Starion Bank is a growing community bank known for providing local leadership, personalized service, and community loyalty. We foster a culture where you can grow professionally and personally, and we treat employees as our most important organizational asset.

Cash Management Support Specialist

We are seeking a Cash Management Support Specialist in Bismarck, Mandan or Fargo, North Dakota; or Madison, WI.

In this role, you will:

• Administer commercial online banking products and services
• Administer commercial credit cards
• Assist customers with ACH transaction processing
• Work with customers to complete training and installation
• Determine and document accounts, users, access parameters, and security configuration
• Provide onboarding per executed agreements
• Perform quality control tasks for setup and maintenance of business online banking products.
• Perform corrective maintenance
• Complete and file exception reports
• Update and provide reports and research

You should have:

• Minimum of one to three years of similar or related experience
• Prefer 1-3 years of commercial credit card experience
• Equivalent of an associate degree
• Strong problem-solving, multi-tasking and decision-making skills
• Computer skills including Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Exceptional customer service skills
• Prior banking industry experience preferred

Starion offers a competitive salary and a full comprehensive benefit package including health, life, dental, vision, health savings account, 401K, profit sharing, paid vacation and holidays.

Join our team and work at a bank recognized as “Best of the Best” by Independent Banker magazine, “50 Best Places to Work” by Prairie Business magazine and “Top 10 Workplaces” by Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network! Apply online at www.starionbank.com/careers.

Starion is an Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Starion Bank is a growing community bank known for providing local leadership, personalized service, and community loyalty. We foster a culture where you can grow both professionally and personally and treat employees as our most important organizational asset.

Deposit Operations Specialist

Located in our Mandan branch, this position delivers high-quality customer service by providing deposit operations support to all 16 branches and customers in North Dakota and Wisconsin.

Responsibilities include:

• Process NSF’s
• Resolve/process non-post deposit items
• Process ACH exceptions, returns along with ACH disputes
• Process return items
• Balance general ledger accounts
• Processing and balancing of daily transactions
• Wires
• Debit card, Credit card and ATM transaction balancing along with dispute processing
• Process check adjustments
• Mobile deposit review
• Balance official checks
• Overdraft Management
• Account maintenance and other miscellaneous duties
• Address changes
• Promote and cross sell bank services

You should have:

• The equivalent of an associate’s degree
• One to two years of bookkeeping and/or operations experience
• Strong mathematical and problem-solving skills
• Multi-tasking and decision-making skills
• Computer skills including Outlook, Word and Excel
• Exceptional customer service skills.

Starion Bank offers a competitive salary and a full comprehensive benefit package including health, life, dental, vision, health savings account, 401K, profit sharing, paid vacation, and holidays.

Join our team and work at a bank recognized as “Best of the Best” by Independent Banker magazine, “50 Best Places to Work” by Prairie Business magazine and “Top 10 Workplaces” by Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network! Apply online at www.starionbank.com/careers.

Digital Marketing Specialist

Do you get excited about developing and running successful digital marketing campaigns? Are you a disciplined, ethical team player who believes in serving their communities and inspiring them to action? If so, you may be an excellent fit at Starion Bank!

We are seeking a Digital Marketing Specialist in Bismarck!

In this role, you will:

• Develop and deploy consistent, engaging advertising content across the Bank’s web, mobile, email, social and other digital marketing platforms.
• Support the promotion of products and services to drive traffic, generate leads and acquire new customers.
• Assist in brand management for digital marketing and multimedia asset creation including brand identity, look and feel and voice execution.
• Update and maintain content on the Starion Bank website.
• Monitor performance of digital marketing initiatives and report on results.

You should be:

• Self-motivated – Driven to hit deadlines, contribute new ideas and develop as a digital marketer.

• Self-aware – highly intentional about your decision-making processes, and skilled in communicating them to diverse colleagues and customers.
• Analytical – ability to research, interpret, analyze and report on data.
• Curious – interested in human behavior, trends, new technologies and industry developments.

You should have:

• A degree in marketing, communications or a related discipline, or equivalent industry-recognized certifications.
• Three to five years of website management and/or digital marketing experience.
• Experience with modern web design techniques and platforms.
• Experience with digital marketing technologies and tools such as email marketing and automation platforms, A/B testing tools and CMS.
• Understanding of and experience delivering results using search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM), social media, email marketing and paid digital media.
• Proficiency in platforms such as Google, Facebook and SEMRush for research, advertising and analytics.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and baseline knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Excellent verbal and written skills.
• Flexible schedule and hybrid environment available.
• Comfortable working alone, but also thrives in a collaborative environment.

