Big Expansion for Stockman Bank in Northwest Montana

Stockman Bank just announced a big expansion in Northwest Montana.

Stockman Bank is solely focused on Montana. They've already set up shop in the Flathead Valley, but now they're expanding their services in Northwest Montana even further.

According to a Wednesday press release, Stockman Bank has agreed to acquire three of HTLF Bank’s (HTLF) Rocky Mountain Bank division branches located in Kalispell, Bigfork and Plains, Montana.

Bill Coffee, Stockman Bank CEO: We are excited for this opportunity to serve more of our neighbors in Northwest Montana. We welcome Rocky Mountain Bank’s employees and customers to Stockman and look forward to introducing our unique brand of local, community banking, focused on serving the financial needs of the people, businesses and communities of Montana.

Services will be provided by Rocky Mountain Bank until the acquisition is complete.

While the name of the bank will change following the acquisition, customers will continue to be able to bank at the same locations in Kalispell, Bigfork and Plains. All Rocky Mountain Bank employees will be offered employment with Stockman Bank.

Last Fall, we also got to hear from Joe Kola, the Market President of Stockman Bank in the Flathead Valley during the Montana Equipment Dealers Association convention in Whitefish. While other more nationally focused banks consolidate, Kola talked about how Stockman has continued to invest in storefront operations in Montana- where folks can still visit with their banker face to face. He also addressed the strength of Montana's economy compared to the rest of the country.

Bill Coffee: We call it the Stockman difference. We believe banking is about one-on-one relationships and personal customer service built on western values, integrity, expertise and results. Our customers can expect local decisions from people who live and work in their community and are committed to their financial success.

One of my favorite Montana radio stories goes back several years ago. I was interviewing Bill Coffee, the CEO of Stockman Bank. After the show, his mom called from Miles City to give him a good-natured hard time following his radio appearance. The family first started the bank over 70 years ago.

That's what I love about Stockman Bank. It's a Montana story through and through.