USB Reflects On 2025

USB Reflects on a Year of Change, Growth, and Community Impact in 2025

First Published December 2025

The year 2025 was defined by meaningful transitions, enhanced services, and a deep commitment to the communities Union State Bank serves.

The most significant moment of the year was the passing of longtime leader William “Bill” Docking, whose influence shaped the bank and the region for decades.

“There is no better legacy my uncle would have wanted than to have us carry on what he spent his life building,” Brian Docking, Chairman of the Union State Bank Board of Directors, expressed at the time of Bill’s passing.

Docking’s legacy was honored through multiple community tributes, including the designation of “Bill Docking Day” by the City of Arkansas City and the unveiling of the Docking Family Library at the Cherokee Strip Landrush Museum. These recognitions highlighted the Docking family’s lasting contributions to banking, public service, and local development, underscoring Union State Bank’s longstanding connection to community leadership and service.

“Each Docking understood the obligation owed to the country, the state and to the community. They all recognized that their goals were greater than themselves and Kansas is far better for it,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “To be a Docking is to exemplify the unique position not to be rooted in one’s immediate community but to serve the entire state.”

Union State Bank also made strategic updates to its account offerings in 2025, announcing the end of its partnership with Kasasa while introducing enhancements designed to better meet customer needs.

“KASASA has been a good partner for us over the years,” said Mike McWhirt, Union State Bank’s Chief Operations Officer. “But we are continuously looking for better ways to serve our customers, and changes are occasionally made to the products and services we offer.”

Customers were transitioned to accounts that emphasize flexibility, convenience, and offer competitive features, including high-yield savings options, automated savings tools, and early access to eligible direct deposits. These changes reflected the bank’s continued focus on delivering modern financial solutions while maintaining personalized service for customers.

“We have devoted a considerable amount of time and effort into enhancing our product offerings. I’m confident that our customers will find USB’s new accounts and features to be convenient and a noticeable improvement to their banking experience,” said McWhirt.

Protecting customers from fraud remained a key priority throughout the year, particularly for commercial clients. Union State Bank encouraged business customers to adopt Positive Pay, a fraud prevention tool that helps detect and prevent unauthorized or altered checks.

 “Positive Pay significantly reduces the risk of check fraud by ensuring that only checks that match your pre-approved list are processed for payment,” explains Amber Groene, Union State Bank’s Director of Treasury Services. 

The bank emphasized the importance of proactive security measures as fraud attempts continue to rise nationwide, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in safeguarding business finances.

“At Union State Bank, protecting your business accounts is one of our top priorities,” states Groene. “Your security is important to us, and we encourage you to take advantage of the services designed to protect your business.”

Leadership transitions were another major theme in 2025. The retirement of Arkansas City Market President Bradley Bryant marked the conclusion of nearly a decade of service, while new leadership appointments and internal promotions signaled continuity and growth. Zack Stoy was named Bryant’s replacement and was promoted to Market President on July 11^th.

“I strive to establish a strong, positive reputation as someone who genuinely supports local businesses and nonprofits,” said Stoy. “I plan to work closely with local leaders, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations to identify opportunities where Union State Bank can make a meaningful impact.”

The addition and advancement of experienced banking professionals strengthened Union State Bank’s local leadership teams and reinforced its commitment to relationship-driven banking in the communities it serves.

The bank also helped customers navigate broader changes in the financial landscape, including preparations for the end of penny production by the U.S. Mint. Union State Bank provided guidance on how everyday transactions would be affected and assured customers that the shift would have minimal impact, particularly as digital payments continue to grow. By proactively addressing these changes, the bank helped customers adapt with confidence.

“With the popularity of debit and credit cards, online banking, and apps like Apple Pay, it will have little impact,” said Julie VonBon, Market Coordinator for Union State Bank.

Together, these developments made 2025 a year that balanced reflection and progress for Union State Bank. By honoring its history, strengthening its leadership, enhancing products, and supporting customers through change, the bank closed the year well positioned to continue serving its communities with stability, trust, and forward-looking solutions.