Pictured (left to right) are: Carson Beach and Scott Rockwell, BWD president/CEO.
Bank of Wisconsin Dells recently awarded its 2023 Educational Scholarship to Wisconsin Dells High School Valedictorian Carson Beach. Beach received a total of $20,000 over four years of college. The Bank of Wisconsin Dells Educational Scholarship is given out through an endowment scholarship program with the Wisconsin Dells Education Foundation. BWD wishes Beach the best of luck in his college career.
The Racine County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC) proudly presents “Empowering Small Businesses: A Business Growth Solutions Event,” taking place on Thursday, June 15, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the esteemed Veterans Terrace in Burlington.
This event will provide relevant insights and share valuable resources to entrepreneurs, business owners, commercial lenders, community leaders, and real estate professionals.
Jenny Trick, executive director of RCEDC, expressed her excitement about the event, stating, “RCEDC is pleased to partner with Community State Bank to host these amazing small business owners that will share their experiences and the resources they used to help them succeed in their industry.”
Sponsored by Community State Bank, this not-to-be-missed event will feature a remarkable panel of accomplished individuals in the business and financial sectors. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from inspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners, as well as leading financial professionals who specialize in commercial lending and growth strategies.
The esteemed panelists include Becky McClelland, Burlington market president for Community State Bank; Wesley Walsh, loan officer with Business Lending Partners; Melissa Smith, owner of Buzzed Wine Bar; Tammie Begotka, co-owner of Waterford Stillhouse; and Donna Mosca, co-founder of the Enlightened Living Center.
“Our goal is to empower small businesses by providing them with the knowledge and tools necessary for growth,” said McClelland. “We are proud to sponsor this program and invite everyone to join us for an informative and engaging afternoon.”
Registration for “Empowering Small Businesses: A Business Growth Solutions Event” is now open and free of charge. Registered attendees will enjoy networking opportunities, delicious food, and receive one drink ticket.
As seating is limited to only 50 individuals, interested participants are encouraged to secure their spot early. To register and secure your spot, please visit rcedc.org/empowering-small-businesses.
WBA releases results of Bank CEO Economic Conditions Survey
In the Wisconsin Bankers Association’s biannual Economic Conditions Survey of Wisconsin bank CEOs, nearly three quarters of respondents rated Wisconsin’s current economic health as “excellent” or “good.” These most recent survey results show some easing of inflation and recession concerns; 86% of respondents predict inflation to fall or stay about the same over the next six months, compared to 76% of respondents in the prior survey conducted at the end of 2022. Pessimism is fading as only 48% of respondents predict the economy to worsen over the next six months, compared to 72% of respondents at the close of 2022.
“Wisconsin bank CEOs have unique knowledge of their local market dynamics, given their economic expertise along with their relationships with businesses, community organizations, families, and individuals in their areas,” said WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels. “With a mild recession predicted for the remainder of the year, bankers continue to serve as trusted partners in helping community members weather challenges and achieve their financial goals.“
Among the economic bright spots cited by CEOs in the survey were high employment and wages, demand for goods and services, strong industries — summer tourism, construction, agriculture, and manufacturing — and in-migration from the Twin Cities and Chicago. Top economic concerns reported by bank CEOs were inflation and labor — particularly in service-related industries, deposit growth, and compressing interest rate margins.
The mid-year 2023 survey was conducted May 16–31 with 66 respondents. Sums may not equal 100 percent due to rounding. Below is a breakdown of the survey questions and responses.
