Press Releases

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. – Banking customers in South Central Kansas and Northern Oklahoma will soon notice some changes at their neighborhood Union State Bank (“USB”) and Midland Bank (“Midland”) locations.

In the coming weeks, a new look and logo will begin to be phased in for all USB locations. The new USB logo retains its current bridge imagery, which reflects the institution's traditional values. However, it adds a clean, modern twist to signify the bank’s continual efforts to provide the latest that the banking industry has to offer. USB wants their existing customers to know that though their look might be different, their leadership and values remain the same.

“The stone bridge is something unique to Cowley County, where our bank was founded over 110 years ago,” said Eric Kurtz, Union State Bank CEO. “The bridge has traditionally represented our organizations’ ability to help our customers reach their financial goals. The modernized logo continues to offer that historical relevance while constantly reminding us of our humble responsibility that we fulfill when guiding our customers to ultimately reach the best solutions available.”

The new look is timely as Union State Bank will be expanding their brand into the Newton, Kansas market beginning in November 2020. At that time, USB customers will have the ability to perform full transactional services at four additional locations within that market. This additional market was a result of a merger announced in 2019 between Union State Bank and Newton-based Midland National Bank.

“Union State Bank has been providing banking services since 1908,” said Kurtz. “Our strong leadership team and core values have been essential to maintaining our customer relationships over the past 112 years. Just like the historic bridges built in that era, we continue to be dedicated to helping our customers get from where they are, to where they need to be.”

About Union State Bank

Founded in 1908, Union State Bank has banking locations serving the communities of Arkansas City, Newton, Udall, Winfield and Wichita in Kansas and Bartlesville and Edmond in Oklahoma.

Union State Bank offers a full range of electronic, deposit and cash management services, as well as business and agriculture, commercial real estate, construction, mortgage, residential and consumer loans.

Eric Kurtz, President and CEO of Union State Bank (“USB”), headquartered in Arkansas City, Kansas, has announced that Frank L. Oberlin has joined USB as Executive Vice President / Chief Lending Officer. In this position Oberlin will use his in-depth knowledge of enterprising, results-driven banking to provide expertise and oversight in all aspects of lending for Union State Bank clients. Oberlin will office at USB’s Winfield Main branch, located at 823 Main.

“I’m looking forward to getting out in the communities we serve to spread the word that USB is ‘Built for Better Banking’ combining all the products and sophistication of a large bank, the diversity and foot-print of a medium sized bank and the personalized attention that you can only get at a family-owned, community bank,” Oberlin said.

Oberlin has over 15-years in banking as a top producing lender, as well as experience leading loan review, mortgage, CRE, and Credit Administration departments. In addition, he has 15 years in the homebuilding/land development business and 10 years as the owner of a small manufacturing company.

“My career is a bit unusual in that I’ve sat on both sides of the lending desk as a lender and as the borrower. I would like to think that those years on the borrower side of the desk make me a better lender and listener, with a keener understanding of what the client is trying to achieve and how the bank can help. My favorite part of banking is helping people achieve their goals, objectives and dreams by providing the financial backing and services to do so,” Oberlin explained.

Oberlin was raised in Dallas, Texas. He, and his wife Alicia, have lived in a variety of settings throughout the Midwest, from the 700-person community of Westcliffe, CO to the major metropolitan areas of Austin, Oklahoma City, and Wichita.

“I’ve worked for large institutions, mid-sized banks and smaller family owned banks. It’s the attention to the customer that sets community banks apart. Closer relationships, hands-on-helping-the-customer, and an organizational attitude that the customer is why we are here that drew me to community banking, and Union State in particular,” Oberlin said.

Eric Kurtz, Union State Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, welcomes Oberlin to the organization.

“Frank’s unique blend of banking and private sector experiences will be well-suited to provide value to our entrepreneurial minded organization. His ability to execute and simultaneously align customer service and share holder initiatives are second to none. We look forward to having Frank on our Executive Team to help guide our organization in our continued success as a premier community bank serving South Central Kansas and North Central Oklahoma,” stated Kurtz.

