Notice to Customers

Dear Farmers State Bank Customer,

We are pleased to announce some exciting news regarding our bank.  As many of you may know, Farmers State Bank of Darwin-Dassel has two separate sister banks with the same family ownership, Farmers & Merchants State Bank of Paynesville and Winthrop State Bank.  Effective January of 2016, these three 100+ year old community banks will merge into one, with the Winthrop and Paynesville locations becoming branches of the Darwin chartered bank, just as our Dassel location is now.  

To be clear, this is a merger and not a sale.  This is our family, a term we use to describe not only ownership but also our employees, coming together to better serve you and your family.  You can expect the same faces and community bank service, with the added benefit of additional locations, enhanced products, and new technologies.  

In conjunction with our merger preparation, and to more accurately reflect our multigenerational bank identity, we will also be changing our name.  Our financial institution will now operate under the name Perennial Bank, a name chosen to symbolize our longevity and enduring strength.  An institution that has been there and will be there, year after year, serving area businesses, farmers, families, organizations and individuals.    

What does this mean for you, our valued customer?  Since Darwin remains the charter location, just as it is now, there will be minimal impact to our current Farmers State Bank of Darwin-Dassel customers.  Our routing number, as well as your account numbers and card numbers will not change, so current checks, debit cards and automated transactions will continue without issue.  Future statements, check reorders and debit card renewals will now bear the Perennial Bank name and very soon our current website will link to our new website, www.perennialbank.com.   

This merger does not signify a shift away from small town banking and our successful relationship banking model, but demonstrates a commitment to it.  A commitment to our customers and our community.  Last year the bank celebrated 100 years of service, we intend for it to be here for over 100 more.  We thank you for trusting us to serve your financial needs and we look forward to working with you in the future.

Sincerely,  

Mark Johnson

President