<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?>

      <!-- iXBRL document created with: Toppan Merrill Bridge iXBRL 10.1.0.3 -->
      <!-- Based on: iXBRL 1.1 -->
      <!-- Created on: 12/6/2022 3:25:02 PM -->
      <!-- iXBRL Library version: 1.0.8263.24741 -->
      <!-- iXBRL Service Job ID: 1327a980-abdc-4ade-8e7b-b0a3075d210d -->

  <html xmlns:dei="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xmlns:alrs="http://alerus.com/20221201" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xs="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:ixt-sec="http://www.sec.gov/inlineXBRL/transformation/2015-08-31" xmlns:ixt="http://www.xbrl.org/inlineXBRL/transformation/2015-02-26" xmlns:ix="http://www.xbrl.org/2013/inlineXBRL" xmlns:ref="http://www.xbrl.org/2006/ref" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance"><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html" /><title></title></head><body><div style="margin-top:30pt;"></div><div style="display:none;"><ix:header><ix:hidden><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="Duration_12_1_2022_To_12_1_2022_OG6VmOTStU-ckXjgNv9Cog" name="dei:EntityCentralIndexKey" id="Tc_NykOPDtLjkC9LdMLvuTQqg_2_1">0000903419</ix:nonNumeric><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="Duration_12_1_2022_To_12_1_2022_OG6VmOTStU-ckXjgNv9Cog" name="dei:AmendmentFlag" id="Tc_wJmEZf0TaE6pYMDKmg_RNw_3_1">false</ix:nonNumeric></ix:hidden><ix:references><link:schemaRef xlink:href="alrs-20221201.xsd" xlink:type="simple"></link:schemaRef></ix:references><ix:resources><xbrli:context id="Duration_12_1_2022_To_12_1_2022_OG6VmOTStU-ckXjgNv9Cog"><xbrli:entity><xbrli:identifier scheme="http://www.sec.gov/CIK">0000903419</xbrli:identifier></xbrli:entity><xbrli:period><xbrli:startDate>2022-12-01</xbrli:startDate><xbrli:endDate>2022-12-01</xbrli:endDate></xbrli:period></xbrli:context></ix:resources></ix:header></div><div style="max-width:100%;padding-left:10.35%;padding-right:10.35%;position:relative;"><div style="clear:both;max-width:100%;position:relative;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;padding-bottom:1pt;padding-top:1pt;text-align:center;border-bottom:1.0pt solid #000000;border-top:3.0pt solid #000000;margin:0pt;"><span style="font-size:1pt;font-variant:small-caps;font-weight:bold;text-decoration-line:line-through;text-decoration-style:double;visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><span style="font-size:8pt;font-variant:small-caps;font-weight:bold;text-decoration-line:line-through;text-decoration-style:double;visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p><a id="_a4071804_2003_4dd5_baa7_b20142533f65"></a><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b style="font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;">United States</b></p><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b style="font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;">Securities And Exchange Commission</b><span style="font-variant:small-caps;text-transform:uppercase;"><br /></span><b style="font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;">Washington, DC 20549</b></p><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><span style="font-size:8pt;font-variant:small-caps;font-weight:bold;visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b style="font-variant:small-caps;font-weight:bold;">FORM </b><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="Duration_12_1_2022_To_12_1_2022_OG6VmOTStU-ckXjgNv9Cog" name="dei:DocumentType" id="Narr_kSMhs5dPB06O0IW0NQK3eQ"><b style="font-variant:small-caps;font-weight:bold;">8-K</b></ix:nonNumeric></p><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><span style="font-size:8pt;font-variant:small-caps;font-weight:bold;visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b style="font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;">Current Report </b><b style="font-variant:small-caps;font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;">Pursuant to </b><b style="font-variant:small-caps;font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;"><br /></b><b style="font-variant:small-caps;font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;">Section 13 or 15(</b><b style="font-weight:bold;">d</b><b style="font-variant:small-caps;font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;">) of the </b><b style="font-variant:small-caps;font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;"><br /></b><b style="font-variant:small-caps;font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;">Securities Exchange Act of 1934</b></p><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><span style="font-size:8pt;font-variant:small-caps;font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;text-align:center;margin:0pt 0pt 8pt 0pt;"><span style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Date of report (Date of earliest event reported):  </span><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="Duration_12_1_2022_To_12_1_2022_OG6VmOTStU-ckXjgNv9Cog" format="ixt:datemonthdayyearen" name="dei:DocumentPeriodEndDate" id="Narr_lfJ-ye7QPUeFYxmU0e4YEA"><b style="font-weight:bold;">December 1, 2022</b></ix:nonNumeric></p><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;text-align:center;margin:0pt 0pt 8pt 0pt;"><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="Duration_12_1_2022_To_12_1_2022_OG6VmOTStU-ckXjgNv9Cog" name="dei:EntityRegistrantName" id="Narr_gL4Rs20Ne0eyRck-2z8ENw"><b style="font-weight:bold;">Alerus Financial Corporation</b></ix:nonNumeric><b style="font-variant:small-caps;font-weight:bold;"><br /></b>(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)</p><a id="_9c7031ff_1c57_477e_bedb_7b4524d2bde4"></a><a id="Tc_YITZBkSGHESRqep3p92Yzw_2_0"></a><a id="Tc_JKJDh4x7skalwjpnHT89yQ_2_1"></a><a id="Tc_fDZ9oS2fKk2e_UFaHah9Og_2_2"></a><table style="border-collapse:collapse;font-size:16pt;height:max-content;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:96.43%;"><tr