About Us
A LITTLE HISTORY OF LANDMARK COMMUNITY BANK. . .
Landmark Community Bank, N.A. (“Landmark”) opened its doors as Bank of Isanti, a private bank established in September 1899. In 1901, State Bank of Isanti (later called First State Bank of Isanti) succeeded Bank of Isanti, opening in a small brick building on Main Street in downtown Isanti with total assets of $10,000. Landmark joined many established businesses in Isanti such as a creamery, mercantile, hardware store, lumber company, funeral parlor, grocery store and a livery stable. The community had a great need for banking services with the closest town miles away.
In 1991, Landmark f/k/a First State Bank of Isanti was purchased by Attorney David C. Johnson, who was known for supporting the community, especially local youth projects such as sports, music and the arts. The ice arena in Isanti is named after David C. Johnson, due to Landmark’s assistance in getting the arena financed.
After David’s death in 1995, his son, Kevin L. Johnson, assumed the mantle of leadership and, under his direction in 1996, the Landmark became a national bank and took on its current name. Over the past twenty years, Landmark expanded in size, establishing branches in Ramsey and North Oaks.
In early January, 2007, Landmark celebrated a Grand Opening in Isanti, with a new building on the east side of Highway 65.
In June, 2012, Marshall Mackay, President/CEO of the Independent Community Bankers of Minnesota, presented a US flag to Landmark in recognition of over a “century of service” as part of ICBM’s program to mark significant bank anniversary milestones.
Kevin Johnson served as President until late 2013. Jeff Betchwars is the current President of Landmark.
In April, 2015, Landmark Community Bank was sold to Landmark Investor Group, Inc. Landmark Investor Group, Inc. is a local, private, and closely held investor group with ownership that is also active in Security Bank & Trust Company, Glencoe, MN and Flagship Bank Minnesota, Wayzata, MN. Landmark Investor Group’s ownership and its respective banks have 17 banking locations in Minnesota and manage over $625 million in total assets. The ownership consists primarily of the Hoese and Schornack families.
The Hoeses and Schornacks have their roots in community banking with particular experience in agricultural, business banking and real estate lending. They remain committed to both Landmark’s customers and the communities it serves. In April 2015, Landmark raised $4 million in capital to renew its commitment to serving the community. Our success is driven by the success of our community and our relationships with many of you: We succeed when you succeed!
Landmark employees enjoy opportunities to be active in the community with projects such as Habitat for Humanity and soliciting donations for their local food shelf. Every 1st and 3rd Friday is also The Blues Benefit when employees can wear jeans by making a donation, which Landmark then matches. In the last year, charities supported included the Animal Humane Society, Breast Cancer Foundation, Make a Wish, The Refuge Network, St. Francis Community Drug Awareness and local food shelves.
Each Christmas, Landmark sponsors the Giving Tree and both staff and customers participate in purchasing gifts for the children of The Refuge Network, a three-county wide domestic abuse prevention organization. Our Ramsey branch also collects needed items at Christmas for Youth First such as pillows, blankets, gloves, hats and scarves.
Each year, Landmark hires an intern from Anoka High School, giving them an opportunity to learn about the business world through the high school BPA (Business Professionals of America) program. The student works during the school year and is graded on their work and progress. For different holidays, Landmark displays essays and artwork from Ramsey Elementary and Kindercare. Landmark is an annual participant in the Ramsey Happy Days parade and events and a sponsor of the Isanti Jubilee/ Rodeo Days parade and events.
Board of Directors
Gale Hoese – CEO Security Bank and Trust
Andy Schornack – President Flagship Bank Minnesota
Dave Schornack – CEO Compass Consultants
Jeff Betchwars – President Landmark Community Bank, N.A.
Larry Kuechle – Owner Advanced Telemetry Systems
Craig Bjorklund – Owner Bjorklund Companies
