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Emporia, KS — ESB Financial will host the Emporia Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours on Thursday, November 20, from 5–7 PM at the Merchant Bank, 801 Merchant Street, marking the official kickoff to the bank’s 125th Anniversary Celebration.

The event will feature drinks, snacks, door prizes, and a sneak peek at ESB’s 125-Year History — highlighting defining moments, milestones, and the community relationships that have helped shape the bank since its founding in 1901by Will Wayman.

“We’re proud to celebrate 125 years of service, but more importantly, we’re celebrating 125 years of community,” said Kandace Wakeman, Marketing Officer for ESB Financial. “This milestone isn’t just about looking back — it’s about honoring the people, businesses, and partnerships that have made ESB part of Emporia’s story for more than a century.”

For more than 12 decades, ESB Financial has remained deeply rooted in the communities it serves — built on the belief that a strong community and a strong bank go hand in hand. Founded by Will Wayman in 1901, ESB has remained family-owned and operated for five generations, carrying forward the same values of integrity, service, and community partnership that guided its early years.

Over the decades, ESB has weathered wars, economic challenges, and times of great change, standing by families, farmers, and small businesses through it all. From introducing new banking technology to helping generations achieve their financial goals, ESB’s story has always been about people — not just products.

As the bank prepares to enter this historic year, the upcoming anniversary will serve as both a reflection and a renewal. “This celebration is about gratitude,” Wakeman said. “Gratitude for our employees, our clients, and the communities that have trusted us for 125 years. It’s about celebrating where we’ve been — and building excitement for where we’re headed next.”

Throughout 2026, ESB Financial will continue celebrating its 125th Anniversary through community events, partnerships, and storytelling that honor the bank’s legacy while embracing the future. The anniversary theme, Honoring Our Legacy — Embracing the Future, will serve as a reminder of how ESB’s past continues to inspire progress today.

The Business After Hours event is open to Chamber members, community partners, and ESB clients. RSVPs are required and can be made online at esbfinancial.com/businessafterhours.

“125 years is something worth celebrating,” Wakeman added. “It’s not just our story — it’s Emporia’s story. We’re honored to have been part of this community for so long, and we can’t wait to see what the next 125 years bring.”