Congratulations - 50 Years of Service
On behalf of 21st Century Bank, its team members, customers, and the communities we proudly serve, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt congratulations on a remarkable milestone: 50 years of unwavering service and visionary leadership.
Fifty years is more than just a tenure; it’s a legacy. Since purchasing a controlling interest in the then Farmer’s State Bank of Cedar between 1976 and 1979 and steering its transformation, you have been the steadfast hand guiding our institution. Your journey, rooted in the principle that “a handshake sealed the deal,” embodies the very spirit of community banking and trust upon which 21st Century Bank thrives today.
Under your exceptional leadership as CEO and Chairman of the Board, 21st Century Bank has not only weathered economic shifts, including the Great Recession, but has flourished. Your strategic vision transformed a small rural bank with $3 million in assets into a robust urban financial network, now boasting over $880 million in assets. This incredible growth is a testament to your foresight, your dedication to safety and soundness, and your ability to foster a team that consistently anticipates and meets the evolving needs of our customers.
Beyond the impressive financial achievements, your dedication to the community continues to support the Bank’s mission. Whether through the significant investment in the 21st Century Bank Event Center in Rogers, which now functions as a vibrant hub for community gatherings, or through the Bank’s consistent adherence to and passionate involvement in the Community Reinvestment Act, demonstrating that 21st Century Bank is more than just a financial institution but a genuine partner. Your advocacy for supporting businesses and tackling critical issues like homelessness and food insecurity through impactful initiatives shows a deep sense of corporate responsibility that resonates throughout our organization.
Your philanthropy, including support for institutions such as the University of St. Thomas School of Law, further underscores your deep commitment to the betterment of our communities.
Tom, your five decades of service have built more than a Bank; you’ve built relationships, fostered growth, and created a lasting foundation of goodwill. You have touched countless lives—from team members who have grown under your mentorship to businesses that have thrived with our support and communities that our presence has strengthened.
Thank you, Tom, for your enduring legacy, your steadfast leadership, and your unwavering commitment to 21st Century Bank and its people. Here’s to celebrating your remarkable achievement and the profound positive impact you have made.
Team Members, Board of Directors, and Communities of 21st Century Bank