Grinnell State Bank was founded as a locally owned, full service institution. History has proven this to be a good organizational structure as it is maintained to this day. In the year 2005, the bank celebrated its 80th year!     

 

C.A. Fraizer was the first long term president of the Bank in the early 30's. He sold his controlling interest to F.A. Jones in 1954 and F.A. (Fred) and his son F. Addison Jones took over the management late in that year. Fred was raised in the sand hills of Nebraska and the strength this gave him is continued in the tradition of the Bank to this day. He also was a stock analyst that has been passed on to his grandson Austin who is today a fully licensed stockbroker. 

 

Two of Addison's sons, David A. Jones and F. Austin Jones have assumed the management as President and Executive Vice President. Dave began in the bank in the late 70's and Austin in the early 80's.  The fourth generation is represented as one of David's sons, Rusty and Austin's Daughter, Alyson are working for the Bank.  The strong commitment to the community comes from the fact that the owners and operators have been raised in Grinnell.  

 

The board of directors have always been selected from a diverse group in the community. Most of the officers are long term residents and have a good history of participating in local functions and organizations. Now deceased as of August 13, 2000 we want to mention Helen Hargrave. She was employed by the bank from 1925 to 1987 and retired a V.P. She saw the world of banking change a lot, and helped maintain 'the good from the past'. 

 

The bank has kept up to date by embracing new technology. In 1971 it installed one of the first computer systems in a bank its size. A very progressive schedule implementing new technology keeps product offerings competitive with larger banks with most often, lower fees. 

 

In 1996 the bank took an opportunity to purchase a branch in Marengo, Iowa. It was known by many names but was started as Iowa County Savings Bank. It is now called the 'Marengo Bank, a facility of Grinnell State Bank'. It maintains a strong local involvement and its officers and employees are long term residents of the community it serves. 

 

You can reach this website through  www.tigerbanks.com  or www.grinnellbank.com. The 'Tiger Banks' are Grinnell & Marengo. Both communities school mascots are Tigers!