If you’ve only visited your local Dakota West branch, there’s a good chance you may have missed out on our little gem in Turtle Lake.  One of the Member Service Representatives in our smallest branch, Lani Schafer, keeps the community traditions in eastern McLean County alive and well, brightens each day for our members, and represents Dakota West’s values.

Lani first joined Dakota West when the Turtle Lake Community Credit Union merged with Dakota West in 2002 and returned a second time after taking a break to spend time at home with her family.  She’s part of a small-but-mighty team that works with her community partners every December to plan the annual Turtle Lake Santa Day, complete with sleigh rides, giveaways, and a visit from the big man himself.

Whether answering a common question like, “What’s my balance?” or a more complex challenge like assisting a member with attempted fraudulent purchases on a debit card, Lani works with members of communities from Underwood to McClusky, but speaks with members from all of our branches by phone.

“I don’t think people realize how many branches we have and that we are in many smaller communities.”  Keeping that personal service in these communities is exemplified by Lani’s every day interactions.  Last fall she organized surprise snacks for the girls’ volleyball team to take with them on their six-hour, round-trip bus ride to an away match.

When not serving our members or bringing joy to her local community, Lani enjoys traveling to warmer climates when it gets cooler in North Dakota, and spending time at her family’s cabin on a nearby lake when the days get long.  If you are traveling throughout western North Dakota, stop in to one of our other branches, including a visit with Lani and her team in Turtle Lake.