Ames employees out in the community

TS Bank celebrates second anniversary of Ames branch and community impact

April 8, 2025

In 2023, TS Bank opened a location in Ames, Iowa and we have just crossed the two-year mark of having a full-service branch in Central Iowa. So much has happened since we first opened so we are sharing some of that news, plus, we are announcing a new lender role now open in Ames!

Here's a brief history. TS Bank's Ames location originally opened as a loan production office in June 2020 at the corner of Lincoln Way and Washington Avenue, between major thoroughfares Duff and Grand Avenues. The location transitioned to a full-service branch on Monday, April 3, 2023. A formal grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting was held on September 1, 2023. This location, originally built in 1996, underwent significant updates prior to its opening. These enhancements included new exterior signage, a new video ATM, a new digital sign in the front yard and a partial interior remodel of the approximately 5,000 square-foot complex.

With the opening of the Ames location, Kelli Hecker joined TS Bank in December 2022 as the branch manager. Kelli brings over 15 years of banking experience and a deep-rooted connection to the Ames area, where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing from Iowa State University. Since joining TS Bank, Kelli has completed TS Banking Group's internal Transformational Leadership Academy and is a recent graduate of Leadership Ames Class XXXVII, a program organized by the Ames Regional Economic Alliance.

The team at this location also includes a full-time credit administration manager, a full-time universal banker and three part-time client service representatives who are current students at Iowa State University. Their skills and strengths greatly complement both the team and the community.

Since opening, TS Bank has seen tangible growth and has originated over $42.5 million in loans from this office, demonstrating our commitment to supporting local businesses and individuals. With that growth, we are proud to announce the hiring of a Vice President of Business Banking, further strengthening our team and enhancing our service offerings. View the full job description here. 

As part of TS Bank’s mission to IGNITE PROSPERITY®, we are deeply committed to enhancing the vitality of each community we are based in. Some highlights of Ames community involvement since opening include:

  • An epic grand opening in fall 2023 with over 100 people in attendance
  • A pop-up booth at the Ames Main Street Farmer’s Market during 515 Week in 2023
  • Hosting a Coffee & Mingle as a business sponsor with the Ames Regional Economic Alliance in December 2024
  • Volunteering and supporting the local nonprofit Friendship Ark and their 2024 spring gala
  • A $5,000 donation to the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center, a forthcoming community aquatic facility just down the street from the bank which will allow safe, accessible indoor aquatic facilities for families, children and individuals of all ages
  • Serving as the current lead sponsor of Community Cash with the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, including the recent Luck of the Irish cash giveaway event
  • Launching a new pilot peer group meeting for area leaders
  • Sponsoring 515 Days next month with Downtown Ames

    

Additionally, TS Bank is committed to teaching financial wellness, hosting educational events, supporting nonprofits and offers 50 hours of volunteer time off annually for employees. Read more about TS Bank's mission here. 

The Ames location serves as TS Bank's eighth bank branch with other locations in Treynor, Council Bluffs, Macedonia, Atlantic and Corning, Iowa. 

As a community bank, TS Bank specializes in consumer, business and agricultural banking along with cash management services for businesses. Much more than a bank, clients also have access to tax and payroll services in addition to investment, retirement and estate planning services offered by its trust division, branded TS Prosperity Group. Those interested in opening a TS Bank deposit account near Ames can stop by the branch Monday-Friday between 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. or virtually and utilize the “Connect Now” button option. To learn more, visit tsbank.com or call 844-487-3030.

About TS Bank: TS Bank’s mission is to Ignite Prosperity® in the communities it serves. Leading the resurgence of community banking, TS Bank reinvests 10 percent of their net income locally; hosting educational events and partners with local organizations and non-profits. TS Bank was chartered in 1923 and has $445 million in assets, along with the largest Iowa state-chartered C-Corp trust department west of Des Moines at nearly $215 million in assets named TS Prosperity Group. Locations include Treynor, Macedonia, Atlantic, Corning, Council Bluffs and Ames, Iowa. For more information visit tsbank.com.