Killbuck Savings Bank marks 125 years with celebration at Early American Days

Not many companies get a chance to celebrate 125th anniversaries, but one local bank did just that on Sunday, Aug. 31 when Killbuck Savings Bank participated in the Killbuck Early American Days, going back to its roots where it all began in 1900.

Several members of the KSB leadership team were invited to share center stage as presenter Terry Logsdon invited them to the stage.

Killbuck Mayor Rick Allison was the first to honor the bank, presenting the team with a plaque honoring the bank for its 125 years of commitment to the Killbuck community and many surrounding communities.

“We would like to thank the Killbuck Savings Bank for being an anchor in the community for 125 years,” Allison said. “Without Killbuck Savings Bank, who knows where a lot of us would be?”

Current KSB President and CEO Rachel Miller said the company has looked forward to this day for a long time because it focuses on celebrating with community and the people of Killbuck.

Former longtime KSB President and CEO Luther “Mike” Proper was there to enjoy the festivities. He said he cherished his time there, and having grown up in Killbuck, it will always be a special place to him.

“That entire experience was amazing,” Proper said. “There were all kinds of changes over the years, but we simply rode with them and adjusted. It was an amazing journey filled with so many wonderful people, both those who worked there and who trusted us to serve their financial needs.”

Proper worked at KSB for 47 years, 22 of those as president and CEO.

“That’s a lifetime,” Proper said, adding he started delivering newspapers in Killbuck when he was 10 and worked at the local gas station when he was 13.

Rachel Miller was part of the team accepting the accolades on stage. She said being part of this team and part of the 125 years of history of KSB is special to everyone who has ever been part of the KSB family.

“This is so exciting,” Miller said. ‘This is so much about being part of a family, and that is exactly how we feel, not only about our employees, but about our community, which is why we were so excited about celebrating right here in Killbuck where it all started.”

While KSB has more than a dozen banking systems as part of its family throughout the state, Killbuck will always be its home, where it all began and where people visited the bank, not in automobiles, but in horse and carriage.

Over the past 125 years, the bank has developed a trust among its community as a cherished partner, something Miller said has to be the case in order to survive and thrive for 125 years.

“We knew we couldn’t do this anywhere else but here in Killbuck,” Miller said. She said they will do smaller quarterly celebrations throughout the year at their other locations and communities.

Miller went on to say KSB has maintained one key element to its success over the decades, that being a staff dedicated to connecting with community.

“I really credit our staff with fostering that trust within our communities, customers and shareholders every single day,” Miller said. “Those friendships and relationships are what being a community bank is all about.”

KSB Executive Vice President Matthew Miller said the bank is honored to serve in each of its communities, especially Killbuck, where it all began.

“We are rooted in this community,” Matthew Miller said of Killbuck. “We thank you for supporting us, and we are excited to celebrate our 125 years. With Rachel at the helm as well as our board of directors and our management team, we’re excited to continue moving forward to see what will happen in the next 125 years.”

Ohio State Rep. Mark Hiner also was on hand to present a declaration honoring the bank.

“It’s very important to have a bank in your local community, and 125 years is no small feat,” Hiner said. “You’re fortunate to have them here. They’ve witnessed many changes over the years in the banking industry, but they’ve always been responsive to the needs of the community.”