Dream First Bank Named One Of America’s Most Extraordinary Banks with Six Banky Awards for Thought Leadership, Customer Service, Giving and More

Six Wins in 2025 Emphasizes Dream First Bank’s Commitment to Serving the People in its Communities

Dream First Bank with locations across western Kansas and Oklahoma, was just named one of the top extraordinary banks in the United States by The Institute for Extraordinary Banking^™, earning six awards across multiple categories, including:

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Dream First Bank’s Management pictured with Roxanne Emmerich, Chair and Founder of The Institute for Extraordinary Banking™ at the Awards event in Atlanta, GA. From left-to-right: Andrew German, Dream First Regional President, Dream First Chief Lending Officer Matt Bennett, Roxanne Emmerich, Dream First President and CEO Chris Floyd, Branch President Caleb Woods and Regional President Caleb Sekavec

• Thought Leadership Banky Award - for extraordinary bank practices, raising the standards of banking practices with excellence in unique and cutting-edge practices while achieving exemplary financial results.
• BanksGiving Banky Award for extraordinary philanthropy, recognizing its outstanding commitment to shaping the strategic direction of its community and making a lasting impact on the lives of those it serves.
• Above-and-Beyond Customer Service Banky Award for its systems and follow-through that create a consistent level of proven, exemplary customer service for clients.
• Money Smarts Banky Award for financial literacy education because of its extraordinary service to its customers and community through a commitment to financial literacy programs.
• Thank God It’s Monday! Culture Banky Award for demonstration of creating a culture where people bring their best selves to work to make an impact on both customers and communities.
• Banky Award - a national recognition reserved for the strongest community banks that consistently deliver extraordinary impact. This award helps individuals and businesses identify the very best banks committed to serving and strengthening their local communities.

“We are honored to receive a record number of Banky Awards this year, as a part of our commitment to helping all of our customers realize their dreams, whether that be in owning a business, a home or a community project,” said Chris Floyd, CEO of Dream First Bank. “As we continue to expand, providing banking services to people all over the country, we will continue to find ways to help make our customer’s dreams a reality.”

The Extraordinary Banking^™ Awards spotlight the indispensable role of community banks in America’s financial and social fabric. While often overlooked, community banks drive small business success, fuel local economies, and serve as trusted partners deeply embedded in the communities they support.

“Community banks recognize the aspirations, dreams, and silent hopes of small businesses and families,” said Roxanne Emmerich, Chair and Founder of The Institute for Extraordinary Banking. “The heart and soul of an extraordinary community bank is a visionary blueprint for its community’s success—and the ability to bring that vision to life. The banks we honor as Top 5 Percenters this year exemplify that standard.”

As a community bank, lending a hand to individuals and businesses in the community, Dream First provides the fiscal resources necessary to make wishes become reality. Dream First Bank originated in 1906, as First National Bank of Syracuse, and was serving Hamilton County. While times have changed, and so has the name, Dream First Bank is proud to offer the communities it serves unmatchable customer service, care and most importantly opportunities to make their dreams come true.

Dream First strives to ensure that “Every Life We Touch is Improved,” and these values remain true to this day. Dream First Bank is filled with talented bankers who are dedicated to helping make the dreams of those in the community come true, and they are excited to see what the future holds.

About the Institute for Extraordinary Banking

The Institute for Extraordinary Banking recognizes, honors and celebrates the vital role community banks play in our nation’s economy and culture. Through its annual Extraordinary Banking Awards, the Institute highlights the best-of-the-best—banks that set new standards for philanthropy, service and innovation.

About Dream First:

Dream First has been serving communities across Southwest Kansas and Oklahoma for more than 100 years, with Kansas branches in Syracuse, Johnson, Garden City, Ulysses, Hugoton, Elkhart, Attica and Arlington with an ITM location in Rolla; and Oklahoma branches in Alva, Cherokee, Enid and Woodward. The bank’s roots are in agriculture, but Dream First provides a wide array of products and services to fit any dream. Visit dreamfirst.bank for additional information.

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