Business View Magazine - July 2023

112 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 10, ISSUE 7 Providing Lending Expertise for 50 years Independence Bank began as First Security Bank in 1973 with one branch in Havre, MT.  It was formed by a group of local businesspeople that saw a need for a community bank that could serve their area.  Over the past 50 years, Independence Bank has grown to 10 locations with 100+ full time employees serving the communities in North Central Montana while providing expertise in agriculture and commercial lending. In 2002, a new niche was created when Independence Bank began its partnership with KOA. Through the financing of campground acquisitions, refinances and improvements, IB has expanded its KOA customer base to 42 states and Canada. Today, we have an entire staff that is solely dedicated to working with KOA owners and learning alongside them to stay at the top of the industry. Independence Bank is committed to mutually beneficial outcomes with clients and offers full services to our customers with the latest technology and personal customer service.  For more information, visit www.ibyourbank. com/KOA-Campground-Loans.aspx KAMPGROUNDS OF AMERICA ‘I have so many great memories of KOA campgrounds as a kid!’ It’s really cool to see that continue to develop, and honestly, it’s such a great industry in general.” Uselman revealed that the KOA system is built upon the four pillars of camper growth, revenue growth, operational excellence and the KOA family. “The fact that we have so many wonderful franchisees in this network of peers––that is so powerful,” he said. “There are unique aspects that make owning a campground–– and specifically a KOA campground––a rich and rewarding experience. It doesn’t matter if you are a single campground operator, or you’re interested in a multi-unit operation; the KOA has a fit for you. We have a flexible franchise model that allows our owners to achieve their unique goals and deliver that unparalleled outdoor hospitality experience that guests expect when they stay at a KOA. “I’d also like to mention that our KOA Rewards loyalty program is the single-largest brand loyalty program in camping,” Uselman continued. “With over half a million KOA We have a flexible franchise model that allows our owners to achieve their unique goals and deliver that unparalleled camping experience that our guests expect.We asked our franchisees to take on this initiative of adopting one of these brand positions–– Journey, Holiday or Resort. ndependence Bank is celebrating 50 years in 2023. We don’t just see 50 years of community banking, we see 50 years of our customers taking new roads, doing big things and succeeding. We can’t wait to see where you’ll grow from here. 50YEARS&GROWING STRONG I or over 20 years, Independence Bank has coordinated with Kampgrounds of America by specializing in campground lending to help owners purchase, refinance and expand their business. Our customized programs, such as Go With The Flow financing, have made us the leader in this field by providing a one-stop location for campground owners to plan their financial success. F PARTNERINGWITHKOA WWW.IBYOURBANK.COM