Pub. 6 2018 Issue 2

8 The Community Banker www.mibonline.org THREE RIVERS BANKOF MONTANA Featured Member Bank T hree Rivers Bank of Montana is an independent community bank in Kalispell, Montana. It is a locally owned financial insti- tution growing with the Flathead Valley residents it serves. In 1973, eleven local businessmen, later called the “Sterling 11,” set out to start Kalispell’s fifth bank. These businessmen, led by A.J. “Jack” King, secured $600,000 from community investors in initial capital to begin the bank venture. Upon approval from Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Harold Pitts, the State of Montana Commissioner of Banking, a new bank charter was approved to form the First Security Bank of Kalispell. Construction of a 3,500 square foot building at 233 E. Idaho began in 1973 and was completed in May of 1974. The grand opening of the First Security Bank of Kalispell was held May 5, 1974. The first members on the board of directors were A.J. “Jack” King (Chairman), M. Sterling Rygg, Dr. Willard F. Bennett, Ivan O’Neil, and Larry Sherman. At the end of 1974, the bank’s assets totaled $2,142,100. In 1999, First Security Bank changed its name to Three Rivers Bank of Montana to set the bank apart from three other financial institu- tions in Flathead County using “security” in their names. The bank is named after three rivers that bind the Flathead Valley together: the Flathead, Stillwater, andWhitefish rivers. The three rivers unite approxi- mately one mile southeast of the Idaho Street location. Three Rivers Bank of Montana chartered the Highlander Track program in 1975. The founder, of Scottish heritage, wanted some- thing special to give back to the community so, as a result of his love for track, the Highlander Track Club was born. In 2006, Three Rivers Bank added Highlander Cross Country to the program. Over the past forty-three years the program has evolved to include two locations for track practices in the Spring and cross county in the Fall. Nearly 500 kids from the ages of 6 to 14 participate in track and field, cross country, or both each year. Highlander Track and Cross Country Clubs are 100% free to all participants. Each year, the bank has several par- ents during the track season say: “if it weren’t for this program, my kids wouldn’t be able to do any sports.”The bank’s management team and team members take great pride in the fact that the bank can provide such a great program to the kids and families of its community. In the beginning years of Highlander, coaches were adults who knew something about track. Now the coaches are local high school track and cross country athletes. This past season there were 80 coach- es teaching over 300 kids. Upon graduation, these coaches receive scholarships as high as $800.00. Each year, the bank provides scholar- ships totaling approximately $10,000. By 1984, the bank’s assets had grown to $15 million and the bank’s board of directors and management team recognized that with its tre- mendous success the bank had outgrown the original building, so, in 1985, new construction and remodeling began. The bank doubled in size and remodeling was complete in 1986. In 1998, the bank’s assets grew to $65 million dollars. That year, the bank’s board of directors and management team saw an opportunity for additional market growth and approved new construction of the bank’s second location at 552 N. Meridian Road. On July 1, 1999, the Three Rivers Bank Meridian location was opened for business. As the Flathead Valley grows, so does Three Rivers Bank. As of December 2017, the community bank has total assets of $147,432,000. The bank enjoys serving the members of its community and continues to strive to meet the financial challenges Valley residents face. The bank’s board of directors, management team, and team members take great pride in the fact that the bank is very much involved in our community. It truly is the “Best Bank in the Valley!”