Starion Bank is a growing community bank known for providing local leadership, personalized service and community loyalty. We foster a culture where you can grow both professionally and personally, and we treat employees as our most important organizational asset.

We offer a competitive salary and a full comprehensive benefit package including health, life, dental, vision, health savings account, 401K, profit sharing, paid vacation and holidays.

Join our team and work at a bank recognized as “Best of the Best” by Independent Bankers magazine and “50 Best Places to Work” by Prairie Business magazine! Apply online at www.starionbank.com/careers.

Starion Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Happy April, everyone! It’s supposed to be spring but the forecast looks like we may be in the middle of another winter storm about the time this newsletter hits your inbox. Good grief! Enough already!

ND independent banks 'doing well' | Prairie Public Broadcasting

Prairie Public Broadcasting | By Dave Thompson

BISMARCK, ND – Stephen L. Stenehjem, Chairman and CEO of First International Bank & Trust (FIBT), is the recipient of the 2022 Distinguished Community Banker Award. The award was presented to him during the 54^th Annual Independent Community Banks of North Dakota (ICBND) Convention & Exposition. The three-day event was held August 8-10, at the Bismarck Hotel and Conference Center, in Bismarck, and was attended by over 200 bank and associate members.

The Distinguished Community Banker Award was created in 1998 by the ICBND Board of Directors to recognize the efforts of its most outstanding members and is the most prestigious award given by ICBND. This award, which need not be given every year, honors an active or former community banker for exemplary and outstanding service to community banking over an extended career. Stephen’s father Leland M. Stenehjem posthumously received the award in 2017, making Stephen the second Stenehjem to be honored with the ICBND Distinguished Community Banker Award.

Stenehjem, who recently celebrated 40 years with First International Bank & Trust, looks back on his achievements with pride. “FIBT is over 100x larger than when I started and that’s a testament to the amazing team we’ve built over the years. From our humble beginnings in Arnegard, ND, we now have 34 locations across four states and can serve more customers than ever before. Thank you to everyone who has been part of FIBT’s success. I am truly humbled and honored to receive this award.”

ICBND hosts 54th Annual Convention in Bismarck | KX NEWS (kxnet.com)

BISMARCK, N.D. — This week is the ICBND 54th Annual Convention. The convention will last Monday through Wednesday.

Jessie Pfaff, who is the vice president for the ICBND says this is a chance for community bankers and associate members vendors across the nation to get together.

“It’s just a time to reconnect with eachother and to celebrate everything they have accomplished last year” “

Pfaff says conventions such as this one is extremely important to have in the state.

“North Dakota in general is a tight knit rural community and community banks across our state are what provide the funding for a lot of main street, and we are excited about bringing them together.”

According to Pfaff, ICBND is the only association in the state of North Dakota that excessively represents Community Banks.
The convention always has a theme and for this years theme it’s the roaring 20’s.

“We figured it’s the 20’s. We are roaring forward and everything that banks have had to overcome with their customers and COVID the last couple of years,” said Pfaff. “They keep charging forward into the future.”

And the big topic on everyone’s mind is inflation.

“It’s front and center. The man on the street and the lady on the street mind’s these days is on how much things are costing,” said Reber. “When they go to the grocery store, when they go buy clothes. When they fill up their gas tank.”

As far as what interest rates could do in the next six months, Jim Reber, President and CEO of ICBA Securities, says it’s impossible to predict.
Despite not being able to predict how long the inflation will last, Reber says community banks are built to benefit from rising rates.

“If this is a long term scenario, where rates are higher than normal, community banks should do just fine.”

They say no matter what the economy looks like… they will continue to reach out and help their neighbors from rural to cities here in North Dakota.

Tioga, ND, August 1, 2022 - The Bank of Tioga has partnered with the Tioga Area Economic Development Corporation to host REV, a small business pitch competition where $15,000 will be distributed to one or more entrepreneurs. Applications are due October 10, 2022.

From the pool of applicants, up to five businesses will be selected to pitch and be judged on all aspects of their business in front of a judges panel on Thursday, November 10, 2022 at the Divide County Courthouse, located at 200 N Main St., Crosby, ND.

