One of the most successful business stories in Wyoming can be found right here in Star Valley.

Let me take you back 30 years, when the local bank was sold to an out-of-state banking company.

It didn’t go over well as local banking procedures changed and even the traditional time and temperature sign came down at the original bank building.

It’s wasn’t long before a group of business oriented people came together and formed the new Bank of Star Valley.

The old gas station came down on the corner of Fourth and Washington in Afton and a new, small log banking building went up.

Rod Jensen, first president and CEO recalls those early days.

“Over the next few years, we did make the efforts, we raised the money, we applied for a State of Wyoming charter application, we applied for Federal Reserve membership and for FDIC insurance. And, through rather a heated and contested fight with then First Security and First Bank, we did eventually win even though we were under appeal to the Supreme Court that we shouldn’t exist. But on March 27, 1996, we decided to open and we opened with seven employees.”

He noted, “And think about this, we opened with no deposits, no loans, some capital, a lot of hope and anticipation but losing money. And we realized if we didn’t do this right, and we didn’t serve Star Valley well, we wouldn’t be here in the long run. And I thank Star Valley because they showed up, they made a difference.

…And here we are today. So going from zero deposits today, we’re a $400 million bank. We are strong, we are a five star rated bank.”

Thats’ a success story and behind that success story are countless other business success stories because Rod Jensen, his great management team and staff  made it work for the Bank of Star Valley!

SVI Media, moving from a weekly paper, to an App and website, three radio stations and live-stream sports coverage with thousands of viewers is a product of that bank’s help over the years.

On behalf of my wife Kim and I — We say, Thank You and congratulations on 30 years!