First International Bank & Trust offers 'best of banking technology'

Apr. 14—Across the nation in 2020, establishments and businesses were drastically affected by the coronavirus pandemic and the shutdowns it brought. In Killdeer, however, First International Bank & Trust remained open throughout one of the United States' toughest economic years while making some adjustments.

"During the COVID-19 pandemic, our lenders and support teams focused on supporting small businesses and individuals impacted by the pandemic," Office Manager Daniel Aichele said in an email. "Our efforts to fund loans through the Paycheck Protection Program helped keep our area's businesses operating during uncertain times. Those loans kept dollars in the bank (and) accounts for employees of those small businesses."

Like most establishments, working with the COVID-19 restrictions meant making some adjustments.

"We remained open for our customers the entire time, but we made adjustments to ensure the safety and comfort of our employees and customers," Aichele said.

At First International Bank & Trust, Aichele said that they began offering curbside closings for its loan customers. The Killdeer branch also implemented new technology to allow customers and employees to meet remotely, Aichele said, adding, employees who could work from home were set up to do so.

"Our regular hours of service were maintained through the drive-up and by-appointment lobby visits. We implemented physical distancing, placing barriers between workstations where space was limited. Our internal procedures changed with the ebbs and flows of the pandemic and as state and federal authorities adjusted their guidelines," Aichele remarked.

With these added guidelines, Aichele noted that they did not have to lay off any employees or cut down on hours of personnel.

Though 2020 was a challenging year for southwest North Dakotans, there were many lessons to be learned, Aichele said.

"I think we, at the bank, learned many of the same lessons people across the country learned. We realized new ways to connect with customers and co-workers when we couldn't see them in person, and the importance of being agile," he said. "Like many other businesses, we had to adjust to changing times. Thankfully, our people and organization embraced change and worked through uncertainty."

Serving customers at 30 different locations in North Dakota, Arizona and Minnesota, First International Bank & Trust is a full-service financial institution offering consumer credit, mortgage financing, commercial lending, trust services and treasury management, Aichele continued. First International Insurance agents are also located at many of our branches, providing coverage for consumers and businesses, he added.

Since the 1990s, First International Bank & Trust has been serving southwest North Dakotans

Aichele has served as office manager in Killdeer since January 2013, and is looking forward to meeting new customers.

"Our employees are your neighbors and friends; we are here with you and for you. Yet, First International Bank & Trust still offers the best of banking technology, and all the services and conveniences you'd expect of a big bank," he added.

To learn more about Killdeer's First International Bank & Trust, call 701-764-5666 or visit fibt.com.