Hometown Banking Focused on You, Our CustomerWestern State Bank is dedicated to being “Your Hometown Bank.” Our team doesn’t use these words lightly but rather we focus on these words each and every day to do what is in your best interest as a customer at Western. We have been busy in 2015 living up to these words and we are excited to share a few highlights of some of the things you’ll experience with Western.

Cash & Check Cards for Immediate UseGoing on vacation and need a debit card as soon as possible? Lost your debit card and need a replacement? Your card is damaged and you need a replacement as soon as possible?

If you have experienced any of the above scenarios, Western offers “instant issue” Cash & Check Cards (debit). This simply means you can walk into Western and walk out the door with a card ready to use! This is not a temporary card but rather it will replace your previous card and is fully functional immediately.

Another Layer of Security Coming Soon! Your security is our top priority! Western is committed to providing a safe and secure banking experience for our customers, which is why we are introducing EMV (Europay, MasterCard, Visa) cards in early 2016!

EMV cards are smart cards, also referred to as chip cards or IC cards, which store their data on integrated circuits (the small silver chip found on the face of the card) rather than magnetic strips.

The integrated circuits add an extra layer of security for in-store purchases by providing a unique transaction code each time it is used. Cards must be inserted and held in a card reader to complete a transaction.

You will be able to use the magnetic strip on your card, as you have always done in the past, for machines that do not accept EMV cards yet.

Eight Banks. Two States. One Vision. Western State Bank has grown from one bank with roots dating back to 1902 to now eight locations in 2015. We have identified great markets to become involved in and focus on the “hometown bank” philosophy as we do in North Dakota.

We entered the Arizona market in 2008 and hope to continue to expand in the future. Here’s a recap on our successful growth in Arizona:

• January 2008 Western established a Loan Production Office in Chandler, Arizona.

• April 2009 Loan Production Office was converted into a full service banking facility.

• June 2012 Western acquired a bank in Casa Grande, Arizona.

• May 2013 Western experienced additional growth when the Central Arizona Bank was acquired in Scottsdale, Arizona.

• July 2015 Western opened its fourth location in Sun City, Arizona. Grand opening celebrations were held in November.

Western stands apart from our competitors and community banking is very sought after in the communities we serve. With big banks, community banks, credit unions and many others all vying for the same customers, we built our strategy in Arizona around what we knew. We practice the same customer service and operating philosophies we built in North Dakota as our loyalty proves our customers take pride in being more than just a number.

Whether you are enjoying the outdoors in North Dakota or the warm weather in Arizona, stop by Western State Bank to visit our team members and enjoy a cup of coffee!

Attention Students! Hard work pays off from Western State Bank. With Western’s Pays for A’s Program*, students in grades 6-12, bring your quarterly report card to Western and receive $1 for each “A” you earn. PLUS, each “A” is an entry for your chance to win a $250 Savings Scholarship. The more “A’s” you have, the more chances you have to win! You do not have to be a Western customer to participate in Pays for A’s, just a hard working student.

For more details about our Pays for A’s program, please contact a q Personal Banker at Western State Bank or visit www.westernbanks.com. Students, you are our future and we appreciate the chance to reward you for your hard work!

Western provides a simple checking account for full-time students. Students can even earn up to $150 from Western when they open a Future Checking Account. With many “FREE’s” and less fees, Western’s Future Checking Account makes it easy for students to learn the importance of financial management. PLUS there are annual $300 scholarship opportunities for high school seniors planning to attend college and current college students. Visit Western today to learn more!

*Must bring official quarterly report card of the current school year to your nearest Western State Bank. Report cards for current semester only will be honored. See back for details. Member FDIC.

When it comes to buying a home, it’s important to find a knowledgeable and experienced Mortgage team. With many years of combined experience, the Mortgage team at Western State Bank will work with you every step of the way to ensure you receive the right financial solutions to fit your lifestyle.

Whether you’re a first time home-buyer, a Veteran or an existing home owner looking to refinance your home, Western State Bank offers various loan options and programs including conventional loans, jumbo loans, first time home buyer programs, FHA (including 203K), VA and USDA. The Mortgage team at Western works with housing finance agencies in Arizona, North Dakota and Minnesota which allows us to offer our customers reduced down payment costs as well as down payment and closing cost assistance. Plus, all of Western’s underwriting and processing is done locally to provide a fast turn-around-time.

Call your local Western State Bank today to set up an appointment and learn more about our financing solutions for your new home! Our website, www.westernbanks.com, also includes everything you need to get started, including a FREE pre-qualification and questions and answers to make the process easy.

It Pays to Bank at Western!When you refer a friend to Western, you will receive $50 after your friend or family member opens either of the following products:

• Personal Checking Account • Treasury Market Account

Here’s how it works! Existing Customers: there is a take one form that the bank supplies. Fill it out or find it online at www.westernbanks.com and give to a friend or family member who is interested in receiving the benefits from a Western State Bank Personal Checking or Treasury Market account. After he/she opens at least one of these accounts, you will receive $50 deposited into your account.

Stop into your local Western State Bank and learn more today!

Personal accounts only apply. Referral applies when new customer opens one of the specified products only. Offer paid on one referral per new customer. New customer must not have had bank relationship in the past two years from date of account opening (excluding Western Investments/ICA) and must be of a separate household of referrer. Offer subject to change at the bank’s discretion and may be withdrawn at any time. See bank for details. Member FDIC.

The Home Owning Experience You Deserve!

Western Rewards Students for Academic Efforts

Community Events

As Your Hometown Bank, Western is committed to giving back to local organizations and strengthening our communities. Our employees dedicate 10,000+ hours each year to over 80 organizations. Some contributions this year include:

• American Red Cross

• American Heart Association

• Emergency Food Pantries

• Habitat for Humanity

• Local Athletic Programs

• Local Churches & Civic Organizations

• Local Food Banks

• Local Homeless Shelters

• Local Schools, Booster Clubs & School Programs

• The Salvation Army

• Toys for Tots

• United Blood Services

• United Way

Have you heard about our recent Good Neighbor Club enhancements? Western has recently added new offers to our club which makes it truly “The Best 50+ Club” around!

Western’s Good Neighbor Club is a 50 years of age or better club that provides excellent banking benefits, travel opportunities and exclusive event invitations! Here are just a few of the benefits you can enjoy as a Good Neighbor Club member:

• A Bonus 20+ Basis Points on CD Purchases or Renewals*** • $25 towards new Lil’ Buckaroo Savings Account for family members • Say Goodbye to ATM Fees with Automatic Reimbursement!* • Free Safe Deposit Box Rental for a Year (10% discount after the first year!) • Free Cashier’s Checks • Free Money Orders • Free Notary & Signature Guarantee Service • No-Fee Overdraft Protection**

Not a Good Neighbor Club member but interested in joining? Visit with our Good Neighbor Club Director at your local Western State Bank to learn more about this great club! Must maintain a minimum balance of $10,000 in any combination of personal checking accounts, savings accounts, IRAs, CD, loan or investment accounts, or pay a low $10 monthly fee to receive benefits. *Automatic refunds up to $20 per statement cycle. Valid for VIP Checking, VIP Plus Checking & personal Treasury Market Account holders only. Limitations apply on other checking and savings accounts. **Automatic transfer from another account. See bank for details. Must be 50 years of age or older and open a VIP, VIP Plus or Treasury Market Account. ***59 Month CD not eligible for bonus pricing add-on’s. See bank for details. Member FDIC.

GNC Enhancements

Visit your local Western State Bank today or contact a Personal Banker to learn more!

*Annual Percentage Rate. Certain restrictions apply. See bank for details. Member FDIC.

2.49%APR*

CONSUMER LOAN RAtESAS LOw AS

Give the Perfect Gift!

Do you have an upcoming birthday, anniversary, graduation or wedding this year? Give a Western prepaid gift card!

Western State Bank’s prepaid gift cards make the perfect gift for any occasion and are available in any amount, from $10 to $1,000. Gift cards can be used anywhere in the United States where MasterCard® is accepted.

You may qualify for FREE prepaid gift cards and be able to purchase them with NO FEE. Visit Western State Bank today to learn more about our prepaid gift cards.

Need a Loan?We have a Solution!

Western State Bank P.O. Box 617755 13th Avenue EWest Fargo, ND 58078

Locations & Hours

Western Happenings is published for customers and friends of Western State Bank. Address all correspondence to Editor, Western Happenings, P.O. Box 617, West Fargo, ND 58078. Material contained in this newsletter should not be considered legal, financial, investment or other advice. Articles are intended to be accurate, but the publisher and Western State Bank do not assume liability for loss or damage as a result of reliance on this data. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender and Equal Opportunity Employer M/F, ADA. Copyright 2013 Western State Bank.

Casa Grande, AZ • 1412 E Florence Blvd • 520-836-1727 • Lobby: M-F: 8:30 am - 6 pm (Lobby Closed Saturdays) • Drive-Up: M-F: 8:30 am - 6 pm • Sat: 9 am - 1 pm

Chandler, AZ • 976 W Chandler Blvd • 480-855-6287 • Lobby: M-F: 8 am - 6 pm • Sat: 9 am - 1 pm • Drive-Up: M-F: 7:30 am - 6 pm • Sat: 9 am - 1 pm

Scottsdale, AZ • 7001 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 1000 • 480-596-0883 • Lobby: M-F: 9 am - 5 pm • Closed Saturdays

Sun City, AZ • 10050 W Bell Rd, Suite 6 • 623-561-4800 • Lobby: M-F: 9 am - 5 pm • Closed Saturdays

Devils Lake, ND • 110 4th St SE • 701-662-4936 • Lobby: M-F: 8:30 am - 6 pm • Sat: 8:30 am - Noon • Drive-Up: M-F: 7:30 am - 6 pm • Sat: 7:30 am - Noon

Fargo, ND • 4302 13th Ave S • 701-356-9800 • Lobby: M-F: 8 am - 6 pm (Lobby Closed Saturdays) • Drive-Up: M-F: 7:30 am - 7 pm • Sat: 8:30 am - 1 pm

Towner, ND • 202 Main St S • 701-537-5441 • Lobby: M-F: 9 am - 3 pm (Lobby Closed Saturdays) • Drive-Up: M-F: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm • Sat: 9:00 am - Noon

West Fargo, ND • 755 13th Ave E • 701-277-5003 • Lobby: M-F: 8 am - 6 pm • Sat: 8:30 am - 1 pm • Drive-Up: M-F: 7:30 am - 7 pm • Sat: 8:30 am - 1 pm

Are you connected with Western? Be sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter & connect with us on LinkedIn! Watch for current events, news, helpful tips, promotions, contests and more.

*Annual Percentage Yield. Rate effective 11/30/15. Personal and business accounts only, no municipalities or institutional funds. Minimum $25,000 deposit required, maximum $2 million. If it falls below minimum, normal board rate applies. Early withdrawal penalty may apply. No specials or bonuses apply. Other conditions may apply. See bank for details. Member FDIC.

2.00%APY*

59 Month CDBUILD YOUR SAVINGS TODAY!