The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce staff and Ambassador Club welcomed Peoples Bank and Trust into Great Bend on Feb. 26 with a ribbon cutting ceremony. This follows the 2020 announcement from PBT Bancshares Inc., the parent company for Peoples Bank and Trust, McPherson, that it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Community Bank of the Midwest, Great Bend, with locations in Ellinwood, Otis and Ness City. The merger is now complete. 

Tom Pruitt, president and chief executive officer of Peoples Bank and Trust, commented, “We are very excited about the growth opportunity the proposed merger with Community Bank of the Midwest presents. Our banks share comparable core values and culture, and our partnership will reinforce our focus of making a positive impact in each community we serve. We will also bring additional financial services to customers of Community Bank of the Midwest, by offering Trust Services, Investment Services, Farm Management Services, and expanded Residential Real Estate Lending Services.”

Great Bend Market President for Peoples Bank and Trust, Brian Wilborn, echoed, “We are excited to be part of Peoples Bank and Trust! Although our name has changed, our people will remain the same.”  

“Peoples Bank is able to provide more products, services, and technology to their customers. Just as Community Bank has done in the past, Peoples Bank and Trust will continue to impact the communities they serve.” 

This community impact was demonstrated during the ceremony by way of a $25,000 donation to Clara Barton Hospital Foundation’s Adopt a Room campaign, funding furnishing and equipment for the upcoming expansion of the Great Bend clinic. 

Customers can now access their accounts on a Mobile App, online, or at any of Peoples’ 16 locations across central Kansas. Visit Peoples Bank and Trust online at www.peoples.bank, visit the Great Bend branch at 2220 Broadway Ave. or call 620-792-5111.