Where are your main bank and branches located? What is the market like?

United State Bank’s main branch is located in Lewistown with branches in Canton, Ewing, Edina, Shelbina and Palmyra. We are primarily Ag-based, but our markets have been growing in recent years, which we are always happy to see.

What is something unique about your bank?

Our bank is a family-owned and operated business. As a fourth-generation banker, I am proud to be a part of my family’s business, working alongside my father and brothers. Our bank was founded by Lorenzo Gnuse Sr. in 1922 as Durham State Bank, formerly Durham Savings Bank. Lorenzo Sr. assisted in liquidating failing banks in Missouri due to the depression. In 1928, the citizens of Lewistown chartered Mr. Gnuse to open another bank. He worked alongside his wife Ida and brother Solomon and established Lewistown State Bank. Both banks remained open, and in 1936, they merged. In 1973 under the operation of Lorenzo Jr., the Ewing Branch was opened, and in 1991 Edina was opened. The name was then changed to United State Bank. Charles Gnuse, my father, has been with United State Bank since 1996 and led us into our 100th year of business!

How did you get started in the banking business?

Growing up around bankers was my normal, so in 2014, I joined the bank as a teller while still in high school. I worked as a teller throughout those years, as well as other departments within the bank during my summers and time off from school. After graduating from Quincy University in May 2020, I worked as the Internal Auditor, and in August of 2021, I was given the opportunity to move to Compliance, where I work now.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned from this career so far?

Just when you think you’ve gotten the hang of things, something new is thrown your way! Rules and regulations are constantly changing, and there is always something new to learn. For me, this has also led to personal growth. Constant changes have taught me patience, and it’s also gotten me out of my task-oriented ways. In Compliance, the job is never done, and that’s very difficult for some people to grasp.

Tell us about the bank’s community investment efforts.

Our bank is very involved in our communities. Whether we are donating to schools, FFA, or sponsoring other community organizations, you will always see us out and about. Our bank prides itself on the amount of volunteer work our employees do within the communities, giving us time to get out and interact with our customers outside of work.

What is the bank’s biggest challenge in internet banking/mobile banking?

Protecting our customers from scams is always a big concern for our institution. We also face other challenges pertaining to our customer base. Being in a rural area, it is hard to get customers to access internet banking or new products using online banking. It comes down to finding a balance in new technology, what is worth the investment, and whether our customers will use it.

What’s your favorite thing about your bank/banking in general?

I have always been proud of our bank’s involvement within communities and our employees’ relationships with customers. It’s always nice to see smiling faces when interacting with your customer base. h.

If you didn’t have a career in banking, what other career would you choose?

If I didn’t work in banking, I would have followed a career in nursing. Caring for others has always been a passion, and I feel it would be a very rewarding experience.