Stride Bank breaks ground; looks towards future on Doolin

Stride Bank in Blackwell officially broke ground last week on Doolin at the future site of their new bank building with Stride Bank leaders, engineers, City of Blackwell representatives, Mayor Patricia Hullett, and the Blackwell Area Chamber of Commerce present. 

“We are so proud to break ground here at the site of our new branch in the heart of the community that we have served lovingly over the last 34 years,” said Emily Fruits, Stride Blackwell’s Market Manager and Vice President.

“For over 3 decades we have had the privilege of growing alongside this community- we’ve seen local businesses open their doors and thrive, families move into their first homes to build new generations, students go to college, and dreams take shape.” 

“Through it all,” Fruits continued, “we have strived to be more than just a bank. We have strived to be a trusted neighbor, supporter of local initiatives, and a resource people can count on.” 

“This new bank is more than just ‘brick and mortar’, it’s a symbol of the future of Stride Bank and Blackwell. Here’s to the next 30 years.” 

Fruits acknowledged Mayor Hullett, City Manager Jerry Wieland, City Clerk Traci Hanebrink, Fire Chief Cory Hanebrink, Police Chief Jay Brewer, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Noel Black, Stride Bank Chief Banking Officer Kevin Guarnera, Stride’s Eastern Market President Chris Meyers, Stride Bank’s Retail Directors Debbie Johnson and Angie Eckstein, and others. 

Chamber Executive Director Noel Black congratulated Stride on the new location and their continued investment in Blackwell. 

“Thank you for choosing Blackwell as your home, and we look forward to your future successes right here,” said Black 

“Thank you for your commitment to the city,” City Manager Wieland said, “this is awesome to me. I attended kindergarten at this very site, and everything has come full circle. The future couldn’t be brighter for Blackwell. This will make Doolin look amazing and really go a long way to beautifying our community.” 

The groundbreaking comes after Stride made waves last year donating their former site to the City of Blackwell which, once Stride is moved into Doolin, will at as the new site of Blackwell City Hall which will include the Blackwell Utility Department, Blackwell Code Enforcement, and the City of Blackwell Administration. 

The current City Hall at 221 W. Blackwell will house the Blackwell Police Department once the move is complete, with the Blackwell P.D. housing the Blackwell Fire Department, Dispatch, and the holding cells.