Andrea Heffta Promoted To Operations Officer At Park River Location

First United Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Andrea Heffta to the position of Operations Officer at their Park River location.   

Heffta has been with First United Bank since 2019. She was hired as a Customer Service Representative and then was named a Personal Banker. In her new role, she will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Bank and will also continue to open new accounts and handle customer service related questions. 

“We are excited to announce Andrea’s promotion,” said Joan Larson, Chief Operations Officer. “Her understanding of customer needs makes her an excellent fit for this position. She has consistently demonstrated skill and dedication in her previous positions and we are excited for her future at First United Bank.” 

Heffta is a 2010 graduate of Northland Community and Technical College in East Grand Forks, MN and holds an Associate of Applied Science degree.    

Heffta and her husband Luke, live in rural Adams.  

First United Bank, founded in 1885, has assets totaling over $675 million and offers full-service banking along with Trust and Insurance services. The Bank has a long history in northeast North Dakota including locations in Park River, Adams, Michigan, Petersburg, Grafton, Hoople, Crystal, Aneta, Sharon, Cooperstown, Devils Lake, Cando, Cavalier, Fargo, Maddock and Rugby.

First United Bank’s Sarah Bachmeier Awarded Diploma From Graduate School Of Banking From The University Of Wisconsin-Madison

Sara Bachmeier

Sarah Bachmeier of First United Bank in Devils Lake, ND, was awarded a diploma on August 9, 2024, at commencement exercises during the 79th session of the prestigious Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She also received a Certificate of Executive Leadership from the Wisconsin School of Business Center for Professional and Executive Development for completing the rigorous GSB leadership curriculum.  

The School, sponsored by state bankers associations from across the central United States, as well as the University of Wisconsin-Madison, was established in 1945 to provide bankers with an opportunity for advanced study and research in banking, economics and leadership. Instruction at the Graduate School of Banking takes place during two-week resident sessions for three consecutive summers, along with comprehensive study between summer resident sessions. The curriculum focuses on the management of strategic issues faced by banking executives and financial services industry professionals.

The Graduate School of Banking enrolls approximately 600 US and international professionals each year.  More than 85 esteemed academicians, economists, government officials, and industry professionals comprise the School’s faculty.

Lisa Mosser Promoted To Market President At Devils Lake Location

First United Bank is excited to announce the promotion of Lisa Mosser to the position of Market President in Devils Lake. In her new role, Mosser will oversee all of the branch operations and will be responsible for driving the growth and profitability for the location. 

Mosser brought with her over 20 years of banking experience including eight years as a Market President. She has been with First United Bank since May of 2023 and has consistently demonstrated strong leadership skills. She has also built relationships with customers and team members, which will be valuable in her new role. 

“We are pleased to announce Lisa’s promotion to Market President,” said Scott Thompson, Regional President and Chief Credit Officer. “Her understanding of our customer base and her banking experience make her a great fit for this role. We are excited for Lisa as well as the future of our Devils Lake location!” 

Mosser is married to Josh and they have two young children. 

First United Bank, founded in 1885, has assets totaling over $675 million and offers full-service banking along with Trust and Insurance services. The Bank has a long history in northeast North Dakota including locations in Park River, Adams, Michigan, Petersburg, Grafton, Hoople, Crystal, Aneta, Sharon, Cooperstown, Devils Lake, Cando, Cavalier, Fargo, Maddock and Rugby. 

Amber Skorheim Promoted To Loan Officer At Adams Location

First United Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Amber Skorheim to the position of Loan Officer at its Adams location. Skorheim will be stepping into the role previously held by John Clapp, who is retiring at the end of June after 49 years of dedicated service.  

Skorheim has been with First United Bank since 2019 and has demonstrated excellent leadership skills and a strong commitment to customers. In her previous role as a Personal Banker, she worked closely with John Clapp and gained valuable knowledge, experience and insight into the responsibilities of the position, which will be of great benefit to bank customers and the bank itself. She is a 2023 graduate of the North Dakota School of Banking and also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Mayville State University.   