Founded in 1908, Union State Bank has banking locations serving communities of Arkansas City, Newton, Udall, Winfield and Wichita in Kansas and in Bartlesville and Edmond, Oklahoma. Union State Bank offers a full range of electronic, deposit and cash management services, as well as business and agriculture, commercial real estate, construction, mortgage, residential and consumer loans. To learn more, visit their website at www. MyUnionState.Bank.

Union State Bank (USB) recently completed an internal drive within their Cowley County branches to raise funds for United Way of the Plains. The end result was an increase of five times the overall number of staff pledging in 2020, for over $10,600.00 to be used locally.

“I am appreciative of all of the Union State Bank staff who considered and/or supported the local United Way during our recent drive at the bank. The campaign provided an opportunity for our staff to make a considerable impact within their local communities. Our teams’ efforts and generosity certainly mean a lot to the United Way, the agencies that they serve and the individuals whose lives are affected by this internal campaign,” said Eric Kurtz, Union State Bank Chief Executive Officer.

United Way of the Plains merged with Cowley County United Way in 2019. However, funds raised within Cowley County remain designated solely to Cowley County programs. In 2021, United Way will provide $75,000 among 11 agencies within the county. United Way of the Plains supports programs and initiatives in our local communities focused on education, income and health. Gifts not only go toward funding local Cowley County agencies, but also support the United Way 211 help line, which is a confidential service which connects people in need to a wide range of resources and services across Kansas.

“Through their generosity in this campaign, Union State Bank’s employees have proven their commitment to their local communities and have shown that they understand that working together can help those who are facing hardships and make a real impact in helping people live their best lives possible,” said Jesse Morris, Assistant Vice President for Union State Bank in Winfield, and Cowley County representative on the United Way of the Plains Board of Directors. “I am proud of this commitment, and the employee gifts will make a big difference, each and every day, right here in Cowley County.”

Union State Bank has a long-standing partnership with United Way through many of the organization’s local markets.

“I think it’s an easy way for our employees to help our community in many different aspects. United Way touches so many different agencies, doing the vetting of those agencies so that you know you are contributing to a reputable organization,” said Merresa Akers, AVP Human Resources for Union State Bank.

Founded in 1908, Union State Bank has banking locations within the communities of Arkansas City, Newton, Udall, Winfield and Wichita in Kansas, and in Bartlesville and Edmond, Oklahoma. Union State Bank offers a full range of electronic, deposit and investment management services, as well as business and agriculture, commercial real estate, construction, mortgage, residential and consumer loans. To learn more, visit their website at www.myunionstate.com.

ARKANSAS CITY, KS (January 1, 2020)—Docking Bancshares, Inc. parent company of Arkansas City, KS based Union State Bank has received final regulatory approval to acquire Midland Financial Corporation and its subsidiary Midland National Bank headquartered in Newton, KS. The closing of the transaction is effective immediately. Midland National Bank will continue to operate separately as “Midland, a division of Union State Bank”, until the third quarter of 2020 when the banking systems are converted. At that time, the bank will rebrand to Union State Bank.

Until the bank system conversion and rebranding is complete, customers of Union State Bank and Midland National Bank should continue to conduct business as usual at their existing bank locations. Customers should continue to use their same checks, debit cards, online banking and other services. Midland National Bank customers can expect to receive additional information from Union State Bank well in advance of any changes. If customers have questions, they should contact their local branch office. Ron Lang, President of Midland National Bank, has agreed to continue as Union State Bank’s Newton Market President and will be available to answer questions and assist Midland customers with the transition.

Eric Kurtz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Union State Bank, stated “We were pleased to receive the approval so quickly and we have already begun the process of integrating the two organizations, working with teams from both banks. We want this to be a smooth transition for Midland customers and will be working hard to ensure that it is. We want to assure Midland customers that we will provide best-in-class banking services and continue to be a strong and visible partner to the Newton community.”

Bill Docking, President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board for Docking Bancshares, Inc. stated, “We are pleased to welcome Midland National Bank customers to our Union State Bank family. They will continue to do business with the same familiar faces they know, and we will continue to offer the hometown service and hometown values to which they’ve grown accustomed. We are extremely pleased to welcome our new Newton area customers to Union State Bank!”

