Produce State Bank announced its merger with Citizens State Bank of Glenville. The merger is a homecoming of sorts for the Buley family, who have managed the Produce State Bank since 1932, according to a press release.

Almost a century ago, Byron I. Buley entered the banking business as a teenager working for Ben Miller of Farmers State Bank of Gordonsville. He was then later employed to manage Citizens State Bank of Glenville. Buley managed and successfully navigated the bank through the 1929 world’s financial problems, the release stated. Thereafter, Miller closed the Gordonsville bank and purchased control of the Glenville bank. Buley worked again for Miller until 1932, when he was hired to reopen and manage Produce State Bank of Hollandale. In 1955, John R. Buley joined his father at the Hollandale bank, and eldest son, Byron L. Buley, joined them from 1957 through 1966. John Buley, who remains president, was joined in 1985 by his son, Paul J. Buley, who remains CEO.

Citizens State Bank was purchased from the Millers in 1969 by Fred L. Friedrichsen, who has operated it since.

The joining of the two banks will create a stronger institution, the release stated. Operating under the name of Produce State Bank, the full-service bank will continue to serve the Glenville community, maintaining operations at 300 W. Main St. in Glenville. Produce State Bank will continue to serve the southern Minnesota region with existing branch offices in Albert Lea at 220 E. William St. and 2401 Bridge Ave., and in Hollandale at 109 Park Ave. W.