“We are excited to announce Amber’s promotion,” said Matt Beneda, Regional President. “We are confident she will continue to provide the level of service our customers have come to expect over the years.” 

John Clapp has been an integral part of First United Bank and his contributions will be missed. “We wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement,” said Beneda. 

Skorheim and her husband Craig, live in rural Adams and have one son.  

First United Bank, founded in 1885, has assets totaling over $675 million and offers full-service banking along with Trust and Insurance services. The Bank has a long history in northeast North Dakota including locations in Park River, Adams, Michigan, Petersburg, Grafton, Hoople, Crystal, Aneta, Sharon, Cooperstown, Devils Lake, Cando, Cavalier, Fargo, Maddock and Rugby. 

Susan Harder Promoted To Risk Management Officer

First United Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Susan Harder to the position of Risk Management Officer. In her new role, Harder will monitor and assess potential risk exposure to the bank along with ensuring the bank is in full compliance with banking laws, rules and regulations.

Harder has been with First United Bank since 2019 and has over 25 years of banking experience. She is also a certified Bank Secrecy Officer. This experience and knowledge make her an excellent fit for her new role. 

“We are excited to announce Susan’s promotion to Risk Management Officer,” said Bryan Schmidt, Chief Financial Officer. “This is a very critical area for banks, and we are pleased to have someone well equipped to take on this new role and help us handle the increasingly complicated regulatory environment.”

First United Bank, founded in 1885, has assets totaling over $675 million and offers full-service banking along with Trust and Insurance services. The Bank has a long history in northeast North Dakota including locations in Park River, Adams, Michigan, Petersburg, Grafton, Hoople, Crystal, Aneta, Sharon, Cooperstown, Devils Lake, Cando, Cavalier, Fargo, Maddock and Rugby. 

First United Bank partners with Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines to award $10,000 to Kids’ Alley through the Member Impact Fund

L:R Jim Dusek, First United Bank, J.R. Steele, Kids’ Alley Board member, Matt Beneda, First United Bank, Allison Muhonen, Kristina Petersen and Amber Osowski, Kids’ Alley Board members, Barb Dusek and Mike Shereck, First United Bank and Kristi Olson, Kids’ Alley Board member.

First United Bank, in partnership with Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines), is pleased to announce that Kids’ Alley will receive a $10,000 grant from the FHLB Des Moines Member Impact Fund. This matching grant program, which was introduced in 2023, will provide nearly $20 million to eligible organizations in order to strengthen communities in targeted areas of FHLB Des Moines’ district. In 2024 FHLB Des Moines increased the Member Impact Fund by $10 million.

“First United Bank is pleased to help support Kids’ Alley. This is a much needed space for our young families and we are excited to see this project get completed.” Stated Steve Rehovsky, CEO of First United Bank.

The donated funds will help them finish the construction project so they are able to fulfill their mission of providing a year round safe environment that encourages family and community togetherness, physical activity, imaginative plan and learning for the families of Grafton and the surrounding communities. 

First United Bank, founded in 1885, has assets totaling over $675 million and offers full-service banking along with Trust and Insurance services. The bank has a long history in northeast North Dakota including locations in Park River, Adams, Michigan, Petersburg, Grafton, Hoople, Crystal, Aneta, Sharon, Cooperstown, Devils Lake, Cando, Cavalier, Fargo, Maddock and Rugby.

FHLB Des Moines provides funding solutions and liquidity to more than 1,200 members to support mortgage lending, economic development and affordable housing in the communities they serve. The Member Impact Fund provides $3 for every $1 of an eligible FHLB Des Moines member’s grant donation to strengthen the ability of not-for-profits or government entities to serve the affordable housing or community development needs of their communities. The Member Impact Fund awards are given in partnership with member financial institutions to communities in their districts to become more vibrant places to live and work. 

