The Valley Bank Story
Founding of Valley Bank
1911
The original charter of Valley Bank is established as the State Bank of Somers. Five employees serve the bank in its first building, a small spot in downtown Somers.
J.L. Hensley, President
1961
J.L. Hensley, who began his tenure with the bank in 1958, becomes the president. By this time, the bank has already established a nationwide reputation as one of the county’s oldest, most trustworthy banks.
A.J. King, Co-Owner
1963
A.J. King, a Columbia Falls man, establishes co-ownership of the bank. Within two years, he’ll be appointed as a cashier and vice president.
Original Bank Directors
1964
Original Bank Directors were A. J. King, J. L. Hensley, Marshall Murray, Lawrence O. Rude, Everit L. Sliter
Largest Independent Bank
1967
The bank, once the Flathead Valley’s smallest, becomes the largest independent bank in Northwest Montana.
“Americard” Agent
1968
Valley Bank becomes 1st Montana Bank to be named a “Bank Americard” Agent (known later as Visa)
‘Motor’ Bank
1979
The construction of the bank’s new ‘motor’ bank is finished.
King Serves as President of IBAA
1984
King serves a two-year term as president of the Independent Bankers Association of America.
Money Magazine:
Top 100 Safest Banks
1988
Money Magazine includes Valley Bank among its top 100 Safest Banks in America. The bank also receives this recognition in 1989.
$100 Million in assets
1998
Valley Bank hits $100MM in assets.
100 Years in Business
2011
The bank celebrates 100th year in business.
50 Years in Downtown Kalispell
2014
The bank celebrates 50 years in the Kalispell downtown location
$110 Million in Assets
2016
The Bank is currently worth over $110MM in assets and continues to be a Locally Owned and Operated Community Bank.
Best Performing Community Banks of 2022 under $3B in assets
2023
In March 2023, Valley Bank of Kalispell is named as one of the “Best Performing Community Banks of 2022 under $3B in assets”. Valley Bank of Kalispell was ranked in the Top 100 for banks in the US within this category.
Present Bank Directors
2023
Present Bank Directors are Mark Hensley, Brad Kelsey, Karin Henion, Sonya Hensley, Steve Stahlberg, Vincent Rieger, and Brent Estep.