CLINTON, Iowa – “This place has stood the test of time.”
That was one of the most repeated phrases uttered by many of the more than 100 people who recently crowded into Clinton National Bank’s downtown building at 235 Sixth Ave. South. Much of the Clinton business community came together on Friday, April 11, to celebrate a milestone event – this spring marks the 160th anniversary of the start of Clinton National Bank.
In fact, Matt Parbs, Grow Clinton’s vice president of community and economic development, told the crowd the bank was chartered a week before President Abraham Lincoln was shot and killed. (Mr. Lincoln, the 16th U.S. president, was shot on April 14, 1865, and died the next morning.)
“For 160 years, Clinton National Bank has been an anchor of Clinton. … People’s dreams have been realized because of the bank,” Mr. Parbs said during the celebration.
The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a visit from the Grow Clinton Ambassadors and the presentation of a Grow Clinton Progress Award to the bank.
Much of the celebration centered around the bank’s long, successful history, which was on full display. For instance, an old bank safe sat on display in the main lobby along with a table filled with pieces of the bank’s history detailed in old photos and documents as well as a change bag, a wristwatch and more. Blue and white banners with the phrase “Celebrating 160 years” filled the bank.
Clinton National will celebrate its milestone 160th year again during an upcoming event. A 160th Customer Celebration is set from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 29, outside the bank’s main office in downtown Clinton. That celebration will feature live music, grilled food, an inflatable obstacle course, dunk tank, beverages and more.
Many of the people attending the earlier celebration were focused on the bank’s history and how it has helped the community over the many decades.
Much of that help has centered on Clinton National Bank’s employees getting involved with community activities, said Andy Sokolovich, the president and CEO of Grow Clinton, the region’s business advocacy group.
“The employees here are involved in everything. … They sit on many community boards. They help with the community’s economic development,” he said.
Clinton Mayor Scott Maddasion called the bank a “true community partner” that has been vital to the city because it has helped countless people buy homes, and businesses get started and grow.
“The spirit of the bank stands today. … They have a rich history and a willingness to help the community,” the mayor added.
Clinton National Bank President Jenny Boysen was asked recently to reflect on that rich history and why the bank continues to be a leader in the community. A big part of the bank’s longevity, she said, comes down to: “It’s the quality of our people. … Our team is very strong.”
The bank, which has a total of about 90 employees across its nine full-service branches, continues to thrive because its employees always keep the customers in mind, and deliver the financial services the community wants and needs, the bank president added.
During a recent interview with the QCBJ, the bank president pointed out the Trust Department as one of the top reasons that keep the bank popular and vital in the community. That department focuses on helping customers build up and protect assets and investments. Some of those trust services include estate planning, retirement services, IRAs, personal trust services and much more.
The bank serves the community, she added, by meeting people where they are in life. Clinton National offers financial service and tools that are specifically tailored to help older adults, and younger people just getting started in their financial lives. There is a “Thumbuddy Savings Club” that is a special savings account just for children. There is also a teen checking account for young people ages 13 to 18, and a Prime Time checking account for those 50 and older with special benefits.
The bank also holds events around the Clinton community to help people with their financial needs such as a recent estate planning seminar held at The Sawmill Museum. Clinton National also promotes many businesses in the community through its Facebook page and other social media outlets.
But the bank president added that a main reason the bank has been in business for 160 years and looks forward to a strong future comes down to this: “We’re here for our customers, making their needs our priority.”
At a Glance: Clinton National Bank
Locations: Its nine banking branches in eastern Iowa are in Andover, Camanche, Delmar, Miles, Preston, Sabula, and branches in Clinton.
Leadership: Jenny Boysen, president.
Employees: 90.
2024 annual report results: At the end of December, deposits showed a nearly 6% increase from the previous year, growing to more than $360 million; total assets are more than $419 million – a 3.25% increase over previous year; and total loans grew to more than $229 million, a 3.79% increase over 2023.
History: The bank was founded in 1865 by local business leaders W.J. Young, W.F. Coan and Chancy Lamb. Matt Parbs, vice president of community and economic development at Grow Clinton, provided this bank history: “Originally at the southwest corner of 5th Avenue South and 1st Street, Clinton National Bank was established in 1865 by the leading businessmen of Clinton. Before they were lumber titans, sawmill owners Lamb and Young were the original stockholders. The tentacles of Clinton National Bank still run through town. The Coan family brought the Lincoln Highway to Clinton. The Lambs branched off into places like the hospital. W.J. Young became the main owner and still today, 160 years later, it is the W.J. Young Company, that owns Clinton National Bank.”
Website: www.clintonnational.com
