leaders to engage in collaborative brainstorming, inventing and problem-solving.
“I’m excited to be part of the foundation of the Center for Innovation and Leadership,” says Boote. “I believe God has given me the gift of being able to draw out from people what they’re good at and help them use that to better themselves, their company and the kingdom of God. I’m looking forward to building some great relationships and empowering people to make a difference.”
Al Vermeer, CEO of Peoples Bank, is an enthusiastic supporter of Boote’s role at the center. “Peoples Bank is honored to partner with Northwestern College in this innovative program,” he says. “Todd will be a great mentor for the students and community members.”
The Center for Innovation and Leadership is in its first year, seeking to connect students’ ingenuity and organizational leaders’ insight to create shared opportunities that serve Christ’s kingdom and the common good. The center invests in communities, organizations and initiatives through collaborative, innovative, Christ-centered leadership development and problem-solving services and opportunities. For more information, visit nwciowa.edu/innovation.
Peoples Bank in Lester Announces Move to Accommodate Growth
January 29, 2021
Peoples Bank in Lester, Iowa, is excited to announce plans to break ground this spring to construct a new bank building in Lester. They will be moving from their current location at 501 Thomas Street to the north side of Highway 9, next to Keith’s Korner, this fall.
The new facility will be approximately 5,400 square feet, which is over 2,000 square feet more than the current office space. The new building will provide the bank and insurance staff with much-needed space to accommodate growth. It will feature enhanced highway visibility, additional offices, a bigger lobby, a conference room, and a more accessible drive up, which will include a second lane for an ATM.
“We have been in our current building since 1981 and have experienced a lot of local and corporate bank expansion since that time,” said Peoples Bank Lester President Merlin Meyer. “We have staff who service our local customers, as well as staff performing corporate functions. This new facility will be able to accommodate our continuous growth.”
“We are grateful to Lester Feed & Grain, Michael and Ashley Leuthold, and Kathy Moser for their willingness to work with us, and provide the opportunity for the bank to purchase property from them to make this development a reality,” Meyer continued. “This project represents our commitment to invest in our community, customers, and employees. We will be better equipped to take care of the financial and insurance needs of our community now and into the future.”
Peoples Bank Board of Directors Welcomes Darla Arends
January 26, 2021
The Peoples Bank Board of Directors is pleased to welcome Darla Arends as a new board member. Arends is President of Van Wyk, Inc., a family-owned corporation headquartered in Sheldon, Iowa.
“Selecting board members for a community-owned bank like Peoples can sometimes be challenging. We always look for someone who has the respect of their community, their industry, their worshipping community and their peers,” said Peoples Bank Chairman of the Board Joe D. Van Tol. “Darla Arends has all of these qualities and more. We are very pleased that she has agreed to join Peoples.”
Arends was formally elected to the Board at the Peoples Bank Shareholder meeting on January 18, 2021. She formally started her new role on the Board on January 20.
“Over the past several years, I have had the privilege of becoming familiar with the Vision, Mission and Core Values of Peoples Bank,” commented Arends. “The opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors of an organization whose values align so well with my own and those of our family and family businesses is an honor. I have great respect for the bank’s leadership team and Board, and I look forward to serving with them.”
In addition to her new role on the Peoples Bank Board of Directors, Arends also serves on the ATLAS of Orange City Board, the Board of Trustees of Northwestern College, and the Board of the Iowa Motor Truck Association. She and her husband Troy are also active in New Hope Evangelical Free Church in Orange City.
Peoples Bank & Peoples Insurance in Hawarden to Relocate for Enhanced Customer Experience
New Building to Reinforce Innovative Culture & Customer Commitment
January 22, 2021
Peoples Bank & Peoples Insurance in Hawarden are excited to announce plans to move to a newly constructed building in Hawarden. They will be moving from their current location at 801 Central Avenue to the corner of Highways 10 & 12, the current location of Big Sioux Embroidery.
The new space will be more efficient for staff, as well as customers. It will feature a more accessible drive up, which will include a second lane for the ATM.
“We look forward to relocating to our new building,” commented Peoples Bank Hawarden President Michelle Klocke. “This move represents our commitment to our community, customers, and staff for an enhanced banking experience and place to work. We will be better equipped to take care of your financial needs now and into the future.”
Big Sioux Embroidery will continue to operate in its current location through early summer until it relocates.
"We are excited about our new adventure and look forward to seeing Peoples Bank and Peoples Insurance expand to our current lot,” said Carol Hoogestraat, Owner of Big Sioux Embroidery.
“Hawarden has been a great community to operate the company in, and we have had great success here,” continued Hoogestraat. “We will be in our present location for a couple more months and then make the move to our new home at 1001 Central Avenue, the corner of Highway 10 and Central Avenue. We will be investing in the location by adding an addition to handle our increased production needs."
Klocke appreciates Hoogestraat’s partnership through this process.
“Carol has been great to work with through this entire process,” Klocke said. “We are also grateful to the City of Hawarden and Hawarden’s Community and Economic Development for all of their cooperation and assistance.”
The Peoples Bank and Peoples Insurance staffs look forward to moving to their new building around March 2022.
Important Information Regarding Economic Impact Payments
December 30, 2020
On Tuesday, December 29, 2020, the Treasury Department and IRS provided new information on the Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) to individuals and families.
Here's the latest on the $600-per-individual payments:
- On December 29, 2020, in separate news releases, Treasury and the IRS said initial direct deposit payments may already be arriving and will continue into next week. Paper checks will begin to be mailed today, December 30, 2020.
- The official payment date is this Monday, January 4, 2021, though some Americans may see the direct deposit payments as pending or provisional before then.
- Most payments will be processed as ACH payments/direct deposits to your account or via reloadable prepaid debit card. Some may also arrive as a check.
Helpful Tip: Set up and utilize deposit alerts through Peoples Bank Online & Mobile Banking.
This way you can be notified when your deposit is available. To do this, follow these simple steps:
- Tap on your Profile in the lower left corner of Online or Mobile Banking.
- Tap Settings.
- Under Accounts, tap Peoples Bank (will show our logo).
- Under your preferred account (your main checking account in this case), tap Alert Preferences.
- There will be options for Balance Alerts and Transaction Alerts. You can set alerts for both, but if you are particularly interested in setting an alert for your EIP, tap Add Alert under Transaction Alerts.
- To set an alert that would target an EIP, select Credit in the first dropdown menu and type in $599 for the amount. The top line will then read, “When a Credit is over $599."
- Select how you want to be notified.
- Tap Add Alert.
Questions? Here are some resources:
Prevent Fraud
As always, we know scammers are out there. Watch for increased fraudulent activity surrounding EIP payments.
Here are a couple of ways to prevent fraud from the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA):
- What can I do to prevent fraudsters from accessing my funds?
- A large amount of funds will be disbursed in the coming weeks to qualifying individuals. Accordingly, there is a risk for fraud of various types. The IRS has announced various ways individuals can be on guard against fraudulent activities. See the notice.
It is important to remember that banks or the federal government will never contact you by telephone, text or email asking for your account information. Do not provide any banking information to anyone claiming to be “registering you for your relief payment.” This is a red flag.
For security reasons, the IRS plans to mail letters about Economic Impact Payments to taxpayers’ last known address after the EIP is sent. The letter will provide information on how the payment was made and how to report any failure to receive the payment. If you are unsure you are receiving a legitimate letter, the IRS urges you to visit IRS.gov to protect yourself against fraudsters.
- What should I do if I receive an unsolicited email or text appearing to be from the IRS?
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Those who receive unsolicited emails, text messages or social media contacts attempting to gather information that appear to be from either the IRS or an organization closely linked to the IRS, such as the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), should forward them to phishing@irs.gov.
Taxpayers are encouraged not to engage potential fraudsters online or on the phone. Learn more about reporting suspected scams by going to the IRS Report Phishing and Online Scams page on IRS.gov.
Peoples Bank Nominated for 4 Siouxland's Choice Awards
December 1, 2020
Peoples Bank has made the Top 5 in four categories for the 2021 Sioux City Journal Siouxland's Choice Awards! Now through December 29, 2020, you can vote for Peoples Bank each day in the following best service categories: Bank/Credit Union, Best Places to Work, Customer Service, and Home Mortgage. Click the button below to vote!
The Des Moines Register Names Peoples Bank a Winner of the Iowa Top Workplaces 2020 Award
September 13, 2020
Peoples Bank has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2020 honor by The Des Moines Register. This is the seventh time Peoples Bank has received the award. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage, LLC. The anonymous survey uniquely measures 15 drivers of engaged cultures that are critical to the success of any organization: including alignment, execution, and connection, just to name a few.
“In times of great change, it is more important than ever to maintain a connection among employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “When you give your employees a voice, you come together to navigate challenges and shape your path forward based on real-time insights into what works best for your organization. The Top Workplaces program can be that positive outcome your company can rally around in the coming months to celebrate leadership and the importance of maintaining an employee-focused culture, even during challenging times.”
