Most Impactful Philanthropic Company:
Central Bank
Central Bank is a well-known name in Jefferson City. While their business is banking, they have also built a reputation for investing in people and this community. The philanthropic list is long — food for families, affordable housing, educational facilities, tailgates, law enforcement, community boards, fundraising — and it all started a century ago with Sam B. Cook.
“When you talk about philanthropy, you have to give a nod to the Cook family,” says Sandy Hentges, Central Bank marketing director. “He was instrumental in ensuring Central Bank was such a strong community partner. It was a legacy he left the bank and the community; it’s the culture he envisioned.”
That legacy continues today for the more than 1,000 employees in and around Jefferson City, and for more employees across the holding company’s Midwest footprint. It all begins when new team members start at the bank.
“During our new employee orientation, we discuss the culture we want and the Cook vision,” notes Central Bank President/CEO Ken Theroff. “We instill that from the start and encourage them to get involved in what they care about. We want to have a wide reach and big impact.”
Central Bank employees contribute to boards and also volunteer as boots on the ground. In 2024, employees gave more than 2,600 hours to the community. Central Bank also participates every year as a pacesetter company for the United Way of Central Missouri, which is celebrating 100 years and now serves 26 agencies.
“Employees like to be engaged,” Sandy shares. “We organize some volunteer opportunities internally so employees can easily sign up, and it is accessible. We all want to give back, and we try to make that easier.”
As community needs have changed over the years, so have the contributions and efforts of Central Bank. During the Depression, the bank helped the state make payroll and also supported keeping the Capitol building here in Jefferson City. Today, the community faces an affordable housing crisis.
“This year, we’re working toward more affordable housing in the community through several avenues,” Ken, who also serves as Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce board chair, says. “We’ve identified this as a challenge for our community and something we can all tackle together.”
It’s a legacy of giving that Central Bank would like to see continue for the next century.
“What’s good for the community is good for us,” Ken says. “It’s important to be philanthropic with our dollars and time. We don’t do it for recognition. We do it to make the community stronger and enrich the experiences of employees.”