"Entrepreneurs and businesses are encouraged to pitch their current or future business concepts for a chance to win money to support their idea. It is our mission to IGNITE PROSPERITY® in all the communities we serve," said President of The Bank of Tioga, Savanna Hendrickson.

The Bank of Tioga hosts REV in an effort to reinvest in local businesses and entrepreneurs. Applicants will be judged on their pitch, marketing, personal investment level and exit strategy.

In 2017, The Bank of Tioga started REV in an effort to spur economic growth and encourage business owners to continue pursuing their dreams. As of today, over $60,000 has been awarded through this program.

Last year’s winners included Blue Raven Trading Company at $7,200, Back Shed Treasures LLC at $4,200, Luxe Beauty Bar LLC at $2,400 and Haugland Enterprises Inc. at $1,200. Judges include Savanna Hendrickson, President of The Bank of Tioga and Wendy Lenzen, Vice President of Business & Consumer Banking with The Bank of Tioga, along with KayCee Lindsey with Divide County Economic Development and Dennis Lindahl with Tioga Economic Development.

To apply, visit https://www.thebankoftioga.com/rev and download the REV application. The application deadline is October 10, 2022. If you have any questions, please reach out to Savanna Hendrickson at The Bank of Tioga at 701-664-3388.

About The Bank of Tioga: At The Bank of Tioga, we IGNITE PROSPERITY® by helping our clients do more with their money. Whether it’s saving a little extra cash each month or accomplishing a long-term strategy, our goal is to help you transform your financial life. The Bank of Tioga was chartered in 1951 and was acquired by TS Contrarian Bancshares Inc., an affiliate of TS Banking Group in 2014. With $350 million in assets, The Bank of Tioga is committed to supporting local organizations and reinvests a portion of its net income back to the community. Branch locations include Tioga and Crosby, North Dakota. For more information visit thebankoftioga.com.

New program will provide an additional line of support for North Dakota’s small businesses

United Bankers’ Bank Announces Strategic Partnership with Blue Team Alpha

MINOT, N.D. – Bravera Bank is proud to announce that United Community Bank (UCB) is going to be merged into Bravera Bank. Pending regulatory approval and other customary conditions, this is expected to officially take effect November 2022. UCB has locations in Minot, Burlington, Drake and Leeds.

Bravera took over ownership of UCB in 2015 while leaving UCB to operate independently. While UCB has been a Bravera company for seven years, taking on the Bravera name and merging into the same systems means a greater depth of services for customers. For example, customers will have the convenience of using services at any of Bravera’s locations throughout North Dakota, Montana and soon Minnesota. In addition, Bravera Wealth is currently located in the same building as UCB in Minot and will remain.

“We’ve worked together for quite a while and are glad to take this next step forward. This collaboration improves the experience of those we serve as well as our employees,” said Greg Vetter, president of client services and interim president/CEO of UCB.

“This is an exciting shift for our customers and our team,” said Kelly Perrin, UCB Minot market president. “We are able to provide additional resources, products and services in banking, wealth and insurance areas as well as give customers access across a greater footprint.”

UCB’s same local, friendly staff is available to assist customers throughout the transition.

To learn more about Bravera, visit bravera.bank. 

  Starion Bank mortgage banker named to three prestigious Top Originator lists

Starion Bank Mortgage Banking Supervisor Kassy Landis has been named to three distinguished lists of America’s top mortgage bankers. The Scotsman Guide named Landis in their Top Originators of 2021 and Top Women Originators of 2021 lists. Mortgage Executive Magazine named Landis as one of the Top 1% of Mortgage Originators of 2021. 

   Picture: Kassy Landis 

Landis, who is based in Bismarck, has been a mortgage banking officer since 2012. She joined Starion in 2006 as a Universal Banker, advanced to Business Banking Representative in 2007, and became a mortgage underwriter in 2008.

Her area of expertise is residential mortgage lending, including conventional loans, NDHFA First Time Home Buyer programs, FHA, VA, Construction, Lot, Bridge, Home Equity and jumbo loans, allowing Landis to help home buyers determine the financing that best fits their needs.  

Landis earned an associate degree from Bismarck State College and a bachelor’s degree from Dickinson State University, both in business administration. She served as a member of 2021-2022 City of Bismarck Special Assessments Task Force volunteer and currently serves as a member of Bismarck-Mandan Professional Women in Building, and as an affiliate member of both the Bismarck-Mandan HBA and Bismarck-Mandan Board of Realtors.

