 
There's no need to settle for ordinary banking. That's why we offer a Coffee Cafe, Internet Surf Station, children's play area on two floors, a fireplace and water feature... all of this complete with lively music and enthusiastic people to help you. We also like to surprise our visitors now and then with warm oven baked cookies.
Of course these are not the only reasons you will like Decorah Bank & Trust. Please read on to find out why we think you will love your relationship with us!
Because we are not owned by outside investors typically interested in next quarters’ earnings, we are able to think differently. Decorah Bank & Trust is owned by the Grimstad family and its employees through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Decisions we make are long term in nature. There is no need to boost earnings short term because the bank is not for sale. We believe that, by treating our customers and employees fairly and with respect, the bank will prosper in the long run.
Banking, like all other industries, has become competitive. We understand that we must provide excellent service, convenience, and competitive pricing and services to maintain customer relationships. We will make every effort to do this, while also doing our part to help the community remain healthy and a great place to be. Additionally, our bank, directors, officers, and staff are committed to giving back to the community by offering time, talent, and resources to many worthy causes.
Our goal is to add value to our client relationships by identifying their needs and then helping them reach their goals.
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Vision
To be the bank people think of first when they have a financial need.
Mission
·We will... Exceed CUSTOMERS' expectations by helping them determine and achieve their financial goals.
·We will... Strengthen our COMMUNITY by providing time, talent and resources.
·We will... Create a workplace of choice for our EMPLOYEES.
·We will... Provide a fair return to our SHAREHOLDERS based on long-term objectives of strong leadership, growth and stability.
Core Values
1. Confidentiality. We ensure the privacy of sensitive information.
2. Professionalism. We are honest, trustworthy and respectful in everything we do.
3. Teamwork. We rely on each other and succeed together.
4. Sustainability. We seek opportunities to minimize our impact on the environment.
A Look Inside Decorah Bank & Trust (pdf)
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Decorah Bank and Trust Company was chartered by the State of Iowa in 1935. A group of Decorah citizens started the bank as Security Trust and Savings Bank during the Great Depression. The bank found itself struggling to survive in its first year and eventually sold to a bank liquidator named Ray Kaster. Mr. Kaster saved the bank from closing and successfully managed the bank for the next 24 years.
In 1960, Harold Grimstad purchased the bank and moved his family from Minnesota to Decorah.  The bank's name was changed to Security Bank & Trust Company. Mr. Grimstad managed and grew the bank for 18 years providing needed credit to the Decorah area. Larry Grimstad, Harold’s son, managed the bank for the next 24 years, continuing the tradition of community banking until 2002. In 2000, the bank changed its name to Decorah Bank & Trust Company to better reflect its purpose of serving the Decorah area.
In 2000 and 2002, Ben and Joseph Grimstad joined the organization to become the third generation of Grimstads to manage the bank. The Grimstad family is committed to serving the financial needs of the Decorah area for years to come.
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With the largest ATM network in the area, two drive-thru locations, a main facility with plenty of parking, Internet Banking with Free Bill Pay and Telephone Banking, we offer the most convenient access available in the area. Our staff prides itself in providing efficient service and our culture allows for quick decision making. We are open to serve your needs on Saturdays.
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You are our future. We want to hear from you if you have a suggestion about how we could serve our customers' better. Our commitment to being accessible is evident when you walk in to our main facility and find that the Presidential office is located immediately next to the front entrance. Ben Grimstad welcomes your visit any time.
Click here to print our customer survey and let us know your thoughts!
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Because we are locally owned and managed, we are able to make decisions, large and small, in a quick fashion. Our commercial borrowers have come to enjoy no-hassle, no-wait business banking.
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Our Trust and Investment Department allows you to manage your own investments or we can manage them for you. Trust brochure (pdf)
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We offer the most competitive national mortgage rates with a twist. While most banks sell the loans and loan servicing, our customers are serviced right here! This means that you will receive a faster response to any question that may come up. You can even apply online for your mortgage loan.
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The home of the area's largest and most active bank club! You will be amazed by the exciting trips, educational seminars, and new friends you will make along the way!
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Decorah Bank & Trust Co. is considered well capitalized by the FDIC. The bank is profitable and is growing capital. Strong capital is important to weather downturns in the economy. The bank is in good standing with its two primary regulators, the FDIC and the Iowa Division of Banking and is not subject to any written orders or corrective action directives.
Decorah Bank & Trust Co. practices common-sense lending. The bank’s non-current loans (loans delinquent 90+ days) as a percentage of total loans is .84% compared to the national average of over 4% as of October 2009.
The bank serves a stable and diverse community – the Decorah area which has not experienced the same rapid increase (and subsequent decrease) in asset values as other parts of the country.
For more information about the safety of our bank, please contact either Ben or Joe Grimstad at the bank.
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Because every customer has different needs, we employ the best people to meet those needs. We spend considerable time and effort educating our staff so they are effective in serving you.
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Decorah Bank & Trust Company believes in sharing its success with the community areas that we call home. Community involvement is encouraged and it shows through countless hours of volunteer time with many organizations in our busy community areas.
Community Volunteer List (pdf)
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