Making a positive impact within the communities where they live and work is the culture of the 11th largest ag bank by dollar volume in the United States, Dacotah Bank, based in Aberdeen, SD. With 23 of their 32 locations in South Dakota, the bank is living out its mantra of “Give Where We Live” by announcing a $350,000 endowed funding gift for the “Dacotah Bank Seminar on Environment, Biofuels, and Innovation” in the South Dakota Agriculture & Rural Leadership (SDARL) program seminar series.
SDARL provides an unparalleled leadership education program for individuals working in agriculture and holding leadership positions in rural communities. The flagship 18-month program features 12 seminars that develop the skills, knowledge and character of leaders.
“We have a long history of supporting agriculture in seven states,” said Robert Fouberg, President and CEO of Dacotah Bank. “As the Aberdeen community and Northern State University have grown their presence in the environment and biofuels fields, we believe that endowing this seminar for SDARL is a great match for the philanthropy of our bank.”
The “Dacotah Bank Seminar on Environment, Biofuels, and Innovation” is a three-day learning event that focuses on next-generation uses for agricultural products. Class members learn about the relationship between technology and job growth, and how precision agriculture and spinoff businesses will drive future growth in the state. Participants will discuss the global nature of agriculture and report on the destination for their International Study Seminar.
“Dacotah Bank has supported the SDARL program for many years,” said Don Norton, SDARL CEO. “We’re very grateful for their support in continuing the tradition of excellence in leadership development for years to come.”
Established in 1955, Dacotah Bank provides banking, insurance, mortgage, agriculture, and trust and wealth management services to customers who enjoy existing financial relationships with them. By offering agricultural operating lines of credit, real estate and equipment loans, insurance and farm and ranch management services, the bank works with farmers and ranchers to help them achieve their vision for the future.
Above, Dacotah Bank, represented by Erin and Robert Fouberg (from left), accept a plaque from SDARL CEO Don Norton commemorating the financial gift to support the “Dacotah Bank Seminar on Environment, Biofuels, and Innovation.”