style="height:1pt;"><td style="vertical-align:top;width:31.59%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;"><div style="height:1pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;position:relative;"><div style="position:absolute;top:0pt;width:100%;"></div></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:31.48%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;"><div style="height:1pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;position:relative;"><div style="position:absolute;top:0pt;width:100%;"></div></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:36.92%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;"><div style="height:1pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;position:relative;"><div style="position:absolute;top:0pt;width:100%;"></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;width:31.59%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;text-align:center;margin:0pt 0pt 2pt 0pt;"><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="Duration_12_1_2022_To_12_1_2022_OG6VmOTStU-ckXjgNv9Cog" format="ixt-sec:stateprovnameen" name="dei:EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" id="Tc_YhQIlSfBsUqQqRUr5I4LUw_1_0"><b style="font-weight:bold;">Delaware</b></ix:nonNumeric></p></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:31.48%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;text-align:center;margin:0pt 0pt 2pt 0pt;"><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="Duration_12_1_2022_To_12_1_2022_OG6VmOTStU-ckXjgNv9Cog" name="dei:EntityFileNumber" id="Tc_Mecewej4XUiHnE_dgtfFrQ_1_1"><b style="font-weight:bold;">001-39036</b></ix:nonNumeric></p></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:36.92%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;text-align:center;margin:0pt 0pt 2pt 0pt;"><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="Duration_12_1_2022_To_12_1_2022_OG6VmOTStU-ckXjgNv9Cog" name="dei:EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" id="Tc_8o6C_rbZuEqZpesPm3bwcw_1_2"><b style="font-weight:bold;">45-0375407</b></ix:nonNumeric></p></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;width:31.59%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;line-height:12pt;text-align:center;margin:0pt;">(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)</p></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:31.48%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;line-height:12pt;margin:0pt;">(Commission File Number)</p></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:36.92%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;line-height:12pt;text-align:center;margin:0pt -4.5pt 0pt -4.2pt;">(IRS Employer Identification No.)</p></td></tr></table><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;"><span style="visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;text-align:center;margin:8pt 0pt 8pt 0pt;"><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="Duration_12_1_2022_To_12_1_2022_OG6VmOTStU-ckXjgNv9Cog" name="dei:EntityAddressAddressLine1" id="Narr_4bA90nVl0Eqxe6wHEQXsDQ"><b style="font-weight:bold;">401 Demers Avenue</b></ix:nonNumeric><b style="font-weight:bold;"><br /></b><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="Duration_12_1_2022_To_12_1_2022_OG6VmOTStU-ckXjgNv9Cog" name="dei:EntityAddressCityOrTown" id="Narr_cLoEqrJFZkKcinGFZD3F3g"><b style="font-weight:bold;">Grand Forks</b></ix:nonNumeric><b style="font-weight:bold;">, </b><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="Duration_12_1_2022_To_12_1_2022_OG6VmOTStU-ckXjgNv9Cog" format="ixt-sec:stateprovnameen" name="dei:EntityAddressStateOrProvince" id="Narr_VgxI2u-hlkmktk8pTe6umQ"><b style="font-weight:bold;">North Dakota</b></ix:nonNumeric><b style="font-weight:bold;"> </b><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="Duration_12_1_2022_To_12_1_2022_OG6VmOTStU-ckXjgNv9Cog" name="dei:EntityAddressPostalZipCode" id="Narr_JGKPB4E5BEqCCDXlYW96ww"><b style="font-weight:bold;">58201</b></ix:nonNumeric><b style="font-weight:bold;"><br /></b>(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)</p><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:12pt;font-variant:small-caps;font-weight:bold;line-height:1.19;text-align:center;margin:0pt 0pt 8pt 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;font-weight:normal;">Registrant&#8217;s telephone number, including area code: </span><b style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">(</b><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="Duration_12_1_2022_To_12_1_2022_OG6VmOTStU-ckXjgNv9Cog" name="dei:CityAreaCode" id="Narr_UxnmO1CNOUqMTvPa9fSGLQ"><b style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">701</b></ix:nonNumeric><b style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">) </b><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="Duration_12_1_2022_To_12_1_2022_OG6VmOTStU-ckXjgNv9Cog" name="dei:LocalPhoneNumber" id="Narr_6UU7ABF2jk6DgqCyhXjAeA"><b style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">795-3200</b></ix:nonNumeric></p><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:10pt;font-variant:small-caps;font-weight:bold;line-height:1.19;text-align:center;margin:0pt 0pt 8pt 0pt;"><b style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-weight:bold;">N/A</b><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-weight:normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-weight:normal;">(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report.)