The Liberty Bell: Leadership Q&A

Kim Harper, Market Leader, Hawesville

Winter 2026 Edition

You have been at the bank for nearly 25 years. How have things changed across the bank?

“April 2026 will mark my 25-year anniversary with Independence Bank, and I’ve seen a lot of change over the years. Technology has been the main force for change with direct communication with customers, access to email anywhere, and advanced loan processing systems. Even though I remember the changes that have come with time, I still always think about how we have stayed the same. We’ve kept the same core values and have stayed true to who we are as Independence Bank.

Technology has helped us become more efficient, but we’ve never lost sight of the personal relationships that make us a community bank. That’s something I’m really proud of. Staying true to ourselves wouldn’t be possible without our employees, who truly care about our customers and make the experience special. Here in Hancock County, we’ve continued to strengthen our prescence by being involved, visible, and connected to the community.”

 

How important is consistency in a market? How do you get there? 

“Consistency is incredibly important because it builds trust. Customers want to know what to expect – whether they’re walking into the bank, navigating change in their personal lives, or learning about a new product. The unknown can make you feel uneasy, and our Hancock County team is consistently making ourselves known and familiar. This is because we genuinely care about the people we serve, both inside and outside the office. We want the community to know we are herer for them outside of the banking world. Our neighbors know what to expect when they walk into one of our locations. We’ve consistenly been by their side, some for many years, and others we are beginning to learn. We constantly take the time to learn about the people we serve and ensure they are well taken care of.

We achieve consistency by being present and involved in our community as well. Whether it’s attending ballgames, volunteering with non-profits, or serving on local boards, we make sure people see that w’ere committed for the long haul.”

 

What is the most important event in Hancock County, and why is it the most important to the community?

“We’re involved in a lot of great events throughout the year, but one that really stands out in Hancock County is the Sorghum Festival. Hancock County has a strong historical connection with sorghum since we were nationally recognized as one of the leading sorghum-producing counties in the United States. Our team restarted the Sorghum Festivl in 2013 to reunite the present with our history. Last year, we estimate 2,000-2,500 in atendance at the Sorghum Festival. It’s not only a popular event in the county, it’s an event our employees are proud to be a part of, and the impact it makes each year is incredible.

The festival supports local organizations, schools, and non-profits, and we collect food donations for the Hancock County School System’s Backpack Program. It’s a fun event that brings everyone together and tuly helps people in our community. Giving back this way has always been important to us because this is where we live and work.”

 

What is one surprising fact not many people would know about Hancock County? 

“Hancock County has a population of around 9,000 people, and about 91% of residents live in rural areas. Even though it’s a small county, we’re home to majoyr employers like Commonwealth Rolled Products and Domtar, which provide high-wage jobs for the area.

Because of that rural makeup, Independence Bank offers a variety of mortgage products that fit the needs of this community really well.

In Hancock County, we mainly focus on home loans – from purchases and refinances to construction and home equity loans. We also help with farm equipment, agricultural, and commercial loans, depending on our customers’ needs. A lot of our business comes from referrals and walk-in customers who are new to the area, which really speaks to the relationships we’ve built in the community. After nearly 25 years here, it’s especially meaningful to now work with the children of some of our very first customers.”