Discover the Trusted Legacy of Great Southern Bank: A Century of Innovation and Community Involvement

Introduction:

Great Southern Bank is a reputable financial institution that has been serving customers for more than 100 years. With a focus on personalized customer service and a commitment to the communities it serves, Great Southern Bank has become one of the most trusted names in banking. In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of Great Southern Bank, including its history, products and services, customer service and reputation, financial performance and industry recognition, and community involvement and corporate social responsibility.

History and Background of Great Southern Bank

Great Southern Bank was founded in 1923 in Springfield, Missouri, by J.C. Hill and William Carleton. Initially called the Great Southern Savings and Loan Association, the bank's primary mission was to help local residents achieve the dream of homeownership. Over the years, the bank expanded its offerings to include checking and savings accounts, loans, and credit cards. Today, Great Southern Bank has more than 100 branches across Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, and Nebraska.

One of the key milestones in Great Southern Bank's history was its conversion from a mutual savings and loan association to a publicly traded company in 1989. This allowed the bank to raise additional capital and expand its operations. In the decades that followed, Great Southern Bank continued to grow and evolve, with a focus on innovation and customer service.

Products and Services Offered by Great Southern Bank

Great Southern Bank offers a wide range of products and services to meet the financial needs of its customers. These include checking and savings accounts, loans, and credit cards. One of the bank's most popular offerings is its Kasasa checking accounts, which offer rewards such as cash back, high interest rates, and ATM fee refunds. Great Southern Bank also offers online and mobile banking services, making it easy for customers to manage their finances from anywhere.

In addition to traditional banking products, Great Southern Bank also offers specialized services such as wealth management and insurance. Its wealth management services include investment management, financial planning, and retirement planning. Its insurance offerings include auto, home, and life insurance, as well as business insurance for small and medium-sized enterprises.

One of the things that sets Great Southern Bank apart from its competitors is its focus on innovation. The bank is constantly looking for new ways to enhance its products and services, and to make banking more convenient and accessible for its customers.

Customer Service and Reputation

Great Southern Bank has a well-deserved reputation for excellent customer service. The bank's employees are known for their friendly and helpful approach, and for their willingness to go above and beyond to help customers achieve their financial goals. This commitment to customer service has earned Great Southern Bank numerous awards and accolades over the years, including being named one of the Best Banks to Work For by American Banker magazine.

In addition to providing exceptional customer service, Great Southern Bank is also known for its commitment to ethics and transparency. The bank has a comprehensive code of conduct that guides its employees' behavior, and it is committed to maintaining high ethical standards in all of its operations.

Financial Performance and Industry Recognition

Great Southern Bank has a strong track record of financial performance. In 2021, the bank reported total assets of $6.2 billion and net income of $83.8 million. It has consistently been recognized as one of the top-performing banks in the United States, and has received numerous industry awards and recognitions.

One of the key drivers of Great Southern Bank's success is its focus on efficiency and cost management. The bank is constantly looking for ways to streamline its operations and reduce costs, while still maintaining high levels of customer service and satisfaction.

Community Involvement and Corporate Social Responsibility

Great Southern Bank is deeply committed to the communities it serves, and it has a long history of supporting local organizations and initiatives. The bank has a dedicated Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) team that works to identify and address the needs of underserved communities. In addition, the bank has a number of community outreach programs, including financial education workshops, volunteer programs, and charitable giving.

One of the bank's signature community initiatives is the Great Southern Bank Community Development Corporation (CDC), which was founded in 2004. The CDC is a nonprofit organization that provides affordable housing and community development services in low- and moderate-income areas. Since its inception, the CDC has developed or rehabilitated more than 400 units of affordable housing, as well as numerous community facilities such as a community center and a health clinic.

Great Southern Bank is also committed to environmental sustainability and other corporate social responsibility initiatives. The bank has implemented a number of eco-friendly practices, such as paperless statements, energy-efficient buildings, and recycling programs. It also supports a number of nonprofit organizations focused on environmental conservation and sustainability.

Conclusion:

Great Southern Bank is a trusted and reputable financial institution that has been serving customers for more than a century. With a focus on innovation, customer service, and community involvement, Great Southern Bank has become one of the top-performing banks in the United States. Whether you're looking for a checking account, a loan, or other financial products and services, Great Southern Bank is a reliable and trustworthy option. And if you're passionate about giving back to your community and making a positive impact in the world, Great Southern Bank is a bank that you can feel good about banking with.