</span></p><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:10pt;line-height:1.19;text-align:justify;text-indent:36pt;margin:0pt 0pt 8pt 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';">Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (</span><i style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-style:italic;">see</i><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';"> General Instruction A.2. below):</span></p><a id="_fada5d4a_1fcb_4658_a302_f4147bb00d14"></a><a id="Tc_isWZ9YEbSkuq3Lv7mPJV5A_1_1"></a><a id="Tc_Jc2HBe-4Ekm0ahhASwLbMA_3_1"></a><a id="Tc_rVkgNO4EHEKvSP8kFnkNcA_5_1"></a><a id="Tc_8XPW7aXwck2-JRTZIX7D5w_7_1"></a><table style="border-collapse:collapse;font-size:16pt;height:max-content;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-left:0pt;padding-right:0pt;width:100%;"><tr style="height:1pt;"><td style="vertical-align:top;width:7.37%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><div style="height:1pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;position:relative;"><div style="position:absolute;top:0pt;width:100%;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;"><span style="font-size:1pt;visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p></div></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:92.62%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><div style="height:1pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;position:relative;"><div style="position:absolute;top:0pt;width:100%;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;"><span style="font-size:1pt;visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;width:7.37%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:12pt;line-height:1.19;text-align:justify;margin:0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt;"><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="Duration_12_1_2022_To_12_1_2022_OG6VmOTStU-ckXjgNv9Cog" format="ixt-sec:boolballotbox" name="dei:WrittenCommunications" id="Tc_466ZVJvuXEC8oJIsn11K7Q_1_0"><span style="font-family:'Segoe UI Symbol';font-size:9pt;">&#9744;</span></ix:nonNumeric></p></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:92.62%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:9pt;line-height:1.19;margin:0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';">Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;width:7.37%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:12pt;line-height:1.19;margin:0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:9pt;line-height:14pt;margin-left:0pt;margin-top:14pt;visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:92.62%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:12pt;line-height:1.19;margin:0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:9pt;line-height:14pt;margin-top:14pt;visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;width:7.37%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:12pt;line-height:1.19;text-align:justify;margin:0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt;"><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="Duration_12_1_2022_To_12_1_2022_OG6VmOTStU-ckXjgNv9Cog" format="ixt-sec:boolballotbox" name="dei:SolicitingMaterial" id="Tc_qbRqc-DkN0epwIFsyTJniA_3_0"><span style="font-family:'Segoe UI Symbol';font-size:9pt;">&#9744;</span></ix:nonNumeric></p></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:92.62%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:9pt;line-height:1.19;margin:0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';">Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;width:7.37%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:12pt;line-height:1.19;text-align:justify;margin:0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:9pt;line-height:14pt;margin-left:0pt;margin-top:14pt;visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:92.62%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:12pt;line-height:1.19;margin:0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:9pt;line-height:14pt;margin-top:14pt;visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;width:7.37%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:12pt;line-height:1.19;text-align:justify;margin:0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt;"><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="Duration_12_1_2022_To_12_1_2022_OG6VmOTStU-ckXjgNv9Cog" format="ixt-sec:boolballotbox" name="dei:PreCommencementTenderOffer" id="Tc_ZU2neUF980-WWHWOzmZGJA_5_0"><span style="font-family:'Segoe UI Symbol';font-size:9pt;">&#9744;</span></ix:nonNumeric></p></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:92.62%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:9pt;line-height:1.19;margin:0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;width:7.37%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:12pt;line-height:1.19;margin:0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:9pt;line-height:14pt;margin-left:0pt;margin-top:14pt;visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:92.62%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:12pt;line-height:1.19;margin:0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;line-height:14pt;margin-top:14pt;visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;width:7.37%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:12pt;line-height:1.19;text-align:justify;margin:0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt;"><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="Duration_12_1_2022_To_12_1_2022_OG6VmOTStU-ckXjgNv9Cog" format="ixt-sec:boolballotbox" name="dei:PreCommencementIssuerTenderOffer" id="Tc_DBzxSmCvkk6tqpwA_6uLtw_7_0"><span style="font-family:'Segoe UI Symbol';font-size:9pt;">&#9744;</span></ix:nonNumeric></p></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:92.62%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:9pt;line-height:1.19;margin:0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))</span></p></td></tr></table><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;"><span style="visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:10pt;line-height:1.19;text-align:justify;text-indent:36pt;margin:0pt 0pt 8pt 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';">Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:</span></p><a id="_45fbd875_5308_468a_aaf1_51c6d7965dcb"></a><a id="Tc_4Edp-7d8KkWEiAzzsMI3Aw_0_0"></a><a