Pub. 3 2015 Issue 2

8 The Community Banker www.mibonline.org FEATUREDMEMBER BANK: FIRST SECURITY BANK OF DEER LODGE F irst Security Bank of Deer Lodge began banking operations in 1972. The bank was formed by a group of local Deer Lodge businessman who saw an opportunity to successfully navigate a finan - cial services business while serving the monetary needs of the community. In the 43 years since that time of bank inception, First Security Bank of Deer Lodge faithfully served the surrounding community of Deer Lodge by prudently sup- plying credit and by assisting depositors in their transactions. With no bank branches, First Security Bank of Deer Lodge operates in the same building that was built in 1972. The types of loans the bank presently originates differs from those loans of the past decades. Where home and car loans consisted of a large proportion of total loans, agriculture and commercial real estate loans have grown in proportion due to changing market dynamics and compet- itive pressure. The geography of our customer base has also expanded over time. When our customers ask what makes First Security Bank of Deer Lodge different, a common response is an intense focus on customer service. In an age when cus- tomers may easily browse on their smartphone the lowest rates on loans or the best mobile platform in handling a checking account, many bank customers highly value the individual attention received when stopping by the bank or calling on their phones. This attentiveness of bank staff in solving customer questions or helping with their finances in one facet or another delivers high customer satisfaction that is difficult to replicate for larger financial institutions. First Security Bank of Deer Lodge also has a tenured team of bank staff. On the executive officer side, three of four employees have approx- imately 25 to 30 years each of employment history with First Security Bank of Deer Lodge. In addition, Ron Kelley, who is the CEO and majority owner has worked and owned the bank since nearly the inception of its banking operations. Tom Christnacht serves as President of First Security Bank of Deer Lodge. He joined the bank in 1983 after graduating from Montana State University and has worked in all areas of the bank over the years. Tom’s wife is named Janet and the couple has three girls. Tom also serves as Vice President of the Montana Independent Bankers. Donna Galbraith is the Vice President and Cashier with over twenty five years of service at the bank. Patty Flynn is the Executive Vice President with over twenty five years of service at First Security Bank of Deer Lodge. Local ownership of the bank ensures that the bank may chart its own course as the institution has done since the beginning. This ownership structure also ensures that no bureaucracy enters the deci- sion making of the bank. Banking continues to be an excellent and fulfilling business despite the obvious headwinds of our time manifested in increased regulation and the recent recession. The indus- try will continue to evolve and change over time as will First Security Bank of Deer Lodge. The values of putting customers first and faithfully serving the financial needs of a community will be enduring for community banks going forward. Featured Member Bank First Security Bank of Deer Lodge Tom and Janet Christnacht Staff of First Security Bank of Deer Lodge