USB Named Extraordinary Bank

Union State Bank (USB) has been named one of the nation’s most extraordinary banks by The Institute for Extraordinary Banking™. USB received the 2026 Banky™ Award in recognition of its service to customers and its investment in communities across Kansas and Oklahoma.

The Institute for Extraordinary Banking (IEB) highlights the vital role community banks play in the nation’s economy through its annual awards ceremony held in conjunction with the Best Banks in America Super Conference. The 2026 awards ceremony marks the eleventh anniversary of the event. The national award recognizes community banks that make a meaningful difference through customer service, innovation and local impact. Union State Bank was one of twenty-two community banks from across the nation to be described on the IEB website as “worthy to receive Banky Awards for their commitment to strong community banking.”

“This award belongs to the people who make Union State Bank what it is,” said Eric Kurtz, Union State Bank President and CEO. “Our employees take the time to know our customers, understand their goals and show up for the communities we serve. We’re grateful for the trust our customers place in us, and this recognition encourages us to keep earning it every day.”

Through the award process, Union State Bank was recognized for understanding the value of knowing its customers and the markets it serves. USB pairs that local knowledge with technology that makes banking more convenient and accessible. The bank was praised for providing customers with more ways to manage their finances while still being able to speak with a banker who understands their goals.

“Community banks recognize the aspirations, dreams, and silent hopes of small businesses and families,” said Roxanne Emmerich, chair and founder of The Institute for Extraordinary Banking. “The heart and soul of an extraordinary bank is its visionary blueprint for its community’s success—and its commitment to making that vision real. This year’s honorees, our Top 5 Percenters™, embody that standard of excellence.”

Union State Bank’s recognition also reflects its commitment to employee development and civic participation. USB teams support causes that respond to local needs and volunteer for a variety of community events. Union State Bank strengthens communities through financial education via school and community programs covering topics such as saving, budgeting, credit, fraud prevention and responsible borrowing.

For Union State Bank’s 128 employees, the Banky Award recognizes the relationships they build and the work they do in the communities they call home. It also reflects the trust customers place in USB every day. As the bank continues to grow and introduce new ways to serve them, its commitment to personal service, local decisions and stronger communities remains at the heart of what it does.