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First State Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Dave Taylor is pictured with a scale model of the bank’s October 2019 addition.  FSB has been expanding its services and facilities downtown for the last 49 years.

The True Believers: First State Bank & Town & Country Insurance

In October 1976, First State Bank opened its new office building downtown at Second and Seneca streets, but, following a nationwide trend, opened a “motor bank” at 1919 Superior Street in July 1979. This was also the site of Webster City’s first ATM.

“There were more new roofs going up out there, so we wanted to be there for customers’ convenience,” FSB President & Chief Executive Officer Dave Taylor said.

Ultimately, when drive-up facilities were built into an expansion of FSB’s downtown building, the Superior Street motor bank was closed.

“We could offer a better workplace for employees and better service for customers downtown,” Taylor said. “We still feel downtown is the place to be.”

Taylor recounted the many changes in banking in the last 25 years.

“People don’t come into the bank as often as they used to. Covid sped up that trend. Internet banking and smart phone apps make banking easier and more convenient for many people.” Since 1984, First State Bank has grown through 21 acquisitions, today employing 122 full- and part-time employees at eight locations.

Throughout it all, its headquarters has remained in downtown Webster City.

Along the way, one of FSB’s acquisitions was Webster City-based Town & Country Insurance in 1995. After operating from T&C’s original, Superior Street office, it moved to a former savings and loan office across Seneca Street from the bank.

Former T&C Co-owner Mike Peterson remembered, “I was very involved with that remodel project, along with Doug Follman.”

A second remodeling led to the building’s present-day configuration.

Business success is one thing. Investment in the future of Webster City is another. Here, FSB and T&C punch well above their weight.

Today, First State Bank and Town & Country own beautifully-designed, built and maintained buildings at the eastern entrance to downtown, creating a first impression that speaks of their faith in the city’s future.

Are such first impressions important? A family from another state, considering relocation to central Iowa, drove past these buildings on their first visit.

“We instantly knew this would be our home,” said the now happily-settled Webster Citian.

Pride in the appearance of their buildings is the impossible-to-miss mark of business success at First State and Town & Country. Their 49-year commitment to downtown marks them as true believers in the future of Webster City.