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Guest Commentary I-- Ipm Dairy Farm to Board Room: Putting the Work in Ethics When you first meet Bob Engebretsen, it is not surprising to learn that his three decades at U.S. Bank have been incredibly successful. Nor is it unexpected that he is devoted to his wife of 30 years and to their three children. What truly stands out is Bob's exceptional dedication to putting his own time and talent to work in the community. He has created what he calls a"second career"of volunteerism,with five- year commitments to organizations across the Twin Cities. From Suburban Community Services, which serves the elderly,to the Boys and Girls Club of the Twin Cities,Greater Twin Cities United Way, and Junior Achievement, Bob's board service and mentoring skills have truly spanned the spectrum. "These volunteer opportunities have given me great insight into my own family and our role as members of the community," says Bob. "When I'm out in the community, it's a reflection of me, my family, and of my profession and Bob Engebretsen is senior vice president and trust company. Volunteerism truly does benefit the volunteer;everything I've given has regional manager of U.S.Bank Private Gent been returned to me so many times over." Group. In 2003,Minnesota Community Foundation and The Saint Paul Foundation teamed up with U.S.Bank to create the U.S.Bank Donor w that I'm in a position to give back, it's important Advised Gift Fund This new charitable giving tool me to share that success. combines the charitable planning,financial,and investment expertise of the U.S.Bank Private Bob Engebretsen Client Group with the grantmaking expertise of the foundations. Bob is quick to give credit to his family and to U.S. Bank for enabling him to spend time volunteering. He says that one of the benefits of working for the Bank is that there is a culture of giving back,of being a good corporate citizen by embracing employees'efforts in the community. And of course,volunteer work— like any work—requires time away from home. "I have been blessed with a wife and children who are very supportive of my commitments,"says Bob. In addition to community service, Bob believes in charitable giving. Growing up on a dairy farm in rural Minnesota, the son of Norwegian immigrants,he learned the value of a dollar. "Working at the dairy every morning before school, I earned 50 cents a week—the hard way,"remembers Bob. "Now that I'm in a position to give back,it's important for me to share that success." Starting a U.S.Bank Donor Advised Gift Fund with the Foundation was Bob's way of tying it all together. As the first U.S. Bank client to open a Gift Fund, Bob wanted to provide leadership and demonstrate his commitment to giving back. "I hope that by my example, my three children will continue to see the importance of volunteerism and philanthropy," says Bob. "Through the Robert A.Engebretsen Family Fund, we can create a family legacy." 5