Decades Of Thriving:
Banterra's History
Since 1975, Banterra Bank has consistently prioritized customer service and community involvement, growing into a trusted community bank. This timeline showcases significant milestones and achievements that highlight our commitment to innovation and excellence. Discover even more about Banterra by downloading our annual Company Highlights below.
Beginning In 1975
Banterra began its journey by acquiring Gallatin County State Bank in Ridgway, Illinois, with $11 million in assets. This acquisition set the stage for our growth and commitment to being the financial partner you need. Over the next fifty years, Banterra achieved significant milestones through strategic acquisitions and innovative solutions. The following timeline will highlight key achievements that shaped Banterra into the largest, locally-owned bank in the region, showcasing its impact on the communities we serve.
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1980s
1980 - After acquiring The Bank of West Frankfort (1979) and Drovers State Bank in Vienna (1980), Banterra grew to three Illinois branches.
1983 - Frankfort Bancorp, Inc., Vienna Bancorp, Inc., and Ridgway Bancorp, Inc. merged, making it a multi-bank holding company named Banterra Corp. The word "Banterra" means "Bank of the Earth" and was selected as it reflects the company's philosophy.
1989 - Banterra Corp. entered four additional Southern Illinois cities, acquiring Bank of Christopher (1984), Bank of Egypt (two locations in Marion, 1985), Norris City State Bank (1986), and Hamilton County Bank in McLeansboro (1989).
1989 - Banterra Insurance Services was established.
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1990s
1990 - Bank names were changed to "Banterra Bank Of..."
1995 - Banterra expanded to become one of the largest community banks in Southern Illinois, with 12 locations including Carbondale (1993), Eldorado (1993), Kroger in Marion (1994), and a drive-thru facility in Vienna (1995).
1996 - Banterra entered a second state, establishing a branch in Paducah, Kentucky.
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2000s
1999 - 2009 - Banterra saw growth by acquisitions and opening new branches and loan offices, reaching over 23 branches across Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, and Missouri.
2001 - Banterra Corp. was converted to a financial holding company.
2002 - Robert Jeff May joined Banterra as Executive Vice President and was promoted to President & CEO in 2013.
2003 - Banterra reached $1 billion in assets.
2007 - The RV Lending division was established.
2009 - The Machine Tool Finance division was established.
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2010s
2013 - Banterra opened a loan production office in Ladue, Missouri, entering the St. Louis market.
2013 - The new Banterra Centre was established in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, a $7 million facility developed by Banterra and The Rhodes Group.
2013 - Aircraft Finance and Marine Lending were added to Banterra's Specialty Lending division.
2015 - Banterra acquired Area Bank, with branches in Cave-In-Rock, Golconda, Elizabethtown, and Rosiclare, Illinois (2014). Additionally, two new branches opened in 2015 - a renovated branch in East Prairie, Missouri, and a newly constructed branch in Metropolis, Illinois.
2017 - Banterra hit a record-setting year with a 20% income growth.
2018 - Banterra entered its fifth state, Arizona, establishing a loan production office in Tempe.
2019 - Banterra established a digital banking brand with a location in Sun City West, Arizona.
2019 - Banterra became the largest corporate naming rights partner for Southern Illinois University (SIU) with the renaming of SIU Arena to Banterra Center.
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2020s
2020 - Banterra reached $2 billion in assets.
2020 - A new Banterra, commercial-focused branch was opened in Scottsdale, Arizona.
2022 - Banterra expanded to Utah with a branch, marking its sixth state. Internally, the Western region was established as a key market for Banterra's growth strategy. A fifth Indiana location was opened as a loan office in downtown Evansville's historic City Bank building.
2023 - Banterra reached $3 billion in assets.
2023 - Banterra announced a naming-rights partnership with Rend Lake College for Banterra Sports Complex.
2025 - Banterra celebrates 50 years of service.