News

State Bank of Bottineau originates an educational Junior Bank Board

By Scott Wagar

01/17/2012

The State Bank of Bottineau has established a unique board within its financial facility, which gives high school students the opportunity to be taught about the nation’s banking system.

“The State Bank of Bottineau’s Junior Bank Board is an aggressive group of BHS Senior Business Students that meet on a monthly basis during the school year early in the morning before classes begin.  A wide range of subjects will be covered such as opening accounts, applying for loans, information technology, compliance, managing the bank, human resource management, investments, insurance etc…,” said Pat Artz, president of the State Bank of Bottineau. “Our goals are to provide the students with a well rounded education on how a locally owned bank carries out their day to day activities and how important it is to the community of Bottineau and the surrounding area. The group of students is definitely engaged in learning something they may not get at Bottineau High School and it’s a great way for our staff and board of directors to give something back to the students and community.”

Artz learned about the junior bank board program while attending a conference.  

“I attended a leadership seminar at Mayville State University several years ago and got the idea from The First and Farmers Bank President Tom Capouch,” Artz said. “Years later, visiting with Karna Kornkven, her hometown family’s bank, Northland Financial in Steele, N.D., does this as well. Karna gave the extra push I needed to get this off the ground. It’s been fun working with her.”

The State Bank of Bottineau Junior Bank board members include: Ashleigh Aufforth, Christine Brekke, Cody Brooks, Tia Farnsworth, Taylor Glinz, Carleigh Lider, Justin McCloud, Nick Monson and Chloe Smith.
The responsibility of the junior board is to attend the board meetings where the students are granted a presentation on bank management. The board meetings start at 7:30 a.m. and the students are provided breakfast.

“Hopefully they will enjoy the breakfast and ask questions (about the presentation),” Artz said.

Artz is pleased with the junior board bank program and feels it assists the students.

“So far the experience has been going good,” he said. “I realize everyone may not go into a financial career, but no matter what career they choose, to be successful, you will need a bank and a general understanding how it works to help you achieve your goals, and carry out day to day operations of your household.”