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NDBA | 11/27/2012

In 1884, before North Dakota was officially on the map, what was then called the Dakota Bankers Association was already serving a number of local banks around the Dakota Territory.

"The health of a local bank really is the looking glass into the health of that local community," said President and CEO Rick Clayburgh.

In the 125 years since, more banks have sprung up around the state and Clayburgh says nearly all of them have joined the North Dakota Bankers Association.

"We represent just about 90 percent of the banks in the state and we represent for the most part, all banking issues and financial services issues that come across here in North Dakota."

Clayburgh says one of his primary jobs is to represent banks both at the state and federal level and ensure that new rules and regulations don`t hamstring even the smallest of banks from doing business. He says it would be a mistake to lump community banks, which are usually locally owned and operated, in the same category as big Wall Street investment banks.

"But our banks compete very well in the marketplace. Really, what we look at is in terms of level competition and a level playing field."

Clayburgh says in addition to government relations, one of the major roles of the association is to provide networking and educational opportunities for its members.

"We were cooking with all of the burners going over the last few years. And that`s really benefited the state, and in turn, benefits our communities."

Clayburgh points out that while mergers and acquisitions have reduced the number of chartered banks in North Dakota in recent years, those that remain are finding success thanks to both agriculture and energy.

Clayburgh says 82 of the 91 charter banks in North Dakota are members of the North Dakota Bankers Association.