Peoples Bank: A Community Bank Built on Relationships Since 1945
Peoples Bank is a locally owned community bank serving individuals, families, farmers, and businesses throughout Northwest Iowa, Southwest Minnesota, and Southeast South Dakota. Since 1945, we have been committed to helping our customers achieve their financial goals through personalized service, local decision-making, and trusted financial solutions.
At Peoples Bank, we believe banking should be personal. Our team lives and works in the communities we serve, allowing us to understand local needs and provide solutions tailored to each customer's unique situation. Whether you're opening your first checking account, financing a home or business, managing a farm operation, or planning for the future, we're here to help every step of the way.
As a community bank, we combine modern banking technology with hometown service. We are proud to invest our time, talent, and resources back in the communities that have supported us for generations.
Why Choose Peoples Bank?
Customers choose Peoples Bank because we offer:
- Local ownership and community-focused values
- Personalized banking relationships
- Local lending and decision-making
- Modern digital banking services
- Trusted financial expertise
- A history of serving communities since 1945
- A commitment to supporting local businesses, individuals, families, agriculture, and community organizations
Our vision says it best: Where Values Matter! That commitment shapes how we serve our customers, support our communities, and develop our employees.
Our Vision
Where Values Matter!
Our Mission
We strive to:
- Exceed customers' expectations
- Create a dynamic environment that promotes personal and professional growth
- Enrich our communities through contributions of times, talent, and resources
- Provide long-term value to our shareholders
Our Core Values
At Peoples Bank, our decisions are guided by four fundamental values:
Integrity
Honesty, integrity, and respect shall be the cornerstone of all that we do. We conduct business with honesty, integrity, and respect in every interaction.Community
We strive to enrich families and communities through our actions. We believe strong communities create stronger futures, and we are committed to enriching the lives of those we serve.
Excellence
We are committed to excellence. We pursue excellence in customer service, banking solutions, and professional growth.
Progress
Change fuels our progress. We embrace change, innovation, and continuous improvement to better serve our customers.
Our Commitment to the Communities We Serve
Community involvement is more than a responsibility. It's part of who we are.
We are proud to support local schools, nonprofit organizations, churches, economic development initiatives, and community projects throughout Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota. Our employees actively volunteer, serve on community boards, and contribute their expertise to organizations that make our communities stronger.Peoples Bank at a Glance
Founded: 1945
Headquartered in: Northwest Iowa
Service Area: Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota
Banking Services:
- Personal Banking
- Business Banking
- Agricultural Banking
- Mortgage Lending
- Consumer Lending
- Wealth Management and Trust Services*
- Digital Banking Solutions
Our History
Since our founding in 1945, Peoples Bank has grown from a single location in Lester, Iowa, into a community bank serving customers throughout Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota. While we've expanded our services and locations over the years, our commitment to helping customers and strengthening communities has remained the same.
Key Milestones
1945
On June 1, 1945, a group of investors from Lyon County starts a new bank in Lester, the Lester State Bank, chartered by the State of Iowa. The Lester bank, now one of our ten bank locations, has been in existence longer than any other bank location.
1961
The Lester shareholders sell a majority interest in the bank to a group from Rock Rapids.
1977
- In May 1977, the bank moves its chartered location to Rock Valley, opening a new office in Rock Valley and changing its name to Peoples Bank & Trust.
- The bank first begins offering trust and wealth management services.
1984-1987
Peoples Bank and many of its customers survive the ‘Farm Debt Crisis’ amidst the closing of many Iowa banks.1987
Under the leadership of Joe D. Van Tol, a newly formed group of Lyon and Sioux County investors purchase the bank from the Rock Rapids group.1994
Two offices of the former United Federal Savings Bank are purchased in downtown Rock Valley, as well as Sioux Center in June 1994. Until the downtown office was closed in 1997, Peoples maintained two locations in Rock Valley.
1999
- The Sioux Center location moves to the north side of town into a newly constructed building.
In March 1999, a new location is established in a temporary building in Akron. - The bank’s name is shortened to Peoples Bank.
2002
The Akron bank moves into a newly constructed building on Highway 12.2005
In October 2005, a new location is established in a temporary building in Sheldon.2006
- In March 2006, Peoples Bank acquires Jasper State Bank, resulting in a Peoples Bank in Jasper, Minnesota.
- The Rock Valley location is expanded and remodeled.
2007
The Sheldon location moves into a newly remodeled permanent building on Highway 18.
2008
In January 2008, Peoples Bank acquires Farmers State Bank, resulting in a Peoples Bank in Hawarden.
2012
Sioux Center moves into a brand new building at 1701 S. Main Avenue.
2018
On August 1, 2018, Peoples Bank acquires Pinnacle Bank of Sioux City, resulting in Peoples Bank locations in Hinton and Sioux City Morningside.
2020
The Sioux City Morningside location's lobby is remodeled.
2022
- On March 21, 2022, Peoples Bank in Lester opens in their newly constructed building at 2272 Iowa 9.
- On June 9, 2022, Peoples Bank in Hawarden opens in their newly constructed building at 920 Avenue E.
- On November 7, 2022, Peoples Bank opens a new bank location in North Sioux City, South Dakota, at 100 South Sodrac Drive Suite 110.
2024
- The Sioux Center location is expanded and remodeled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Peoples Bank?
Peoples Bank is a locally owned community bank that provides personal banking, business banking, agricultural banking, lending, mortgage lending, wealth management*, and digital banking services throughout Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota.
When was Peoples Bank founded?
Peoples Bank traces its history to June 1, 1945, when Lester State Bank was chartered in Lester, Iowa.
What makes Peoples Bank different?
At Peoples Bank, we believe banking is about more than transactions, it's about relationships. Guided by our vision, "Where Values Matter," we combine modern banking services with local decision-making, personalized customer service, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve. Since 1945, we've focused on helping individuals, families, businesses, and agricultural operations succeed while investing in the communities we call home.
Where does Peoples Bank operate?
Peoples Bank serves communities throughout Northwest Iowa, Southwest Minnesota, and Southeast South Dakota. Peoples Bank has multiple bank locations across the region including Rock Valley, Lester, Sioux Center, Akron, Sheldon, Hawarden, Hinton, & Sioux City, Iowa; Jasper, Minnesota; and North Sioux City, South Dakota.
*Investment products are not FDIC insured, not a bank deposit, not guaranteed by the bank or any U.S. Government Agency and principal may lose value.
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