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First State Bank employees discussing how the bank helps boost the local economy with its ESOP program.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Independent by Choice. Invested in Our Community.

At First State Bank, our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is more than an employee benefit. It’s one of the ways we help support something we’ve valued throughout our history: our independence.

We’ve never been acquired. We’re deeply rooted in the communities we serve, and the decisions we make are guided by what’s best for the long-term strength of our bank, our customers and our communities.

Our ESOP gives eligible employees a stake in the success of First State Bank while helping us keep jobs, financial resources and decision-making close to home.

What is an ESOP?

An Employee Stock Ownership Plan, or ESOP, is a qualified retirement benefit that allows eligible employees to share in the value and long-term success of the company.

At First State Bank, however, the value of our ESOP extends beyond the benefit it provides participating employees. It also supports our continued independence and our long-term approach to community banking.

Why Independence Matters

Being independent gives us the ability to keep our focus where it belongs: on the customers and communities we serve.

Our decisions aren’t handed down by a large bank headquartered far away from the communities where we do business. Our loan committee lives and works locally. We can get to know our customers, understand their goals and make thoughtful decisions with a perspective that extends beyond the next quarter.

That independence allows us to think about what makes First State Bank stronger not only today, but for the next generation of customers and communities.

Keeping More Close to Home

A strong local bank contributes to a strong local economy.

Our ESOP helps support a structure that keeps jobs and financial resources in our community. And as an independent community bank, the money our customers deposit with us can go back to work close to home—helping finance homes, growing businesses and community development.

In 2025 alone, First State Bank provided $10 million in commercial loans supporting community development and $53 million supporting affordable housing. Those investments help businesses grow, support jobs and expand access to housing throughout the communities we serve.

A Stake in Our Shared Success

Our employees aren’t simply part of the First State Bank team. Through our ESOP, eligible employees have a stake in the success of the bank.

That shared stake helps foster a culture of pride, accountability and commitment to doing our best work for our customers and communities. When the bank succeeds, that success is shared by the people who help make it possible.

For customers, it reinforces something that has always been central to community banking: relationships matter. Our employees serve the same communities where many of them live, shop, volunteer and raise their families.

 

Build Your Career. Share in Our Success.

For employees, our ESOP is one part of a broader commitment to investing in our people and their futures.

Eligible employees have the opportunity to participate in a benefit that connects their contributions to the long-term success of First State Bank. Along with supporting professional growth and development, we strive to create an environment where employees can build meaningful careers while contributing to an organization and community they can be proud of.

 

Interested in growing your career with First State Bank?

Independent Since 1867. Focused on What’s Next.

Banking has changed considerably since First State Bank opened its doors in 1867. Our commitment to remaining a strong, independent community bank has not.

Our ESOP is one part of how we’re working to preserve that independence while continuing to evolve for the future.

Because independence isn’t simply part of our history. It gives us the freedom to make thoughtful decisions, build lasting relationships and continue investing in the communities we’re proud to call home.

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    Disclosures

    First State Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

    First State Bank participates in E-verify Compliance.

    1 Specific benefit offerings depend on employment status & eligibility requirements.

    2 First State Bank is not endorsed by, directly affiliated with, maintained, authorized, or sponsored by the St. Louis Cardinals. All product and company names are the registered trademarks of their original owners. The use of any trade name or trademark is for identification and reference purposes only and does not imply any association with the trademark holder of their product brand.

    First State Bank of St. Charles, MO, NMLS ID: 416668. Authorized to lend in all 50 states. This is not a loan commitment or guarantee. All loans are subject to approval, creditworthiness, and income verification. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Programs, rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions may apply.