Tell us about your organization and its history.
Choice's journey began in 2001 as a small group of people driven by a People First mindset. We are now 441 team members strong. As a Midwest-based bank, we have strong ties with agriculture and have been the #1 ag lender in North Dakota since 2014. We have been recognized as one of the fastest growing banks in America, and one of the best banks to work for in the U.S.!
Guided by our People First approach—we’re proud of our roots , decisions, and local leadership. Whether you’re saving for your children’s education or buying your first home, we want to be part of the significant moments in your life.
 
What makes your business unique or sets it apart?
What makes Choice different isn’t the systems we use or the size of our buildings; it’s our people. Our People First values represent the heartbeat of our organization. As a community bank, our attention stays local. Decisions are made in our community and for our community.
 
Are there any initiatives you’re focusing on right now or plans coming up you can share?
Every day, people in our communities face unseen challenges. They may be our neighbors, coworkers, or even our family. We asked ourselves how we could help. This is how the Wishing Well program was born. Inspired by our #PeopleFirst philosophy, the Wishing Well betters the places we live by giving to those most in need.
 
We have granted dozens of wishes since this program launched in 2019. From a school library that needed more books, to Jody with muscular dystrophy who needed a new electric scooter to give her freedom of movement—no wish is too big or small.
 
Has your organization been affected by COVID-19, and if so how have you adapted?
When COVID-19 started to unfold in our communities, businesses of all sizes found themselves faced with uncertainty. The Small Business Administration launched the Paycheck Protection Program aimed toward providing relief to those businesses. Choice secured PPP loans for over 4,000 local businesses, helping protect over 65,000 jobs.
 
What do you like best about doing business in Fargo Moorhead West Fargo?
The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo community embraces the same People First values that are at the heart of everything we do. We put our customers first and it's incredibly easy to do that in a community like ours that is so eager to help their neighbor. Banking in this community has given us many opportunities to better the place we live, from volunteering with local charities to providing financial support to our resilient business owners and customers.
 
What is one thing you most want others to know about you?
We’re dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and economic viability of local families and businesses. Through our annual hospice fundraising events, charitable giving campaigns, and partnerships with programs that provide financial assistance in low-to-moderate income areas and underserved markets, reinvesting in our communities and bettering the places we live has always been a focus of ours.
 
What do you like about being a member of The Chamber?
The community engagement and education opportunities the Chamber organizes are invaluable to our community and team members. The Chamber provides the opportunity for our team members to build connections and grow personally and professionally, which is why Choice is a supporting sponsor for the Chamber's Agribusiness committee and Women Connect event and many of our employees are involved in the Young Professionals Network.
 
Choice Bank Fast Facts
Total employees: 441

Year founded: 2001
 
Office locations:
Fargo

• 4501 23^rd Avenue S
• 5302 51^st Ave S, Unit C
• 3050 Sienna Drive S
• 3175 Sienna Drive S, Suite 102

• 801 Main Ave, Suite 103

• 210 Sheyenne Street

• Jay Lies, North Dakota Market President
• Eddie Sheeley, West Fargo Location President
• Steve Jesme, Moorhead Location President
• Chuck Klabo, Director of Insurance

• Named one of the Best Banks to Work for in the United States in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 by American Banker magazine.
• Received top place as Young Professionals Network Best Place to Work for the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber Choice Award
• Received honorable mention in the Independent Banker Service Awards for outstanding community development.
• Voted the Best Place to Work by the Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals and awarded their Grow Grand Award.
• Presented with the 2018 Continuous Service Award by Special Olympics North Dakota.
• Received the 2018 Corporate Leadership in Philanthropy Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals.