First Security Bank & Trust
A Proud Tradition.....

July 14, 1903 - The Security Trust and Savings Bank opened its doors for business in the Ellis Block at 716 Kelly Street in Charles City, Iowa. With capital stock of just $50,000 and deposits of $25,449, the start was humble. With modest quarters, the bank began under the direction of its first officers: Adelbert E. Ellis, President; Charles D. Ellis, Vice President; Morton Wilbur, Cashier; and Melvin W. Ellis, Assistant Cashier. Their banking background as stockholders of the Sanborn State Bank, First National Bank of Mason City, and the First National Bank of Charles City was extensive.

 

September 30, 1929

- Security Trust and Savings Bank and the First National Bank of Charles City consolidated to form First Security Bank & Trust, the largest in the Charles City area.

 

1935 - Acquired first branch office, Marble Rock.

Late 1940 - Ellis and Ellis liquidated all their holdings and left Iowa. The bank was then purchased by Ralph Zastrow, E.L. (Jim) Wallaser, W. A. Herbrechtsmeyer, and Merten J. Klaus. This ownership is still retained by their heirs: Helen (Zastrow) Noah, Jim and Virginia (Zastrow) Smith, William G. and J.R. (Dick) Herbrechtsmeyer, and brothers David and John Klaus. The ownership is actively involved in management of the bank with duties as bank managers, board members and holding company representatives.

2007 - First Security Bank & Trust remains locally owned and independent. Kurt Herbrechtsmeyer was elected the bank's President in 2007, following J R (Dick) Herbrechtsmeyer who served as the bank's President since 1994. With branches in Charles City, Aredale, Dumont, Ionia, Marble Rock and Rockford, First Security Bank & Trust serves a large portion of north Iowa.

2009 - First Security Bank & Trust President, Kurt Herbrechtsmeyer, announced that on Friday, November 6, 2009 that banking operations of First Security Bank and Trust, First State Bank of Nora Springs and First State Bank of Riceville would merge. All three banks are members of the bank's holding company, Cedar Valley Bankshares.

The merger combines the operations and office network of the three banks to provide customers with full service banking locations in Floyd, Chickasaw, Butler, Worth, Cerro Gordo and Howard Counties.

First Security President, Kurt Herbrechtsmeyer, stated: "We have been part of north central Iowa since 1903. We are proud to have a tradition of financial strength, community support and innovative banking services. The strengths of our three financial institutions will create new and exciting opportunities for our customers and employees." According to Herbrechtsmeyer, "Serving customers and local community needs will continue to be the bank's primary focus. We are looking forward to supporting a network of offices in our trade area staffed by employees that remain committed to outstanding customer service."

Herbrechtsmeyer also announced newly-combined organization would adopt the name First Security Bank and Trust. According to Herbrechtsmeyer the bank decided to adopt the name First Security, "because it identifies the friendly, 'Customer First', secure character of the area served by the bank." Herbrechtsmeyer added, "we believe First Security is a great name to show our commitment to families, farmers and business owners in all counties we serve."

The combined First Security Bank and Trust organization has total assets in excess of $385 million with locations in 14 north central Iowa communities.

The expanded organization offers higher lending limits and more flexibility to provide the new financial services and technologies needed to meet customers ever-changing needs. “We are dedicated to the values that have made all three banks successful", Herbrechtsmeyer said. “Our employees understand the importance of great customer service, timeliness and providing flexible products and services.” First Security Bank and Trust is an equal housing lender and a member of the FDIC.