The Peoples Bank - Pratt's Giving Friend

Porter Loomis, President and CEO of The Peoples Bank, spoke of ways in which the bank works with and for Pratt’s growth and betterment. Peoples Bank is Pratt’s only locally owned bank and understands the importance of giving back to the community.

One of those is the Blythe Family Fitness Center. Porter shared that it was a project near and dear to his dad’s heart. His dad started running on his 50th birthday and realized the benefit. He was mentored by Roy Blythe and wanted to honor him. Thus- the Blythe Center was envisioned. While largely funded by The Peoples Bank, Porter shared that many community members were involved in the planning and creation of Blythe, including the builder, John Paul Jorns. 

The Blythe Center is a benefit to the people of Pratt through numerous fitness programs and a wide array of exercise equipment. Another hope of Peoples Bank has been realized in the many events held there. These include basketball, archery, volleyball, and gymnastics 

tournaments. Those have drawn a lot of visitor to Pratt, in turn contributing to the financial health of the city and its businesses. One evidence of that is, several years ago, Pratt had the highest bed tax revenue per capita in Kansas. This indicates many overnight visitors. They have a chance to see how great Pratt really is!

Merchant Park, at 4th and Main, in downtown Pratt is yet another project assisted by Peoples. The idea was conceived by participants in Pratt’s Leadership program and presented to the bank. 

The land was donated, and the vision of the Leadership class became reality. The Park has been used for different events including Saturday morning Farmers’ Markets, and even high school prom! 

Schools are another beneficiary of The Peoples Bank’s support. These forms of help may be as large as putting turf on a field, or smaller but no less important as coats and shoes for students. 

One program helping kids is the Jack Ewing After School Program, in honor of the late Jack Ewing. Jack was an employee of The Peoples Bank and a beloved member of the Pratt and surrounding communities. Jack was formerly a teacher who volunteered many hours tutoring students. All would agree Jack was a truly kind and all around great human being! This program is a great way to honor him by helping students. 

Thankfulness to all communities served by The Peoples Bank is being expressed through a new program. Bank employees are given the opportunity to designate one or two charities. The bank will then donate $2500 per employee to those causes.

Porter says the response is fantastic, and he shares it is one of the most rewarding experiences of his career. There has been a wide variety of choices by the employees, who’ve been thrilled to have this opportunity. Peoples Bank wants to thank the many who are giving in so many ways. This is being carried out through the Heartland Foundation, which benefits local non-profit groups. These groups may need to do a charity fundraiser under a 501c3 umbrella but lack the resources to do so. This giving program through employee’s charity choices and the bank’s donations is called “Greatness in Gratitude.”

Porter ‘s heartfelt statement says it truly, “We have so much to be thankful for. We have to take care of each other in small towns!” That’s the heart of Pratt, a great destination!