We all rely on our banks for basic necessities like getting cash from the ATM and depositing paychecks, but we don’t always think about the integral part they can play in bolstering the local economy. Deposits we make can help fund local businesses through loans, which in turn can create revenue and job opportunities. Midwest BankCentre understands the important role local banks play in anchoring the community, supporting the economy and helping the region remain resilient. For more than 120 years, it has been dedicated to helping St. Louis grow and develop while also offering personalized service to its clients.
One of Midwest BankCentre’s mottos is “It matters where you bank.” Chairman and CEO Orvin Kimbrough notes that it reflects the company’s commitment to being a community bank above all else. Kimbrough himself came to Midwest BankCentre from the nonprofit sector, so that dedication to serving others is central to his leadership. “It’s not really a slogan, but more of a challenge about understanding how access to capital can strengthen the community,” he notes. “When you work with a community bank like Midwest BankCentre, your deposits don’t disappear into a national pool. They stay local and serve real people in real places. People often think carefully about where they shop, invest and donate. Banking deserves the same consideration.”
Kimbrough notes that for many people, banking is a utility. However, the choice shouldn’t be made lightly. While many financial institutions have the technology and services needed to cover the necessities, it’s important to consider a bank’s values and reputation. “Most can handle basic consumer and small business needs,” he says. “But you should also think about what you believe a bank should do for its customers and their communities. Does it donate to nonprofits, support homeownership, help small businesses grow or invest time, talent and resources into the neighborhoods it serves? Your bank should help move the community forward.”
As technology advances and the world becomes increasingly more digital, Midwest BankCentre remains committed to providing the community personalized service and a sense of real connection. While technology makes banking from anywhere possible, Kimbrough notes that the service behind that convenience is more important than ever. “We leverage technology so customers can do more, but it never replaces the human connection,” he explains. “Being a neighborhood bank is not just about having a physical location, it’s about being accessible to people. Our clients are our neighbors. We offer a level of local knowledge that can be especially valuable when making financial decisions. Technology can process a transaction, but it can’t replace relationships.”
Midwest BankCentre’s dedication to serving local neighborhoods is evidenced by its new Frontenac branch. The location serves as a central hub for the bank’s services, including the accessibility and convenience of a drive-thru for quick service as well as space for clients to meet one-on-one with their bankers. “Frontenac is not just a branch; it’s a community hub,” Kimbrough says. “We’re strategic about where we place brick-and-mortar locations. It’s not about square footage, but reaching people and having a stake in local growth.”
This year, Midwest BankCentre is celebrating its 120th anniversary in the St. Louis region. Kimbrough credits the company’s continued success to not losing sight of its founding vision of building up neighborhoods and contributing to the vitality of the region. This includes showing up by working with local nonprofits, making strategic investments and more. “Banking products, technology and customer expectations have changed, but the heart of the bank has remained connected to the community,” he says. “We’ve adapted, but we’ve never lost sight of who we serve or why we exist—to help our region thrive. Communities don’t endure because of convenience. They endure because of commitment.”
Looking to the future of banking, Kimbrough is certain that Midwest BankCentre is ready to meet the changing needs of the community. While the field will continue to evolve, becoming more digitally and technologically driven, he notes that these changes also mean that customers will come to expect more from financial institutions. “Across the field, we’ve seen the closure of 76% of bank branches since 1984, and another 27% are expected to close in the next 10 years,” he says. “It’s not just about speed, convenience and a seamless experience. Nothing will replace the trust, judgment and personal relationships of community banks. Midwest BankCentre will continue to show up for the communities it serves. We’re willing to do the work to see this region grow.”
Midwest BankCentre is a national leader in community and economic development. For more than 120 years, it has been dedicated to helping St. Louis grow while also offering personalized service to its clients. Pictured on the cover: Tom Koon, Vice President of Mortgage; Talana Hardin, AVP BankCentre Leader & Business Development Banker; Orvin Kimbrough, Chairman and CEO. For more information, visit midwestbankcentre.com. Where You Bank Matters.™
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Tim Parker Photography
