The Odin Award: Traci Wiebe Receives Top Employee Honor

Each year, First International Bank & Trust honors one employee with the Odin Award – named for our founder, Odin Stenehjem. It’s the bank’s highest employee recognition, reserved for someone who exemplifies our vision, mission, and values on a daily basis.

Our latest recipient is Senior Executive Assistant Traci Wiebe.

"Ultimately, it comes back to gratitude," Traci said after receiving the award. "I don't think that I'll ever feel worthy of the Odin Award – and I can't put into words what it means to me."

Traci has been an essential member of the FIBT team for more than two decades. Throughout her career, her servant leadership, pursuit of excellence, and attention to detail have had a remarkable impact across our organization.

The Odin Award includes a $5,000 donation to a cause of the recipient’s choice. Traci generously chose to support Service Dogs for America, a North Dakota-based organization that trains service dogs and connects them to veterans and people with disabilities.

"I knew I wanted to do something to honor veterans," Traci said. "I have so much respect for the sacrifices they've made. I think that was instilled in me by my dad, who served in the Marines for many years. I think my dad's influence also carried over to my daughter, who served in the National Guard for eight years."

"My dad also had an uncanny connection with dogs," she continued. "So Service Dogs for America seemed like the perfect fit."

Service Dogs for America's Executive Director, Jen BrodKorb, said that every donated dollar helps them further their mission. "That dollar changes lives every day. That dollar makes it so a person has less of a financial burden on their path toward independence," she said.