History

Our History

Peoples Bank has a long history in Iowa's farming communities.

Beginning in 1917 in Grand Junction, Iowa, Peoples Bank primarily served the local farmers. In January 1991, Green Circle Investments Inc. purchased Peoples Bank and expanded with an additional bank in Rippey.  

During the next four years, Peoples Bank experienced significant growth, increasing total assets by nearly 33%. In 1994, the bank added its third branch, purchasing a local bank in Guthrie Center. By March 1996, total assets had increased by nearly 50% in just six years, thanks to an aggressive growth-mindset and a targeted focus on community lending.

The next year continued to expand Peoples Bank's footprint in Iowa. In 1996, the acquisition of a bank in Jefferson, which also operated a branch in Scranton, nearly doubled Peoples Bank’s total assets. While growth came fast, the bank still placed a continued focus on community engagement in rural cities. Five years later, in early 2001, Peoples Bank opened its sixth branch, in Adel.

The seventh branch came five years later, on Aug. 1, 2006, when Peoples Bank opened a brand-new building in Clive, its first foray into the metro market. The two-story building serves as the central hub of the bank and stands out with its bold design on University Avenue. In 2007, the metro expansion continued with a purchase of a bank in Waukee. In 2013, the bank opened its newest branch in Ogden.

The Rigler family bought Peoples Bank in late 2017, the bank's third owners in its 100-year history, and the family continues to focus on serving Iowa communities in both rural and metro markets.

During the next year, Peoples Bank launched several unique initiatives, reflecting a more progressive vision that embraces innovative ideas and solutions. In early 2018, Peoples Bank rolled out a refreshed brand, giving a nod to the bank’s history of more than a century. The new green and blue logo symbolize the bank’s roots in supporting farming by encapsulating the fields of Iowa and the blue skies across the state. The new-look underscores what our bank is all about: People. 

Shortly after the brand refresh, Peoples Bank launched a campaign focused on protecting Iowa’s environment and giving back to the community in new, unique ways. Power Up @ Peoples included the implementation of solar power across bank branches which today provides 50 - 60% of the bank's electricity. 

Also during this time, Peoples Bank launched a financial literacy program for elementary students called The GIANT PIGGY BANK^TM. The program's goal is to teach young students how to properly manage and save money and is comprised of two parts: a student-led banking program in select schools and a children's deposit account available to all children. 

Peoples Bank continues to adapt to the changing needs of our communities. In July 2023, a hard decision was made to close the Rippey branch due to the declining demand for in-branch services as well as staffing challenges. At the same time, however, an opportunity was presented to build a new Peoples Bank location in Boone. 

The opening of the Boone location demonstrates the kind of forward-thinking that has secured Peoples Bank as a financial intuition that can continue serving the personal and business banking needs of Central Iowans for years to come. With Boone opening in early 2024, Peoples Bank will have an expanded bank footprint  — in Adel, Boone, Clive, Grand Junction, Guthrie Center, Jefferson, Ogden (administration only), Scranton, and Waukee — and is still very much in touch with its farming roots.