Economic Impact Awards Banking Finalist: Ozark Mountain Bank

Chartered by local banking pioneer Ben Parnell in 1950 as Peoples Bank of Branson, the institution was purchased by Central Bancompany in 1988. Ozark Mountain Bank now has 102 employees, assets of nearly $280 million and six branches in Branson, Branson West and Hollister.

OMB’s growth can be traced, in part, to the growth of the Branson area.

The population of Stone and Taney counties increased 11 percent between 2004 and 2006, and according to the Ozarks Regional Economic Partnership, estimates show that Branson’s population has grown 32 percent since the 2000 Census.

Senior Vice President Karen K. Hall, who has been with Ozark Mountain Bank for 35 years, said watching the changes in the bank and the Branson area has been rewarding, especially considering the bank’s role in Branson-area growth.

“One of the best things for a banker is to be a part of that success for a business or even for a homeowner,” Hall said. “A prime example is Silver Dollar City. Mr. Parnell in the late ’50s made a loan to them to help them get started, and look where they are today.”

Being involved in the community has always been a source of pride for the bank, according to President and CEO C. Craig Richards.

“The bank has always, going back to its inception, been very active in the community both in leadership positions and in monetary donations to the community,” Richards said.

Community involvement is part of Central Bancompany’s philosophy, which also includes having local leaders in charge of the banks in the communities they serve.

Central Bancompany’s other bank holdings include Empire Bank in Springfield, Central Bank in Jefferson City and Central Bank of Lake of the Ozarks.

“Our company philosophy is to treat each bank we own as a community bank,” Richards said. “Each has its own board of directors, local people making the loan and management decisions.”

Local involvement allows the bank to know its customers on a more personal level, Richards said, which allows business to be done more quickly.

“People want their business to be handled promptly,” Richards said. “We take pride in that our tellers know (customers) by their names, and often the names of their children. It’s a great atmosphere in which to work and, we think, for our customers as well.”

That personal touch is one of the reasons Hall has enjoyed her 35 years with the institution.

She said she sees herself as more than a banker – she’s also a counselor.

“You not only have to be a financial adviser, but also have to be a shoulder to cry on if things don’t go well,” Hall said. “It’s rewarding from that standpoint, especially when you’re able to help.”

Richards said the community’s growth makes the outlook bright for Ozark Mountain Bank.

“We believe that the economy of the tri-lakes area will be strong for a long time,” Richards said.

“With the addition of Branson Landing, the new airport and the two new golf courses, plus new condo and residential development, it’s really a fun, exciting place to be in the banking business right now.”

Ozark Mountain Bank

Address: (Main) 400 S. U.S. Business 65, Branson, MO 65616

Phone: (417) 334-4125

Web site: www.ozkmtnbank.com

Employees: 102

2006 Assets: $278.9 million

2006 Deposits: $222.8 million[[In-content Ad]]