Associate Spotlight – Benita Dingman

What do you think is an important skill any professional must have? Effective listening and communication skills are crucial, particularly in a customer-focused industry like banking. Being adaptable and flexible is also essential. I began my banking career 35 years ago as a teller, and over the years, I’ve witnessed numerous changes. Being open to learning and willing to adapt has played a considerable role in my success.

What does your perfect weekend look like? My perfect weekend is spent with my children and grandchildren, enjoying time outdoors. I love grilling out, just relaxing in the backyard, and ending the evening around a bonfire.

What are some of your favorite local spots to visit? The local state parks are my favorite places to visit. You’ll often find me out at Itasca State Park and Lake Bemidji State Park. In the summer, I love hiking, biking, and kayaking, and when winter comes around, I’m out snowshoeing whenever I can. I also try to make it up to the North Shore every year for some camping and hiking.

What do you think makes you unique as a team member? Each employee is unique and brings different talents to their work environment. Growing up on a farm, I learned a strong work ethic. Through over forty years of martial arts training, I have gained a drive for excellence and a “can-do” attitude. I bring these skills to my job every day.

Do you have any strategies for dealing with stress at work? Take a deep breath, my son taught me this! It helps me to stay calm and refocus. Then I make lists and prioritize what really needs to be accomplished today and what can wait until tomorrow. Exercise is a great stress reliever for me, so after a tough day, I always make time to exercise, and I feel much better afterward.

What is one thing you’re looking forward to, work-wise, this year? I look forward to sharing my knowledge with my team and helping them grow in their careers.