Our Story

United Prairie has its roots in rural Minnesota. The organization started to take shape in 1973 when former President, James G. Sneer, bought Farmers State Bank of Mountain Lake, Minnesota. That original bank charter began in the year 1919. The bank was run with a strong emphasis in superior customer service, financial integrity and community involvement.

Some years later, Mr. Sneer began to acquire other banks in towns around in the region, bringing the strong values and business practices that brought early success. In some cases, failing banks were rescued and resuscitated to once again become strong promoters of their local economies. In 1992, the banks owned by Mr. Sneer were changed to the now-familiar United Prairie Bank.

In 2002, Stuart J. Sneer, the son of James and Susan Sneer, took over the presidency of the company after many years of individual bank management and system management as vice president. Today, the third generation of the Sneer family is involved in roles within the company.

Over the years, United Prairie began to build its resources for its customers as well offering those services across its footprint. Currently, the company has 10 locations in communities across Minnesota. Company headquarters are in Mankato, Minnesota. 

Our Leadership Team

United Prairie News

Scott Miller Joins United Prairie Bank as New President and CEO

March 15, 2024 (Mankato, MN)—United Prairie Bank’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Miller as President and CEO effective March 13, 2024. Miller will be responsible for the overall direction of the bank including its financial performance, balance sheet management, business development and operations. United Prairie Bank is a family-owned, community bank headquartered in Mankato, Minnesota, with 10 locations across southern and central Minnesota.

"This strategic appointment of a leader with Scott’s industry-specific experience represents our commitment to healthy growth as we approach the threshold of $1 billion in assets,” says United Prairie Bank’s Board Chair Melanie VanRoekel. “Surpassing this exciting goal, commits United Prairie Bank to increased banking compliance, risk management and infrastructure requirements. Scott’s expertise and insight will be invaluable as he leads us into our next phase while ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction.”

Miller’s 40-year career has been focused on building financial institution knowledge. Miller served as a partner for Crowe, LLC—the eighth largest accounting and consulting firm in the US and leading provider of risk management and credit consulting services. His tenure at Crowe included oversight of the Credit Consulting practice with 130 plus clients providing services ranging from loan review to complex model validation as well as collaboration with executives at financial institutions across the US. Prior to Crowe, LLC, Miller spent over a decade with Old Kent Bank & Trust in multiple commercial lending leadership positions including Vice President, Senior Credit Officer and Vice President, Commercial Lending.

United Prairie Bank is not new territory for Miller. He joined the United Prairie’s Board of Directors in 2022. Since then, he has had the opportunity to participate in the bank’s strategic planning, observe operations and become engaged with branch leadership.

“I am honored to be joining the team at United Prairie. Their dedication to building long-term, quality relationships to help our customers reach their financial goals and succeed is unmatched,” said Miller. “United Prairie is at an exciting point in time. I look forward to helping our customers, community and bank grow and thrive.”

Farmers State Corporation sells Agency

 October 19, 2023 – Farmers State Corporation, the holding company for the United Prairie financial services entities, has made the decision to sell the insurance agency portion of their business holdings.

As of October 1, 2023, First MainStreet Insurance (FMSI), headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has attained ownership of United Prairie Insurance Agency.

“As our company grows, it became clear that we needed to seek a buyer that is well-equipped with the vision, expertise and infrastructure to succeed Farmers State for the agency to continue to thrive. We’re very pleased to have chosen First MainStreet Insurance,” commented United Prairie board chair, Melanie VanRoekel.

United Prairie President and CEO, Scott Bradley, adds, “I’m confident this company shares the values and commitment that the insurance agency team and communities will recognize and appreciate.”

United Prairie Insurance Agency will continue to do business under the familiar United Prairie brand and employees will continue in their roles under new ownership and remain in their current facilities.

“It’s important to note that Farmers State Corporation and United Prairie Bank remain strong and sound. Our company is as committed as ever to growing our company and communities together through our top-notch banking team and services,” Bradley stated.

united prairie named one of the top workplaces in mn

June 18, 2023 – United Prairie has been named one of the Top Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune. A complete list of those selected is available at startribune.com. Top Workplaces recognizes the most progressive companies in Minnesota based on employee opinions measuring engagement, organizational health, and satisfaction. The analysis included responses from 124,719 employees at Minnesota public, private, and nonprofit organizations. The results of the Star Tribune Top Workplaces are based on survey information collected by Energage, an independent company specializing in employee engagement and retention.

United Prairie CEO and President Scott Bradley said, “There are hundreds of employers that participate in this program and it’s an honor to be placed in this category. Thank you to all our employees for their contributions to this distinction.

United Prairie COO Maureen Wieser added, “We received this honor because of our team’s dedication to continuous improvement. I’d like to thank our employees for all they do in their service to each other and to our clients.”

Star Tribune CEO and Publisher Steve Grove said, “The companies in the Star Tribune Top Workplaces deserve high praise for creating the very best work environments in the state of Minnesota. My congratulations to each of these exceptional companies.”

united prairie board additions

May 12, 2023 – United Prairie has expanded the company’s board of directors to include four new members. We’re happy to have Emily Sieberg, Tim Malecha, Sara Mikuta and Scott Miller join the team.

Emily Sieberg is a third-generation member of the Sneer family to be involved in the operations of the company since her grandfather, James G. Sneer, founded the company in 1973 and father, Stuart J. Sneer recently retired from the board after nearly 40 years of leadership. Emily brings 10 years of experience with United Prairie across various capacities, most recently as a Relationship Manager in the Mankato branch.

Tim Malecha joins the board with a wealth of knowledge having recently retired from CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, where he supported United Prairie Bank as a tax advisor. Tim’s considerable financial and tax acumen will be a substantial asset on the board.

Sara Mikuta brings over 42 years of financial institution experience. Throughout her career, Sara held various roles around the Chicago, IL area, focusing on financial/operational review, enterprise risk management, and internal audit/controls.

Scott Miller, a partner at Miller, Lee & Associates, brings 40 years of financial institution experience and knowledge to the board. Previously, he was a partner and national practice leader in Risk Management for Crowe, LLC, where he focused on consulting services for loan review, model validation, process improvement and due diligence.

We’re pleased to bring such a wealth and breadth of knowledge to the company through these individuals and look forward to continued growth through their support and guidance.