a 65-year legacy of community banking

By Emma Ray, Community Relations Specialist at Blackhawk Bank and Trust

This June, Blackhawk Bank & Trust celebrates something truly remarkable—65 years of serving the community, building relationships, and operating with the same values that have guided the bank from the very beginning.

Since opening its doors on June 28, 1961, Blackhawk Bank & Trust has continued to grow alongside the communities it serves. From an initial $200,000 in total capital and one location in downtown Milan, IL, the bank has expanded to almost $2 billion in assets, now serving customers across 18 locations in Rock Island, Henry, and Mercer counties in Illinois and Scott County in Iowa. That growth has been driven by a focus on keeping banking accessible, convenient, and close to home.

This spring also marked an important milestone, with the appointment of Eric Huiskamp Mutka as President of the bank. As the grandson of Gerry Huiskamp, who served as President for 40 years and continues as Chairman of the Board, Eric’s leadership reflects the continuation of a family legacy and a long-term vision for the future of Blackhawk Bank & Trust. He succeeds Chris Lemon, who retired after 45 years at Blackhawk serving as a lender and most recently, President.

While the bank has grown over the years, its foundation stays the same. Blackhawk Bank & Trust is a family-owned and operated community bank, proudly independent and Not For Sale, with a focus on local decision-making, personalized service, and staying closely connected to the communities it serves. This focus is guided by a clear purpose, mission, and vision:

Purpose: We bank so communities can thrive.
At Blackhawk Bank & Trust, our work begins and ends with the people and places we serve. Thriving communities depend on strong local institutions — and we are proud to be one of them.

Mission: To deliver trusted financial solutions, empower our employees, create long-term value for shareholders, and strengthen the communities we serve — building on our proud legacy as a locally owned and operated institution.

Vision: To be the region’s most trusted independent community bank.
Our vision centers on independence, trust, and long-term stewardship. We are committed to preserving what makes community banking special — while continually improving the ways we serve our customers.

This commitment is reflected in how Blackhawk Bank & Trust continues to invest in both its communities and the overall customer experience. The recently reopened Valley Center location in Moline, IL offers a refreshed, modern space designed to better serve customers, with updated technology, an improved layout, and a welcoming environment that reflects the bank’s relationship-focused approach. At the same time, the continued growth of Interactive Teller Machines extends access beyond the traditional banking day, with hours from 8AM to 7PM, giving customers more flexibility to bank on their schedule. Beyond locations and technology, programs like the Little Hawk Club and Silver Hawk Club continue to grow, welcoming more members and offering new opportunities through events, activities, and ongoing engagement that help build lasting connections at every stage of life.

As Blackhawk Bank & Trust marks 65 years, the focus remains on growing alongside the communities it serves, with a steady commitment to stability, familiarity, and trust that customers can rely on for years to come. It’s a commitment to being here for the moments that matter, today and for generations ahead.