MINNEAPOLIS – Pioneer Bank, with eight locations in southern Minnesota, was named among the top three extraordinary banks in the United States by The Institute for Extraordinary Banking™.

Pioneer Bank was recognized with the Institute’s Overall Excellence Banky™ Award for exemplary performance in five areas of banking: philanthropy, customer service, thought leadership, workplace culture and financial literacy education.

“The role of a community bank is to be a partner with the communities they serve,” said Pioneer Bank CEO, David Krause. “Our ownership and staff are ‘all in’ on that commitment and this recognition reflects the effectiveness of that partnership. To be recognized as a national finalist for four consecutive years is humbling and motivates us to make an even greater commitment to make our communities better in the years ahead.”

The Extraordinary Banking™ Awards highlight the vital, yet often overlooked, role that local community banks play in our economy. Without a vibrant local banking industry, small businesses and families often lack the have-your-back support of a true community bank that makes communities really thrive.

The Extraordinary Banking™ Awards recognize the best of what community banks offer to our cities, towns and nation–a true commitment to the success of the small businesses and local community they serve.

Roxanne Emmerich, Chair and Founder of The Institute for Extraordinary Banking, proclaimed during the awards ceremony, “Community banks are the backbone of America: They are what keeps a community thriving. When a community bank leaves a community, small businesses often struggle to stay and jobs leave. Every robust community has a strong community bank that understands how to help that community thrive and grow.”

Pioneer Bank is a community bank with eight locations throughout southern Minnesota including Mankato, North Mankato, St. James, St. Peter, Madelia, Mapleton, Lewisville and Lake Crystal.