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| Additional information |
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| Blue Ridge Bank & Trust Co. |
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Mission statement:
"To enable people to acquire the financial resources to realize their dreams" |
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History:
In 2008, Blue Ridge Bank and Trust Co. celebrated our 50th anniversary. With humble beginnings we are now one of the largest independently-owned community banks in Missouri.
It all started here.
Blue Ridge Bank and Trust Co. was founded by three brothers - William, Robert and Walter Reich, and opened its doors on October 15, 1958, in a storefront facility at the Blue Ridge Mall. The Mall, developed by members of the Reich family on a parcel of land that was part of the family's large produce farm, earned acclaim as the first suburban shopping mall in the Midwest. Quickly becoming one of the area's most popular retail and dining destinations, the Reich family determined the need for a community bank to service the Mall's many tenants and customers. The bank started with six employees. Mr. Robert O. Reich served as the first president. On February 28, 1961, Mr. William Reich was elected president to succeed his brother who passed away.
In less than ten years, Blue Ridge Bank had outgrown the branch in the Mall. A decision was made to construct the 10-story Blue Ridge Tower on the Mall grounds.
This banking facility began operations on October 14, 1968. Blue Ridge Bank made the cover of "Bank News" because of the prominent high rise in Eastern Jackson County. William Reich said, "We feel that Blue Ridge Bank has an important stake in the development of Eastern Jackson County, and we feel that we have an obligation and responsibility to that growth." This facility has served the community well and is still considered a landmark as you drive down I-70.
William Reich
Mr. Reich served as President until 1974. In January 1974, Glen K. Arnold, Jr. became the bank's third president. He filled that role until his retirement in 1988.
Our growth:
The Sterling branch was added in November 1975. This new facility located across the street from the Blue Ridge Mall brought about the closing of the Mall branch. Blue Ridge Bank commissioned local artist Bernard Martin to paint an original mural for the new facility. You can see his art today behind the teller counter.
In 1983 Blue Ridge Bank celebrated it's 25th anniversary. They also remodeled and expanded the Blue Ridge Tower facility.
G. L. "Tom" Thomas
Chairman of the Board
In February, 1988, Mr. G.L. "Tom" Thomas was elected as the fourth president. Mr. Thomas served as president until 1996 and continues to serve as Chairman of the Board.
Blue Ridge Bank experienced rapid growth in the 1990's opening five new locations serving the communities of Lee's Summit, Raytown, Blue Springs and Independence. Blue Ridge Bank's children's savings account "My First Million" and mascot, Otter B. Saving, was introduced in 1993.
In January 1996, the Board of Directors elected Mr. William "Bill" C. Esry as the fifth bank president. Mr. Esry is also the grandson of one of the bank's founders, Mr. William H. Reich. Mr. Esry carries on the traditional values that his grandfather and great uncles established when this bank was originally
William C. Esry
President and Chief Executive Officer
chartered.
William C. Esry
President and Chief Executive Officer
In November, 1998, Blue Ridge Bank mourned the loss of Mr. William H. Reich. For forty years, Mr. Reich touched the community with his philosophy and management style of what a banker should be. Mr. Reich made everyone feel welcome and his contributions to this community are many.
The growth of Blue Ridge Bank continued and in 2001 opened two branches adding to our Lee's Summit and Blue Springs presence. Also, in 2001 the internet branch www.blueridgebank.com was launched. Blue Ridge Bank continued its growth into 2002 with a facility in Riverside, the first north of the river.
4200 Little Blue Parkway
Independence, Missouri
New Corporate Headquarters:
4200 Little Blue Parkway
Independence, Missouri
In 2004, Blue Ridge Bank opened its new corporate headquarters located on Little Blue Parkway, in the heart of Eastern Jackson County's thriving business and housing development. The landmark building allowed the bank to expand its physical space and increase its staff and services, providing customers with an accessible location on Independence's vibrant east side. The corporate headquarters includes the bank's Trust and Wealth Management Group, which services more than 800 customers representing managed and invested funds in excess of $300 million. Blue Ridge Bank is unique among its peers in operating its own Trust Department, the only one headquartered in Eastern Jackson County.
On February 19, 2008, Blue Ridge Bank opened it's branch, conveniently located on Woods Chapel Road in Lee's Summit. The addition of this branch extends Blue Ridge Bank's ability to offer outstanding customer service to individual and business customers in every area of Eastern Jackson County. |
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