id="Tc_vW2GgEWj_0ihOGL-sZ_nxQ_0_2"></a><a id="Tc_Eu1kOE6JbEC2hk0vn4S_SQ_0_4"></a><table style="border-collapse:collapse;font-size:16pt;height:max-content;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:100%;"><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;width:37.1%;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:10pt;line-height:1.19;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-weight:bold;">Title of each class</b></p></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:3.25%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:10pt;line-height:1.19;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</b></p></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:17.14%;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:10pt;line-height:1.19;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-weight:bold;">Trading symbol</b></p></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:2.57%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:10pt;line-height:1.19;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</b></p></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:39.92%;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:10pt;line-height:1.19;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-weight:bold;">Name of each exchange on which registered</b></p></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;width:37.1%;border-top:1px solid #000000;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:12pt;line-height:1.19;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="Duration_12_1_2022_To_12_1_2022_OG6VmOTStU-ckXjgNv9Cog" name="dei:Security12bTitle" id="Tc_obobOzaUDEW914xeXPa1vw_1_0"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;">Common Stock, $1.00 par value per share</span></ix:nonNumeric></p></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:3.25%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:12pt;line-height:1.19;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;line-height:14pt;margin-top:14pt;visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:17.14%;border-top:1px solid #000000;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:12pt;line-height:1.19;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="Duration_12_1_2022_To_12_1_2022_OG6VmOTStU-ckXjgNv9Cog" name="dei:TradingSymbol" id="Tc_PhhalklSPkCu0fJri5mz4w_1_2"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;">ALRS</span></ix:nonNumeric></p></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:2.57%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:12pt;line-height:1.19;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;line-height:14pt;margin-top:14pt;visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:39.92%;border-top:1px solid #000000;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:12pt;line-height:1.19;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="Duration_12_1_2022_To_12_1_2022_OG6VmOTStU-ckXjgNv9Cog" format="ixt-sec:exchnameen" name="dei:SecurityExchangeName" id="Tc__cBQ1CQW_k6HvrKH5mKVUg_1_4"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;">The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC</span></ix:nonNumeric></p></td></tr></table><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:12pt;line-height:1.19;text-align:justify;text-indent:36pt;margin:0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:8pt;line-height:14pt;margin-top:14pt;visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:10pt;line-height:1.19;text-align:justify;text-indent:36pt;margin:0pt 0pt 8pt 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';">Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (&#167; 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b&#8211;2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (&#167; 240.12b&#8211;2 of this chapter). </span></p><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:12pt;line-height:1.19;text-align:justify;text-indent:36pt;margin:0pt 0pt 8pt 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;">Emerging growth company </span><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="Duration_12_1_2022_To_12_1_2022_OG6VmOTStU-ckXjgNv9Cog" format="ixt-sec:boolballotbox" name="dei:EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" id="Narr_yC4FmubEMEeJMtgyA2kskA"><span style="font-family:'Segoe UI Symbol';font-size:9pt;">&#9746;</span></ix:nonNumeric></p><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:12pt;line-height:1.19;text-align:justify;text-indent:36pt;margin:0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;">If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.&#160;</span><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="Duration_12_1_2022_To_12_1_2022_OG6VmOTStU-ckXjgNv9Cog" format="ixt-sec:boolballotbox" name="dei:EntityExTransitionPeriod" id="Narr_vV7OWRCpuEiFGtWQ0qBrGQ"><span style="font-family:'Segoe UI Symbol';font-size:9pt;">&#9744;</span></ix:nonNumeric></p><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:12pt;line-height:1.19;text-align:justify;text-indent:36pt;margin:14pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:8pt;line-height:14pt;visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:12pt;line-height:1.19;padding-bottom:1pt;padding-top:1pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:36pt;border-bottom:3.0pt solid #000000;border-top:1.0pt solid #000000;margin:0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:1pt;line-height:14pt;margin-top:14pt;visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p><p style="font-family:'Times';font-size:12pt;line-height:1.19;text-align:justify;text-indent:36pt;margin:0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:8pt;line-height:14pt;margin-top:14pt;visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p><p style="display:none;font-family:'Times';font-size:12pt;line-height:0pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:36pt;margin:0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:0pt;line-height:14pt;margin-top:14pt;visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p></div></div>
