Minden Exchange Bank & Trust: 150 Years of Stability, Growth, and Community Involvement

Overview

Established in 1872 to serve the burgeoning agricultural industry in Minden, Nebraska, Minden Exchange Bank & Trust (MEBT) has evolved into a thriving financial institution, deeply rooted in the community and committed to providing tailored financial solutions to individuals, businesses, and generations of families. Over the past 150 years, MEBT has consistently grown its presence in the regions it serves while maintaining its unwavering focus on integrity, personalized service, and community engagement.

Milestones and Accomplishments

1872: Founded as Minden Exchange Bank

1919: Acquired by the Franklin family, who has been instrumental in its leadership ever since

1954: Opened the Minden Drive-In facility, one of the first of its kind in the region

1989: Became a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: MDEN)

2004: Expanded into Kearney, Nebraska, through the acquisition of Kearney State Bank & Trust

2012: Opened loan production offices in Grand Island and Hastings, Nebraska

2017: Celebrated 150 years of banking excellence

Financial Performance and Growth

MEBT has consistently outperformed industry benchmarks in key financial metrics:

• Total assets: $2.4 billion (as of December 2022)
• Total deposits: $1.9 billion (as of December 2022)
• Total loans: $1.7 billion (as of December 2022)
• Return on assets (ROA): 1.3% (as of December 2022)
• Return on equity (ROE): 12.5% (as of December 2022)

Core Values and Services

MEBT's success is built on a foundation of core values that guide every aspect of its operations:

Integrity: Maintaining the highest ethical standards and transparency in all dealings

Personalized Service: Providing individualized financial solutions and building strong relationships with customers

Community Involvement: Investing in and supporting local initiatives, organizations, and events

Innovation: Continuously developing new products and services to meet evolving customer needs

MEBT offers a comprehensive range of financial products and services, including:

Personal Banking: Checking and savings accounts, loans, mortgages, and wealth management

Business Banking: Commercial loans, treasury management services, and SBA lending

Trust and Wealth Management: Trust administration, estate planning, and investment management

Community Involvement

MEBT believes that its success is inextricably linked to the well-being of the communities it serves. The bank has a long-standing tradition of giving back and supporting local initiatives, organizations, and events. Some highlights of MEBT's community involvement include:

• Educational Support: Scholarships, grants, and financial literacy programs for local students
• Healthcare Funding: Support for hospitals, clinics, and healthcare initiatives
• Arts and Culture: Funding for museums, theaters, and arts organizations
• Economic Development: Investments in local businesses and entrepreneurship programs
• Volunteerism: Employees actively participate in volunteer work with local organizations

Benefits of Banking with Minden Exchange Bank & Trust

There are numerous benefits to choosing MEBT as your financial institution:

Financial Stability: With over $2.4 billion in assets and a strong track record of financial performance, MEBT provides a secure and reliable banking partner.

Personalized Service: MEBT's dedicated relationship managers work closely with customers to understand their individual needs and develop tailored financial solutions.

Local Decision-Making: As a community bank, MEBT empowers local employees to make decisions that best serve the community's needs.

Community Involvement: By banking with MEBT, customers not only secure their financial future but also contribute to the well-being of their local community.

Commitment to Innovation: MEBT continuously invests in technology and new products to meet evolving customer needs and enhance the banking experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing a bank based solely on low fees: While fees can be important, they should not be the primary factor in choosing a bank. Consider factors such as financial stability, personalized service, and community involvement.

Over-reliance on credit cards: Credit cards can be convenient, but it's essential to use them responsibly and avoid carrying a balance. High-interest rates can quickly accumulate, leading to financial stress.

Ignoring long-term financial planning: It's tempting to focus solely on immediate financial needs, but it's crucial to also plan for the future. Start saving for retirement early and consider investments to grow your wealth.

Falling for scams: Be wary of unsolicited emails, phone calls, or text messages asking for personal or financial information. Never share such information with unknown entities.

Why Matters and How Benefits

Financial Stability: A stable financial institution provides peace of mind and ensures that your deposits are safe.

Personalized Service: Having a dedicated relationship manager who understands your needs can make a significant difference in your financial well-being.

Local Decision-Making: Local decision-making means that your financial needs are considered within the context of the community you live in.

Community Involvement: Supporting a community bank means supporting local initiatives and ensuring the prosperity of your town or city.

Commitment to Innovation: Continuous innovation ensures that you have access to the latest financial products and services, making your banking experience more convenient and efficient.