Better Banks will celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2023. The rich history of Better Banks dates back to 1898 with the founding of Dunlap Bank. The first bank was built on Second Street in the Village of Dunlap and remains the oldest continually running business in the area. Since then, Better Banks has expanded to 9 communities and proudly serves customers as an employee-owned community bank.

As an employee-owned community bank, Better Banks exists to serve the needs of their customers, communities, employees, and investors and has earned a reputation for exceeding expectations based on a consistent record of growth, performance, and trust.

Over the past 125 years, banking solutions and services have advanced dramatically. Better Banks has consistently focused on meeting customer expectations while innovating for the future. Central to that success is the continued focus on the banking philosophy established by Chip Backlund over fifty years ago: "To remain a strong, locally owned community bank." Steve Backlund, as Chairman and CEO, has continued this tradition.

“Being able to celebrate our 125th anniversary is exciting, yet humbling. It is not something we take for granted,” said Mike Stratton, Better Banks President. “We’re immensely grateful to all of the customers who continue to put their trust in us. We want to thank our customers for their loyalty and support over the years and look forward to a long and prosperous future!”

To commemorate this milestone, Better Banks plans to celebrate throughout the year in each community they serve.

“We've been providing exceptional banking services for our customers for over a century and are confident in our ability to continue this level of service for many years to come,” stated Steve Backlund, Chairman and CEO. “This milestone anniversary is dedicated to the team members, partners, and customers who got us to where we are today.”