With the closing of this transaction Union State Bank’s total asset size is approximately $475 million and adds five additional Kansas banking locations.

Sandler O’Neill + Partners, L.P. and The Capital Corporation served as financial advisors, and Stinson LLP served as legal counsel to Docking Bancshares, Inc. Hampton & Royce, L.C. served as legal counsel to Midland Financial Corporation.

About Docking Bancshares and Union State Bank

Docking Bancshares, Inc. is a privately held holding company, headquartered in Arkansas City, Kansas and the parent company of Union State Bank. Since 1956 control of Union State Bank has resided with the Docking Family, with Bill Docking serving as the Board Chairman and Brian Docking serving as Senior Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors. Eric Kurtz has served as the President since 2011 and the CEO since 2014. As of June 30, 2019, the holding company and its subsidiary bank had assets totaling $339 million.

Founded in 1908, Union State Bank has ten banking locations serving communities of Arkansas City, Udall, Winfield and Wichita in Kansas and Bartlesville and Edmond in Oklahoma. Union State Bank offers a full range of electronic, deposit and cash management services, as well as business and agriculture, commercial real estate, construction, mortgage, residential and consumer loans.

ARKANSAS CITY, KS (October 15, 2019)—Docking Bancshares, Inc. parent company of Arkansas City, KS based Union State Bank, and Midland Financial Corporation, parent company of Midland National Bank headquartered in Newton, KS, are pleased to announce the signing of an agreement for Docking Bancshares, Inc. to acquire Midland Financial Corporation and its subsidiary, Midland National Bank. The transaction is anticipated to close in the 4th quarter of this year; however, Midland National Bank will continue to operate separately as “Midland”, a division of Union State Bank, until the third quarter of 2020 when the banking systems are converted. At that time, the bank will rebrand to Union State Bank.

Until the bank system conversion and rebranding is complete, customers of Union State Bank and Midland National Bank should continue to conduct business as usual at their existing bank locations. Throughout the process, customers of Midland National Bank can expect to receive additional information from Union State Bank well in advance of any changes. If customers have questions, they should contact their local branch office.

Eric Kurtz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Union State Bank, stated “Both organizations are deeply-rooted in the communities in which we serve, with Midland celebrating its 126th year anniversary and Union State Bank celebrating its 111th year anniversary. As we look towards the future of community banking, we have been specifically searching for a franchise team that exhibits a similar fabric of goals and values not only in providing best-in-class banking services for customers, but also in providing a top-tier environment that positively impacts the daily lives of all other stakeholders and employees. As such, we are tremendously pleased that Midland National’s President, Ron Lang, has agreed to continue to work with us in the position of Market President. Ron’s knowledge of the community and Midland’s customers is a tremendous asset as he shares our philosophy in how we value our customer relationships and how we conduct our banking business.”

Bill Docking, President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board for Docking Bancshares, Inc. stated, “We are extremely pleased with this opportunity to expand our bank locations into Newton. However, this purchase was about much more than that. Our banks complement each other. Both banks share the same values of providing exceptional customer service, community support and–most importantly–trust. This will be Union State Bank’s third community bank merger since 2006 and we have endeavored in our previous acquisitions to ensure successful continuity through a smooth transition for customers and employees alike. Midland National Bank customers can be assured that we will continue to offer the hometown service and hometown values to which they’ve grown accustomed.”

Commenting on the announcement John Suderman, Chairman of the Board of Midland National Bank stated, “We look forward to working with the team at Union State Bank to make this a successful and seamless transition for everyone involved. Union State Bank is a financially-sound community bank with a long and rich history of community involvement and personalized customer service. It is evident to me this opportunity will enhance our ability to provide elevated banking options with the convenience of more locations across Kansas coupled with a broader array of financial products and services. It’s definitely a win-win for both of our banks and our customers.”

At closing the merger will bring Union State Bank’s total asset size to more than $475 million and add five additional Kansas branch locations. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the approvals of the appropriate regulatory authorities and the shareholders of Midland Financial Corporation.

Sandler O’Neill + Partners, L.P. and The Capital Corporation served as financial advisors, and Stinson LLP served as legal counsel to Docking Bancshares, Inc. Hampton & Royce, L.C. served as legal counsel to Midland Financial Corporation.

