Pub. 7 2019 Issue 2

8 The Community Banker www.mibonline.org T o recognize upcoming leaders in Montana’s banking community, MIB honors one special young banker each year. This award is based on the community banking values of good citizenship, community service, and sound banking skills. This award not only recognizes the impact that the candidate has in their business each day, but also the difference they make by invest- ing in their community. Eligible candidates are under 35 years of age and work for an MIB member bank. The winner receives free convention registration and three nights lodging at the 2019 MIB Annual Convention, $100 in travel expenses, an honor plaque to display in their office, and prominent mention in the MIB magazine and website. Jessica Schatzka, Operations/Loan Officer at Belt Valley Bank, is the winner of the MIB 2019 Young Banker Award. Jessica is presently in her seventh year as an employee of Belt Valley Bank. She started out her career in community banking as a teller. She has worked her way up through the bank to serve in her current position. During her time at the bank, Jessica has completed her degree in accounting, and she has engaged in executive development and training. In her award application, Jessica wrote that she believes that civic participation and community volunteering are absolutely essential to being a successful community banker. She noted that community banks are the lifeblood of many small towns across Montana and make an incredible and positive difference for local businesses and individuals. Jessica’s community service work includes being the representative for the Great Falls Americans Little League program and being the voluntary secretary for the Dusty Gliko Bull Riding Association, which benefits the Grace Home for Veterans and the Make-a-Wish Founda- tion. Jessica has also participated in events for the Belt Theatre and the local city council. Bruce Hoyer, CEO of Belt Valley Bank, stated that Jessica is an up- and-comer in Montana’s community banking field. He noted that Jes- sica has excellent customer service skills and a great work ethic. Bruce noted, and MIB’s board agrees, that Jessica was and is an excellent candidate for the young banker award. On behalf of the Board of the Montana Independent Bankers, I am delighted to bestow upon Jessica Schatzka the 2019 Outstanding Young Bankers Award. Thank you for your service to Montana commu- nity banking, Jessica. JESSICA SCHATZKA OF BELT VALLEY BANK WINS 2019 OUTSTANDING YOUNG BANKER AWARD MIB Member News MIB Outstanding Young Banker Award 2019 Application Jessica Schatzka Belt Valley Bank Belt, MT Montana Independent Bankers Committee: This year is my 7 th year employed at the Belt Valley Bank – where my career in the banking industry started. Beginning with a teller position and working through to my current position as an Operations/Loan Officer, I have embraced every minute while also completing my degree in accounting and graduating from the Montana Bankers Association Executive Development Program. Along with my time spent working on my career, I am involved in my community. As a Belt High School graduate, I am proud to have my son attending the same school that I did. We attend many school functions and fundraisers to help support the thriving sports and academic departments of our local school. Starting in 2019, I have been the Belt representative for the Great Falls Americans Little League program for three years. We have been able to enhance Belt’s baseball program and facilities for the young athletes who participate. I also volunteer as the secretary for the Dusty Gliko Bull Riding Association, which is a non-profit organization that helps those in need including organizations such as the Grace Home for Veterans and Make-a-Wish foundation. Volunteering is a huge part of keeping our community thriving and complete. Along with the above- mentioned events, I have participated in events for the Belt Theatre, many memorial tournaments for scholarship donations, and city council meetings when needed. Participating in these types of events makes a difference in how our community stays a safe and joyful place to raise our children, which in turn will affect our future. I appreciate your time in considering me as a candidate for the Montana Independent Bankers Outstanding Young Banker Award. Best Regards, Jessica Schatzka Operations/Loan Officer jschatzka@beltvalleybank.com 406-277-3314