Setting the Foundation

In March of 1900, a small group of founders, including one A. Reed Hayes, Sr., come together to capitalize and form the Belleville Depository Bank. This bank eventually evolves into the Farmers National Bank of Belleville in 1912, which later is merged with the Belleville National Bank during the Great Recession, to become the Kishacoquillas Valley National Bank in 1934.

Rebuilding Together

The end of World War II fuels an incredible surge in demand for banking services as veterans return home to build their families and communities. Kish works to provide banking services to the rapidly growing community in Belleville and Big Valley. A. Reed Hayes, Jr. joins the board and plays a significant guiding role in a thriving Kish Bank during the post-war economy.

Commitment to Kish

Bill Hayes, following the path of his father and grandfather, joins Kish in 1977, sustaining the Hayes family’s longstanding commitment to the institution. Ten years later, Kish Bancorp is formed as the bank’s holding company, solidifying its structure for future independent growth in a period of industry consolidation.

Resilience Through Recession

In 1982, the banking industry faces a seismic challenge during an economic recession. Interest rates soar to 21% amidst efforts to curb stagflation and address mounting national debt. Deregulation of deposit limits leads to a significant 60% decline in Kish’s net worth. Yet Kish perseveres, rebuilding market values under the leadership of newly appointed CEO Bill Hayes in 1983, surpassing $100 million in assets by 1994.

Growth in Motion

The late 1980s and 1990s mark a period of substantial growth for Kish from opening the Electric Avenue branch in Lewistown in 1989 and moving the Operations & Technology Center to Reedsville in 1992, to establishing Kish Insurance in 1997. In fact, Kish is the first Pennsylvania bank to acquire a property and casualty insurance agency, which would be one of many lines of business that Kish builds to better serve the community. With the repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act in 1999, doors open for Kish to begin building a diversified financial service.

Kish Gains National Recognition

After an arsonist burns 6 Amish barns, Kish assumes public role to raise over $1 million in aid to restore and restock the barns, receiving national recognition for the bank’s role. After 9/11, Bill Hayes, as Chairman of the PA Bankers Association, is recognized at the site of the Twin Towers by the NYFD for raising more than any other state for the Victims and Families Relief Fund which drew national coverage.

Embracing Innovation

As we enter a new century, Kish continues to embrace diversified financial services with the opening of Kish Travel in 2001. This sustained focus on growth and diversification leads to an expansion into Centre County with the opening of our first State College branch in 2002. Diversification and expansion remain at the heart of our strategy, enriching offerings to meet evolving community needs.

Legacy Continues

In 2006, Greg Hayes joins Kish as a management trainee. His commitment reinforces the enduring relationship between the Hayes family and Kish, stretching back to its founding in 1900.

Bank of the Future

Kish Bank demonstrates remarkable growth and evolution as we achieve a significant milestone by surpassing $500 million in assets in 2009. In 2013, the organization marks a major transition as we convert to a state-charted institution. The growth continues with the establishment of Kish Benefits Consulting in 2017, further diversifying our services and solidifying our position as a dynamic and evolving financial institution.

Growth and Expansion

The year 2020 in America is marked by profound challenges. Despite these challenges, there is a focus on resilience, determination, and unity for Kish and the surrounding communities as we come together to support one another during unprecedented times. In the midst of hard times, Kish continues to thrive as we surpass $1 billion in assets, complete construction on the Kish Innovation Center in Reedsville, and acquire an ambitious commercial real estate lending team in northeastern Ohio. Our ambitious team is not only focused on expansion, we also are paving the road to the future with digital delivery of our services.

Thriving Together

During 2023, Kish celebrates a successful transition in leadership, with Greg Hayes assuming the role of President and CEO as Bill Hayes moves up to role of Executive Chairman. Since Kish’s founding in 1900, Greg represents the fourth generation of the Hayes family to continuously engage in a leadership capacity at Kish. We also see expansion into Juniata and Blair counties with Route 35 opening in 2022 and Pleasant Valley Boulevard in 2023; as well as growth in Centre and Huntingdon counties with the opening of the Pine Grove Mills branch and the Huntingdon Moore St. ATM Kiosk, our first stand-alone ATM + Live Banker solution.