Banking on the Hi-Line

Our History & Mission

Independence Bank proudly serves northcentral and northeastern Montana, emphasizing community banking and local decision-making. Specializing in Ag and Commercial lending, we offer a full range of services tailored to the needs of families and businesses in our communities. For more information about who we are, please take a look at our history and mission statements below.

Our Mission

Independence Bank will excel as a locally owned Bank with its primary focus on developing and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships with agricultural, commercial, professional, and consumer clients. We will achieve success through our consistent commitment to our communities and our customers. We will be recognized for:

Superior Performance
Timely Service
Quality Assets
Equality of Service
Creative Solutions

Independence Bank’s focus will be to benefit its customers, its employees, its communities, and its shareholders.

History Timeline

	1970-1979 IB formerly First Security Bank, was founded in 1972 by Havre business owners. Gerald Tucker became the first President in 1972. Opened March 12, 1973, in Havre, MT. John Caven became the second President in April 1979.
	1980-1989 Interest rates rose in 1982 to combat inflation, with a 21.5% Prime Rate in June. 10th Anniversary celebration with an Art Show and Open House. Assets grew to $28 million by the 10th year.
	1990-1999 In June 1991 Chuck Celania became president/CEO. In 1993, FSB celebrated 20 years. 38 new and 16 existing shareholders purchased 55% of the stock from the 12 Member Control Group. In its 20th year, the bank had an asset size of $40 Million. In 1998, the bank acquired Citizens State Bank in Scobey and Traders State Bank in Poplar.
	2000-2009 In 2000, the bank purchased Western Security Federal Banks in Glasgow and Malta. On July 5, 2000, the name was changed to Independence Bank across five branches. Independence Bank began KOA Campground Lending in 2002. In 2003, the bank celebrated its 30th Anniversary and surpassed $250 Million. Miles Hamilton became President/CEO in April 2004.
	2010-2019 In 2012, Independence Bank rebranded with a new logo. The Conrad Branch was added in 2014. In this year, the bank reached assets of over $500 Million. In June 2017, Independence Bank reached over 100+ full time employees. The Great Falls LPO/DPO opened in 2019. The bank also surpassed assets of over $750 Million.
	2020-Present In April 2021, Independence Bank opened an LPO/DPO in Plentywood. Bill Keller became President/CEO in April 2021. In this year, the bank surpassed $1 Billion in assets. In May 2022, the Shelby Branch opened with the Great Falls Branch to follow in August 2022. KOA Lending also celebrated its 20th year. Independence Bank celebrated its 50th Anniversary in March of 2023. Wolf Point opened their branch in June of 2023. In January 2024, Plentywood opened as our 10th full-service branch.