By Jolene FarleyMarlys Rauk, Beaver Creek, has joined the Exchange State Bank of Hills, bringing with her 30 years of banking experience. In January, Rauk left the former First National Bank, now Minnwest Bank, Luverne, hoping "to get back to the small town bank atmosphere." Rauk began her career in 1974 and she remained at the same institution through several ownership changes.She said the Exchange State Bank is "hands on and very customer orientated." She said she likes knowing most of her customers and wanted to get away from corporate control. "It’s a bank you never hear anything negative about," she said, "and now that I work here, I understand why."Rauk, who works full-time as a teller, backs up the computer system and works in check processing at the Exchange State Bank. She was an administrative assistant and loan secretary at her previous job.Through the years, Rauk has taken the many changes in the banking industry in stride."Technology has changed so much. They have debit cards now, Internet banking and phone banking," she said. "It’s easier for the customers to access their banking information. They don’t have to visit the bank, with direct deposit, ATMs and debit cards. … But we like to have the customer come in."Rauk’s goal is to service customers and assist in the new direction the bank is taking with the purchase of the Ellsworth State Bank.She is acquainted with many Exchange State Bank customers through her work at Rauk’s Hilltop Stop and through different activities at the Hills-Beaver Creek School. Rauk said she’s happy with her new position. "It was a good move for me," she said. "Hopefully, I’m here until I retire."
