Business marks 140th anniversary

SANDUSKY — Civista Bank is recognizing its 140th anniversary. It's "a significant milestone that celebrates over a century of dedication to banking excellence," according to a company statement. "Established in 1884, Civista Bank has grown from a small local bank in Sandusky, Ohio, into a trusted financial institution serving communities throughout Ohio, southeastern Indiana and northern Kentucky. Dennis Shaffer, president and CEO of Civista Bank, reflected on this landmark occasion. "This anniversary is not just a look back at our rich history but a celebration of our ongoing commitment to excellence, progress and the strength that will drive our future growth," Shaffer said. "The teamwork, loyalty and community support that have been pivotal to our achievements inspire us. We're looking forward to what the future holds and remain committed to the principles that have been the cornerstone of Civista for over a century." Civista Bank is the community banking subsidiary of Civista Bancshares, a financial service holding company with assets topping $3.9 billion. Headquartered in Sandusky, Civista Bank provides full-service banking, commercial lending, mortgage and wealth management services to individuals, businesses, governments and nonprofit entities. Today, Civista operates 43 offices across Ohio, southeastern Indiana and northern Kentucky. History lesson Civista Bank provided some background information about the business: Civista Bank's resilience and adaptability have been evident throughout its history: from navigating the economic challenges of the Great Depression and the Great Recession to embracing technological advancements and expanding its services. These achievements underscore the bank's commitment to disciplined financial practices, customer care and community engagement. Founded in 1884, the bank has experienced significant growth, including several strategic mergers and acquisitions that broadened its reach and services through the 1990s and 2000s. In 2015, the bank underwent a strategic rebrand from Citizens Bank to Civista Bank in order to differentiate itself from the other 316 banks in the U.S. bearing Citizens in their title. Civista is a blend of "civic," denoting community, and "vista," signifying view, thereby encapsulating the bank's dedication to community service and customer-centric focus. From 2015 to 2022, Civista not only extended its reach through recent acquisitions but enriched its product and service offerings, including diversifying its revenue stream into business leasing with the purchase of Vision Financial Group in late 2022. As Civista Bank celebrates this historic 140th anniversary, it reaffirms its promise to adapt, innovate and serve with the same dedication that has defined its past. Civista's enduring legacy — built on trust, excellence, and deep community ties — sets the stage for a future where the bank remains a trusted financial partner for the individuals, families and businesses within the communities it serves.