BTC Bank officially closed on the purchase of Merchants & Farmers Bank on Monday. The acquisition was announced in August.

Based in Bethany, Missouri, BTC bank now has 23 locations throughout Missouri and southern Iowa, with total assets currently estimated at more than $1 billion. Founded in 1919, it has grown to be one of the largest agricultural lenders in the state. 

The bank announced last week that Travis Schupp will serve as the Fayette branch’s Market President and Vice President. He will be responsible for developing new partnerships, overseeing loan practices, and maintaining existing portfolios while also growing that branch’s book of business.

Mr. Schupp is no stranger to rural Missouri living. After growing up in Pilot Grove and attending his school years there, he graduated Cum Laude from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics.

“I’m excited for Travis to have an opportunity to get back to Fayette and Howard County and reconnect with his former customers,” said Doug Fish, BTC Bank President and CEO. “Having known Travis for over 20 years and worked with him previously, I’m confident he is the right person to lead BTC Bank in Fayette.”

Mr. Schupp has been in the banking business for 24 years. “I’ve grown to know and respect the truly good people in Howard County, and I’m thrilled to return to those roots. Working with my current customer base again while building new relationships as I promote BTC Bank in our communities will be a joy for me,” he said.

Merchants and Farmers bank was founded in 1903 in Salisbury. The Fayette branch opened in 1991. Other branches are located in Columbia and Hardin.