HILLS

Hills Bank is one of the largest banks in Iowa, something you might never guess given it is headquartered in Hills, a small town of fewer than 800 residents. Founded in 1904 by 19 local citizens, it holds the distinction of having survived the Great Depression when all five banks in nearby Iowa City failed, in addition to hundreds of other across the state.

The bank is still guided by its original purpose, established 120 years ago: “To truly care about the people we serve and provide ways to help them prosper.”

“Our cultural focus is one of service to our customers, friends and neighbors, and we are committed to giving back in the communities we serve,” Amanda Arn, 1st VP, Community & Shareholder Relations, said in an email. “Being headquartered in Hills, we remain committed to remaining locally owned and located. This means all decisions are made here, and that allows us to retain a truly local orientation and remain true to our Iowa roots and culture.”

Hills Bank is a platinum sponsor of the 2024 Kalona Home Show, and that level of support and involvement with such an important event for the community is a rule for the bank, rather than an exception. Every year, the bank gives corporate donations to hundreds of local organizations and non-profits.

“Our giving focus is aimed at supporting youth and education programming in Eastern Iowa, because we believe our support gives children (and adults) the tools they need to become better citizens and leaders in our communities,” Arn said.

The list of youth programs Hills Bank has supported is long. For example, in 2023, the bank provided 5,723 t-shirts for summer reading program participants at 19 local libraries. Since 2015, they have provided over 800 Carhartt coats to local seniors who have completed classes in the Architectural, Construction, and Engineering (ACE) program; since 2016, they have provided over 500 blue FFA jackets to students in 21 area school districts. Every year, bank employees take, print, and distribute photos of kids and their projects at the Johnson and Washington County 4-H Fairs. The list goes on.

“Hills Bank also realizes that having the appropriate facilities and resources is key to local efforts to better serve our community members,” Arn said.

Some of the local organizations and nonprofits the bank supported in 2023 include PAWS & More animal shelter’s new facility, the Kalona Chamber, and Main Street Washington. They have donated over $200K to relief organizations, including Hospice of Washington County, United Way of Johnson and Washington Counties, and tornado relief provided through organizations including Mennonite Disaster Services.

Our area in Southeast Iowa is known and loved for its kind-hearted, supportive community members. Hills Bank is one of them.