Mission Statement
Our mission is to be the cornerstone of the communities, counties, and region we serve by providing you honest, efficient, and competitive financial services while keeping your financial success confidential.
Our History
The First National Bank of Henning was organized on July 14, 1903, by a group of investors from Wadena, Minnesota, and associated with the Merchants National Bank in that city. Its primary incorporators were Isaac Hazlett, J.J. Meyer, and F.B. Coons. Its first President was Isaac Hazlett, and first cashier was H.H. Brutlag. The First National Bank's first building was constructed at 512 Douglas Avenue, the main street of Henning, in 1904. The building was expanded at the same site in 1948, 1965, 1984, 2001 and 2005. In 1977, the First National Bank established a branch in the city of Ottertail. In 1987, a building was constructed to house this as an extended facility of the Bank. In 2007, a new building was constructed at 106 MN State Hwy 78 N, Ottertail MN, which is the current location of the Ottertail bank. The old bank building was sold to the City of Ottertail in 2007.
The First National Bank of Battle Lake was a successor institution to the Otter Tail County Bank which was organized in March 1900. Its owners were R. F. McClellan and H.F. Head, of Princeton, Minnesota. It's first building was construction in 1903. It was incorporated with a State Bank charter in1903. On May 23, 1907 the bank received authorization of its charter as a national bank and became the First National Bank of Battle Lake. In August of 1967, the bank experienced its only hold-up and was robbed of $17,890. The robbers were eventually arrested by the FBI in Idaho. The bank underwent remodels in 1937, 1973 and 1977. In January of 1993, the bank was sold to Henning Bancshares, Inc., the same owner of The First National Bank of Henning. In 2003, the bank underwent extensive construction.
March of 2018 marked the consolidation of First National Bank of Henning and First National Bank of Battle Lake. Boards, management and staffs of each bank overwhelmingly supported this consolidation. , My Kind of Bank - First National Bank was positioning themself to gain efficiencies and products to better serve their customers.
January of 2024 brought further growth with the acquisition of two bank branches, one located in the community of Evansville and the other in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. These branches were acquired from First Security Bank of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. This acquisition allowed First National Bank to enhance its footprint to the South and to the North. Ideal locations, fitting into , My Kind of Bank - First National Bank’s mission to be the cornerstone for financial services in the communities and counties we serve.
The Administration of , My Kind of Bank - First National Bank has been amply supported over their time with dedicated persons as members of the Board of Directors. During the entire century-plus of existence, the , My Kind of Bank - First National Bank of Henning has been independent full-service financial institution pledging to serve the Otter Tail County area and now expanding to Douglas and Becker Counties. The Espeland family, current owner of the banks, has had involvement with the bank dating back to 1930. From its inception, the Bank and its Officers and Board Members have contributed both time and resources for the welfare of community and educational committees and boards.
Community Ties
For more than a century,, My Kind of Bank - First National Bank has proudly served community members and businesses within our region. Being here for our community is very important to us — whether through first-hand involvement at community events or by providing professional advice and banking services to get you closer to your goals. Either way, you can expect to speak to someone from any of our offices, who will work hard to know you and your banking needs.
Next-Level Products and Services
On top of providing a personalized experience for our customers, we strive to provide convenient, value-added products and services. Take advantage of our state-of-the-art offerings to take your banking to the next level:
- FNB Cash – Get a whole lot more from your checking without paying for it: free checking, plus high interest, and nationwide ATM fee refunds.
- FNB Cash Back – Pay nothing and get cash back in return! This free account rewards you with cash back on debit card purchases, plus nationwide ATM fee refunds.
- Full Suite of Loans – We're proud to offer our personal, business, and agricultural customers alike a full suite of lending products that accommodate each individual situation.
- Involvement Opportunities – We love to get to know our customers and for you to enjoy a well-rounded life— financially and otherwise. That's why we're proud to offer opportunities to our customers 55 and better and children through our Silver Wings Club and 1st Savers Club. Take advantage of educational pieces, exciting outings, and socialization events brought to you by 1st National Bank.
THANK YOU FROM MY KIND OF BANK - FIRST NATIONAL BANK
If you aren't already a , My Kind of Bank - First National Bank customer, we'd like to invite you to become a part of a community-focused bank that always puts you first. If you are currently banking with us, we'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for your commitment to us and pledge to always return that level of commitment to you.