History

1875

In 1875 the need of more ample banking facilities became apparent in the village of New Ulm. It was in response to this need that Citizens National Bank was organized and on February 1, 1876 it opened its doors for the first time.
Citizens' first president, Michael Mullen, held his post for 35 years -- from 1875 until his death in 1910.
1883

Citizens National Bank continued as a nation bank until 1883, when the directors thought the bank would be better as a private bank. The name was changed to Citizens Bank.
1908

Citizens Bank incorporated as a State bank and operated as Citizens State Bank of New Ulm.
1910

A.W. Bingham takes over as president of Citizens.
1912

Chas. Silverson is named president.
1914

Construction of Citizens new building on Minnesota Street is complete. The bank still occupies this building today.
1914

O.M. Olsen becomes president
1930

H.N. Somsen Sr. becomes the bank's fifth president.
1933

F.H. Retzlaff becomes the president of Citizens , and serves for twenty years.
1953

A.G. Meile is named president of Citizens.
1956

Citizens offered the very first drive up banking in the city of New Ulm.
1960

H.H. Prahl is named president.
1964

V.P. Reim is named president.
1968

R.C. Eichten becomes the new president of Citizens.
1973

With continued growth of the bank, a total renovation and expansion of the bank occurs.
1975

The Junior Bankers Club was established in, offering savings accounts for children with opportunities to learn about banking, with the enhancement college scholarship program 1999.
1981

D.J. Gollnast is named president of Citizens.
1982

The Gluck-n-Spiel Club began for customers 55 and older offering social activities and trips.
1983

The Board of Directors authorized a name change from Citizens State Bank of New Ulm to Citizens Bank of New Ulm.
1984

Keeping pace with technological advances, Citizens installed their first ATM, giving account holders access to their money 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
1988

L.H. Geistfeld is named the new president of Citizens
1988

When another adjacent property, known as the "Office Bar", became available in 1988, Citizens acquired it, expanding the existing bank building again.
1989

Seeking to provide customers with more comprehensive financial services, Citizens merged with the Prange-Herbeck Insurance Agency, becoming Citizens Agency in 1989.
1992

Citizens expands its business with the purchase of the branch office is Lafayette .
1998

Citizens purchases the LaSalle branch, further extending its business.
2000

At the turn of the century, Citizens main office proceeded in a major renovation project as a way to greet the new millennium. Through the renovation, the beautiful architecture of the 1914 bank building was reclaimed - while updating the facility to offer the best personal service and technology to the customers.
2001

Citizens launches online banking.
2003

With the growth and expansion, the Board of Directors authorized the name change from Citizens Bank of New Ulm to Citizens Bank Minnesota to more accurately reflect all the communities we serve.
2004

Continuing our growth, Citizens searched for opportunities of diversification and the south metro area was the logical choice. Lakeville was the community that rose to the top. A highly visible and convenient location was chosen. Ground breaking for the new branch office was in July of 2003 and the Grand Opening was held in April of 2004.
2011

theGirls! Club was introduced - exclusively for female clients of Citizens Bank Minnesota.
2013

Lou Geistfeld, President of Citizens Bank Minnesota, is named 2013 "Banker of the Year" by NorthWestern Financial Review magazine.