Union State Bank (USB) has found a meaningful way to connect with its communities by sponsoring local football games. From high school homecomings to college kickoffs, USB’s team members are stepping up to create memorable game day experiences while fostering closer ties with customers and local residents.
During the Arkansas City (KS) Bulldogs' Homecoming game, USB employees greeted fans and community members, showcasing the bank’s dedication to local support. Arkansas City Market President Bradley Bryant reflected on the importance of these interactions, saying, “The bank’s participation allows us the opportunity to strengthen community connections and support the community that is our home.” The homecoming game sponsorship allowed USB employees to connect face-to-face with community members, reinforcing USB’s unique position as a true community partner.
Bryant, who enjoys witnessing the enthusiasm at these events, shared, “My favorite part of events like these is seeing the community come together and feeling the excitement in the air. Greeting the fans as they head to grab a burger and enjoy the Friday night lights.”
For USB, these events go beyond traditional sponsorship; they are an opportunity to support community spirit and show that they are more than just a bank. Union State Bank’s commitment to local engagement extends across all of their markets, including Udall, KS where Branch Coordinator Julie Von Bon and her team support USB’s annual sponsorship of the Senior Night football game. Von Bon noted, “Union State Bank has participated in the Senior Night football game for several years. We chose this game to help celebrate the seniors and their accomplishments.”
Von Bon’s favorite part of the event is “just visiting with people outside of the bank environment,” and she added that she loves seeing the excitement of young fans choosing items from the giveaway table. Interactions like these allow USB to deepen relationships with existing customers and introduce themselves to new ones, reinforcing their commitment to the Udall community.
Further north, Union State Bank's Newton team made its mark as the sponsor for Bethel College’s first home football game of the season, with Newton Market President Bryan White leading the charge. Contacted by Bethel College’s Athletic Director Tim Swartzendruber, White was excited to accept the opportunity. “Bethel College is an important part of the Newton community,” he shared, “and we have numerous customers that are alumni from Bethel University or work at the University.”
USB took the opportunity to distribute free T-shirts bearing the Bethel and USB logos, which created a lively crowd eager to secure the limited-edition shirts. For White, seeing the bank’s customers and connecting with the broader community in a non-banking environment was a highlight. He expressed enthusiasm for making the Bethel game sponsorship an annual tradition, underscoring the event’s value for both the bank’s employees and customers.
Across each branch and community, Union State Bank employees embody the values of commitment and service that go beyond financial transactions. As Bryant shared, “We’re grateful for the opportunity to give back to our community. It’s a chance for us to show that we’re more than just a bank; we’re neighbors invested in the success and happiness of the community.” Through these game-day sponsorships, USB affirms its role as a community bank dedicated to fostering relationships and supporting local milestones, ensuring that they remain a valued neighbor within their markets and beyond.
Union State Bank’s presence at these events is a reminder of the power of community banking, where every interaction is an opportunity to celebrate shared moments, create memories, and invest in the community’s future.
About Union State Bank: Founded in 1908, Union State Bank has banking locations serving communities of Arkansas City, Newton, Udall, Winfield, and Wichita in Kansas and in Bartlesville and Edmond, Oklahoma. Union State Bank offers a full range of electronic, deposit and cash management services, as well as business and agriculture, commercial real estate, construction, mortgage, residential and consumer loans. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender, NMLS# 412388