History & Mission

It all started here:

Blue Ridge Bank and Trust Co. was founded by three brothers – William, Robert and Walter Reich, and opened its doors on October 15, 1958 in a storefront facility at the Blue Ridge Mall. The Mall, developed by members of the Reich family on a parcel of land that was part of the family’s large produce farm, earned acclaim as the first suburban shopping mall in the Midwest. Quickly becoming one of the area’s most popular retail and dining destinations, the Reich family determined the need for a community bank to serve the Mall’s many tenants and customers. The bank started with six employees.

In less than ten years, Blue Ridge Bank had outgrown the branch in the Mall. A decision was made to construct the 10-story Blue Ridge Tower on the Mall grounds. This banking facility began operations on October 14, 1968. Blue Ridge Bank made the cover of “Bank News” because of the prominent high rise in Eastern Jackson County. William Reich was President of the bank at that time and said, “We feel that Blue Ridge Bank has an important stake in the development of Eastern Jackson County, and we feel that we have an obligation and responsibility to that growth.” This facility has served the community well and is still considered a landmark as you drive down I-70.

In 2004, Blue Ridge Bank opened its new corporate headquarters located on Little Blue Parkway. The new headquarters allowed the bank to expand its physical space and provide customers with an accessible location in Independence’s vibrant east side. The corporate headquarters includes the bank’s Trust and Wealth Management division. Blue Ridge Bank is unique among its peers in operating its own Trust Department, the only one headquartered in Eastern Jackson County.

Today:

With humble beginnings, Blue Ridge Bank is now one of the largest independently-owned community banks in Missouri with nine branches and over $470 million in assets.

Blue Ridge Bank honors its historical roots as a bank designed to serve the individual and business needs of Eastern Jackson County while continually seeking new technologies and services to bring the best of the industry to its customers. Descendants of the founding Reich family, along with nearly 200 members of the “bank family”, carry on the traditional values that were established when Blue Ridge Bank was chartered. It continues its commitment to the principles of its mission: “To enable people to acquire the financial resources to realize their dreams.”

Please visit one of our convenient locations or contact us at 816-358-5000 and let us assist you in achieving your financial goals.