JOEL ROSENBERG STRESSES TEAMWORK IN HIS WORK AT VALLEY BANK AND AS A VOLUNTEER FOOTBBALL COACH AT KALISPELL HIGH SCHOOL.

Joel Rosenberg, 29, was born into banking: He works with his father and grandfather at Valley Bank of Kalispell in Kalispell, Mont. But they have not given him a free ride. When he graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in finance in 2003, his dad, the bank president, told him to get some experience.

So Rosenberg went to work for a year-and-a-half at a Vancouver, Wash., branch of U.S. Bank. He worked as a personal banker, a new accounts rep and a loan originator and became comfortable in what he describes as a "metro banking atmosphere." He acknowledges that "it was the best thing that could have happened for my career." But this community-minded young professional knew he didn't want to stay at the big bank indefinitely. Tthe native of Whitefish, a few miles upriver from breathtaking Kalispell in the Fflathead River Valley, always knew he'd be coming home.

After spending some time with a metropolitan bank that operates as a major corporation," he remarks, "Ii realized more than ever the importance of keeping things locally owned and operated. Iit is such a breath of fresh air to work for a smaller bank that channels money back into the community and is focused on service."

Having earned his stripes, Rosenberg joined Valley Bank of Kalispell in 2005. Aas assistant vice president, consumer/commercial loan officer and head of marketing, he has seen his resume expand quickly. He has worked in merchant service and credit card sales, and serves as Web designer for Valley Bank as well. Aand he also has pursued his interest in Iinternet banking, which has increased in use at Valley Bank every month since he has been on board.

Rosenberg describes his typical day as "reactive." His work is "whatever walks into my office." But he also is devoted to giving time to his community, and is grateful that Valley Bank "values community involvement and encourages it."

Not far from Gglacier Nnational Ppark and Llake, the largest natural freshwater lake in the lower 48 west of the Mississippi River, Kalispell is a place of great natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Tthe city has a low unemployment rate, but it has below-average median salaries as well; some of its younger sons and daughters who want to stay in the community struggle to afford housing costs. So, in addition to his professional activities, Rosenberg is committed to helping attract and retain young professionals in the Fflathead Valley.

To that end, he has been actively involved in the Aarea Yyoung Pprofessionals (www.faypsite.com), and he recently became its president. Ooriginally founded as a networking group, FAYPfayp has evolved into a community service organization too. Iit has recently supported a varied set of projects: self-help law centers, financial mentoring, the Relay for Llife, Bowling for Kids' Sake, wilderness preservation and putting together "care packages" for U.S. troops overseas, among others. He is enthusiastic about new directions in which he hopes to lead this vital group.

Rosenberg is also active in the Kalispell Ddowntown Aassociation, made up of members of the business community who want to work and learn together. …