Bell Bank celebrates ribbon-cutting event at newest location

GRAND FORKS — Laura Fairfield looked around with obvious pride and happiness as she chatted with employees and other well-wishers before Tuesday s ribbon-cutting to mark the official opening of Bell Bank's new Grand Forks location. Fairfield, of Fargo, is one of the major shareholders of Bell Bank and the daughter of Thomas Buck Snortland, who, along with Richard Solberg — both farmers in the Sharon-Finley area — founded the bank in 1966. This is just so awesome, Fairfield said in a brief program. It s a privilege to be here in Grand Forks. We re committed to serving this community. Fairfield grew up on a farm 60 miles from here, she said. Who would have thought we d be here — in a bank, Bell Bank. We have a team of very experienced leaders here, she said, speaking for the Solberg-Snortland-Fairfield ownership — and as employees, you are owners too. The new bank building — at 3800 S. Washington — is roughly twice the size of the bank s former footpr