Bemidji, MN – February 2026 – Shareholders of First Bemidji Holding Company, the parent company of The First National Bank of Bemidji, elected new board leadership at their annual meeting on January 8, 2026, and recognized the service of retiring Chairman Paul N. Welle.

B. Scott Curb was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors and Ronald R. Cuperus was elected Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors.

The meeting also marked the retirement of Paul N. Welle, who has served First National Bank Bemidji and the Bemidji community for 44 years. Mr. Welle most recently served as Chairman of the Board, providing decades of leadership and commitment to the organization.

Scott Curb has been a Bemidji resident since graduating from Northome High School and attending Bemidji State University. He is a past president of Northland Hardwood Lumber Co., a partner in Curb Development, and has served as a director of First National Bank Bemidji and its Foundation for 35 years. Scott and his wife, Mary Boranian, enjoy an active lifestyle and travel.

Ron Cuperus has served as a director of First National Bank Bemidji for 26 years. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Ron founded Cuperus Construction, Inc. in 1973 and later developed multiple local businesses and commercial properties. He remains active in the community through numerous civic and veterans’ organizations and currently serves as Chairman of the Northern Township Planning Commission.

About First National Bank

For nearly 130 years, First National Bank Bemidji has served Bemidji’s businesses and families. It is a community bank – investing in local people and their dreams – and celebrating the successes that enhance quality of life. First National Bank Bemidji has had a partnership with Bemidji for generations. In 1985, our employees invested in the bank through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This means we’ll always be Bemidji’s bank because we are owned by employees, certifying that we will be your banking partner for generations.

First National Bank Bemidji is a member of the FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender.