The Kansas Bankers Association recently honored Citizens Bank of Kansas with the Century of Family Banking Award, which recognizes Kansas banks with continuous family leadership for 100 years.

In 2002, The Kansas Bankers Association (KBA) created the Century of Family Banking Award. This award is given to banks with members of the same family holding positions of leadership in their bank for a century or more. Since inception, only 12 banks have been given this prestigious award.

“One of the great strengths of the banking industry in Kansas is the fact that many of our banks have remained under the leadership of the same family for many, many years. It is my pleasure to congratulate and welcome Citizens Bank of Kansas to the very distinguished group of Century of Family Banking Award recipients,” states Doug Wareham, KBA President & CEO.

“Our banking family started in 1922 with my great-grandfather, Herbert H. ‘Bert’ Smith,” according to Jane Deterding, Chairman of Citizens Bank of Kansas and fourth-generation family banker. “My grandfather, Ray J. Deterding, and father, Max S. Deterding, followed Bert in the banking business.”  The family’s fourth generation is at the helm of CBK now (Mark Keeny & Jane Deterding) and the fifth generation is also involved in the bank (Sarah Keeny Moon). “Our sixth generation (Emma Mae Moon) will grow up learning this family legacy.”

“Throughout the generations, our focus has always been on the people associated with our bank — customers, staff, and our communities,” Deterding said. “My dad said it best: Banking isn’t a money business…it’s a people business.”