ESB Financial

06/18/2026

This week we’re highlighting Howard Gunkel, who served as ESB’s President from 1985 to 1998.

During his tenure, ESB completed a remodel of the Merchant Street location, added the Investment Center, and celebrated its 90th birthday. Howard also served on the ESB Board for many years, contributing to the bank’s continued growth and direction.

Leadership that helped guide ESB through a time of continued progress.

06/16/2026

👏 $4,659 Raised for SOS, Inc. 👏

Today, we had the privilege of presenting a check for $4,659 to SOS Inc., the beneficiary of ESB’s 125th Anniversary Golf Tournament.

Despite the rain, 27 teams, generous sponsors, dedicated volunteers, and an incredible community came together to make this event a success.

As ESB celebrates 125 years and SOS celebrates 50 years of serving our community, we’re grateful for the opportunity to support the important work SOS does every day.

Thank you to everyone who participated, sponsored, volunteered, and helped make a difference. This donation is a reflection of what can happen when a community comes together for a great cause. 💙

06/12/2026

It’s that time of year again… The Emporia Gazette Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 are HERE! Voting is open June 12–26, and we’d love your support!

👉 Head to bestofemporia.com to cast your vote — and don’t forget, you can vote DAILY!

Let’s show Emporia who your favorites are! 🏆

06/12/2026

Thank you to Emporia First Friday for the opportunity to be part of this great workshop series and to everyone who joined us!

We enjoyed sharing practical tips on budgeting, business banking, and managing finances as a creative business owner. It’s always encouraging to see so many talented artists and entrepreneurs investing in themselves and their businesses.

We appreciate the partnership and look forward to continuing the conversation next week.

06/11/2026

In 1981, ESB brought a piece of its past into the present with the installation of a stained glass window in the Merchant Street lobby.

The window, originally from our 6th and Commercial location, had been hidden during a remodel and later uncovered in excellent condition. Today, it remains on display at our 801 Merchant St. Bank as a symbol of ESB’s history and legacy.

Honoring where we started while continuing to move forward.

06/02/2026

☀️ Explore, Learn & Save This Summer! 🌻

ESB Financial is excited to be part of the Emporia Summer Explorer Log hosted by the Emporia Arts Council.

During June and July, kids can visit any ESB Emporia Bank location and open a youth savings account with a parent or guardian. To help them get started on their savings journey, ESB will deposit $20 into the account.

Already have an ESB youth savings account? You can participate too!

Each child will also receive a Summer Savings Packet filled with fun activities, a savings goal tracker, smart money tips, and an ESB coloring page designed to help young savers learn healthy money habits.

We're proud to support local families while helping kids learn that even small savings can grow into big goals.

Learn more at ESBFinancial.com or stop by any ESB Emporia Bank location this summer. ☀️💰

06/01/2026

We're updating our weekday hours at our Manhattan location.

Beginning June 29, 2026, the Manhattan bank lobby will be open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The drive-thru will be open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the deposit cutoff time will change to 5:00 PM.

This change applies to our Manhattan location only. Emporia locations will continue to operate under their current hours.

If you have any questions, stop by or give us a call. We're happy to help.

05/29/2026

🚴 Welcome to Emporia, Unbound Gravel Riders! 🚴

The roads are ready, the Flint Hills are waiting, and we're excited to welcome riders from across the country and around the world to our community.

There's something special about this week each year as Emporia comes alive with cyclists, families, volunteers, and supporters gathering for one of the most incredible events in the world of gravel cycling.

Whether you're riding 25 miles or 350, we wish you safe travels, strong legs, and unforgettable memories along the way. Enjoy the beauty of the Flint Hills and everything our community has to offer.

Good luck from all of us at ESB Financial. We're cheering you on every mile of the journey! 💙

🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️

05/28/2026

After years of hardship during the Great Depression and World War II, the late 1940s and 1950s brought a renewed sense of growth and optimism to Emporia.

In our latest 125th Anniversary blog, we're looking back at a decade that saw our community rebuild, grow, and look toward the future. It's also the decade when ESB celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 1951, a milestone that brought more than 1,000 people together to celebrate the bank's first half-century of serving the Flint Hills.

One of the most special discoveries we've made while preparing for our 125th Anniversary is a collection of original flower cards from that celebration. Handed out alongside carnations during the event, these small keepsakes were carefully saved for more than 70 years and now help tell the story of the people and relationships that have shaped ESB throughout the generations.

Join us as we explore the people, milestones, and memories that helped shape both Emporia and ESB during the 1940s and 1950s.

📖 Read the full story below.

From post-war recovery to ESB's 50th anniversary celebration, the 1940s and 1950s marked an important chapter in our shared history. Take a look back at the people, milestones, and memories that helped shape Emporia and ESB.