Business Journal: July 16, 2006
Investing in communities
When David Reiling landed his first job as a bank teller, he knew he was destined to be a banker. What Reiling didn’t know then is that he also was destined to be a humanitarian, challenging the notion that community outreach and profitability are mutually exclusive.
After graduating from the University of San Diego, Reiling worked for First Interstate Bank in Los Angeles. His job, to solve issues for community banks, was his introduction to urban banking and working with a multi-cultural clientele. the rest of the article

Business Journal: May 19, 2006
Beware the hidden costs of The Vice Fund
Every year I attend the SRI (Socially Responsible Investing) conference, I return home determined to become an evangelist for socially responsible finance. In the wake of corporate scandals, investors are embracing socially responsible finance: Investments can achieve a double bottom line of profit and social impact. With $2.16 trillion in assets in portfolios managed with socially responsible strategies, choices cover 200 socially-screened mutual funds, from Domini Social Investments, to community development banks like University Bank. the rest of the article

St. Paul Pioneer Press: October 09, 2005
Mover: Kevin Sevcik
What is your job title? Vice president/commercial loan officer, University Bank, St. Paul.
What are your duties? Provide loans and other bank services to metro area businesses.
What's your educational background? B.A. in economics, St. Olaf College; MBA with a finance concentration, University of Minnesota Carlson School of Business.
Did you choose this field or did the field choose you? I originally chose commercial lending 26 years ago so that I would be exposed to many types of industries, allowing me to decide which industry to pursue outside of banking. I soon found that I enjoyed the relationships with clients and the variety of industries in banking, so banking chose me! the rest of the article

Finance & Commerce: July 21, 2005
Finance and Commerce selects 2005 Innovators of the Year
David Reiling was one of fifteen winners recognized as the Innovator of The Year by Finance and Commerce Magazine. The Magazine ran a special issue interviewing the winners. This is the fourth year that Finance and Commerce has presented awards to entrepreneurs whose companies or products have succeeded in the market place or shown early promise. David Reiling, was recognized for his innovative social responsibility programs. University Bank is an inner-city bank that offers innovative financial products that contribute to the development of the surrounding neighborhood.

"Socially Responsible Investing - Does Your Company Qualify?"
Star Tribune: July 17, 2005
Here's a question that Donald Trump is unlikely to ask his "Apprentice" contenders: Is it possible to get rich and do good at the same time? With Wall Street repeatedly rocked by scandals, many consumers are investing their money in mutual funds, stocks and banks that pursue a "double bottom line" -- investments that earn a competitive return while offering a positive social impact. the rest of the article

Business Journal: July 15, 2005
St. Paul’s University Bank targets “emerging markets” as way to achieve steady future growth
University Bank enjoyed a 45% growth-level last year, adding both customers and employees to the bank. This year, growth will be scaled back to allow staffing and infrastructure to keep up. The bank will, however, still be growing. “There is still a lot of business out there to be had,” said bank president, David Reiling. Their current strategy is to bank the “unbanked,”—people who traditionally don’t use bank services like checking or savings accounts.

Northwestern Financial Review: July 15, 2005
Notes, news and views on community banking
And the winner is…
University Bank was honored with an American Business Award in the category of “Best Corporate Social Responsibility Program.” Nicknamed “The Stevie,” the American Business awards are the business world’s award program honoring excellence in the workplace. University Bank was one of four finalists in the Corporate Social Responsibility Program category. University Bank was chosen as the winner for its program geared toward economically challenged neighborhoods in the Twin Cities.

St. Paul Pioneer Press: June 12, 2005
Business People Twin Cities
Financial Services
University Bank has hired Jim Nichols as a new Vice President/Commercial Loan Officer. In his new position, Nichols is responsible for providing general commercial and real estate loans to small and medium sized businesses. Prior to joining University Bank, Nichols worked as an independent business consultant advising private and not-for-profit organizations on sales, revenue and expense strategies.

The American Jewish World: June 3, 2005
Bank lauds JCA work on community reinvestment
A video, “Community Reinvestment,” has its premiere screening May 24th, 2005 at an invitation only event held at University Bank. The video features the work of Jewish Community Action (JCA) in promoting reinvestment in urban neighborhoods. The bank recognized the JCA’s commitment to the community through their support and participation socially responsible deposit funds.

The Business Journal: May 20, 2005
Giving back, yet growing
Firms find ways to balance growth with citizenship and ethics
University Bank’s business model is to be “Responsible corporate citizens working to better serve our customers.” Based on this, the bank’s corporate giving and everyday ethics are closely tied together. University Bank takes part in the Keystone Program, giving 5% of pre-tax profits to charity. This includes 2% cash contributions, and the rest as in-kind contributions including volunteerism or donating meeting space. Receiving about 10 donation requests per week, University Bank selects recipients based on strict criteria. The organization must be a not-for-profit organization that banks with university, and must benefit low-income populations.

