In 2026, our nation reaches a remarkable milestone: 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It coincides with another milestone close to home: 50 years since the introduction of Community’s “Total Service” philosophy, a commitment that has guided how we serve our customers and community every day.
Together, these anniversaries tell a powerful story of independence and a shared belief in building a stronger future.
Honoring 250 Years of Opportunity
The United States’ 250th anniversary is more than a celebration of history, it is a time to reflect on the values that have shaped generations: independence and the pursuit of opportunity.
For communities across the country, including here in Chicago, these values are lived in local neighborhoods, small businesses, and family homes. They remind us that the strength of our community is built together.
These principles guided the bank’s founder, Peter Cleven, to establish the bank in 1944 so area residents could buy and own their own homes and save for the future. After living through the Great Depression, he saw many Chicagoans struck with financial ruin. Peter Cleven thought that if the community pooled its money together to create a savings and loan association, its customers could live out the dream of owning a home and saving for the future.
Since opening in 1944, the bank has been dedicated to helping individuals and families save for the future and achieve homeownership, reinforcing financial stability at the community level.
50 Years of “Total Service”
While the country celebrates 250 years of independence, Community also celebrates a milestone we are proud of: 50 years of “Total Service.” Total service represents offering coordinated financial products to help customers bank conveniently and affordably.
In 1976, the bank’s second president, Harvey Cleven, envisioned a cashless world where banking was possible anywhere, at any time. Instead of going into a physical branch, Harvey was inventive in his product offering. Community was one of the first thrifts to offer NOW checking accounts, telephone banking, and ATM cards to its customers.
Today, “Total Service” continues to be a guiding philosophy and represents the bank’s total service offering to our customers. This philosophy reflects the bank’s long-standing belief that banking should be personal, dependable, and centered around the needs of the customer. Over the years, as technology and financial services have evolved, the commitment has adapted to modern needs, while preserving the customer service that defines personal banking.
While many banks have consolidated or moved towards automation in recent years, the bank’s current president, Dane Cleven, remains guided by the founding principles of security, protection, and excellent customer service. The bank continues to make traditional mortgage loans in the area and offers competitive products to help our customers save for the future.
Celebrating Together as a Community
Milestones are best celebrated together. In recognition of these historic anniversaries, Community Savings Bank is marking the occasion by welcoming customers and neighbors to celebrate in-person, with special events, giveaways, and opportunities to connect on Friday, July 3, 2026 and Monday, July 6, 2026.
The celebration is a reflection of what makes Community unique: A bank that is not only part of the neighborhood, but actively engaged in it.
We thank our customers for your loyalty and we look forward to delivering more years of Total Service.