Bank Marketing Strategy
At Peoples Bank, their vision statement, “Where Values Matter!” is the foundation of everything they do.
From customer care to community impact, Peoples Bank is committed to exceeding customers’ expectations and enriching lives in Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota.
A Legacy Rooted in Community
With ten locations, Peoples Bank has spent generations building trust in the communities it serves. What started as a local institution has grown into a dynamic financial partner that remains grounded in its mission:
• Exceed customers’ expectations
• Create a dynamic environment that promotes personal and professional growth
• Enrich our communities through contributions of time, talent, and resources
• Provide optimal long-term value to shareholders
In every interaction, you’ll find the bank’s vision in action.
A Culture That Goes Beyond Banking
When Peoples Bank Marketing Officer Bonita Van Otterloo talks about what makes Peoples Bank different, she doesn’t hesitate: “Our people and our culture.”
From the inside out, the Peoples Bank team lives by core values like honesty, integrity, and respect. They’re committed to excellence and embrace change to fuel progress.
That means going the extra mile—sometimes literally. Like the time an employee chased down a customer’s deposit slip, blown away by the wind, for two blocks. Or when team members served meals, worked in homes, and cleaned up trails in Rock Valley after the devastating floods of 2024. These aren’t just random acts; they reflect a company culture that values service above all.
And it’s not just about customers. “We love our customers, but it’s deeper than that. We care about our communities as a whole,” says Bonita. Through employee-based giving, team members are given a yearly stipend and empowered to support causes they care about, proving that values aren’t just printed on corporate posters but lived out in action by every person you will see inside a Peoples Bank bank location.
Local Impact That Lasts
Peoples Bank has built a legacy of meaningful community involvement, perhaps nowhere more visible than in its annual Christmas For A Cause event, hosted by the Sioux Center location. This annual tradition celebrates not just the holiday season but also the extraordinary generosity of the people it serves.
Launched in 2021, Christmas For A Cause transforms Heritage Village into a dazzling Christmas lights display—a gift to the community that invites families from Sioux Center and surrounding towns to walk through the glowing pathways, soak in the festive atmosphere, and enjoy hot chocolate on weekends. But the real magic comes from the people. Each year, Peoples Bank selects a local nonprofit to support, and attendees, though never required, give freely and generously. Donation boxes at the event and online giving options make it easy for the community to contribute, and they do so every year.
Past causes have included:
• ATLAS and Center for Financial Education
• Family Crisis Centers
• Katelyn’s Fund
• Midwest Honor Flight
What started as a simple idea has evolved into a meaningful movement, driven not just by holiday cheer but by a shared commitment to helping others. Christmas For A Cause reflects what makes Peoples Bank, and the communities it serves, so special: a deep-rooted culture of giving, caring, and showing up for one another.
A Legacy of Longevity and Steady Support
The Lester bank location is celebrating 80 years of service this year, a milestone that speaks to the strong local ties Peoples Bank has built over generations. The anniversary will be marked with a relaxed community meal in the park, along with fun and excitement, all designed to bring people together in a way that feels both familiar and meaningful.
And when life in the community is less predictable—during floods or other natural disasters—Peoples Bank responds quickly. “Our communities show up for each other, so it’s natural for us to work alongside them,” adds Bonita.
Helping Customers Thrive
Bonita emphasizes the importance of personal relationships: “We know our customers by name, and we’re here for them at every age and stage of life.”
Peoples Bank offers a wide range of services to meet the unique needs of individuals and small businesses.
These include:
• Apoyo, a dedicated Spanish Services Team
• Live digital banking support through an upgraded platform
• My Money Manager, a free personal budgeting tool
• Fraud prevention workshops, held throughout the communities they serve at no charge
• Treasury management tools and Autobooks for small businesses
• Teach Children to Save is a financial literacy program for first-grade classrooms. It stars “Perk the Dog,” a Peoples Bank store, and lots of fun and interactive ways to learn how to save and spend.
• Peoples Little Perks, a kid’s savings program where kids earn rewards for saving their money.
Whether you’re opening your first account, growing a business, or looking for wealth management guidance, the team at Peoples Bank is ready to walk alongside you.
Behind the Scenes: A Strong Partnership
Peoples Bank partners with BankBound to extend the impact of its marketing efforts. “We’re a small team,” Bonita says, “and BankBound helps us cover what we can’t do alone—blogs, SEO, website optimization. You speak our language.” Monthly strategy calls and regular reporting keep the team aligned and moving toward shared goals. The partnership ensures that Peoples Bank’s online presence reflects the same level of care and quality they offer in every customer interaction.
Proud to Be Part of the Team
At BankBound, we’re grateful for the opportunity to support banks like Peoples Bank. Helping out with marketing tasks is just part of it; what we value is working with teams who genuinely care about their communities. It’s a privilege to play a small role in sharing their story and highlighting the good work they do every day.
