About Us

A history of innovation. A bright future ahead. 

Our History

Commerce Bank & Trust, originally Commerce State Bank, was officially chartered by the State Banking Department on August 4, 1959.

The bank started as a dream in the minds of several Topeka businessmen. The group was responsible for the development of a new shopping center and to complete the shopping experience, they wanted to include a bank nearby.

Progress was slow until Emery Fager was persuaded to leave his position with the Kansas State Bank at Overbrook, KS and come to Topeka to become President and Chief Executive Officer of the proposed Commerce State Bank. Emery Fager accepted the offer and hit the ground running to help organize the new bank.

The bank opened December 3, 1959, with a capital stock of $200,000, a surplus of $100,000 and undivided profits of $50,000.

From our Founder:

“Starting a new bank was indeed a challenge. I wanted this new bank to have a good image, character and a purpose. I did not want it to be just another bank. I dreamed the Commerce State Bank would be progressive, innovative and highly competitive. From the very beginning, we were a people-oriented bank - our philosophy was to serve the needs of all the people with the utmost convenience and with special emphasis on friendly, helpful, personal attention.” – Emery Fager

Growing, changing and thriving!

Over the course of five decades, Commerce built an impressive list of customer service “firsts” - all based around the core philosophy of providing outstanding banking convenience.

These included:

  • The region’s first 24-hour ATMs
  • First grocery store branches
  • First extended and weekend hours
  • A host of technological innovations

The bank grew to be the largest in the area and in 1995 was nationally recognized as the “Best Bank in Kansas” by Money Magazine.

Letter notifying customers about the newly rebranded CoreFirst Bank

Expansion Identity Formed

Over the years, loyal customers in nearby communities throughout the region wanted Commerce’s exceptional service, making expansion necessary. However, growth was stymied because another area bank was already using the “Commerce” name. To continue growth and service objectives, an “expansion identity” was needed, and the CoreFirst Bank & Trust brand was born. 

Today

Today, helping our customers with all their financial needs and leading the way in innovation and convenience remains at the core of our mission. This way of doing business, the CoreFirst Way, sets us apart and will guide CoreFirst well into the future.

CoreFirst now has locations in Topeka, the Kansas City area and Denver, CO. 

Looking Back

The original Commerce Bank building

Commerce State Bank as it looked when we officially opened on December 3, 1959.

Young girl standing behind a redbud tree

From the very beginning, CoreFirst was a people-oriented bank, supplying over 12,000 redbud trees to Topeka after the devastating 66' tornado. Today, we still have a deep commitment to the communities we serve.

Emery and Duane Fager

In 2007, Emery & Duane Fager announce major expansion plans.

Kurt Kuta, President and CEO of CoreFirst

Kurt Kuta becomes President & CEO of CoreFirst Bank & Trust in March 2013.