“Needless to say, 2020 has been a very challenging year,” said Peoples Bank CEO Al Vermeer. “But at each step along the way, our staff has risen to every challenge! I could not be more proud to be associated with such a wonderful group of caring, dedicated professionals that choose to make Peoples Bank the place Where Values Matter!”
COVID-19: Iowa Business Recovery Assistance
March 27, 2020
Due to the economic impact of COVID-19 closures and postponements, Iowa Economic Development has compiled resources and information that may be of use to you.
Click
here to find information about the following and more:
- Financial Assistance such as the following:
- Iowa Small Business Relief Fund
- TSB Sole Operator Fund
- SBA Disaster Assistance Loans
- CDBG Grant Funds
- Iowa Workforce Development
- Delta Dental Relief Programs
- Facebook Small Business Grant Program
- Iowa Impact
- Financial Guidance
- Business Guidance
- Health Recommendations
- Connectivity Resources
As always, if you need assistance with your financial needs, please contact your local
Peoples Bank location. We are ready to help!
Department of Treasury Identifies Financial Services as a Critical Infrastructure Sector
March 22, 2020
In a memo from Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin of the Department of Treasury, the financial services sector is identified as Critical Infrastructure Sector by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In guidance from the DHS dated March 19th, 2020, it identifies the essential critical infrastructure workers during the COVID-19 response emergency, and provides guidance to State and local officials as they work to protect their communities while ensuring continuity of critical functions to public health and safety, as well as economic and national security.
The Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce for the financial services sector includes:
- Workers who are needed to process and maintain systems for processing financial transactions and services (e.g. payment, clearing and settlement services, wholesale funding, insurance services, and capital markets activities)
- Workers who are needed to provide consumer access to banking and lending services, including ATMs, and to move currency and payments (e.g. armored cash carriers)
- Workers who support financial operations, such as those staffing data and security operations centers; and, key third party providers who deliver core services.
These individuals are critical to maintaining safe and efficient financial services and ensuring citizens have access to these services that are necessary to conduct their daily lives.
Companies aligned to the essential critical infrastructure worker definition are expected to maintain their operations and work schedules. Everyone should follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as State and local officials regarding strategies to limit disease spread.
Peoples Bank is here to meet all of your financial needs. To help assure that we remain operational, we have altered ways we provide some services to protect the safety of our customers, employees, and communities.
The IBA Sponsors Money Smart Week Essay Contests
Students in grades 6-12 can now enter either the Money Smart Kid or Money Smart Teen essay contests and compete for the chance to win up to $1,000 to help boost their college savings!
Students in grades 6-8 can enter the Money Smart Kid Essay Contest by writing an essay of 500 words or fewer on the subject of Predatory Lending.
Students in grades 9-12 are eligible to enter the Money Smart Teen Essay Contest by writing an essay of 500 words or fewer on how they would use $25,000 to solve an economic issue in their communities.
Essays are due by March 13.
Click here for additional information and for Essay Contest Applications.
The statewide essay contests are both sponsored by the Iowa Bankers Association in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.
Van Tol Honored by Iowa Bankers Association for 50 Years of Service
Joe D. Van Tol of Rock Valley (center) was recently honored by the Iowa Bankers Association for more than 50 years of service in banking, most of that time spent with Peoples Bank in Rock Valley. Van Tol is pictured with his wife Judy, Peoples Bank CFO Lynn Van Beek and Peoples Bank CEO Al Vermeer.
Joe D. Van Tol of Peoples Bank, Rock Valley was recently honored by the Iowa Bankers Association for more than 50 years of service at a bank. The award was presented to Van Tol during the IBA Annual Convention on Sept. 24 in Des Moines. Van Tol was one of 12 individuals recognized for reaching the 50-year service milestone.
“Iowa banks have been a trusted resource for Iowans for more than 100 years. We are honored to have the commitment and experience of bankers like Joe who have worked to provide valuable service to Iowa bank customers and their communities for more than half a century,” said IBA President and CEO John Sorensen.
Van Tol started his first job in banking in Yankton, SD, in 1969. In 1977, the Van Tols moved to Rock Valley to start a new bank. What was then known as Lester State Bank moved its charter to Rock Valley and was renamed Peoples Bank & Trust. Peoples maintained its office in Lester and has a bank location there to this day. At that time, total bank assets were $4 million.
In 1987 a group of local investors, including the Van Tol family, purchased Peoples Bank & Trust.
“We are proud that Peoples Bank is still a truly locally owned bank,” says Van Tol. “Almost every shareholder lives in Sioux or Lyon County.”