| How would you rate the current health of the Wisconsin economy. . . | Mid-Year 2023 | End-of-Year 2022 | Mid-Year 2022 |
| Excellent | 5% | 6% | 7% |
| Good | 68% | 69% | 64% |
| Fair | 27% | 24% | 29% |
| Poor | 0% | 1% | 0% |
| In the next six months, do you expect the Wisconsin economy to. . . | |||
| Grow | 0% | 0% | 2% |
| Weaken | 48% | 72% | 63% |
| Stay the same | 52% | 28% | 36% |
| Over the next six months, do you expect inflation to. . . | |||
| Rise | 14% | 24% | 50% |
| Fall | 44% | 51% | 22% |
| Stay about the same | 42% | 25% | 28% |
| How likely would you say a recession is in the next six months? | |||
| Very unlikely | 0% | 0% | 4% |
| Unlikely | 5% | 3% | 16% |
| Neutral | 24% | 10% | 20% |
| Likely | 56% | 62% | 45% |
| Very likely | 15% | 25% | 16% |
| Rate the current demand in the following categories: | |||
| Business Loans | |||
| Excellent | 6% | 3% | 2% |
| Good | 44% | 44% | 48% |
| Fair | 48% | 46% | 48% |
| Poor | 2% | 7% | 2% |
| Commercial Real Estate Loans | |||
| Excellent | 11% | 6% | 7% |
| Good | 33% | 34% | 52% |
| Fair | 50% | 53% | 36% |
| Poor | 6% | 7% | 5% |
| Residential Real Estate Loans | |||
| Excellent | 5% | 4% | 2% |
| Good | 14% | 7% | 20% |
| Fair | 50% | 33% | 50% |
| Poor | 31% | 55% | 29% |
| Agricultural Loans | |||
| Excellent | 0% | 3% | 2% |
| Good | 41% | 23% | 37% |
| Fair | 50% | 60% | 51% |
| Poor | 9% | 13% | 10% |
| Deposit | |||
| Excellent | 3% | 3% | 5% |
| Good | 17% | 44% | 55% |
| Fair | 58% | 44% | 38% |
| Poor | 23% | 9% | 2% |
| In the next six months, do you anticipate the demand for the following categories will. . . | |||
| Business Loans | |||
| Grow | 6% | 8% | 11% |
| Weaken | 50% | 56% | 48% |
| Stay the same | 44% | 35% | 41% |
| Commercial Real Estate Loans | |||
| Grow | 9% | 1% | 13% |
| Weaken | 56% | 63% | 48% |
| Stay the same | 35% | 35% | 39% |
| Residential Real Estate Loans | |||
| Grow | 13% | 6% | 4% |
| Weaken | 25% | 54% | 63% |
| Stay the same | 62% | 41% | 34% |
| Agricultural Loans | |||
| Grow | 12% | 15% | 6% |
| Weaken | 32% | 38% | 31% |
| Stay the same | 56% | 48% | 63% |
| Deposit | |||
| Grow | 17% | 13% | 11% |
| Weaken | 31% | 38% | 36% |
| Stay the same | 52% | 49% | 53% |
| In the next six months, are the businesses in your bank’s market area likely to. . . | |||
| Hire employees | 25% | 17% | 31% |
| Maintain current staffing levels | 69% | 71% | 61% |
| Lay off employees | 6% | 11% | 7% |
| In the next six months, is your bank likely to. . . | |||
| Hire employees | 23% | 23% | 34% |
| Maintain current staffing levels | 74% | 73% | 63% |
| Lay off employees | 3% | 4% | 4% |
Bank First is pleased to announce that Sally Spangler has been promoted to Compliance/Enterprise Risk Officer. Spangler joined Bank First in 2020 through its merger with Timberwood Bank in Tomah and has over 23 years of experience in the banking industry, most recently specializing in enterprise risk, BSA, and compliance support. Spangler is a knowledgeable compliance resource to bank employees and will continue to manage the bank’s secondary market loan quality control review processes, assist with the maintenance of its vendor management system, and conduct compliance monitoring reviews.
Spangler obtained multiple certifications from the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) for loans, real estate mortgages, and deposit compliance, as well as training in consumer, mortgage, and commercial lending. She volunteers as a poll worker in Monroe County, Wisconsin during state and federal elections. Spangler and her husband reside in the Tomah area where she enjoys reading, gardening, wildlife, fishing, and ancestry research. She also enjoys spending time with her three adult children and five grandchildren.
Nicolet National Bank congratulates Cheryl Parker, senior lending compliance specialist, on her retirement following her 13-year career with Nicolet Bank. She has over 30 years of experience in the banking and lending industry, and will be retiring on July 21, 2023.
