Cornerstone Bank Donates Makoti Building

Cornerstone Bank has proudly served the Makoti community for well over half a century. While the bank remains committed to customers in the area, we reluctantly closed our Makoti location this past summer due to continued staffing challenges along with a limited number of transactions.

“The bank building has been a fixture of Makoti’s Main Street for many decades,” stated Cornerstone Bank Chairman Gary Petersen. “It was important to us that it continued to be an asset to the community.”

After discussions with community leaders, the decision was made to donate the building to the City of Makoti. Petersen along with Cornerstone Bank Market President Grant Wentz recently met with Makoti Mayor Chase Karna to hand over the keys to the building.

Petersen added, “Mayor Karna graciously accepted the building on behalf of the City. We’re happy to see them take over the building and use it as they see fit to benefit the community.”

Continued Service

Cornerstone Bank remains strong and available to meet the financial needs of customers in the Makoti area.

• Our online banking and mobile banking app provide convenient access to accounts.
• Call us at 701-862-3131 to see if your needs can be met over the phone. Account transfers usually do not require a trip to the bank.
• Use your debit card for cash withdrawals and checking balances at any ATM.
• Business can be conducted at any Cornerstone Bank location.

Pictured: Cornerstone Bank representatives Chairman Gary Petersen and Market President Grant Wentz along with Makoti Mayor Chase Karna.

We are deeply saddened by the passing Eric Hardmeyer, Cornerstone Bank Board Member and Bank of North Dakota Past President.

A Legend

Cornerstone Bank Chairman Gary Petersen said, “Eric is a legend in North Dakota banking and beyond. He touched many lives across the state with his leadership at the Bank of North Dakota. His presence on Cornerstone Bank’s Board of Directors provided meaningful and immeasurable impact. He was a great husband and father. He and Laura raised four wonderful children of which he was rightfully very proud.”

Memorial Service

Click here to see Eric’s final arrangements.

Sanford joins Cornerstone Bank Corporate Board of Directors

Former Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota Brent Sanford has joined the Cornerstone Bank Corporate Board of Directors. Sanford brings a wealth of experience in business, finance, and community service.

“I am pleased to welcome Brent to our Corporate Board of Directors,” says Cornerstone Bank Chairman Gary Petersen. “Brent is a great addition to our organization with his broad experience and tremendous business knowledge of the Dakotas and beyond.”

Sanford’s Background

Growing up in Watford City and returning there in adulthood as a third-generation business owner. Sanford understands the importance of strong communities including the value of a strong community bank. Prior to serving as North Dakota’s 38th Lieutenant Governor, Sanford served as Watford City’s Mayor leading the community through immense growth and development during the oil boom. He has also served as City Councilman and on various other community boards. In addition, Sanford has experience as an accountant and Chief Financial Officer.

“I look forward to working with the Board in furthering the economic activity and opportunities for the bank’s service areas,” says Sanford. “Cornerstone Bank has always been an outstanding corporate citizen and I am excited to be a part of continuing that tradition.”

Sanford graduated from the University of North Dakota with a degree in accounting and is a certified public accountant. He and his wife Sandi have three children, Sydney, Nicolas and Erin.

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Staller Named Chief Banking Officer

Dan Staller has been named as the SVP/Chief Banking Officer in Fargo with over 28 years of banking experience. In addition to his experience as Chief Banking Officer, Staller has also previously held the roles of Market President, Business Banker, and Business Banking Manager.

A graduate Minnesota State University Moorhead, Staller also holds a degree from the Graduate School of Banking. He has served on numerous non-profit and community boards.

Cornerstone Bank CEO/President Jeff Thomas said, “We are excited to have Dan onboard. His wealth of experience makes him a great fit to work with our team across the Cornerstone footprint, contribute to strategic planning, and drive business development.”

Click here to see our full leadership team.