Business of the Year Nominee: Village Bank

This award will recognize the organization(s) that have been in business for at least five years. The award will feature businesses that have exhibited outstanding initiative, leadership. and organizational skills that produce significant results that benefit the community. Such benefits may include excellence in customer service, conservation/energy-smart practices, a track record of growth including local investment, and support of community organizations. To receive the award, the business must be an Elk River Area Chamber member in good standing.

Nominator Statement:

“Village Bank launched its new ‘Family-Built, Community Strong’ campaign which features customers and team members alike. The creative selected represents the ‘new age of community banking’ and Village Bank’s re-commitment to putting relationships first. 'Family-Built, Community Strong' recognizes local business owners who have worked hard to build their businesses.

To grow our Village and support our community, we made an investment to discover what is unique about our Anoka County customers and clients. The resulting ‘Family-Built, Community Strong’ campaign highlights the importance of relationships built within our community, the true grit and perseverance our entrepreneurial customers have, and the compassion our Village family has towards hardworking individuals, families, and small business owners. Our customers are our family, our family is our village, and together we support the community and build it from the ground up.

The ultimate purpose of a community bank is to support families and businesses that make up the community and to help local individuals and businesses achieve their life goals. Whether their goals are to fund an entrepreneurial vision, to purchase a new home, or to save for an upcoming life event, Village Bank is proud to be a trusted partner for customers to rely on. At a time when other community banks are selling or merging with larger financial organizations, Village Bank is taking a stance that it is a community bank here to stay.” — Sarah Schake

About Village Bank

Founded by Don Kveton in 1993, Village Bank is a local Family-Built, Community Strong bank serving St. Francis, Blaine, East Bethel, and Ramsey. Village Bank’s vision is fueled by its passion for helping people and building community.

What inspired the start of Village Bank?  

Don Kveton started the bank because he didn’t like how banks did business. When he was a young boy, his family owned a farm. During a difficult time in farming, he vividly remembers a banker coming to his home and telling his father that if the mortgage wasn’t brought current, they would take the farm. As a child that was devastating to hear. He wanted to create a different type of bank, one that focused on relationships with their customers and could be there to back them. 

Who does Village Bank serve?

Entrepreneurs and 2nd generation family businesses who are hardworking, bootstrap type businesses.  

Village Bank’s Investment in Elk River and the Surrounding Area: 

While much of our current business is focused in Anoka County, we are excited to also serve businesses in the entire region. Since Michelle Anderson has joined our bank, we are beginning to see how closely we are related to the Elk River area.

A Little-Known Fact About Village Bank:

Alicia Webb, daughter of the founder, wants to serve entrepreneurs how they need to be served. It allows us to give everyone a chance while keeping our “village” safe (the investors and employees).

Looking to the Future: 

We are very excited about our new “Family-Built, Community Strong” campaign which features customers and team members by putting a face to entrepreneurs and highlights relationships within the communities they serve.  

Village Bank’s Involvement with the Chamber:

Since joining the chamber, Village Bank has participated in numerous events, including attending the Fall Gala and other membership luncheon programs. 

Village Bank’s Involvement with the Community:

Village Bank supports the community by sponsoring parades, events, golf tournaments, and other community gatherings. The organization also internally hosts a Village Volunteer Program by supporting employees volunteering in the community on a regular basis. Since its inception, Village Bank has made over $10,000 in donations.

On behalf of all of us at ERACC, congratulations to the Village Bank team on its nomination for 2020 Business of the Year!