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This is Fred Ball, for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
As Pioneer Day approaches, I'd like to pay tribute to banking pioneers in the eastern part of the state. One hundred years ago, the Bank of Vernal was organized by community leaders to replace the Ashley Valley Co-op.
When the bank outgrew its original headquarters, plans were made for a new brick building. Now, I've told you before about this historic "Parcel Post Bank." It's known as the "the building that was shipped by mail." Each brick was individually packaged and mailed 407 miles by post as a cost-saving means of shipping. Well, the strange event caused Uncle Sam to quickly begin imposing weight limitations on U.S. Mail service.
Today, community banking in Eastern Utah remains as solid as this famous brick building. Bank of Vernal became Zions First National Bank, and a handful of the friendly employees behind the desks there have been with the organization for two to three decades. They are the people who have helped the community grow. Employees like branch manager Kevin Van Tassell make their banking decisions on a local level. They have helped finance and refinance thousands of homes in the valley, and have helped support diverse businesses, and agriculture and fuel industries.
They volunteer teaching financial education at local schools, they participate in the stock show, and they help paint the homes of elderly residents every year. These Zions employees carry on the pioneering spirit of community banking in Vernal. During the next few days, Zions Bank will celebrate the centennial anniversary of community banking in Vernal. At tonight's Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo, the bank is a participating sponsor and will offer free, old-fashioned peppermint candy sticks to the audience.
And on Friday, Zions is inviting the whole town to a barbecue lunch at the Cobblestone Park. During the celebration, Zions will be honoring longtime clients -- residents and businesses of Vernal who have banked at the Parcel Post Bank prior to 1950.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball, speaking on business.
