History

Since our early beginnings, High Country Bank has
worked to build a foundation of strength for our
local communities. Our commitment began over 137
years ago with the mission to help our customers
and communities grow and thrive. Our founders
prioritized giving personalized service to customers
and we continue to hold this as our top priority.

Today, as it was when we started, decisions are
made at the local branch level allowing us to provide
unparalleled financing to regional businesses
compared to other financial institutions. While we
remain a community bank rooted in the traditions
of Colorado, we offer banking akin to larger financial
institutions, from business and construction loans to
online banking, mobile deposits, e-statements and
more.

In the late 19th century, a gathering unfolded in
Chaffee County, Colorado, where a group of citizens
convened with a shared vision. This vision evolved
into a mission to establish a Building and Loan
Association that would assist to help the surrounding
communities prosper. At the helm of this pivotal
meeting was Mr. J.B. Randall, chosen as Chairman,
and joined by W.W. Roller who, as Secretary of the
Committee, began to chart the course forward.

On November 4, 1886, nine directors were elected
and what is now the oldest state-chartered financial
institution was established as Chaffee County Bank.
This paved the way for the evolution into a Building
Society and the subsequent chartering of the Salida
Building and Loan Association.

1937
The association reached a significant milestone by
securing the right to insure savings accounts from
the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation
and also became a member of the Federal Home
Loan Bank of Topeka.

1971
High Country Bank’s early presence was housed at
132 F Street, Salida, but in 1971 the Bank had the
opportunity to acquire property on 130 W 2nd Street
in downtown Salida. Construction of the new facility
began in November 1973 and the Bank moved
its operation to the new location by June of the
following year.

1996
Neighboring Buena Vista welcomed a branch that
evolved into a full-service facility conveniently
located in the heart of town.

1997
The financial identity of our bank grew when we
expanded from a locally owned entity to a publicly
traded organization under the ticker symbol HCBC.
This transition altered bank ownership and was the
catalyst for an eventual name change.

1999
We expanded into a new bank building on Highway
50 in Salida, which serves as the home office since
its completion in the spring of 2000. Keeping the
downtown location in Salida, now a transactional
branch, allows the Bank to better serve our
customers.

2000
On February 15, 2000, Chaffee County Bank officially
embraced the name High Country Bank, aligning
with the diverse region served.

2001
High Country Bank’s impact expanded with the
opening of a loan production office in Cañon City.
By 2005, this office blossomed into a full-service
branch with a remodeled location at 150 N. Raynolds
Avenue.

2020
On November 23, 2020, High Country Bank added
another chapter to its story with the inauguration of
a full-service branch at 110 Main Street in downtown
Longmont.

Today
With nearly 100 employees and five locations, High
Country Bank is more than a financial institution –
we are a community pillar. Today we are the largest
financier of real estate loans in Chaffee County and
strive to make a significant positive impact on the
surrounding counties.

In addition to our commitment to investing in our
customers, High Country Bank consistently invests
in local organizations, non-profits, schools and other
support services through both monetary donations
and volunteerism. Notable beneficiaries include
Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center,
Neighbor to Neighbor, Boys and Girls Club, Alliance
Against Domestic Abuse, Chaffee County Search and
Rescue, local Humane Societies, and local Chambers
of Commerce among others.

Directors Tim Glenn, Rich Young, Rich Edgington, Niki
Stotler, Tom Mansheim and David Lederhos embody
the Bank’s dedication to community engagement,
evident in its membership with the American
Banking Association, Independent Community
Bankers of Colorado, Colorado Bankers Association,
Independent Community Bankers of America, Salida
Rotary, local Chambers of Commerce, Fremont
County Economic Development, and Longmont
Chamber of Commerce.

In each chapter of our history High Country Bank
continues to script a story of financial resilience,
community stewardship and unwavering
commitment to the people we serve.