The Member Impact Fund is part of FHLB Des Moines’ ongoing mission to offer a variety of funding options through its members to support affordable housing and community development needs. Kris Williams, President and CEO of FHLB Des Moines, shares, “We are thrilled to see grants from our Member Impact Fund having a direct, positive impact on the communities in which our members help advance affordable housing and community development needs in a meaningful way.”

The Member Impact Fund matching program is available to organizations located in Hawaii, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands. Member institutions in these locations submitted applications in February and March 2024; funds were distributed directly to the member institution, which then provide the funding alongside a matching grant from FHLB Des Moines for the partner/recipient organization.

Recipient organizations were selected based on the needs for grant funding to support capacity-building or working capital necessary to strengthen their ability to serve affordable housing or community development needs, including training, predevelopment assistance, management information systems or software, strategic planning, market study or community needs assessment, and working capital.

About Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines is deeply committed to strengthening communities, serving 13 states and three U.S Pacific territories as a member-owned cooperative. We work together with over 1,200 member institutions to support affordable housing, economic development and community improvement. 

FHLB Des Moines is one of 11 regional Banks that make up the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Members include community and commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, thrifts and community development financial institutions. FHLB Des Moines is wholly owned by its members and receives no taxpayer funding. For additional information about FHLB Des Moines, please visit www.fhlbdm.com.

First United Bank partners with Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines to award $200,000 to Park River Area School through the Member Impact Fund

L:R Joan Larson and Chris Midgarden of First United Bank, Aaron Schramm of Park River Area School, Steve Rehovsky, Kyra Erovick and Missy Moen of First United Bank.

First United Bank, in partnership with Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines), is pleased to announce that Park River Area School will receive a $200,000 grant from the FHLB Des Moines Member Impact Fund. This matching grant program, which was introduced in 2023, will provide nearly $20 million to eligible organizations in order to strengthen communities in targeted areas of FHLB Des Moines’ district. In 2024 FHLB Des Moines increased the Member Impact Fund by $10 million.

“We are excited to partner with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines to provide funding which supports our school. Strong schools are an important part of rural communities and we feel this will help the Park River Area School meet its educational goals.” Stated Steve Rehovsky, CEO of First United Bank.

The grant funds will be used to help with the construction of the Park River Area Early Learning Center. 

First United Bank, founded in 1885, has assets totaling over $675 million and offers full-service banking along with Trust and Insurance services. The bank has a long history in northeast North Dakota including locations in Park River, Adams, Michigan, Petersburg, Grafton, Hoople, Crystal, Aneta, Sharon, Cooperstown, Devils Lake, Cando, Cavalier, Fargo, Maddock and Rugby.

FHLB Des Moines provides funding solutions and liquidity to more than 1,200 members to support mortgage lending, economic development and affordable housing in the communities they serve. The Member Impact Fund provides $3 for every $1 of an eligible FHLB Des Moines member’s grant donation to strengthen the ability of not-for-profits or government entities to serve the affordable housing or community development needs of their communities. The Member Impact Fund awards are given in partnership with member financial institutions to communities in their districts to become more vibrant places to live and work. 

The Member Impact Fund is part of FHLB Des Moines’ ongoing mission to offer a variety of funding options through its members to support affordable housing and community development needs. Kris Williams, President and CEO of FHLB Des Moines, shares, “We are thrilled to see grants from our Member Impact Fund having a direct, positive impact on the communities in which our members help advance affordable housing and community development needs in a meaningful way.”

The Member Impact Fund matching program is available to organizations located in Hawaii, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands. Member institutions in these locations submitted applications in February and March 2024; funds were distributed directly to the member institution, which then provide the funding alongside a matching grant from FHLB Des Moines for the partner/recipient organization.

Recipient organizations were selected based on the needs for grant funding to support capacity-building or working capital necessary to strengthen their ability to serve affordable housing or community development needs, including training, predevelopment assistance, management information systems or software, strategic planning, market study or community needs assessment, and working capital.

About Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines is deeply committed to strengthening communities, serving 13 states and three U.S Pacific territories as a member-owned cooperative. We work together with over 1,200 member institutions to support affordable housing, economic development and community improvement. 

FHLB Des Moines is one of 11 regional Banks that make up the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Members include community and commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, thrifts and community development financial institutions. FHLB Des Moines is wholly owned by its members and receives no taxpayer funding. For additional information about FHLB Des Moines, please visit www.fhlbdm.com.

First United Bank partners with Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines to award $40,000 to The Red River Community Housing Development through the Member Impact Fund

L:R: Julie Byron, SVP at First United Bank, Julie Gemmill, President of the Walsh County Job Development Authority and Stacie Sevigny, Executive Director of the Walsh County Job Development Authority.

First United Bank, in partnership with Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines), is pleased to announce the Red River Community Housing Development Organization will receive a $40,000 grant from the FHLB Des Moines Member Impact Fund. This matching grant program, which was introduced in 2023, will provide nearly $20 million to eligible organizations in order to strengthen communities in targeted areas of FHLB Des Moines’ district. In 2024 FHLB Des Moines increased the Member Impact Fund by $10 million.

First United Bank is a proud sponsor of the Red River Community Housing Development Organization who is partnering with the Walsh County Job Development Authority to provide community development initiatives. 

The grant funds will be used to help renovate an existing 5,000 sq.ft.building on Grafton’s main street which will be used as a childcare center. Once construction is complete, ownership of the building would be transferred to the Red River CHDO. The CHDO is an existing 501c3 non-profit serving Region 4 of ND. The provider would pay rent to utilize the space owned by the CHDO.

Quality childcare is a major barrier to workforce recruitment and retention, as well as the economic health and resiliency of the communities. A North Dakota Region 4 (Walsh, Pembina, Nelson, and Grand Forks counties) survey conducted in summer 2022 showed that 79% of 556 respondents indicated work was affected when childcare arrangements fell through. 

Walsh County is one of 15 ND counties considered to be childcare desert. According to Child Care Aware of ND, the County has just 29% of the needed supply to meet demand.

The goal of this project is to create a turn-key childcare facility to eliminate overhead costs for a provider to operate from. Reducing overhead costs would allow a licensed provider to scale up their business and increase childcare slots. There are currently no providers in Walsh County licensed as a center. 

The provider identified to operate in the space would be able to move from a group to a center license, therefore adding an additional 25-30 childcare slots. This project could potentially remove Walsh County from childcare desert status. If the provider were to leave childcare, the facility remains for someone else to fill the need in Walsh County. Utilizing the Member Impact Fund for this project provides significant assurance that the funds will be used now and in the future for the goal of increasing the availability of quality childcare slots to meet demand.

“We are extremely pleased to partner with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines to support this project. Childcare is a vital component of our economic health and this grant will go a long way in bridging the gap in Walsh County.” Stated Steve Rehovsky, CEO of First United Bank. 

First United Bank, founded in 1885, has assets totaling over $675 million and offers full-service banking along with Trust and Insurance services. The bank has a long history in northeast North Dakota including locations in Park River, Adams, Michigan, Petersburg, Grafton, Hoople, Crystal, Aneta, Sharon, Cooperstown, Devils Lake, Cando, Cavalier, Fargo, Maddock and Rugby.

FHLB Des Moines provides funding solutions and liquidity to more than 1,200 members to support mortgage lending, economic development and affordable housing in the communities they serve. The Member Impact Fund provides $3 for every $1 of an eligible FHLB Des Moines member’s grant donation to strengthen the ability of not-for-profits or government entities to serve the affordable housing or community development needs of their communities. The Member Impact Fund awards are given in partnership with member financial institutions to communities in their districts to become more vibrant places to live and work. 

