Archive for month: February, 2025

Ixonia Bank is elated to share it has helped secure a $30,000 Community First Accelerate Grant to David Griggs and Gregory Davis, Co-Founders of One 5 Olive.

This grant, facilitated through a collaboration with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago), will mark a significant investment in an underserved and underdeveloped area of Milwaukee. Dollars from this grant will be utilized for repairs to their office building, work vehicle replacement, and workforce development training.

Through FHLBank Chicago’s member institutions, like Ixonia Bank, Accelerate Grants assist the growth and development of small businesses in Illinois and Wisconsin. All grant recipients are small businesses that make a difference in their community, and funds are intended for the following purposes:

• The purchase or improvement of property
• The purchase of machinery, tools or equipment
• The purchase of inventory, materials, or supplies
• Workforce development or training
• New or upgraded technology

David Griggs states “Since our clients are typically lower-income individuals and non-profits, it can be difficult hitting our revenue goals. Opportunities like this grant are incredibly impactful because they allow us to invest in the business to be more financially stable, continue the work we love, and have a higher impact on our community.”

Griggs and Davis, who grew up in Milwaukee’s Rufus King neighborhood, named their company after the intersection near their childhood home at 15th Street and West Olive Street. One 5 Olive is a 100% minority-owned real estate development firm in the State of Wisconsin. The business, started in 2016, is located and operates in one of the least-served geographies in Ixonia Bank’s service area. They work in their community by restoring both residential and commercial properties in Milwaukee County, primarily in low-to-moderate income census tracts. They also consult for local nonprofits, focused on strategic planning and capital raising, with more than $2MM raised to date.

One 5 Olive’s integrated approach to the restoration process means they have better project oversight and are more cost effective than other similar businesses, maximizing their impact on the community. The company also has a track record of collaboration with various community and neighborhood organizations for their projects informing their direction and ensuring their work.

Inspired by One 5 Olive’s mission, Ixonia Bank has decided to contribute an additional $3,000 to One 5 Olive’s efforts in Milwaukee.

“We are proud to partner with FHLBank Chicago to facilitate this opportunity to help a small business in such a meaningful way,” states Patrick Lubar, First Vice President of Commercial Banking at Ixonia Bank. “One 5 Olive’s unwavering commitment and effort to improving the Milwaukee area does not go unnoticed.” Alex Fisher, Commercial Banking Officer at Ixonia Bank, adds “One 5 Olive was selected due to the outsized impact they have on their community for each dollar spent. Championing local businesses is crucial for creating stronger, more resilient neighborhoods.”

Ixonia Bank has been a strong champion of local economic development, playing a significant role in the grant application process, which demonstrates its dedication to nurturing a thriving and prosperous community. The Bank acknowledges the vital role businesses, especially minority-owned, play in enhancing and driving economic growth in the region.

While celebrating this milestone, Ixonia Bank continues to be committed to identifying and facilitating further opportunities for financial support and growth for businesses of all sizes throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.

Highlight Video:
Click the following link to view a 4.5 minute video created by Ixonia Bank that features Griggs and Davis talking about their important work in Milwaukee and the surrounding region: https://youtu.be/EeN8eEfWDXs

WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels recently presented three First National Bank of River Falls employees with WBA Lifetime Service Awards. Each employee was recognized for 40 years of dedicated service to the banking industry.

The honorees were: Lois Jenkins, chief financial officer, Alison Colburn, mortgage services, and Tracy Bruesewitz, loan documentation specialist.

Lois Jenkins: Lois began her career at First National Bank of River Falls in the bookkeeping department in August of 1976, and was later instrumental in forming the bank’s “computer” department, which, coincided with the launch of the Bank’s first computers. She was later promoted to the Assistant Cashier role, where she assisted with finance and accounting, serviced ACH origination with customers, and served as a leader of our bookkeeping team. From 2000 to late 2008, she served as our Assistant Vice President & Cashier. Finally, Lois was the bank’s Vice President & Controller from late 2008 until her promotion to SVP/CFO in 2016. In 2017, she became a member of the bank’s Board of Directors. Throughout her career, she was an integral part of many banking projects, including the Bank’s launch of internet banking. She has been a leader in multiple software conversions and upgrades, and has been an integral part of helping guide the bank through countless examinations and audits.

Alison Colburn: Alison joined the Bank in August 1984 as a Teller while in college. She served as a Personal Banker with Consumer Lending for 10 years before growing into her current role of Mortgage Servicer. Alison has performed each role, but especially her current role, with great dedication, attention to detail, and customer service for the past 20 years through many mortgage industry regulatory and economic changes, including multiple low rate environments.

Tracy Bruesewitz: Tracy joined the Bank in June of 1984 in our bookkeeping department. She has served in her current role of Loan Documentation Specialist, collaborating with lenders on the appropriate and compliant documentation for both commercial and consumer loans, for the past 19 years. Previously, she served as a Personal Banker providing account servicing and consumer lending for 10 years. Throughout her career, Tracy influenced most areas of the Bank as banking evolved, including Marketing, Compliance, Retail, and Lending.

“It is a privilege for me to work day-to-day alongside Lois, Alison and Tracy,” said First National Bank of River Falls President & CEO, Jeff Johnson. “They set a daily example of hard work, loyalty, and customer dedication. We are very fortunate that they have chosen to remain a huge part of the FNBRF team for so many years, and our community shares in that good fortune as well through their volunteer efforts.”

Red & White Winebar, located in Waunakee, WI, was recently awarded $15,000 in grant funds thanks to One Community Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago’s Community First® Accelerate Grant program.

Since opening in 2019, Mike and Kari Heller created Red & White Winebar to be a go-to place for guests to enjoy fine wines and bourbons. It’s a place for the community to come together, relax, enjoy a beverage, and connect with others. This grant money will help Mike and Kari upgrade key elements for their business and hire a social media manager. They’re excited to begin print advertising and share what they have to offer. Additionally, they plan to use funds to expand the bar’s refrigerator space and offer an expanded selection of beverages.

“Overall, being the recipient of this grant is a blessing in the mere fact of being able to breathe,” Mike and Kari, owners of Red & White Winebar shared. “We are so grateful to One Community Bank for thinking of us with this grant. It will help us allow our employees to work more hours and for us to socialize more with our guests.”

The Accelerate Grants assist the growth and development of small businesses in Wisconsin and Illinois. All grant recipients are small businesses that make a difference in their community, and funds can be used for a variety of purposes, including purchase or improvement of property, equipment, workforce development, and technology.

“Mike and Kari show their passion for the community in everything they do,” said Kay Gashette, VP – Business Banking Officer. “From the events they host to the beverages they serve; they’re consistently going above and beyond to create something special. I’ve truly enjoyed working with Mike and Kari and am excited to see what they do next, especially as they continue to make a difference in the community.”

Visit Red and White Winebar’s website to plan your visit and see upcoming events.