January 5, 2026
January has a way of making people pause. Calendars reset. Goals are written down. Words like resolution, fresh start, and new beginning show up everywhere. At Kentland Bank, we see this season a little differently. The start of a new year is not about becoming something new. It is about taking a moment to intentionally recommit to what already defines us. It is a chance to reflect on the values that guide our decisions, shape our culture, and anchor the relationships we have built over time. That is what Our Legacy, Recommitted is about. Why Recommitment Matters Recommitment is not a response to change or challenge. It is a leadership choice. Strong organizations do not rely on momentum alone. They pause, reflect, and reaffirm what matters so that growth does not come at the expense of integrity. Over time, even the best values can fade into the background if they are not named, practiced, and reinforced. Recommitting is how values stay alive. At Kentland Bank, our core values are not abstract ideas or aspirational statements. They are expectations. They guide how we treat one another, how we serve our customers, and how we show up in the communities that trust us. This recommitment is an opportunity to slow down just enough to say: This still matters. This still guides us. And we choose it again. A Legacy Built Over Time Legacy is not built in a single year or a single decision. It is built through thousands of everyday moments. It is built when employees take extra time to help a customer understand their options. When teams support one another during busy seasons. When leaders hold themselves accountable to the same standards they expect of others. Legacy is shaped by consistency. Kentland Bank’s legacy has been built through relationships rooted in trust, accountability that strengthens confidence, and a commitment to excellence that reaches beyond our walls. These values did not appear overnight, and they are not tied to trends or timelines. They are the result of people doing the right thing, year after year. Recommitting to our legacy is about honoring that history while continuing to move forward with intention. The Values That Guide Us Our legacy is grounded in four core values that shape how we operate and how we serve. Character defines how we show up, especially when things are difficult. It is about honesty, respect, and protecting the integrity of every relationship. Accountability ensures we take ownership of our actions and follow through on commitments. It keeps our standards strong and our trust intact. Relationships are at the heart of community banking. They guide how we connect with one another, with our customers, and with the communities we serve. Excellence reflects our commitment to growth, improvement, and impact. It challenges us to do better every day, not just for ourselves, but for those who rely on us. These values work together. They are not separate silos. They reinforce one another and shape the culture that makes Kentland Bank what it is. Values Lived Through People Values only matter when they are lived. Across Kentland Bank, these principles come to life through the people who consistently lead by example. Their actions may not always be visible, but their impact is felt. This series intentionally highlights Legacy Award recipients, not to elevate individuals above others, but to provide real examples of what our values look like in action. These recognitions reflect behaviors we strive to see across the organization and serve as reminders that our culture is built by people, not policies. By sharing these stories, we reinforce expectations, celebrate consistency, and acknowledge the quiet leadership that often goes unseen. Service as the Expression of Our Values Our values do not stop at the bank doors. Service is how character, accountability, relationships, and excellence extend into the communities we serve. It is how values become visible beyond our internal culture. From volunteering and supporting local initiatives to showing up for community events, service reflects who we are when we engage with the places we call home. It is not about recognition. It is about responsibility. Recommitting to service is a reminder that our role goes beyond financial transactions. We are partners in the communities we serve, and our values shape how we fulfill that role. Looking Forward With Intention This recommitment is not a one-time reflection or a January-only conversation. It is a starting point for continued focus throughout the year. As we move forward, these values will continue to guide decisions, shape priorities, and influence how we support one another. Recommitment creates clarity. It ensures that as we grow and adapt, we do so without losing sight of what matters most. The goal is simple but meaningful: to remain consistent, intentional, and grounded in the values that define Kentland Bank. Our Legacy, Recommitted Legacy is not about looking back. It is about carrying forward what matters. As this year begins, we recommit to living out our values through everyday actions, thoughtful service, and principled leadership. We recommit to the standards that have built trust over time and to the people who continue to bring those values to life. This is not a new direction. It is a reaffirmation. Our legacy continues because we choose it, again and again.
