1911
Founding of Valley Bank
The original charter of Valley Bank is established as the State Bank of Somers. Five employees serve the bank in its first building, a small spot in downtown Somers.
1963
A.J. King Becomes Co-Owner
A.J. King, a Columbia Falls man, establishes co-ownership of the bank. Within two years, he’ll be appointed as a cashier and vice president.
1967
Largest Independent Bank
The bank, once the Flathead Valley’s smallest, becomes the largest independent bank in Northwest Montana.
1979
“Motor” Bank
The construction of the bank’s new ‘motor’ bank is finished.
1988
Money Magazine: Top 100 Safest Banks
Money Magazine includes Valley Bank among its top 100 Safest Banks in America. The bank also receives this recognition in 1989.
2011
100 Years in Business
The bank celebrates its 100th year in business.
2016
$110 Million In Assets
The Bank is currently worth over $110MM in assets and continues to be a Locally Owned and Operated Community Bank.
2024
Present Bank Directors
Present Bank Directors are Mark Hensley, Brad Kelsey, Karin Henion, Sonya Hensley, Steve Stahlberg, Vincent Rieger, and Brent Estep.
1961
J.L. Hensley Becomes President
J.L. Hensley, who began his tenure with the bank in 1958, becomes the president. By this time, the bank has already established a nationwide reputation as one of the county’s oldest, most trustworthy banks.
1964
Original Bank Directors
Original Bank Directors were A. J. King, J. L. Hensley, Marshall Murray, Lawrence O. Rude, Everit L. Sliter.
1968
Became “Americard” Agent
Valley Bank becomes 1st Montana Bank to be named a “Bank Americard” Agent (known later as Visa).
1984
King Serves As President IBAA
King serves a two-year term as president of the Independent Bankers Association of America.
Mark Hensley Joins Valley Bank
Current bank president, Mark Hensley, joins the team at Valley Bank of Kalispell after graduating from UM.
1998
$100 Million In Assets
Valley Bank hits $100 Million in assets.
2014
50 Years in Downtown Kalispell
The bank celebrates 50 years in the Kalispell downtown location.
2023
Best Performing Community Banks Of 2022 Under $3B In Assets
In March 2023, Valley Bank of Kalispell is named as one of the “Best Performing Community Banks of 2022 under $3B in assets”. Valley Bank of Kalispell was ranked in the Top 100 for banks in the US within this category.