About Docking Bancshares and Union State Bank

Docking Bancshares, Inc. is a privately held holding company, headquartered in Arkansas City, Kansas and the parent company of Union State Bank. Since 1956 control of Union State Bank has resided with the Docking Family, with Bill Docking serving as the Board Chairman and Brian Docking serving as Senior Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors. Eric Kurtz has served as the President since 2011 and the CEO since 2014. As of June 30, 2019, the holding company and its subsidiary bank had assets totaling $339 million.

Founded in 1908, Union State Bank has ten banking locations serving communities of Arkansas City, Udall, Winfield and Wichita in Kansas and Bartlesville and Edmond in Oklahoma. Union State Bank offers a full range of electronic, deposit and cash management services, as well as business and agriculture, commercial real estate, construction, mortgage, residential and consumer loans.

About Midland National Bank

Midland National Bank is a $136 million (6/30/19) community bank established in Newton, KS in 1893. The bank has five banking locations serving Newton and the surrounding areas. For more information, visit Midland National Bank’s website at www.midland.bank.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the global economy, placing millions of Americans on unemployment. In response, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law on March 27^th providing over $2 trillion in economic relief.

One of the programs established by the CARES Act is the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The program is implemented by the Small Business Administration and supported by the Department of Treasury to provide small businesses with funds to maintain payroll and cover applicable overhead. Funds are eligible for use on a business’s rent, utilities, and interest on mortgages, but prioritizes job retention by providing up to eight-weeks of payroll costs, including benefits.

Union State Bank (USB) was one of many banks assisting small business customers in applying for PPP loans. Bank-wide USB was able to approve over $27 million in loans to community businesses, with the average loan size being approximately $126,000.00.

The Payroll Protection Program’s initial application period opened on April 3^rd. For many of Union State Bank’s customers the PPP program provided assistance at just the right time. Shannon Martin, Director of the Burford Theater Arts, shared some of the issues facing the historic theater.

“We had to cancel or postpone 28 events in March and April. The PPP loan will help get us through this time with very little income for our operations. We appreciate the work of Union State Bank in helping us process this loan. It was very streamlined and easy to accomplish,” Martin said.

Prairieview Christian Camp was also approved for a PPP loan, as it is currently unable to host the youth camps, business retreats, weddings, and other large group gatherings it has become known for.

“From start to finish I felt like (USB) had our best interests at heart, and were trying to help us out. I really appreciate their diligence in getting this taken care of for us,” explained Phil Weece, the camp’s Executive Director.

While the Payroll Protection Program issues funds in the form of loans, the loan is fully forgiven if the business can show the money was used on program approved expenditures. At least 75% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll.

“Norm’s Coffee Bar here in Newton employees ten people from our community. In our growth moments we feel like that’s an incredible opportunity for our little coffee shop to contribute to the flourishing of our community. With the pandemic it also felt like a lot of weight and responsibility to be able to continue employing the people that work for Norm’s. Being able to have the PPP loan to take care of our employees through these uncertain times was just a huge burden lifted off of our shoulders,” said Tami Lakey, owner of Norm’s Coffee Bar and customer of Midland Bank – a division of Union State Bank.

Funds for the PPP program were initially capped at $350 billion, a limit which was reached within two weeks of the programs start. An unheard-of pace for commercial lending, which could have left many business owners unclear about the program’s application process and record keeping requirements.

Union State Bank loan officers and support staff worked together to locally process the PPP applications in a way that was understandable for the client, yet highly efficient.

“I was more than pleased with the level of personal service I received from my banker to walk through the steps of getting the loan done quickly and efficiently. They provided answers to my questions all the way from beginning to the funding in my account,” said FM Abrams, owner of Affordable Septic Tank Service.

An additional $310 billion was approved for the Paycheck Protection Program on April 24^th.

“We continue to work with our customers throughout all Union State Bank markets to assist with their financial needs. Our communities rely on healthy and growing businesses. We are proud to be there for those businesses, particularly during these trying times, said Eric Kurtz, President / CEO, Union State Bank.

