BauerFinancial, Inc., the Nation’s premier bank rating firm, announced that Stockman Bank of Montana has once again been awarded its highest (5-Star) rating for financial strength and stability. Earning a 5-Star rating indicates this bank excels in areas of capital adequacy, profitability, asset quality and much more. Earning and maintaining this top rating for 47 consecutive quarters, especially in this environment, makes its accomplishment even more impressive. That makes Stockman Bank of Montana an “Exceptional Performance Bank”, a status reserved for banks that have earned Bauer’s highest rating consistently for at least 10 consecutive years.

 “It’s a noteworthy accomplishment in the best of times,” stated Karen Dorway, president of the research firm. “Today, it speaks volumes. How do they do it? A solid sense of community, working one on one, providing solutions to people who need it – that’s the mark of a true community bank. Stockman Bank of Montana’s team members have been right there on the front lines doing whatever they could to help their neighbors and friends throughout the pandemic. And, they’ve done it all without compromising the strength of the institution itself. That’s doing well while doing good.”

KLJ Engineering welcomed Brenna Moloney to their Billings office.

Brenna Moloney

Moloney joins KLJ as an archaeologist. She earned a master’s in archaeology from Wayne State University, as well as a master’s in geography from Eastern Michigan University. She has ten years of experience in cultural resources.

Michael Hass Allstate Insurance  is celebrating 20 years of service in the Billings.

The Michael Hass Allstate Insurance first opened its doors and wrote its very first insurance policy in 2000. Times were different 20 years ago, Shiloh Road had no roundabouts, our population was only 91,926, and cell phones weren’t around! Now, the full-service Allstate agency, located at 1611 Alderson Avenue, employs four licensed professionals with three additional support staff and serves more than 1900 families and businesses, helping them protect  their family, their home, their automobiles and their lives. 

 “Time flies! It feels like just yesterday when we cut the blue ribbon and opened our doors,” said Hass. “The years I’ve been with Allstate and all the years I’ve worked in this community have been an important part of my life. I have enjoyed working with so many families in our community and thank each and every one of them for allowing me to service their household insurance and financial needs.”

Hass provides auto, home, life and commercial insurance, as well as a variety of financial products, including college savings plans, mutual funds and more.

Hass also serves his community as a volunteer coach for the Billings Youth Hockey league, and offering programs such as teen driver safety and fire safety to students and residents. Through the years, Hass has won numerous awards, including Billings Gazette Readers Choice Awards for best insurance agent and coach of the year.  He has also won several awards from Allstate – Inner Circle, Circle of Champions, National Conference, Honor Ring and Spirit of the Good Hands.

René Beyl has been named the Billings Chamber’s Operations and Engagement Manager. Beyl brings 12+ years of experience with the Billings Chamber of Commerce to her new position, which is responsible for daily operations, member data management, and assisting with employee and member engagement.

“René brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this position,” said Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Reiser. “Her overall commitment to our organization, her upbeat and outgoing personality, along with her detailed knowledge of our members, and willingness to meet new people and help them feel comfortable with our organization make her an excellent candidate for this new role.”

Oboz Footwear, the True to the Trail® outdoor footwear company headquartered in Bozeman, has hired Rich Hohne as its Director of Marketing.  Hohne joins Oboz from Simms Fishing Products. Amy Beck is Oboz Footwear president. Hohne spent over ten years at Simms.

Matt Smith has joined the Billings office of  KLJ, an engineering firm. Smith has joined the team as a project manager.

He is a licensed professional engineer in the state of Montana and earned his bachelor’s in civil engineering from Montana State University.

The Lockwood Fire Department has appointed former Captain Karim Eshbaugh, to the newly -created  position of Deputy Fire Chief. Chief Eshbaugh has 17 years of experience with Lockwood Fire. He will begin his new duties on January 1, 2020.

Eshbaugh’s salary will be $80,000. He will report directly to the Fire Chief, John Staley. His responsibilities will include managing training, emergency medical services, and daily operation.

He will work 40 hour weeks and will be on call for major emergencies as the Incident Commander.

Patrice Elliott has recently been promoted to Vice President, Branch manager for Stockman Bank Shiloh. Elliott will focus on overseeing bank operations, management and employee supervision, developing and servicing commercial and construction loans, and assisting clients with their lending and credit needs.

Elliott has an extensive banking background which includes credit review, consumer banking manager, community bank president, and area president for a large national bank. Her extensive banking knowledge is an asset to Stockman Bank and the Billings community.

Elliott earned her Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Minnesota State University in Moorhead, MN. She is also a certified Public Accountant. She is active in our community serving on numerous boards including the Big Sky Economic Development Association, Billings Chamber of Commerce, and United Way of Yellowstone County. Her office is located at 1450 Shiloh Road.

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Brian Lubinski has recently joined Stockman Bank as a Real Estate Loan Officer at the Billings Heights location. His responsibilities include assisting clients with their goal of becoming a homeowner or refinancing to consolidate debt, lower current monthly payments, or utilize their home as a tool for further investment in real estate.

Lubinski brings over 11 years of banking experience to the position, which includes commercial and consumer real estate lending. He most recently served as a Real Estate Loan Officer for a regional bank in Billings. He will be an asset to Stockman Bank and the Billings community.

Lubinski earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business finance for the University of Montana. He will be an active participant in various Stockman Bank related activities.

His office is located at 800 Main Street.

Roshon Foran has recently joined Stockman Bank as a Real Estate Loan Officer at the Billings Grand location. Her responsibilities include assisting clients with their goal of becoming a homeowner or refinancing to consolidate debt, lower current monthly payments, or utilize their home as a tool for further investment in real estate.

Foran brings over six years of banking experience to the position, which includes commercial and consumer real estate lending.

Foran earned her Associates degree in arts from Miles Community College. She is active in the community serving as a board member for the Billings Association of Realtors. She is also actively involved in the Billings Chamber and Billings HBA.

Her office is at 1405 Grand Avenue.