The Kansas Chamber on Friday announced INTRUST Bank is the Chamber’s 2023 Ad Astra Award honoree.

Each year during the Chamber’s annual dinner, it and its members recognize a Kansas company with the Ad Astra Award. The award identifies a Kansas business for its unique contributions to the economic health and welfare of the state. This honor is presented to a business that exemplifies both business and civic excellence within the state.

“For more than 145 years, INTRUST Bank and its employees have focused on advancing the enterprising spirit of Kansas,” said Chamber President and CEO Alan Cobb. “The bank’s “Tradition For Today” philosophy underscores its commitment to innovation, service, and community involvement, leading it to become one of our state’s largest banks headquartered in Kansas.”

Cobb continued, “The INTRUST Bank team demonstrates its commitment to the communities it serves through its support of numerous community and economic development organizations, and by encouraging its employees to pursue causes they are passionate about, bringing positive change to our state. The Kansas Chamber and its members are thrilled to recognize INTRUST Bank and its employees for their contributions to Kansas with the 2023 Ad Astra Award.”

The bank that became INTRUST was originally chartered in 1876 and purchased by C.Q. Chandler II in 1900. C.Q. established a distinctive business practice and company culture right from the start with his motto: “You do business with people, not companies.”

Since then, INTRUST has grown to have locations in communities across Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas and customers across the country. Through the leadership of five generations of the Chandler family, INTRUST has held steadfast to the principles of its founder and maintained a commitment to the guiding principles and fundamental values.

“Our commitment to our core principles guides us each day as we seek to support the well-being of our customers, employees, and the communities we call home,” said Charlie Chandler, INTRUST Bank Chairman and CEO. “We are honored to be selected as the 2023 Ad Astra recipient.”

The bank’s dedication to the well-being of community dates back to its beginnings and continued with the Community Chest, now known as the United Way. INTRUST and its employees support the communities they serve in numerous ways including giving to organizations who promote the importance of character development or offer financial education, providing leadership in economic development activities, and dedicating time to volunteerism.