Parker joined Nicolet Bank in June of 2010 as the Mortgage Department Manager. Over the years, she advanced to Retail Compliance Specialist, and then to her current position.
Parker earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration Cum Laude with a minor in Economics from Lakeland College. Throughout her career, Parker attended many seminars, courses, and training to earn a variety of lending and compliance certificates. The latest certificate of completion was in 2014 when she was certified with WBA Real Estate Compliance School.
During her career, Parker has been involved in both Habitat for Humanity and NeighborWorks of Green Bay as a CRC Member and Financial Educator.
In retirement, Parker and her husband, Rick, are planning to travel more. First vacation includes a trip to her dream destination — Hawaii. She will be spending more time with her three children and eight grandchildren. Also, she will be able to contribute more time in her role as a Children’s Pastor. Parker plans to take more time engaging in her hobbies, such as gardening, reading, and relaxing, during retirement.
Karleigh MacWilliams
One Community Bank is thrilled to announce the recent promotion of Karleigh MacWilliams to AVP – Treasury Management Solutions Manager.
“Karleigh has been a tremendous asset to the treasury management team. She will continue to work closely with our clients and develop new business relationships. In her new role, she will oversee the treasury management support team” said Amy Bailey, vice president and director of treasury management.
MacWilliams has six years of experience in the commercial banking industry. Previously, she was a small business owner and manager. She loves working with clients and finding a solution to meet their needs.
“I am excited to start my new role at OCB, have the opportunity to grow as a leader and be able to expand the treasury management department” beamed MacWilliams.
MacWilliams is passionate about giving back to the Oregon and surrounding communities. She is on the Village Diaper Bank Board, the OCA Media Board, and the Waubesa Beach Neighborhood Association Board. She also enjoys volunteering at several community events.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Justin, and her two children, Colton and Camryn. MacWilliams loves being a mom, boating, reading, and traveling.
This spring, National Exchange Bank & Trust (NEBAT) is excited to recognize Sharleen Meinnert and Janet Johnson for their tenure with the bank.
Sharleen Meinnert
On May 19, Meinnert celebrated 35 years of service to National Exchange Bank & Trust. Meinnert joined the bank in 1988 and throughout the years, she has held many responsibilities including helping customers with their deposits/withdrawals, balancing, installment and commercial loan processing and retail loan processing. Currently, she works as a retail loan underwriter – team lead out of the office located in Howards Grove.
Meinnert grew up in Elkhart Lake where she currently resides with her husband, Stan. She holds a technical certificate from Lakeshore Technical College.
Janet Johnson
Additionally, Janet Johnson has celebrated her 50th year at NEBAT. Johnson joined the bank in 1972 as a messenger and later transferred to a teller before joining the marketing department that she has been a part of for 45 years! As NEBAT’s program and event manager, Johnson takes the lead on many bank sponsored events such as the employee holiday party, Steps events for youth, and GYC events and travel.
On Thursday, June 8 starting at 9 a.m. at the Fond du Lac office located on South Main Street, NEBAT will host an open house with cake and refreshments in celebration of Johnson’s 50 years of service.
Johnson grew up in Eldorado where she now resides with her husband, Frank. She is active in the community as a part of the Fond du Lac Interdisciplinary Team and many church organizations.
By Rose Oswald Poels
This spring, the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) took two groups of bankers out to Washington, D.C. for our annual legislative lobbying trips in conjunction with the American Bankers Association (ABA) and Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) in March and May respectively. The timing of both trips was positive for many reasons, including the ability to weigh in early on various legislative issues since the 118th Congress only first began in January.
One of the issues we lobbied on relates to interchange fee revenue banks receive as part of the payment process. The retail/merchant businesses are back again this Congress (and in Wisconsin as well) lobbying very hard for the re-introduction of the “Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA),” which was introduced last session by Senators Roger Marshall (KS) and Dick Durbin (IL). Proponents of this legislation claim that it will increase competition in the credit card marketplace when, in fact, it will reduce the number of credit card issuers competing for consumers’ business, remove the competitive differences among card products, negatively affect card rewards programs, and put the nation’s private-sector payments system under the micromanagement of the Federal Reserve Board. Among the many arguments we raised included the fact that, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, after the Durbin Amendment was implemented, 98.8% of merchants failed to pass through savings realized from debit regulation to consumers, and over 20% increased prices.
