Our Story - Vantus Bank has seen a lot of progress through the years. We've survived world wars, the peace movement, moon shot, terrorist attacks and through it all, we've maintained our commitment to serve our customers.

Vantus's assets continue to climb. Our financial strength is respected and our dedication to the people we serve gives us a foundation on which we will always base our future.

We hope you enjoy this brief recap of our Vantus tradition, reminisce about the way things were when we began, and anticipate the bright future at hand. Welcome to a new beginning for Vantus, a time for renewed commitment and an opportunity to take a look at us now.

1920's - 1923 marked the beginning of something big! The Roaring 20's brought with it H.P. Guiney, Charles Bruen, Jr. and Oscar Kreutz, who together founded what was then Sioux City Building & Loan and Savings Association on the third floor of the Commerce Building.

1930's - In spite of the Depression, the bank celebrated its 10th anniversary in 1933 and changed its name to First Federal Savings and Loan. Our assets looked healthy at $854,000, and offices were moved to 202 Security Building at Fourth and Nebraska Streets in 1934.

In 1935, First Federal issued savings insurance on accounts up to $5,000. Under our new federal charter, we paid 3.5% dividends.

In 1938, W. L. Sloan was elected First Federal President.

1940's - As the war continued, savings rates dropped to 2.5%, but First Federal remained strong, with assets over $1,300,000, and another move to 511 Pierce Street in 1946.

1950's - L. Norman Sloan (President from 1972 to 1990) joined our staff in 1953. Assets were $11,100,000 and First Federal was paying 3% dividends.

In 1956, First Federal purchased a building on Sixth and Pierce Streets which would become our location for the next 32 years.

In 1957, the World War II baby boom brought new housing opportunities to First Federal and savings rates were raised to 3.25%.

In 1958, First Federal celebrated the grand opening of their new building at Sixth and Pierce Streets.

1960's - Savings rates increased from 3.75% to 4% by the end of 1960.

While the nation operated under the new Kennedy administration, Prouty Linn was elected First Federal's new President in 1962.

In 1964, First Federal opened its first branch office in Morningside. In 1966, First Federal added a drive-up office, and savings insurance increased to $15,000.

In 1969, the computer age hit First Federal and computers were installed to handle both savings and mortgage lending, as assets reached $60,300,000.

1970's - In the 70's, our customers saw more than the man walking on the moon. In 1971, First Federal's savings increased by over $7,000,000. Also, a branch office was opened in Onawa, and pass book savings accounts paid 5% interest.

1972 saw First Federal's assets rise to over $86,600,000. W. L. Sloan retired; succeeded by Prouty Linn, Chairman of the Board. L. Norman Sloan was elected President.

In 1973, plans were in the works to build new offices at First Federal's Sixth and Pierce Street location. Pass book savings were up again, paying 5.25%. Prouty Linn retires as Chairman of the Board. L. Norman Sloan elected Chairman of the Board.

In 1974, Le Mars Federal and First Federal merged bringing in the Orange City office as well. The Cherokee branch also opened that year.

In 1976, as America celebrated its Bicentennial, First Federal had celebrating to do in its own right. In February of 1976, First Federal hosted an open house to show off its new building at Sixth and Pierce Streets.

In March of 1977, our Sheldon and Sanborn branches were acquired and by December of that same year, First Federal's assets had reached $197,000,000.

In May 1978, our Indian Hills office opened.

1980's - In 1981 things continued to grow. Assets increased to $243,000,000 and the First Federal Hamilton location was opened.

1985 proved to be a big year for us. An agreement was made to purchase the Younkers site for our new building, while at the same time a merger was in the works with Home Federal Savings and Loan of Sioux City. The merger included offices in Le Mars, Hawarden, Hartley and Storm Lake .

In 1987, we began building with a "Topping Off" ceremony held at the new Fourth and Pierce Street site, as the final I-beam was put into place.

1988 marked First Federal's 65th anniversary, and a move to the current building at 3rd and Pierce Streets in Sioux City . Assets stood at $433,000,000.

1990's - The 90's continued to boost growth for First Federal Bank in all of the communities that we served.

In 1990, Barry Backhaus was elected President of First Federal Bank.

In 1992 - Reorganized from a mutual association to a mutual holding company and stock institution completed.

In 1995, total assets increased to $434,000,000. Dividend Reinvestment plan introduced to shareholders. First Federal Bank operates branch offices in Sioux City , Cherokee, Hartley, Hawarden, Le Mars, Onawa, Orange City , Sanborn and Sheldon.

In 1996, the Singing Hills Branch office opened. Total assets grew to $444,000,000.

In 1997, L. Norman Sloan retired as Chairman of the Board, Barry Backhaus elected Chairman.

1998 was another exciting year of change for First Federal. Grinnell Federal Savings Bank was acquired, adding our first branch in Central Iowa . Construction of a new larger office building in downtown Grinnell was started. First Federal Bank celebrated its 75th birthday. A new office in South Sioux City , NE opened representing our first expansion outside of Iowa .

In 1999, our mutual holding company converted to a full-stock owned corporation-First Federal Bankshares, Inc. Our acquisition of Mid-Iowa Financial Corporation resulted in four additional offices in Central Iowa . We built a new office in Grinnell and First Federal Bank gained additional offices in Central Iowa . We also sold three of our rural offices in Sanborn, Hartley and Hawarden.

2000's - Y2K was uneventful due to some long hours and diligent work by the staff of First Federal Bank. Assets reached $723,000,000.

In 2001, Internet Banking was introduced to First Federal Bank customers. The Cherokee office of First Federal Bank was sold.

In 2003, First Federal Bank celebrated 80 years of community banking services with sixteen offices in 10 communities throughout Northwest Iowa, Central Iowa and Northeast Nebraska .

In 2005, First Federal Bank built a new office in Johnston , Iowa , located in a rapidly developing business park. Barry Backhaus retired as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Arlene Curry nominated to serve as Chairman of the Board.

In 2006, Michael W. Dosland was elected President of First Federal Bank. First Federal Bank merges two offices in the Newton market and opens one new office on the site of the former drive-up facility. An announcement was also made to expand again in the rapidly growing Des Moines market in the Jordon Creek area.

In 2007, First Federal Bank changes its name to Vantus Bank.

And the story continues.