This organization has discovered a niche in serving small- to medium-sized businesses in its primary market areas.

There are many competitors in the service area of BNC Corp., Inc., most of which include large national banks, large and small thrifts, independent banks, credit unions, and all of the national and regional brokerage houses. Because the competition is often concentrated in retail banking, a niche situation exists for BNC to serve small- to medium-sized businesses.

BNC is a registered bank holding company dedicated to providing banking and wealth management services to businesses and consumers in its local markets. The company operates branches in Arizona, Minnesota, and North Dakota through its subsidiary, BNC National Bank. The company offers a variety of traditional and nontraditional financial products and services to meet the financial needs of its current customer base, establish new relationships in the markets it serves, and expand its business opportunities. Its mission, according to its Web site, is to provide tailor-made financial solutions for customers to assist them in achieving their goals while enhancing shareholder value.

BNC’s goal is to become a one-stop financial services provider. According to its Web site, the key elements of its operating strategy are emphasizing individualized, high-level customer service; encouraging an entrepreneurial attitude among the employees who provide products and services; maintaining high asset quality by implementing strong loan policies; continuously monitoring loans and the loan review process; and centralizing administrative and support functions.

Its strategy has so far been successful, as the company reported a net income of $1.6 million, or $0.44 per share, for the quarter ending on March 31, 2007. For the same period of 2006, it reported a net income of $1 million, or $0.29 per share.

Community action
BNC has taken a proactive role in supporting its communities by providing financial support to local charities and supporting and encouraging its employees who become active volunteers. During the past several years, BNC has been recognized as a strong supporter of the arts and youth activities. It was one of the first banks in the nation to become an “America’s Promise” bank by pledging an increase in support provided to youth activities.

Some of BNC’s contributions include providing an area public school with a complete computer lab; supporting area Dollars for Scholars programs; being a major contributor to building and expansion projects for area colleges, high schools, YMCAs, and recreation centers; providing a Steinway Piano for the Bismarck-Mandan Orchestral Association’s use; sponsoring performances of the symphony and youth community theatre productions; and pledging continued support of Camp Grassick, a camp for special needs children and adults.

BNC also strongly supports its local United Way programs and encourages its employees to share in that show of generosity by matching employee gifts dollar for dollar. Employees have actively participated in local chapters by serving on campaign and director boards, collecting donations for local businesses, and participating in the allocations process. For the past several years, BNC has been recognized as one of the top contributors to Missouri Slope United Way.

Community development and preservation has been a strong focus of pledge commitments. Some of the projects that have received funding from BNC include the Elk Habitat, part of the expansion at Dakota Zoo; preservation and remodeling of a community hospital; corporate sponsorship of North Dakota’s Working Women’s Summit; and corporate sponsorship of Theodore Roosevelt’s Congressional Medal of Honor tour of North Dakota.

The thriving bank system is showing no signs of slowing down. BNC is experiencing comprehensive growth from within and will continue to hire qualified people and expand existing product lines. Its key objective is to grow non-interest income to 50% of its gross income (net interest income plus non-interest income) over the next five years.