First Bank Kansas is a unique, young, community bank with Midwest values. We began in Salina and grew into other communities. Glen Bramwell chartered First State Bank of Salina in 1961. The bank initially featured trust accounts and real estate. Richard Zimmerman and Frank Whitham each subsequently owned the bank. The bank name changed to First State Bank & Trust in 1969 and then to First Bank and Trust Co. in 1978.

In the 1970s, the bank embarked on several aggressive ventures. The bank trademarked its slogan "First by a Smile", opened a branch on West Crawford in the former Lum's Restaurant and then became the first bank in Kansas to open a grocery store bank. The bank also was known for its humorous advertising campaigns with promotions like two free tires with car loans. Customers still remember the "Two tired Cal" campaign.

The John Sutherland family purchased the bank on September 15, 1983, and the bank name changed to First Bank Kansas in 1992. Sister Banks are in Ottawa, Parsons, Emporia, Louisburg, Hoisington and Marion, with branches in several other communities. Joe McLiney is the Chairman of the Board of Directors.

First Bank Kansas opened in 1961 at the site of our present Main bank, located at 235 South Santa Fe, and has been expanded several times. The purchase of the Assaria State Bank in January of 1989 was our first move outside of Salina and added our branch in Assaria. In December of 1990, we purchased the Kanopolis State Bank which included their new branch in Ellsworth. Ellsworth experienced enough growth that the building required an expansion doubling its size 5 years after it opened. We opened a branch in South Salina on 9th Street in September of 1994. Advantage Trust Company, a subsidiary of First Bank Kansas, was introduced in the spring of 1997. Mark Miller is President and Julie Sager Miller is Vice-President. In August of 1998, we opened our McPherson branch. This branch quickly outgrew its orginal building and then moved to a totally remodeled Burger King building. Our newest location, in Abilene, was added in 2005.

Today, we currently have over $145 million in assets. Customer movement from large National banks to traditional community banks like ours has benefitted First Bank Kansas. In the late 90s, the bank doubled its assets and developed one of the state's most respected trust companies.

Lloyd Davidson has been President of First Bank Kansas for 23 years and he has over 30 years of banking experience. You can expect to find the financial service products you need and want at First Bank Kansas. Loan decisions are made in each community. We strive for exceptional customer service which sets us apart from other financial institutions. We're "All the BANK you ever need".