For nearly 70 years, the Braemar City of Lakes Figure Skating Club (Braemar FSC) has been a cornerstone of the Edina community, fostering everything from toddler “learn-to-skate” dreams to Olympic-level ambitions. But even a storied non-profit with a rich history can find itself held back by the wrong financial partner.

Last fall, Braemar FSC made a pivotal decision: they walked away from a large commercial bank and moved their relationship to Riverland Bank. The result is a collaborative relationship that shows how personalized banking can empower a non-profit to do more for its members.

The Wake-Up Call: Realizing the Cost of Inaction

Before the switch, the club was managing its growing finances with an outdated checkbook ledger system. Despite their long history in the community, their previous large commercial bank provided zero proactive service, and their interest-bearing accounts were yielding less than 0.8%.
“You’re effectively not making any money on your hard-earned funds,” President Holly Dau recalled discussing. “At that rate, the money might as well have been sitting under a mattress.”
The board realized that being just another “account number” at a massive institution was costing them the ability to reinvest in their skaters. They needed a bank that saw their potential, a partner that would help their dollars work as hard as their athletes do.

The Riverland Difference: Invested from Day One

When Braemar FSC met with the Riverland team, the shift in energy was immediate. “They came with an entire folder of ideas,” said Dau. “They invested in day one … asking, ‘How can we improve your service? What do you want out of us?’”

Riverland didn’t only offer better rates, they provided the modern tools a busy non-profit needs to thrive:

• Proactive Security: When a large charge hit the club’s account recently, Riverland called Dau within minutes to verify it was legitimate, a level of oversight they never experienced at their old bank.
• Modernized Operations: Riverland implemented new Bill Pay and immediate transfer services, moving the club away from an “archaic system” of paying independent contractors and coaches by paper check.
• Financial Growth: By providing better investment options and proactive account monitoring, Riverland is helping the club grow the “slush fund” they need to ensure long-term stability.

Supporting the Mission, On and Off the Ice

The impact of this partnership goes far beyond the balance sheet. By managing their funds more effectively, Braemar FSC can focus on what matters most, their skaters and their community.
Whether it’s the annual Holiday Pops show raising money for local food shelves or the massive Spring Show (celebrating its 59th year!), Riverland’s support helps the club run these events more efficiently. Instead of being forced to make cuts, the club can now look for ways to make their programs even better. “Our goal is to promote and encourage figure skating and make sure our 5-year-olds, our 10-year-olds, and our 15-year-olds are all supported equally,” says Dau.

“Working with a bank like Riverland, who is also invested in how to make the most out of the money you have, helped us achieve our goals.” – Holly Dau

A Message for Other Non-profits

For other member-based organizations or small businesses feeling neglected by big banks, Braemar FSC’s advice is clear: don’t wait. At Riverland Bank, you aren’t just a client but a valued community partner.

Get in touch with a Riverland Banker today and learn more about how we can take your banking to the next level.