<div style="background-color:#000000;clear:both;height:2pt;page-break-after:always;width:79.3%;border:0;margin:30pt 10.35% 30pt 10.35%;"></div><div style="max-width:100%;padding-left:10.35%;padding-right:10.35%;position:relative;"><div style="clear:both;max-width:100%;position:relative;"><a id="_ff235226_bc8c_4e2b_8987_3f10a8bcb6e4"></a><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;margin:0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;"><span style="visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;margin:0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;"><span style="display:inline-block;text-indent:0pt;width:72pt;"><b style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;font-style:normal;font-weight:bold;">Item 4.01.</b></span>Changes in Registrant&#8217;s Certifying Accountant</p><table style="border-collapse:collapse;font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-top:0pt;table-layout:fixed;width:100%;border:0pt;"><tr><td style="width:36pt;"></td><td style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;vertical-align:text-top;white-space:nowrap;width:18pt;padding:0pt;">(a)</td><td style="padding:0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;">Dismissal of Independent Registered Public Accountant</span></td></tr></table><div style="margin-top:12pt;"></div><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;text-indent:36pt;margin:0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;">On December 1, 2022, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the &#8220;Audit Committee&#8221;) of Alerus Financial Corporation (the &#8220;Company&#8221;) approved the dismissal of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (&#8220;CLA&#8221;), as the Company&#8217;s independent registered public accounting firm because CLA indicated that it would not stand for reappointment following completion of the audit of the Company&#8217;s consolidated financial statements for the year-ending December 31, 2022.</p><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;text-indent:36pt;margin:0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;">CLA&#8217;s audit reports on the Company&#8217;s consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.</p><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;text-indent:36pt;margin:0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;">During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021, and during the subsequent interim period through December 1, 2022, there were no (a) &#8220;disagreements&#8221; (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K) with CLA on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements if not resolved to CLA&#8217;s satisfaction, would have caused CLA to make reference to the subject matter thereof in connections with its reports for such periods; or (b) &#8220;reportable events&#8221; (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).</p><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;text-indent:36pt;margin:0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;">In accordance with Item 304(a)(3) of Regulation S-K, the Company provided CLA with a copy of the disclosures it is making in this Current Report on Form 8-K and requested from CLA a letter addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission indicating whether it agrees or disagrees with such disclosures. A copy of CLA&#8217;s letter dated December 6, 2022 is attached as Exhibit 16.1 hereto.</p><table style="border-collapse:collapse;font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-top:0pt;table-layout:fixed;width:100%;border:0pt;"><tr><td style="width:36pt;"></td><td style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;vertical-align:text-top;white-space:nowrap;width:18pt;padding:0pt;">(b)</td><td style="padding:0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;">Newly Appointed Independent Registered Public Accountant</span></td></tr></table><div style="margin-top:12pt;"></div><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;text-indent:36pt;margin:0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;">On December 1, 2022, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the &#8220;Audit Committee&#8221;) of Alerus Financial Corporation (the &#8220;Company&#8221;) approved the appointment of RSM, LLP (&#8220;RSM&#8221;) to serve as the Company&#8217;s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2023. Prior to retaining RSM, neither the Company nor anyone acting on its behalf consulted with RSM with respect to: (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either contemplated or proposed, (ii) the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company&#8217;s financial statements, (iii) any written report or oral advice provided to the Company that RSM concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to any accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue, or (iv) any matter that was either the subject of a &#8220;disagreement&#8221; or a &#8220;reportable event&#8221; (as those terms are defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) and (v) of Regulation S-K respectively).</p><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;margin:0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;"><span style="display:inline-block;text-indent:0pt;width:72pt;"><b style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;font-style:normal;font-weight:bold;">Item 9.01.</b></span>Financial Statements and Exhibits.</p><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;margin:0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;">(d) Exhibits</p><table style="border-collapse:collapse;font-size:16pt;height:max-content;width:98.53%;"><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;width:12.81%;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;margin:0pt;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;"><b style="font-weight:bold;">Exhibit No.