Peace Coffee Monthly Newsletter: May 2005
Community Partner: University Bank
Recently, University Bank has begun serving free Peace Coffee to their customers and guests. Bank president David Reiling says, “ Peace Coffee shares our business philosophy that in order to be a great company, you first have to good company. Like our bank, Peace Coffee is committed to being a corporate steward and conducting business that is socially responsible and benefits communities in need. We are happy to serve their delicious coffee as a token of our appreciation for our customers’ business.”

The Business Journal: January 21, 2005
Diary: Two leaders turn around ailing companies; two others start fresh; one relies on business savvy
In 1995 when David Reiling purchased University Bank, it was called the Meridian Bank; and it was in shambles. It had received two “needs-to-improve” ratings from bank regulators, had only $14 million in deposits. Reiling said, “We knew the only way the bank was going to succeed was if the community succeeded.” Reiling marched his tellers down the street and had them introduce themselves to almost every business owner and resident along the way. He set the goal of meeting with 500 local business owners the bank had never worked with. The bank then forged a partnership with the city of St. Paul to provide capital for immigrants to get loans. Today, University Bank has $115 million in assets, and focuses on community development.

The Business Journal: December 24, 2004
Banks cashing in on gift card craze
While most gift cards are store specific, this holiday season bank-branded gift cards are emerging as a popular present for gift givers, and a significant customer pleaser for banks. While large banks introduced the product in 2003, this year small banks are getting in on the action. St. Paul’s Park Midway and University Bank began their gift card program after a surge in the popularity of this traditionally retail-based trend. These cards were made by Shorview, MN-based Deluxe Corp. They also offer a wide variety of other banking products, and are primarily a check printing service. Although gift cards only generate a small monetary benefit for banks per card, customer loyalty and service seem to be a driving force to carry the new product.

The Business Journal: December 17, 2004
Banker toasts 2nd award (Anticipating new products for the new year, Diary Companies prepare to wrap up 2004)
University Bank and Inlet Medical, Inc. are leading the way—each heading into uncharted territory in their respective businesses. David Reiling, president of University Bank, has it all figured out, “To be a great company, you have to be a good company first—in the terms of being a good citizen,” said Reiling. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce agreed, giving the bank its Corporate Stewardship Award for midsized businesses. Reiling said that “ getting this award would further his bank’s mission to develop low-income neighborhoods by showing that positive social impact can blend with making money. It solidifies the idea that you can do well and do good at the same time.”

CBS Market Watch: December 3, 2004
Saint Paul’s University Bank receives U.S. Chamber of Commerce National Corporate Citizenship Award (Minnesota Chamber Also recognized with U.S. Chamber Community Service Award)
St. Paul based University Bank was selected from 5 national finalists for demonstrating ethical leadership and corporate stewardship, making a difference in communities, and contributing to the advancement of important economic and social goals. Bank president David Reiling said, “ I am honored to accept this prestigious award on behalf of the entire University Bank organization … I am extremely proud of the work we do in underserved Twin Cities communities. To be recognized for our leadership and stewardship means that we are conducting business the right way while contributing o our community.” University Bank has demonstrated their commitment to the community through several programs including Houses to Homes, a program designed to finance homes in distressed neighborhoods.

The Business Journal: December 3, 2004
Breaking ground, records
University Bank’s focus on community development has landed it in a finalists spot for a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Corporate Stewardship Award. They were featured on MSNBC’s “In the Winner’s Circle,” highlighting their positive impact. They are unveiling a “Stored Value” card; a debit card that is preloaded with cash from your account. This is intended to help people with little banking experience develop a relationship with the bank, and take them on a path toward building assets.

Star Tribune: November 2, 2004
St. Paul investing in banks that help low-income areas
St. Paul is steering an $8 million slice of its invested money toward inner-city banks. St. Paul money managers call it the Socially Responsible Investment Fund. Western and Bremer Banks each received $2 million, while University Bank received $4 million. In order to qualify for this program, the banks not only need to receive an “outstanding” ranking on the front end, but they have to report back to the city at the end of the year detailing how they disbursed the funds helping the city’s most distressed neighborhoods. Last year, University Bank put $5.4 million into home loans, minority owned businesses, affordable housing developments and other projects in distressed areas. David Reiling, president of University Bank, thinks it makes good sense: “ St. Paul has determined it’s advantageous for them to invest some of their dollars in a very secure way that also has an impact on the most needy, high-risk parts of the community.”