Thayer County Bank Continues 150 Years of Community Investing

Walter J. Thompson moved his loan company from Burlington, Wisconsin to Hebron, Nebraska in 1871, and using that knowledge, founded the Exchange Bank in 1874, later to be renamed. Thayer County Bank has served, serviced, and invested in the community since its inception. In 1883, Thompson partnered with Frank Wetherald, husband of his cousin who operated a mill in Hebron. From Thompsons to Wetheralds to Kenners, for five generations, Thayer County Bank has remained a family-owned bank, backed by the FDIC since 1933. To say the roots are strong is an understatement. 

Condolences to the Kenner Family

Thayer County Bank’s year-long celebration of its 150th anniversary was halted due to the untimely passing of Bank President Jim Kenner. Our condolences to the family as we, the employees, and the community mourn his loss.

Patrick Kenner, son of Jim, steps into his father’s leadership seat. Patrick started working at Thayer County Bank as a janitor in 1971. Minus his college years, he’s held various positions, earning tenure and promotion. 

Thayer County Bank Today

Thayer County Bank, while a community bank, offers many of the same services as multi-branch banks, including online banking. Yet, while technology is utilized, Kenner says, “Borrowers and depositors alike consistently appreciate the personal service of talking and working with real people who know them and have a genuine interest in their well-being.”

Being a community bank, Thayer County Bank offers a unique service/program you won’t find from the big branches, called Titan Branch. Annually, a few 6th graders are selected to be tellers at the in-school branch bank. During the school year, with the assistance of Thayer County Bank employees, the selected tellers open the Titan Branch every week to accept student-only deposits. At the end of the student’s grade school year, deposits are returned to the students. Kenner says, “All year, students are encouraged to think about goals for use of their savings and earn prizes based on consistent savings habits.” Titan Branch has been a successfully run program for 17 years and counting.

Thayer County Bank Tomorrow

Thayer County Bank continues this 150th-anniversary celebration with a customer appreciation event in November. Details will be coming soon.

We asked Kenner what makes Thayer County Bank different from all others. He said, “We use local dollars to make local loans.  We hire local people who spend locally and pay local taxes.  We listen to business ideas and financial dreams and base our lending decisions off data and conversations, not the latest AI model. When you shop and bank locally, you strengthen the community dollar and the community. You add value to the quality of life for us all.”

Thayer County Thrives

Come here and thrive. Thayer County is a prime Midwest location within a day’s drive of popular metropolitan areas from Denver to Dallas to Chicago. Our workforce wants to contribute to the growth of local businesses. Add the low cost of living and doing business, along with being rich in agricultural assets, Thayer County is where businesses and residents thrive together. Contact TCEDA to learn how you and your business can join us, here, in the good life!