About Union State Bank

Founded in 1908, Union State Bank has banking locations serving communities of Arkansas City, Newton, Udall, Winfield and Wichita in Kansas and Bartlesville and Edmond in Oklahoma. Union State Bank offers a full range of electronic, deposit and cash management services, as well as business and agriculture, commercial real estate, construction, mortgage, residential and consumer loans.

Bill and Judy Docking, longtime supporters of the University of Kansas' flagship campus in Lawrence, believe in the mission of KU School of Medicine-Wichita just as strongly. Their latest gift is $10,000 to support the development of young faculty in the Department of Family & Community Medicine.

"I appreciate the importance of there being a branch of KU School of Medicine in Wichita, and Salina as well," Bill Docking said. "I briefly served on the board of what is called 4-Wichita (a board overseeing expansion of the Wichita campus) and really got to understand the need then. And so we have followed with interest the progress that the Wichita branch is making and wanted to reach out and help in this way."

The need Docking refers to is for physicians to practice in underserved parts of Kansas, something that KU Wichita is focused on achieving.

Bill Docking is chairman of the board of Union State Bank of Arkansas City, while Judy is a retired nurse who cared for patients in Ark City and Ponca City, Oklahoma. Judy's daughter, Jennifer Worley, is an intensive care nurse at Alliance Healthcare Ponca City hospital.

The Docking family has a long history of service in Kansas. Bill is the son of former Gov. Robert Docking (1967-75) and the grandson of former Gov. George Docking (1957-61). His brother, Tom, served as lieutenant governor.

Bill and Tom were born in Lawrence and grew up in Arkansas City, where their father bought a majority interest in the bank in the mid 1950s. Bill earned a law degree from KU in 1973 and an MBA four years later. After working in Kansas City for seven years, he joined the Arkansas City bank in 1983.

Bill and Judy's first major gift to KU - $1 million - went to establish a professorship in the School of Business, create scholarships for law students and other purposes. They've previously donated $45,000 to KU Wichita, including $30,000 for its expansion in 2010.

Bill Docking said that after another gift, Dr. Rick Kellerman, chair of the Department of Family & Community Medicine, and Brad Rukes, development director for KU Wichita, "came to thank Judy and me for that contribution and to brief us on the progress that the School of Medicine is making in educating doctors who choose to stay in Kansas. I was so impressed with their presentation that I sent them a letter afterward saying Judy and I would like to make a contribution to be used for faculty development."

The money "is basically to provide enhancements for young faculty members," he added. "In one case it was to attend a national conference."

Union State Bank is currently in what Docking calls "growth mode," expanding in recent years with branches in Wichita and Bartlesville. While the bigger cities it serves have numerous physicians, Docking said the need for more physicians in small towns and rural areas is clear.

"It's essential that they have access to adequate health care."

Originally published by KU School of Medicine-Wichita,

1010 North Kansas
Wichita, KS 67214-3199
316-293-2635

Eric Kurtz, President and CEO of Union State Bank (“USB”), headquartered in Arkansas City, Kansas, has announced that Brad Bryant, previously Vice President of Ag/Commercial Lending, has been promoted to Arkansas City Market President. In this position, Bryant will use his in-depth financial and agricultural knowledge to provide expertise and oversight in all aspects of banking for Union State Bank’s South Central Kansas clients. Bryant will work out of USB’s Ark City Main branch, located at 127 S. Summit Street.

“For me, it is an opportunity to continue to expand my role within the Union State Bank organization, and lead the organization in a market I am passionate about. The market that isn’t just home for me, but also home for the corporate organization,” Bryant said.

Bryant was raised in Arkansas City and is a graduate of Arkansas City High School, Cowley College and Oklahoma State University. After college, he worked in the accounting field, serving in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Atlanta, Georgia; and Winfield, Kansas prior to entering the field of banking in 2016.

“From a lending perspective the transition will be seamless, continuing to serve the ag and commercial customers in the Ark City and surrounding markets. Additionally, I will be developing new relationships with several of our current customers, with the intent of continuing to provide the high level of customer service that those customers are used to,” Bryant said.

