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Banterra's 50th Anniversary

Helping You Thrive Since 1975

Celebrating 50 years of dedication and growth, Banterra proudly reflects on its journey from a small-town bank in Ridgway, Illinois, to one of the nation's leading community banks. With over 40 locations across six states and more than $3 billion in assets, we've remained committed to offering personalized service and innovative financial solutions. As we commemorate this milestone, we extend our gratitude to our loyal customers and team members, whose support has been essential in our success.

Banterra celebrates 50 years of thriving

Join The Celebration In Person

Save the date for July 18, 2025 to officially celebrate 50 years with Banterra. Each of our branch locations will have refreshments and themed giveaway items, and Banterra will be hosting three major celebration events from 11-2 PM at our Marion, IL (3201 Banterra Drive), Paducah, KY (5200 Hinkleville Rd.) and Cape Girardeau, MO (1650 N. Kingshighway) locations. Join us and enjoy...

Giveaways  I  Food Trucks  I  Groovy Photo-Ops  I  Prizes  I  Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies  I   Radio Remotes  I  And Much More

Also make sure to stop into our branches Fridays during July to see our team members participating in Banterra Spirit Weeks, featuring 70's fashion, music, movies and vibes to the max.

vintage record player

Banterra's Culture Statement

Banterra, named for “Bank of the Earth”, started as a small agricultural bank in 1975 and has grown to be a nationally recognized financial organization. We are a leading contributor to the economic success of our communities. Banterra embraces conservative values of respect, service, integrity and honesty rooted in our small-town beginnings. Our accomplished leaders develop and support exceptional teams that are dedicated to serving local customers, business partners, community organizations and charities. Banterra’s innovative spirit drives competitive products and services, continuously enhancing the customer’s experience. Proud supporters of our hometowns, we champion kindness, diversity and giving back to the communities we serve. At Banterra, we strive to create an environment where everyone feels appreciated and empowered. Together, we are dedicated to building long-term value for our customers, team members and shareholders.

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Collage of Banterra Historical photos

Built On Community And Innovation

Through community sponsorships, charitable promotions, and volunteer initiatives, Banterra has consistently supported local growth and well-being. Our team members actively engage in civic organizations, youth sports, and local food pantries. Over the last five decades, Banterra has also played a significant role in enhancing educational institutions by providing educational programs, large sponsorships, and financial literacy opportunities.

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Collage of Banterra team members volunteering

Helping Our Communities Thrive

Through community sponsorships, charitable promotions, and volunteer initiatives, Banterra has consistently supported local growth and well-being. Our team members actively engage in civic organizations, youth sports, and local food pantries. Over the last five decades, Banterra has also played a significant role in enhancing educational institutions by supporting scholarships, athletics, department programs and financial literacy opportunities.  We also provide information to help individuals, business and communities to thrive through our podcast, Helping You Thrive with Banterra Bank. You can get the latest on Banterra’s community involvement by following our social media pages or you can help us celebrate our 50th anniversary with our 70s playlists on Spotify.

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Our Customers, Our Legacy

Linda Bond Anniversary Testimonial
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I’ve been banking with Banterra for fifty years and I couldn’t be more grateful for the support they’ve given me and my husband. From opening our first account after getting married to purchasing our home with a Banterra mortgage, Banterra has been our partner every step of the way. The staff is wonderful, caring and kind. They truly make banking a personal experience!

Linda Bond

Ridgway, Illinois

Jerry Johnson Anniversary Testimonial
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I’ve had personal accounts with Banterra for fifty years and my commercial accounts with them for 47 years. As a business owner, I like supporting banks in my town and Banterra has always provided me everything I need. They know the people and put trust in their customers. The staff goes out in the community and helps the families of their customers, not just for banking needs, and that says a lot for a bank, especially to us older long-time customers.

Jerry Johnson

Norris City, Illinois

Bill Bradley Anniversary Testimonial
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I've been banking with Banterra for 49 years, ever since I opened my first account to run my family farm in Ridgway, Illinois. My father, Curtis Bradley, served on the board, so I've seen the bank grow while still keeping its hometown feel. The employees treat me like family, and that personal connection is why I've stayed with Banterra for nearly five decades.

Bill Bradley

Ridgway, Illinois

James Van Winkle Anniversary Testimonial
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I've been a proud Banterra customer since they opened in 1975, trusting them with my personal, business and loan accounts. I've seen the bank grow from a small country bank to a regional powerhouse without losing its honesty and fairness in dealings. Banterra is well managed, direct and provides friendly, home-town service.

James Van Winkle

McLeansboro, Illinois

David Grey Anniversary Testimonial
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In 1968 we opened an account with Norris City State Bank which changed to Banterra in the mid-1970’s. Banterra has always been there for us – from financing our first home in the 70’s, to assisting with home improvement loans and basic account needs like checking and savings. Banterra team members go above and beyond to address any concerns and I truly believe you won’t find a bank that offers better personal service.

David Grey

Norris City, Illinois

Jim Reichert Anniversary Testimonial
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I've been a Banterra customer for 50 years with some of my earliest deals made directly with Banterra's Founder and Chairman, Everett Knight.  I chose Banterra because they genuinely wanted my business and worked hard to gain it. Unlike others, they are honest, have a smart team and always follow through on promises. My time with Banterra has been like a rocket ride - making deals and making it happen!

Jim Reichert

Marion, Illinois

Join The Celebration Online

Follow us online and see firsthand how Banterra thrives. You'll find snapshots of our community initiatives, exclusive giveaways, trivia challenges, and the latest podcast episodes. Groove to playlists on Spotify that make this celebration unforgettable, chosen by our team to highlight this iconic era. 

Don't forget to use #ThriveWithBanterra and tag us with your own memories.

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Listen On Spotify
Iconic 70's Soundtracks 
Step back in time with this playlist, featuring iconic songs that define the silver screen in the 1970s. With unforgettable tunes from "Grease," "Saturday Night Fever," "The Brady Bunch" and more, press play and capture the 70's nostalgia.
Stone Fox Summer 
It's a stone fox summer. Soak up the sun and strut your stuff with this retro  70's playlist that's sure to have you feeling like your best self.
Boogie Down In E-Town 
Hit shuffle and boogie down the way our our e-town team would want you to. Each of these songs was picked specifically by our Evansville, Indiana team members for grooves and 1970's vibes to the max.
Flower Power 
Peace, love and flower power. This 1970's playlist has everything you need to embrace the rainy days, spring fevers, and chill vibes of the season.
'70s Party With Paducah 
Party like it's the 1970s and do it the way our Paducah, Kentucky team members would. This upbeat mix of throwback favorites, featuring icons like Michael Jackson, Bee Gees, KISS and Dolly Parton, is sure to get you singing and dancing your heart out.

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