</b></p></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:4.36%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;"><b style="font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</b></p></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:82.82%;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;margin:0pt;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;"><b style="font-weight:bold;">Description</b></p></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;width:12.81%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:0pt;margin:0pt;"><b style="font-weight:bold;">16.1</b></p></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:4.36%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:11pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:0pt;margin:0pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:12pt;visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:82.82%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:11pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:0pt;margin:0pt;"><a style="-sec-extract:exhibit;font-family:&quot;'Times New Roman','Times','serif'&quot;;" href="alrs-20221201xex16d1.htm"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;">Letter</span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;"> of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP Dated December 6, 2022</span></a></p></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;width:12.81%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:0pt;margin:0pt;"><b style="font-weight:bold;">104</b></p></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:4.36%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:11pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:0pt;margin:0pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;margin-bottom:12pt;visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:82.82%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:0pt;margin:0pt;">Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within Inline XBLR document)</p></td></tr></table><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:11pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:36pt;margin:0pt;"><span style="font-size:1pt;letter-spacing:-0.15pt;margin-bottom:12pt;visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;"><span style="visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p></div></div>
<div style="background-color:#000000;clear:both;height:2pt;page-break-after:always;width:79.3%;border:0;margin:30pt 10.35% 30pt 10.35%;"></div><div style="max-width:100%;padding-left:10.35%;padding-right:10.35%;position:relative;"><div style="clear:both;max-width:100%;position:relative;"><a id="_418c3c00_e0d5_4d9a_a375_ed611d5c0c1d"></a><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;text-align:center;margin:0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;">SIGNATURES</p><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:36pt;margin:0pt;">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.</p><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;"><span style="visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p><table style="border-collapse:collapse;font-size:16pt;height:max-content;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-left:0pt;padding-right:0pt;width:100%;"><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;width:49.97%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;">Date: December 6, 2022</p></td><td colspan="2" style="vertical-align:top;width:50.02%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;">Alerus Financial Corporation</p></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;width:49.97%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;"><span style="visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p></td><td colspan="2" style="vertical-align:top;width:50.02%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;"><span style="visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;width:49.97%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;"><span style="visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p></td><td colspan="2" style="vertical-align:top;width:50.02%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;"><span style="visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;width:49.97%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;"><span style="visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:5.69%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;">By:</p></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:44.32%;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;">/s/ Katie A. Lorenson</p></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;width:49.97%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;"><span style="visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:5.69%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;">Name:</p></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:44.32%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;">Katie A. Lorenson</p></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;width:49.97%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;"><span style="visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:5.69%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;">Title:</p></td><td style="vertical-align:top;width:44.32%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;">President and Chief Executive Officer</p></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;width:49.97%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;"><span style="visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p></td><td colspan="2" style="vertical-align:top;width:50.02%;margin:0pt;padding:0pt;"><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;"><span style="visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p></td></tr></table><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;"><span style="font-size:1pt;visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;"><span style="visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;"><span style="visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman','Times','serif';font-size:10pt;margin:0pt;"><span style="visibility:hidden;">&#8203;</span></p></div></div>
