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09/07/08 |
History
The merger of four local banks with seven locations took place in November 2001, forming Choice Financial Group. The new name replaced Citizens State Bank Grafton-Petersburg (with locations in Grafton and Petersburg), First Capital Bank of North Dakota (with locations in West Fargo, Goodrich and Hurdsfield), First State Bank Langdon, and Walhalla State Bank. The combined organization had $170 million in assets and approximately 69 employees. Several names were considered, but Choice Financial Group stood out for various reasons. Customers have the 'Choice' to partner with large, distant financial institutions or hometown, friendly, diversified banks. Customers also have a choice of products and services. The remaining part of the name, 'Financial Group,' clearly describes the industry and reflects our history as a group of successful banks.
Choice Financial continues the tradition of putting the customer first in all interactions. We offer all the services of major regional banks, but your money stays home because we’re locally owned.
Choice Financial is owned by shareholders, which is a change from private and family ownership of the past. Combining resources has allowed Choice Financial to competitively expand our offering of Insurance, Investment and Mortgage Services, along with traditional and Online Banking services. At the same time, Choice Financial has been able to retain the benefits of being locally owned. Our shareholders represent a broad geographical and economic spectrum. Choice Financial continues to build on its tradition of local ownership and decision-making.
Citizens State Bank Grafton-Petersburg
A turn-of-the-century legacy of locally owned and controlled banking continues today with Citizens State Bank Grafton-Petersburg. The financial institution was founded as the Bank of Petersburg in 1906. In 1930, the name was changed to Citizens State Bank of Petersburg. Three generations of a local family operated the bank until it was acquired in 1994 by area businessmen. The Grafton location opened in 1995 under the name Citizens State Bank Grafton-Petersburg.
First Capital Bank of North Dakota
The State Bank of Goodrich was the foundation of First Capital Bank of North Dakota. Opened in 1902, the family-owned bank was devoted to serving the Goodrich community. In 1965, the services expanded with a branch in Hurdsfield. In 1999, the bank was acquired by Ideal Bancshares and changed to First Capital Bank of North Dakota. With a home office in West Fargo, location offices continued in Goodrich and Hurdsfield.
First State Bank Langdon
Like its partners, First State Bank Langdon can claim turn-of-the-century pioneer roots. Established in 1905, the financial institution operated as State Bank of Nekoma for 20 years before moving and becoming Northwestern Bank of Langdon. In 1930, the bank was affiliated with First Bank and, in 1958, the name was changed to First Bank of Langdon. That changed again in 1987, when the bank became a locally owned holding company and the name was changed to First State Bank Langdon.
Walhalla State Bank
While its original hometown is gone, Walhalla State Bank continues in strength and endurance. First established in 1915 as First State Bank in Strausberg, (a now-vanished town in northeastern North Dakota), the family-owned bank moved to Walhalla in 1934 and was renamed Walhalla State Bank. Subsequently, the bank was acquired by a private, locally owned holding company.
Grand Forks Location
Choice Financial increased their market share in 2004 with the addition of an eighth location in Grand Forks. Construction began on the facility in July 2003 and the bank opened its door as a full service facility on January 20, 2004. The bank is located on the corner of 17th Avenue South and 42nd Street South. The strong tradition of local decision-making and ownership established by the other locations is the structure on which this new facility operates.
South Grand Forks Location
Wal-Mart Location
South Fargo Location
Choice Financial continues to grow. O.S. Johnson Company, Uecker Insurance Agencies, Inc., and Glen Ohma Insurance agency are insurance organizations that are now a part of Choice Financial.
O.S. Johnson Company
The O.S. Johnson Company was started in 1946 by Ole Johnson, and was later purchased by his son, Richard. In 1988, Darryl Kartes and Alice Metzger purchased the company.
Uecker Insurance Agencies, Inc.
Uecker Insurance Agencies, Inc. was established in 1986, when Rod Uecker purchased the Roger Torgerson Agency in Langdon, N.D.
Glen Ohma Insurance Agency
Citizens State Bank Insurance purchased the Glenn Ohma agency on April 1, 2001. Glenn Ohma accompanied the agency buy out by serving as an agent with Citizens State Insurance for the next year, at which time he decided to leave the insurance field.
The bank continues to emphasize its strengths on investing in the local community, with strong support for agriculture.
Choice Financial continues to look to the horizon for continued growth. We follow our vision very closely: Your premier choice for financial solutions.
