Landmark Community Bank

Landmark Community Bank's 111th Anniversary Celebration

Wednesday, 29 August 2012 10:30 News - Latest

Landmark Bank celebrates 111^th Year Anniversary

On June 29^th, Landmark Bank celebrated its 111^th anniversary with food and fun at each branch.

Isanti hosted a BBQ to a crowd of over 400 and featured the mellow jazz guitar of Brian Satterlee.  Our Ramsey branch also cooked up a well-attended BBQ and rocked out to both the young Elvis and Elvis Presley in his prime (AKA “Remembering the King” featuring the father/son team of Steve and Tommy Marcio).  A highlight was when the Elvis duo sang to a long-time employee who retired on the day of the celebration. Jimmy John’s provided tasty sandwich trays for those celebrating at the White Bear branch, where the children were entertained by colorful balloon animals and face painting. Anniversary cakes also were a delicious part of the refreshments.

After the anniversary event, a drawing was held and cash cards of $111 apiece awarded to 11 fortunate recipients.

Century of Service Award

As part of this celebration, Landmark Bank’s directors, management and staff offer thanks to our customers for their loyalty and trust over the years.  At the Isanti main bank, Marshall Mackay, President/CEO of the Independent Community Bankers of Minnesota, presented a US flag to Landmark Bank directors in recognition of a “century of service” as part of their program to mark significant anniversary milestones.   This flag is now on display at the Isanti bank.

A Little History of LCB

Originally opening in a small brick building on Main Street in downtown Isanti in 1901, State Bank of Isanti had total assets of $10,000. The Bank joined the other established businesses:  the creamery, mercantile, hardware store, lumber company, funeral parlor, grocery store, and a livery stable.  At the time, the community had a great need for banking services with the closest town miles away. On November 28, 1914, State Bank of Isanti changed its name to First State Bank of Isanti.

David C. Johnson acquired ownership in the mid-1970’s.  Deeply committed towards quality of product, customer service and community support, David’s heart became rooted in local youth projects in the areas of sports, scholarship and the arts.  The David C. Johnson Civic Arena in Isanti is named in his honor. 

Upon his father’s death in 1995, Kevin L. Johnson became Bank President.  Kevin shares his father’s commitment and carried the bank forward to become a national bank in 1996 when its name was changed to Landmark Community Bank.  LCB’s second branch opened in 1997 in Ramsey, along with a third branch in 2004 which is located in White Bear Township. In January 2007, Landmark celebrated the opening of a new building on Highway 65 in Isanti.

Landmark’s management, employees and Board of Directors remain committed to both customers and their community.  LCB is now part of a third generation of banking ownership, with Kevin’s son, T.Ryan Johnson, joining the Board this year.

Banking History

Last summer, as a build-up to this year’s anniversary celebration, customers were asked to bring in banking memorabilia dated before 1955.  Some items included a Certificate of Deposit from January 1943 (showing 6% interest!), a Statement of Condition as of June 30, 1953 and an Isanti ad from the late 30’s. The ad reflected Isanti County’s past economic structure, with the Bank offering cattle loans along with its checking and savings accounts.

The banking memorabilia is an appropriate addition for Landmark’s main bank located in Isanti, as the lobby is permanently set up with museum-like displays of banking history, including antique coin banks, the tools of early banking and an antique alarm system, along with historical photos of Isanti’s main street and Isanti County’s first schools.