Bank Iowa Leans In on In-Person Banking, Opens New Location in Johnston

October 17, 2024

Despite the exponential growth and persistent popularity of digital banking, many Iowa consumers, farmers and business owners continue to rely on brick-and-mortar financial services. To meet ongoing expectations for one-on-one banking engagement, the $2 billion Bank Iowa is leaning in on its physical branch strategy, operating more than 20 locations throughout the state with another on the way in 2025.

The newest of these locations, a Johnston branch at 5580 Merle Hay Road, is set to open this month with a grand opening celebration planned for Oct. 17, 2024. Welcoming the community from 4 to 6 p.m., Community Bank President TJ Hodges and his team will be joined by representatives of the Johnston and Urbandale chambers of commerce for a ribbon cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. The event is open to the public. Long-time customers and community members are encouraged to come an enjoy refreshments and time to connect with your Bank Iowa team.

The Johnston location is planning two additional community events this fall. A trick-or-treat Halloween party for families is scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 23. A Breakfast B4 Business meet-up is also on the calendar, 7:30 to 9 a.m. set for Nov. 14.  

“Presence in a community is about more than building or operating a physical location in a certain area,” said Hodges. “Bank Iowa team members fully immerse themselves in the towns we call home; Johnston will certainly follow suit. As just one example, we’ve had great conversations with area educators and are making big plans to support the next generation of Iowans through sponsorship of school activities.”

Bank Iowa’s brick-and-mortar strategy has picked up steam in recent years. The nearly 50-year-old bank opened a new location in Pella in 2017 and a new location in Clarinda in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The bank is currently undergoing a remodel of its Oskaloosa branch, which has operated in that community since 1992. The relocation of the Johnston branch will be followed by an entirely new location in Clear Lake, Iowa planned for spring 2025.

 

 

 

 

 

“Iowa communities and the businesses that grow within them thrive when face-to-face interactions are not only possible, but purposeful,” said John Rathjen, Bank Iowa Regional President. “There’s a tendency to think this is truer in rural Iowa, but we continue to operate bustling branches in the Des Moines suburbs and several other well-populated cities. The pandemic definitely accelerated digital banking, but money remains a personal pursuit. People like to see and know the humans behind the machines who are safeguarding their hard-earned dollars and providing the services they need to build wealth.”

About Bank Iowa

With more than $2 billion in assets, Bank Iowa ranks as one of the leading independent ag banks and the second-largest family-owned bank in the state. Farmers, families, and businesses access Bank Iowa’s products and services through more than 20 locations, as well as online and on mobile devices. To learn more, visit bankiowa.bank. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.