Connie Torneden, First State Bank & Trust in Tonganoxie Congratulations to Connie Torneden on her 50 years in banking! Connie embarked on her professional journey in 1974, joining The First State Bank of Tonganoxie as an Administrative Assistant to the President and Chairman of the Board. Through Connie’s 50-year banking career, she witnessed and contributed to the bank’s remarkable growth, now spanning seven retail locations, an investments and financial services office and an operations building. Her career progression held multiple roles, from Administrative Assistant to Assistant Cashier, Compliance Officer and Bank Security Officer from 1980 to 1997; advanced to Assistant Vice President/Credit Department, Loan Production Specialist and Commercial Loan Assistant from 1997 to 2009; and Sr. Commercial Loan Assistant from 2009 to the present. Her educational background includes being a graduate of Tonganoxie High School and earning a business certificate in 1974 from Kansas City Kansas Community College. When Connie is not working at the bank, she has been making significant contributions to her community throughout various roles: Board of Directors for Reno Cemetery Association from 1986 to the present; Co-Founder and Chairman of Tonganoxie Days from 1986 to 2015; Lobbyist and Treasurer of the 24-40 Highway Task Force in Leavenworth County from 1989 to 1991; graduate from Southern Leavenworth County Leadership Development in 1991; current Treasurer of the Fairmont District 2 Fire Department (previously Reno Township Fire Department) from 1996 to the present; past President of the Tonganoxie Chamber of Commerce; and Secretary of the Tonganoxie Community Historical Society. Connie has also been involved with the Tonganoxie Jaycees, Dairy Farmers of America and the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA). Her dedication has also been acknowledged through various accolades, including the Citizen of the Year Award and the Member of the Year Award from the Tonganoxie Chamber of Commerce, and the Woman of the Year Award from the American Business Women’s Association. Connie Torneden’s career and volunteer work reflect a lifetime of commitment to both her professional field and her community. Her influence extends beyond banking, showcasing her leadership and service in various civic and professional capacities. Cara Daise, BANKWEST of Kansas in Goodland Cara’s banking career began on Aug. 1, 1975, after being hired by Dale while working at Brown’s Shoe Store in Goodland. She started as a teller, balancing savings accounts and quickly taking on more responsibilities. Cara worked in bookkeeping, handled loan payments, posted the general ledger and manually calculated interest and penalties for CDs — all before the advent of computers at the bank. In 1978, she and Tony Paugolatos manually converted the bank’s securities portfolio to a computerized bond accounting system, marking a significant step forward in operations. Over time, Cara’s knowledge and skills grew, and she earned titles such as Assistant Cashier, Cashier, Vice President and Executive Vice President. In May 2006, she was named Chief Executive Officer, leading board meetings for much of her career. 50 Year Club Awards 30
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