Independent Banker - May 2020 - 55

didn't like the name change. " However, most people told
us that we did a great job and they liked our new name and
logo, which includes an arrow after the bolded GO in Ergo,
signifying people always on the go, " he says.
Witt advises other community banks considering a name
change to think about what their community bank will look
like in the future- " Not just what your bank may be doing
fi ve years from now, but 10 or 20 years from now, " he
says-so the new brand can better withstand changes.
" Secondly, have a backbone and make a decision, " he
says. " Not everyone is going to like the decision, but you've
got to put your foot in the ground and believe in what
you're doing, or you're never going to change. "
Making
their mark
Pony Express Bank
A historic name for a historic bank
Pony Express Bank was originally called Braymer Bank,
named for the Missouri town where it was founded in
1890. A predominantly rural bank for more than a century,
the community bank's former owner decided in 1993 to
branch out into St. Joseph, Mo., which was the eastern hub
of the original Pony Express mail station. Scott Page, now
president and CEO of the $179 million-asset community
bank, says the name Braymer Bank wouldn't resonate in
St. Joseph, so the bank changed its name to Pony Express
Bank as a nod to that town's history. Fate had something
else in store, however.
" The move to St. [Joseph] didn't work out, " Page says,
" so [leadership] then set their sights on the town of
Kearney, [Mo.]. By this time, they had already committed
to Pony Express Bank as the name. However, all three of
these communities are within 50 miles of each other, so the
name still fi ts for the trade territory. "
The community bank later expanded to Liberty, Mo.,
where its operations are now located, but it's kept a branch
in Braymer.
" Pony Express Bank is a family-owned bank, with a
unique name, celebrating our 130th year in 2020, " Page
says. " We support our community with our time, talent and
treasure, and I certainly feel that the community responds
in kind to our generosity. "
LifeStore Bank
A community bank for all life's events
In West Jeff erson, N.C., $320 million-asset LifeStore Bank
has undergone many name changes.
The community bank was founded in 1939 as the Ashe
Building and Loan Association, but 12 years later, it
expanded beyond its initial scope of lending and became
These ICBA members know how to
stand out, too.
Friend Bank of Slocomb, Ala.
Bank of Delight of Delight, Ark.
Bank of England of England, Ark.
Relyance Bank of Pine Bluff , Ark.
Mega Bank of San Gabriel, Calif.
Pee Dee Federal Savings Bank of
Marion, S.C.
Poppy Bank of Santa Rosa, Calif.
Artisans' Bank of Wilmington, Del.
Green Dot Bank of Provo, Utah
Roundbank of Waseca, Minn.
Wahoo State Bank of Wahoo, Neb.
Apple Bank for Savings of
Manhasset, N.Y.
independentbanker.org Q 55
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Independent Banker - May 2020

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