Scotsman Guide previously recognized Landis as one of the Top Women Originators and Top Originators in 2020. She was also recognized by Mortgage Executive Magazine in their Top 1% of Mortgage Originators for 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2020.

The Scotsman Guide is a source of news and research to keep mortgage professionals informed about important trends and topics in the industry. They provide finance tools, industry news, market data and research to help mortgage originators grow their networks.

Mortgage Executive Magazine annually compiles a comprehensive list of the nation’s top one percent of mortgage originators in the United States in order to recognize and celebrate their service, dedication and hard work it takes to serve clients during the home loan process.

About Starion Bank

Starion Bank is a $1.7 billion family-owned community bank and financial services organization. Established in Oakes, N.D., in 1969, Starion has 16 locations in Bismarck-Mandan, Bottineau, Dunseith, Ellendale, Fargo, Oakes and Rolla, N.D.: and Middleton, Monona and Sun Prairie, Wis.

Online

• www.starionbank.com
• www.facebook.com/starionbank

Happy February, community bankers! I hope you are surviving this year’s North Dakota winter. You will see in this edition of our newsletter that ICBND is proudly promoting the launch of Bankers Helping Bankers (BHB), a collaboration with FedFis, a fintech providing data transformation for financial institutions, and the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT). The new program is supported by community banking associations nationwide. And best of all, it is available free to all ICBND member bankers!

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I hope this message finds you recovering from the Thanksgiving holiday. It’s truly my favorite holiday involving good food, family, friends, and football. My favorite part was spending time with my two grandsons as we enjoyed the mild temperatures and sunshine that still prevail in this early winter.

As I look back on 2021, I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to represent you all and the interests of community banking in North Dakota and nationally. And I’m proud of our accomplishments this past year with the 67^th Assembly of the North Dakota Legislature which convened on January 5 and adjourned on April 29. In addition to the Regular Session, Governor Burgum called a Special Session of the Legislature that was conducted the week of November 8 adjourning on Friday, November 12.

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I hope this message finds you doing well and enjoying our gorgeous fall weather. While the days have been very pleasant, I don’t think any of us would mind some “rain” days. Drought has taken a heavy toll on our ag producers this year, especially our livestock producers who are scrounging hay and feed to get through the winter. I feel for them during this challenging time.

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I hope this message finds you doing well and finding some ways to stay cool during what seems to be an excessively hot and dry summer. Say a prayer for our ag producers especially those scrambling right now to find hay and forage for their livestock. It’s difficult to watch the countryside wilt.   

It’s hard to believe August is already here. Of course, that means your ICBND Convention Committee and staff are in the home stretch of preparation for our 53rd annual convention. We’re excited to be back in convention-mode after the doldrums of pandemic-ridden 2020. I hope you’re planning to attend the convention as it’s still not too late to register! I promise it will be fun and informative. As I’ve reported before, the format for the convention will be a bit different this year with a Monday through Wednesday schedule. And don’t forget to participate in Monday evening’s western theme party and PAC fundraiser which is sure to be entertaining.

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The 67^th Legislative Assembly of the North Dakota Legislature wrapped up in the very early morning hours of Friday, April 27 which marked the 76^th day of the session saving four days during the interim if there’s a need to reconvene. While we didn’t get everything we wanted from this session, independent community banking fared well and we will work hard in the interim voicing our advocacy message. I won’t belabor this message with details from the session as you’re probably just starting to recover from my weekly legislative updates the first four months of the year!

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Happy April everyone! We’ve had some early glimpses of spring after a very mild winter, but now we need some of those April showers for the May flowers. I’ve had numerous discussions with member bank ag lenders over the past several weeks. There are some pretty consistent themes across the state. First, most producers are better off right now than they were a year ago. And second, while it varies slightly, it’s too dry everywhere. Hopefully, Mother Nature provides some relief on the latter point.

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Happy 2021 everyone! I know this is going to be a great year and I hope it’s starting off that way for you and yours. Things in life are often relative and compared to a baseline. If 2020 is our baseline for evaluating 2021, then hallelujah! I like our chances for improvement. Covid cases are down and we’re seeing some light at the end of the tunnel with respect to this dastardly pandemic. I also know that 2021 will have its challenges, I just hope they aren’t the same challenges that we’ve faced the past almost year now.

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