In 1999, the bank’s name was shortened to Peoples Bank. When Van Tol retired seven years ago, total bank assets were $400 million. Today, they are $600 million. Van Tol continues to be part of Peoples Bank as Chairman of the Board.
When asked what the most significant change has been in 50 years, Van Tol says there are many.
To name a few, Van Tol says, “Computers changed our industry completely and has made it much easier to provide top notch customer service. The employees, particularly those who were born after I started working in 1969, are much better prepared to enter the workplace than we were. I continue to be impressed with their skills and ability to move from high school or college to the workplace seamlessly.”
Van Tol feels blessed to be part of the Rock Valley community for so many years.
“Judy and I feel privileged to have raised our four sons in Rock Valley. Six of our eight grandchildren also call Rock Valley ‘home’ even though they are off to college or graduate school,” says Van Tol. “The churches and schools here have done a wonderful job of making this a family friendly place. In our morning devotions together, we often thank God for blessing our family, our church and our business efforts.”
The Des Moines Register Names Peoples Bank a Winner of the Top Workplaces 2019 Award
Peoples Bank has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2019 honor by The Des Moines Register. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by research partner Energage, LLC, a leading provider of technology-based employee engagement tools. The anonymous survey measures several aspects of workplace culture, including alignment, execution, and connection, just to name a few.
“Top Workplaces is more than just recognition,” said Doug Claffey, CEO of Energage. “Our research shows organizations that earn the award attract better talent, experience lower turnover, and are better equipped to deliver bottom-line results. Their leaders prioritize and carefully craft a healthy workplace culture that supports employee engagement.”
“Why does your organization exist – in 7 words or less? That is what ‘Where Values Matter!’ means to us,” says Peoples Bank CEO Al Vermeer. “We can all make a living a thousand different places doing a million different things, but we choose to do so at Peoples Bank because we live out our values of honesty, integrity, respect, enriching, excellence and embracing change in all we do.”
“Becoming a Top Workplace isn’t something organizations can buy,” Claffey said. “It’s an achievement organizations have worked for and a distinction that gives them a competitive advantage. It’s a big deal.”
Peoples Bank in Sioux Center Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Peoples Bank in Sioux Center, Iowa, is celebrating their 25th Anniversary serving the Sioux Center community.
"Many things have changed over the years, but our commitment to our customers and our community remains the same," says Peoples Bank Sioux Center President Dale Vander Berg. "Sioux Center is a progressive, growing community, and we are honored to be part of that."
In 1994, an office of the former United Federal Savings Bank was purchased in Sioux Center, resulting in a Peoples Bank location where the present day ATLAS building is located.
Five years later the Sioux Center location moved to the north side of Sioux Center into a newly constructed building. This building currently houses Agency Two Twelve.
Then, in 2012, the Sioux Center location moved into a brand new building at 1701 South Main Avenue. This is the present day location of Peoples Bank in Sioux Center.
Peoples Bank in Sioux Center kicked off their anniversary celebration in June with their annual Capture the Coin event, which was capped off with a community ice cream social. They also had an anniversary float in the Summer Celebration parade.
Celebration continues in September and October with Throwback Thursdays featuring Facebook and Instagram posts of throwback 1990s photos of the Sioux Center employees. The bank will also host Celebration Stops at Sioux Center restaurants. People can stop out at that day's Celebration Stop and play PLINKO at the restaurant parking lot to win a gift card to that restaurant.*
Celebration Stops include the following:
Friday, Sept. 20 - The Fruited Plain
Friday, Sept. 27 - Jimmy John's
Friday, Oct. 4 - Pizza Hut
Each stop will be from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM or until the gift cards run out.
*No purchase, payment, donation, or account required to participate or win.
Peoples Bank in Akron Celebrates 20th Anniversary
Peoples Bank in Akron, Iowa, is celebrating their 20th Anniversary serving Akron and the surrounding communities.
"It's an honor for us to be able to serve and support Akron and the surrounding communities for 20 years," says Peoples Bank Akron President Mike Hohenstein. "We look forward to many more years to come."
The bank started in a temporary building in 1999 and moved into their current location on Highway 12 in 2002.
Peoples Bank in Akron will be kicking off their anniversary celebration on Friday, June 28 by sponsoring Free Popcorn Night at the Akron-Westfield home varsity baseball and softball games vs. West Sioux.
Celebration will continue the week of July 8-12. Stop in at the Akron Peoples Bank lobby during those dates and register for some amazing prizes! On Tuesday, July 9, there will be a free vehicle window wash at the bank drive-up, and on Friday, July 12, there will be a free hot dog feed at the bank from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM. They will also be offering various bank specials throughout the week.
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