Since 2019, Northview Bank, based in Finlayson, Minn., has hosted an annual contest for hunters to showcase their skills and compete for grand prizes. This event, which complements Northview’s specialization in hunting land loans, originated as a way for Northview to engage with their customers through a community-shared passion.
After an early morning spent staking out in the deer stand, bundled against the blistering Minnesota cold, you finally drop the trophy buck that’s been toying around the trail-cams. On the celebratory drive through town, you pull into Northview Bank to show off the prize deer: the latest submission in Northview’s Big Buck Contest.
Since 2019, Northview Bank, based in Finlayson, Minn., has hosted an annual contest for hunters to showcase their skills and compete for grand prizes. This event, which complements Northview’s specialization in hunting land loans, originated as a way for Northview to engage with their customers through a community-shared passion.
The contest has grown to be a tradition. Big Buck-related interactions reach beyond small talk on the teller line; “After the hunt, we've had customers come right to some of the branches to show off their trophy buck or doe on the back of their pickup truck,” shared Crystal Kilichowski, director of marketing at Northview. The bank staff rallies in the parking lot to check out the deer and hear the story of the hunt.
Northview staff kicks off whitetail deer season by coming to work decked out in hunting gear — on a day appropriately referred to as “Orange Friday.” Additionally, branch lobbies have a ready supply of Minnesota hunting schedules, hunting license holders, kids’ activity sheets, orange hats and socks. These hats, sporting the Northview Bank logo, have made their way into many contest submission photos. To enter, hunters must take a photo with their deer and ensure the Northview logo is visible (whether on a hat or other promotional item). The photo is then submitted through a form located on Northview’s website or by mail. At the season’s close, winners are determined by the community via Facebook voting; the ten photos with the most likes are then placed into a random drawing. The prizes for first, second and third places are $1000, $500, and an outdoors package, respectively.
Northview’s involvement in the hunting community extends beyond this contest; by supporting chapters of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, it helps promote safety and education, especially among young hunters. Northview has sponsored kids’ attendance of MDHA Forkhorn Camps, programs that focus on hunting education and safety while providing a hands-on opportunity for kids to explore the sport.
“Northview Bank Big Buck Contest is a testament to our community spirit and love for the great outdoors,” said Kilichowski.