Familiar Face Finds New Home At Credit Union

After 16 years at Opportunity Bank, familiar face Pam Arneson has made a move across town, bringing years of banking experience and a strong connection to the Culbertson community with her to Richland Federal Credit Union.

During her 16 combined years at First Community Bank and then Opportunity Bank, Arneson held several positions, beginning as a teller and loan processor before eventually becoming a loan officer. The experience allowed her to see different sides of small-town banking and, perhaps more importantly, get to know many of the people who call the Culbertson area home.

When asked what she remembers most fondly about her years at Opportunity Bank, her answer was simple — the people.

Over the years, she worked alongside many different co-workers and built relationships with customers throughout the community. Starting on the teller line gave her an opportunity to interact with customers regularly before her role eventually shifted into lending.

Now, Arneson is beginning a new chapter at Richland Federal Credit Union, where she serves as a lender. Her responsibilities include agricultural and consumer loans, along with helping wherever she is needed around the branch.

While the workplace may be different, her goal remains much the same. “I do the same things, just in a different place, and I’m still here to serve the community and help them with whatever they need,” Arneson said.

Small-town banking is something she knows well. She began her banking career in Culbertson and has remained in the area throughout it.

Staying close to home has always made sense for Arneson. Her children attend school in the community, and Culbertson is where her family has built its life.

Her new position has also given her the opportunity to become part of a close-knit team at Richland Federal Credit Union.

“I really enjoy working with the ladies here,” Arneson said. “We all just get along and have fun and get our work done.”

Outside of work, family continues to be an important part of her life. She enjoys spending time with them and staying involved with their activities.

Arneson is also active with the local saddle club, an involvement that keeps her especially busy during the summer months. With the club preparing for its annual wagon train, there is rarely a shortage of things to do before what she jokingly calls “Saddle Club Vacation” arrives at the end of the season.

After 16 years at Opportunity Bank, changing workplaces marked a significant transition. But the familiar faces, community connections and desire to help local families remain the same.

She may be behind a different desk these days, but Arneson is still doing what she has done throughout her career — serving the community she calls home.