<div style="background-color:#000000;clear:both;height:2pt;margin-left:10.35%;margin-right:10.35%;margin-top:30pt;page-break-after:avoid;width:79.3%;border:0;"></div></body></html>
[{"type": "8-K", "sequence": "1", "filename": "alrs-20221201x8k.htm", "description": "8-K", "secsgml_size_bytes": 40503}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "ALERUS FINANCIAL CORP", "cik": "0000903419", "assigned-sic": "6021", "irs-number": "450375407", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "8-K", "act": "34", "file-number": "001-39036", "film-number": "221446921"}, "business-address": {"street1": "401 DEMERS AVE", "city": "GRAND FORKS", "state": "ND", "zip": "58201", "phone": "7017953200"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "PO BOX 6001", "street2": "401 DEMERS AVE", "city": "GRAND FORKS", "state": "ND", "zip": "58206-6001"}, "former-company": {"former-conformed-name": "FIRST NATIONAL CORP NORTH DAKOTA", "date-changed": "19980312"}}
​
​
United States
Securities And Exchange Commission
Washington, DC 20549
​
FORM
8-K
​
Current Report
Pursuant to
Section 13 or 15(
d
) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
​
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported):
December 1, 2022
Alerus Financial Corporation
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
Delaware
001-39036
45-0375407
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)
(Commission File Number)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
​
401 Demers Avenue
Grand Forks
,
North Dakota
58201
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
(
701
)
795-3200
N/A
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report.)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (
see
General Instruction A.2. below):
​
​
☐
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
​
​
☐
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
​
​
☐
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
​
​
☐
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
​
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading symbol
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $1.00 par value per share
​
ALRS
​
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
​
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b–2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b–2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company
☒
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
☐
​
​
​
​
Item 4.01.
Changes in Registrant's Certifying Accountant
(a)
Dismissal of Independent Registered Public Accountant
On December 1, 2022, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Audit Committee") of Alerus Financial Corporation (the "Company") approved the dismissal of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP ("CLA"), as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm because CLA indicated that it would not stand for reappointment following completion of the audit of the Company's consolidated financial statements for the year-ending December 31, 2022.
CLA's audit reports on the Company's consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.
During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021, and during the subsequent interim period through December 1, 2022, there were no (a) "disagreements" (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K) with CLA on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements if not resolved to CLA's satisfaction, would have caused CLA to make reference to the subject matter thereof in connections with its reports for such periods; or (b) "reportable events" (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).
In accordance with Item 304(a)(3) of Regulation S-K, the Company provided CLA with a copy of the disclosures it is making in this Current Report on Form 8-K and requested from CLA a letter addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission indicating whether it agrees or disagrees with such disclosures. A copy of CLA's letter dated December 6, 2022 is attached as Exhibit 16.1 hereto.
(b)
Newly Appointed Independent Registered Public Accountant
On December 1, 2022, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Audit Committee") of Alerus Financial Corporation (the "Company") approved the appointment of RSM, LLP ("RSM") to serve as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2023. Prior to retaining RSM, neither the Company nor anyone acting on its behalf consulted with RSM with respect to: (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either contemplated or proposed, (ii) the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company's financial statements, (iii) any written report or oral advice provided to the Company that RSM concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to any accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue, or (iv) any matter that was either the subject of a "disagreement" or a "reportable event" (as those terms are defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) and (v) of Regulation S-K respectively).
Item 9.01.
Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits
Exhibit No.
Description
16.1
​
Letter
of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP Dated December 6, 2022
104
​
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within Inline XBLR document)
​
​
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
​
Date: December 6, 2022
Alerus Financial Corporation
​
​
​
​
​
By:
/s/ Katie A. Lorenson
​
Name:
Katie A. Lorenson
​
Title:
President and Chief Executive Officer
​
​
​
​
​
​