Midwest Bank is a full service community bank with 9 locations in eight communities in the state of Nebraska. We have been in business for over sixty years, with our roots dating back to 1952 when the Cooper Family acquired Farmers National Bank in Pilger, NE. As the 12th largest bank in Nebraska, Midwest Bank’s foundation of strong capital and team of excellent community bankers have fully supported the growth of the organization to an optimal, competitive size. We are large enough to meet the financial needs of most individuals and businesses, yet small enough to retain our high level of personal service.
How long have you been in Lincoln?
Midwest Bank opened a loan production office (LPO) in 2008, and moved into our full service location in October 2011. We are located at 2655 Jamie Lane, which is one block north of 27th Street and Yankee Hill Road. From an original staff of 4 that has now grown to 14 over the past five years, our growth is a testament to our banking culture and client relationships.
Who are the owners/important executives?
Clyde and Elizabeth “Lizzy” Huntington Cooper entered the banking industry in 1952, when the Cooper Family purchased The Farmer’s National Bank of Pilger. Pilger is a small agricultural community located in Stanton County, Nebraska. Over five generations since that first acquisition, the Cooper Family’s philosophy remains consistent to this day; a family owned, independently managed community bank focused on exceptional service and lasting relationships.
What do you think makes you different from other companies similar to yours?
The Cooper family philosophy of a family-owned, independently managed community bank model has proven successful over the past six decades, and today there are Midwest Bank branches in eight Nebraska communities with total assets exceeding $600,000,000. At MWB, we value our tradition of exceptional personal service; a tradition respected in the markets we serve and reflected in the relationships we build.
What do you like about doing business in Lincoln?
We are very pleased to be a part of the Lincoln community. The community has embraced Midwest Bank and after five years, our success is a great testimonial to our clients and staff. We have been fortunate to be a part of the exciting growth in Lincoln. Our focus is on the financial and civic needs of our friends and neighbors in the communities we serve.
What has been your most important achievement as a business?
Our organization is fortunate to have ownership and executive management that emphasize core values in building a staff. These are people that are dedicated and respected in the community, as well as being talented in their industry. The most gratifying accomplishment as a banker is making a substantive difference in a person’s financial life. This can often occur under difficult circumstances, and it takes a genuine commitment to the client and their financial future, as well as a mutual trust, to truly be effective.
What changes have you seen in the industry and your company in the past few years?
Challenging economic conditions and increased regulatory oversight have created challenges for our industry. Midwest is fortunate to have both the financial and human resources to meet the challenges facing our industry today.
What do you see happening with the business in the next five years?
Technology will continue to evolve in how we deliver our products and services and transact business, which will further enhance banking convenience to the public. We also anticipate further consolidation in our industry due to the economic and regulatory challenges that exist.
What is one goal for your business that you have yet to accomplish?
As bankers, a fundamental goal and objective we have is helping to ensure the financial success of each and every client. This is a perpetual process that never has closure.
At Midwest Bank, we value our tradition of exceptional personal service. A tradition respected in the markets we serve, and reflected in the relationships we build.
402.420.0560