RNB Turns 125

After 125 years in continuous business, RNB State Bank is ready to celebrate.

Originally chartered as a state bank, the Rawlins State Bank opened its doors on January 2, 1899 in Rawlins, Wyoming according to advertising in the Rawlins Semi-Weekly Republican. The bank, at the time, listed I.C. Miller as President, WM Daley as Vice-President and J.A. Rendle as Cashier.

In 1900, the charter turned to a national level and the Rawlins National Bank (RNB) was born.

In 1991, Rawlins National Bank moved into Saratoga, taking over from Westland Federal Savings and Loan. Leo Chapman served as the Vice President of Rawlins National Bank and operated out of Saratoga.

By 1997, the Saratoga branch of the bank had moved to its current location at the corner of First and Elm Street in Saratoga. By that time, Dan Runner had become Vice President of Rawlins National Bank and served as the Saratoga branch manager. He served in that role until his retirement in 2022. He was followed by Tami Fager, who serves as the Saratoga President.

According to a Saratoga Sun article “RNB Changes Charter (May 22, 2019)”, RNB converted back to a state charter and became RNB State Bank in 2019.

The birthday party started in Saratoga in the month of September with prizes and refreshments every Friday.

According to Amy Drake, RNB State Bank Customer Service Representative, the weekly event called Funday Friday drew customers and non-customers alike to join in the festivities.

Every hour on Fridays from 10 - 4, prizes were drawn and streamed on Facebook Live to generate enthusiasm for the prize day.

Deb Arnold of Cuts and Stitches screen printed and embroidered the RNB goodies for the Fundays.

Seven prizes ranging from hoodies to stadium seats and blankets were drawn from names filled out from visits throughout each week.

Fridays also boasted a drawing for a $125 bonus for accounts opened, loans funded, or CDs purchased each week.

“We (RNB State Bank) just wanted to give something back to the community supporting us,” said Drake.

The celebration will continue in the month of October at the Rawlins and Hanna branches.

A customer appreciation day with refreshments, snacks and artifacts will take place October 17 from 12-2 in Rawlins.