When we were in Washington earlier this month, we learned that many Wisconsin businesses, notably Kwik Trip, have been communicating with our entire delegation putting pressure on them to co-sponsor or even introduce the CCCA this session. With Kwik Trip headquartered in his district, newly elected Rep. Derrick Van Orden, in particular, has received a lot of pressure to be a lead sponsor in the House on this bill. Thanks to several constituent bankers who joined me in Washington earlier this month, as of now, Rep. Van Orden is not agreeing to be the lead sponsor or even a co-sponsor. This is a very significant achievement because prior to our visit that week, all indications were that he was going to be a lead sponsor. If it were not for the active grassroots involvement of these bankers on this trip echoing WBA’s (and national trade groups’) messages and communicating the specific harm that will occur to their institutions if this legislation were to pass, I’m not sure Rep. Van Orden would have made the decision he currently has taken.
If you are ever wondering whether your voice makes a difference, this very recent situation should illustrate that it does. It will be imperative for everyone to keep up active grassroots lobbying on this issue with our entire delegation as we meet with them later this summer in-district or see them at other events. For those of you who are in Rep. Van Orden’s district, please thank him next time you see him (or send a message to his office) for staying off the CCCA for now. WBA is closely watching any movement on this issue nationally in case more widespread formal grassroots action is needed. Continue to watch for information on this and other advocacy issues from WBA and know that when we request your involvement, it is needed and it really does matter!
First-quarter 2023 data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) show that Wisconsin banks remained on solid footing even as two out-of-state institutions failed during the period. While deposits decreased slightly at Wisconsin banks, borrowers overall continued to keep up to date on their loan payments. Residential, commercial, and farm loans all increased year over year. Importantly, net interest margin remains strong at 3.30% and capital levels are healthy.
Notable indicators include:
Statement on the release of first-quarter 2023 Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) numbers from Rose Oswald Poels, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Bankers Association:
“Wisconsin banks overall fared very well during the first quarter of 2023 despite the strain on the banking system caused by inflation and rising market interest rates. Banks in our state — and the U.S. banking system overall — have the capital and liquidity to continue to meet the needs of consumers and businesses. This goes to show that Wisconsinites can continue to have confidence that their money is safe in a Wisconsin bank. With respect to the ongoing economic challenges and geopolitical concerns, Wisconsin banks are well-positioned to weather the mild economic downturn that is expected in the remainder of 2023.”
FDIC-Reported Wisconsin Numbers (Dollar Figures in Thousands)
| 03/31/2023 | 12/31/2022 | QoQ Change | 03/31/2022 | YoY Change | |
| Net loans and leases | $106,540,141 | $105,370,783 | 1.11% | $94,488,857 | 12.75% |
| Total deposits | $118,136,508 | $120,013,420 | -1.56% | $118,967,927 | -0.70% |
| Commercial and industrial loans | $17,700,465 | $17,804,684 | -0.59% | $15,907,329 | 11.27% |
| Residential loans | $26,381,632 | $25,884,618 | 1.92% | $22,650,405 | 16.47% |
| Farm loans | $3,824,265 | $3,746,971 | 2.06% | $3,728,094 | 2.58% |
| Total assets | $149,723,596 | $149,560,399 | 0.11% | $143,313,990 | 4.47% |
| Assets 90+ Days Past Due or in Nonaccrual Status | $406,287 | $411,481 | -1.26% | $483,579 | -15.98% |
The First National Bank of Bangor is pleased to honor Helen Wegner as she reaches her 40 years of service milestone with the bank. She began her career at FNBB in June 1983 in the Bangor office as a loan secretary. Wegner currently works as the bank’s AVP – loans, serving its customers in all loan areas along with assisting the IRA customers with their retirement needs. Countless customers have been helped with their needs and dreams over the years and will continue to as Wegner extends her tenure with the bank.
