Gene Beito

"You have to have some fun in this business," said Gene.

To the father and son, who have grown up in the banking industry, the most rewarding aspect of working at a community bank in northwestern Minnesota is watching the community grow.
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One of the more interesting moments for Gene came when four young men from the community paddled canoes all the way to Hudson Bay.The trip actually took two summers, and involved quite a risk to the paddlers.As rewarding as reaching a goal like Hudson Bay by canoe may be, however, when the boys reached their destination, they were out of money.

"One day," Gene said, "I received a call asking if we could wire them $300 so that they could make it back to Thief River Falls.We were glad to do it."

Having faith and courage tobelieve in the people you live with has been important to the success of Northern State Bank.Gene can remember several instances when a man's word was better than his credit.In many instances, Gene was willing to take a substantial risk simply on a person's word.In doing so, he cemented long-lasting friendships, and secured substantial benefits to the community, the business owner and the bank.

Gene is thankful for the many times people and organizations recognized their efforts as a community bank.One year, the Vocational-Technical Schools in Minnesota named Northern State Bank "Employer of the Year."In another year, the Thief River Falls Chamber of Commerce named Gene a "Man of Action" for total community development.
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In 1960, G.A. (Gene) Beito joined the bank and was elected vice-president and director, and Orville M. Hanson, director.
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George A. Beito died in 1965, and Gene Beito was elected president and chairman of the board of directors to succeed his father.
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In 1977, Gene Beito was elected president of the Minnesota Bankers Association.
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On January 1, 1994, Dave Beito became president of the bank, and Gene entered semi-retirement.
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Gene continues to serve the bank and community as a bank director.
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In 1990, Gene Beito was asked what he enjoyed about the Thief River Falls business community.He responded, "The personal contact with our customers, board of directors, and employees.

The father and son duo of Gene and Dave Beito fully support the bank's commitment to the community.