Bryant is a life-long farmer and rancher who continues to be involved with Cowley County Farm Bureau and Kansas Farm Bureau. Through those organizations, he is an advocate for agriculture by assisting with local programs in schools, ag education in the community, and also being active as a voice in Topeka and Washington D.C.

“Brad is well versed in agriculture, and is able to provide this expertise to our customers in those particular fields of work. As Arkansas City Market President, he permanently joins our Leadership Team within the organization and will co-chair the Arkansas City Loan Committee. Brad will lead the Arkansas City market through excellent customer service, expanding our calling efforts, and providing sound decisioning,” stated Kurtz.

Founded in 1908, Union State Bank has banking locations within the communities of Arkansas City, Newton, Udall, Winfield and Wichita in Kansas, and in Bartlesville and Edmond, Oklahoma. Union State Bank offers a full range of electronic, deposit and investment management services, as well as business and agriculture, commercial real estate, construction, mortgage, residential and consumer loans. To learn more, visit their website at www.myunionstate.com.

Winfield, Kan., May 11, 2017 — The Southwestern College Business Hall of Fame added three new names Saturday, April 22. Eric Kurtz, Brian Pettey, and Dennis Hodges have joined the ranks of other distinguished business leaders in Southwestern College history and were inducted as part of Founders Weekend activities. The Business Builder Award was presented to Kline Motors.

This year’s inductees included:

• Eric Kurtz ’92 is CEO and president of Union State Bank, the culmination of a career that began immediately after graduation. Kurtz progressed from night processor to senior vice president of Pioneer Bank and Trust in Ponca City before the bank was acquired in 2006. During his tenure the group became one of only three Oklahoma banks with Preferred Lender Program status with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Following acquisition by RCB Bank, Kurtz became senior vice president of commercial lending. In 2009, he joined Union State Bank. He became president of the bank in 2011, rising to CEO and president in 2014. During his tenure, the bank has expanded into Bartlesville, Okla., and Wichita, acquired RelianzBank, and has been recognized as one of the healthiest banks in the nation.

• Brian Pettey ’96 is CEO of Robotzone, LLC, a business he founded in a Reid residence hall room during his senior year at Southwestern. Located in Winfield, the initial focus of Robotzone was designing and manufacturing robots and robotic components for educational purposes. In 2002, Robotzone began developing more advanced products that were suited for more diverse markets. Robotzone has assisted companies with NASA missions, had robots displayed at the Kennedy Space Center, and constructed robots to help kids learn in thousands of classrooms worldwide. Pettey has also assisted in the development of robots used to protect solders in war zones as well as in television programs and movies. Currently, Robotzone is designing a modular robotic construction system. Pettey has invented numerous products and holds more than 30 patents.

• Dennis Hodges ’81 is the founder/CEO of Creatalyst, a global strategy boutique that teaches executives, educators, students, and entrepreneurs how to unlock creativity and drive innovation. Hodges started with a self-designed degree in aesthetics and humanities that taught him to see relationships and connections among seemingly dissimilar items. This set the course for his life’s work, which combines photography, creativity, and strategy. Living for 14 years in Hungary taught him to look at issues from multiple perspectives and appreciate the local nuances that shape world views. He has worked on five continents, including speaking at TEDx Danubia. His work has been shown globally and is in the permanent collection of museums and private collectors. Dennis also launched the lifestyle brand Dream. Believe. Do. and hosts its podcast.

• Kline Motors was established in 1963 by Don and Virginia Kline as a family-owned business and has served Winfield and the Cowley County area for more than half a century. Its mission stresses the company’s commitment to the community. Pat Biddle started his career in 1975 in the service and parts departments and continued the tradition of supporting the community that included Southwestern College as he assumed leadership of the company. Kline Motors is now a third-generation business with Pat’s son, Jeremy, set to take ownership of the business. Following in the family footsteps, Jeremy’s son, Wyatt, 14, works summers in the dealership.

Southwestern College is a private institution granting undergraduate and graduate degrees and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. About 1,700 students attend classes at the main Winfield campus, at five professional studies sites in Kansas and Oklahoma, or online around the world.

Keep up with the latest news and happenings with Union State Bank!