2020 will certainly be remembered as a year of news updates and constantly changing headlines, so when we can grab on to the aspects of everyday life that remain consistent and calming, we steady ourselves and keep focused on what matters most. For Dakota West, we find stability in serving our members with quality loans regardless of the financial climate.
In fact, updates about small business loans made through the CARES Act, and specifically the SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), may stir up news nationally, but in our communities, Dakota West is proud to have helped dozens of small businesses through the economic impacts of COVID-19. The headlines won’t boast of the entrepreneurs throughout western North Dakota who are keeping employees paid, businesses humming, and lights on for their customers, but we thank our members, both new and long-time, who know they can find a partnership with Dakota West.
If you are experiencing lingering questions about how the ever-changing scenarios in our region are impacting your family, your business, or your finances, reach out to one of our loan officers. Let us continue to strengthen the relationship we’ve developed with you as a member of Dakota West. We are committed to your success in good times, in uncertain times, and whenever you need us.
Brent Fix – Bowman – 701.444.7304
Dennis Keller – Watford City – 701.444.7372
Lindsey Sorenson – Grenora – 701.444.7312
Melissa Hagen – Mohall – 701.444.7317
Todd Erickson – Washburn – 701.444.7347
Todd Hickel – New England – 701.444.7325
Todd Johnson – Watford City – 701.444.7395
Meet Jenn Parker
Not every teacher is headed back to school this month. Jenn Parker, a Member Services Representative in our New Town branch, embraces teaching as one of her favorite parts of her job. She just celebrated six years with Dakota West Credit Union, and she shares her gift of experience with others. “I am in a position where I get to teach and I love that.”
Jenn first moved to North Dakota from Montana but grew up in Colorado, where she still visits to enjoy the local music scene. “My favorite band is Big Head Todd the Monsters, and every other year my friends reunite at one of their concerts.” She finds it a great way to stay in touch with friends and family who are spread out across the northern tier from Michigan to Montana to Washington, and it gives her an excuse to return to her favorite Red Rocks venue.
As for Dakota West, “I just love it here.” Between the diversity and the ability to always meet new people, she enjoys the interaction she experiences every day. She keeps busy when she’s not greeting our members, especially with her daughter getting married over Labor Day weekend.
Next time you stop into our New Town branch, you might see Jenn answering questions for both our members and our staff – tasks she relishes and we appreciate. For right now, she is just enjoying the summer, even if she teaches year-round.
Meet Kim Eriksmoen
Kim joined the team in our northern-most branch in 2013, but she’s just recently become a resident of Mohall. She and her family reside on a 10-acre farm in Renville County, where they are busy adding a deck to enjoy the long summer days.
“I like being outside – mowing, yardwork.” When winter sets in she finds she spends more time with friends, including playing pinochle. She’s also preparing to send her son to college next month, so she is helping him prepare for his first taste of life on his own. She says she’ll still attend some of the sporting events during the school year, even if he isn’t one of the competitors. For the summer, at least, they are still enjoying his last year of Legion Baseball games.
Kim makes up one fourth of the core team in our Mohall Branch, working as a Member Services Representative. She admits, her favorite part of the job is working with the members. “The people. The members. Seeing them. The ‘Good mornings,’ and ‘How are yous’ and the smiles. That’s what I enjoy.” She also credits her three coworkers, too. “We work well together.”
Kim also co-authored our newsletter article about preparing for her son to head to college. See the steps she is taking to help him be successful away from home. If you want to visit her in person when you are traveling to Lake Metigoshe or the Bottineau region, Kim and the staff in Mohall are glad to provide service to any of our members. Be sure to ask her about her dog, Macy, too.
Meet Toni Jung
Although her title official reads, “Member Service Representative,” Toni Jung sometimes feels her work in Dakota West Credit Union’s New England branch is also part psychiatrist and part preacher. Probably because Toni’s face has greeted the members here for nearly forty years, building relationships with many of our members during that time. Her landmark anniversary lies just around the corner next month.
“Toni is the Tom Brady of New England,” her fellow Member Service Representatives jest, referring to her longevity and popularity among our members.
She enjoys seeing familiar faces across the counter as well. “People who were members when I got here – their grand kids and kids are members.”
Before becoming Dakota West Credit Union, the Hettinger County branch went by the name Heartland Community Credit Union and before that New England Credit Union, and Toni has seen it all.
“Technology certainly remains one of the biggest changes. I remember gigantic ledgers that were eight to ten inches thick. There was a lag of at least a week to research a transaction.” Having called the same structure her place of employment for four decades, Toni has seen technology come and go. “The fax machine was such an improvement.”
Toni feels grounded in New England, not just because of the familiarity of Dakota West Credit Union, but her roots in the community. “I have lived in New England all of my life.” With kids and grand kids surrounding her, we look forward to keeping Toni in our community and in our branch, continuing to be legendary in New England.
Toni Jung, Member Service Representative, New England