The Member Impact Fund is part of FHLB Des Moines’ ongoing mission to offer a variety of funding options through its members to support affordable housing and community development needs. Kris Williams, President and CEO of FHLB Des Moines, shares, “We are thrilled to see grants from our Member Impact Fund having a direct, positive impact on the communities in which our members help advance affordable housing and community development needs in a meaningful way.”

The Member Impact Fund matching program is available to organizations located in Hawaii, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands. Member institutions in these locations submitted applications in February and March 2024; funds were distributed directly to the member institution, which then provide the funding alongside a matching grant from FHLB Des Moines for the partner/recipient organization.

Recipient organizations were selected based on the needs for grant funding to support capacity-building or working capital necessary to strengthen their ability to serve affordable housing or community development needs, including training, predevelopment assistance, management information systems or software, strategic planning, market study or community needs assessment, and working capital.

About Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines is deeply committed to strengthening communities, serving 13 states and three U.S Pacific territories as a member-owned cooperative. We work together with over 1,200 member institutions to support affordable housing, economic development and community improvement. 

FHLB Des Moines is one of 11 regional Banks that make up the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Members include community and commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, thrifts and community development financial institutions. FHLB Des Moines is wholly owned by its members and receives no taxpayer funding. For additional information about FHLB Des Moines, please visit www.fhlbdm.com.

First United Bank Employees Graduate From Banking School

Left to Right: Colleen Anderson (Michigan branch), Amber Skorheim (Adams branch) and Ben Hagl (Fargo branch)

Colleen Anderson, Amber Skorheim and Ben Hagl with First United Bank recently graduated from the Dakota School of Banking sponsored by the North Dakota Bankers Association (NDBA) and endorsed by the South Dakota Bankers Association (SDBA). In its 49th year, the school trained 65 bank personnel. The school was held at the University of Jamestown in Jamestown, North Dakota.

“The Dakota School of Banking provides focused education for bankers looking to enhance their skill set and advance their careers,” said Dorothy Lick, NDBA senior vice president of education. “Each banker gets a well-rounded educational experience, develops banking skills, and creates a valuable network of peers.”

DSB students are enrolled for two years, attending the school one week each summer. The first-year session provides an overview of the banking industry and the departments that make up a bank. The second-year session builds on the banking knowledge gained in the first year and adds a computerized bank management simulation to reinforce technical and functional management skills.

“The Dakota School of Banking is a great experience for our employees. It provides many learning opportunities as well as networking with colleagues,” said Steve Rehovsky, CEO of First United Bank.

Teachers at the school include bankers, attorneys, accountants and financial industry consultants. Sessions combined lecture, hands-on activities, a computerized banking simulation and testing.

First United Bank Named One Of The Top 100 Community Banks

First United Bank has been included in the 2022 Best Performing Community Banks report which was released by S&P Global Market Intelligence, according to Steve Rehovsky, CEO of First United Bank.

S&P Global Market Intelligence launched these rankings in 2011 to assess the performance of community banks and credit unions. The division ranks institutions based on returns, growth and efficiency but places a premium on the strength and risk profile of balance sheets.

In the Midwest Region category of Best Performing Community Banks with assets under $10 Billion, First United Bank was ranked 16th out of 1,848 banks. Nationally, in the category of Best Performing Community Banks with under $3 Billion in assets, First United Bank ranked 85th out of 3,782 banks.

“We are extremely pleased with these reports. As a community bank, we strive not only to provide the best service possible but to operate efficiently as well. Our customers can feel confident knowing they are banking with a company that is performing at a high level,” stated Rehovsky. “These reports are also a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the great employees that work at First United Bank.”

First United Bank, founded in 1885, has assets totaling over $675 million and offers full-service banking along with Trust and Insurance services. The bank has a long history in northeast North Dakota including locations in Park River, Adams, Michigan, Petersburg, Grafton, Hoople, Crystal, Aneta, Sharon, Cooperstown, Devils Lake, Cando, Cavalier, Fargo, Maddock and Rugby.

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