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Community, Member News, News

Nelson Celebrates 30 Years at National Exchange Bank & Trust

Rick Nelson celebrated 30 years of service to National Exchange Bank & Trust on March 22, 2023.

Nelson joined the bank in 1993 as a vault attendant. In his current role as ATM & purchasing coordinator, Nelson helps balance and service the bank’s ATMs, order office supplies, and provide fulfillment for the bank’s extensive branch network.

Nelson grew up in Fond du Lac and attended Goodrich High School. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Marian University. Nelson now resides in the Town of Lamartine. He is active in the community as a part of his church.

March 31, 2023/by Hannah Flanders
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Triangle-Backgrounds_Blue-on-Lime-Green.jpg 972 1920 Hannah Flanders https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Hannah Flanders2023-03-31 07:00:322023-03-30 09:50:20Nelson Celebrates 30 Years at National Exchange Bank & Trust
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Bakalars to Retire

After 34 years of dedicated service to FVSBank and the Oshkosh Community, FVSBank announces the retirement of Vice President of Business Banking and Oshkosh Market Manager Matt Bakalars, effective April 2023.

Bakalars joined FVSBank in 1989 and played an instrumental role in the growth and success of the company’s mortgage and business banking divisions. He has been a key member of the leadership team, overseeing the growth of the bank’s commercial lending portfolio, and expanding its market share.

Bakalars has actively participated in the community, dedicating his time to several boards and volunteering with local organizations, including but not limited to: Father Carr’s Place 2B, Day by Day Warming Shelter, Oshkosh Southwest Rotary, Evergreen Retirement Finance Committee, Oshkosh Family, Inc., Oshkosh Area United Way, Miravida Living, and the DC Villars Foundation of Hope.

Commenting on Bakalars’ retirement, FVSBank CEO Steven Walber said “Matt has been an exceptional leader and has played a significant role in the growth and success of FVSBank. His dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence have been an inspiration to us all. We wish him all the best in his retirement and thank him for his many years of service.”

March 30, 2023/by Hannah Flanders
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Triangle-Backgrounds_Dark-Blue-on-Light-Blue.jpg 972 1921 Hannah Flanders https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Hannah Flanders2023-03-30 07:51:102023-03-30 07:51:10Bakalars to Retire
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PWSB Mortgage Lenders Receive the Five Star Mortgage Professional Award

Port Washington State Bank (PWSB) is proud to announce that all of its mortgage lenders recently received the Five Star Mortgage Professional Award presented by Five Star Professional. Recipients this year include Jay Schreurs, Sharon Niesing, Kelly Lambrecht, and Linda Chay (NMLS 1419913).

This prestigious recognition is earned by less than 3% of lenders in a given market every year. Professionals cannot purchase this recognition, it is completely earned. Nomination for the award is determined by scoring high in criteria evaluated using surveys of recent homebuyers. The criteria includes customer service, integrity, communication, product and service options, and overall satisfaction. Consideration is also given to whether the lender would be recommended to a friend.

Industry peer evaluations by mortgage, insurance, and real estate professionals also are a factor. Peers consider lenders’ customer service skills, integrity, communication skills, preparation to and attention to detail. After the homebuyers and industry peer surveys are complete, they are reviewed by the Blue Ribbon Panel of industry peers based in Eagan, Minnesota.

In a survey of customer satisfaction following a new or refinanced mortgage loan at PWSB, 100% of the surveys returned in 2022 ranked PWSB’s service across all lenders as excellent, or 5 out of 5 across a five-point scale.

“It’s wonderful that our entire team of mortgage lenders are repeat winners this year,” commented James Schowalter, president and chief operating officer. “We offer a variety of loan types and terms to satisfy customer needs. Despite these complexities, the mortgage team consistently communicates well, prepares our customers for what’s coming, and ensures the loan closes on time. These assurances are often absent when buyers choose a national resource that doesn’t offer personal expertise.”

March 30, 2023/by Hannah Flanders
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Triangle-Backgrounds_Light-Blue-on-Green.jpg 972 1920 Hannah Flanders https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Hannah Flanders2023-03-30 07:46:292023-03-30 07:46:29PWSB Mortgage Lenders Receive the Five Star Mortgage Professional Award
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Executive Letter: Wisconsin Supreme Court Upholds Priority of Secured Creditor Under Receivership Rules

Rose Oswald PoelsBy Rose Oswald Poels

I am happy to report that the Wisconsin Supreme Court (Court) recently released a unanimous decision which protects secured creditors’ interests under receivership rules. The Court’s decision addressed the issue of whether properly perfected secured creditor interests were subject to unsecured creditor interests under receivership rules. The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) filed an amicus brief on behalf of the membership given the significance of the issue. I have outlined below some of the facts of the case, the court’s rationale, and decision.

Background

The case involves a dispute between a secured lender and unsecured creditor residents of an insolvent independent senior-living facility formerly known as The Atrium of Racine (The Atrium). Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company (BONY) is the trustee under the terms of a November 1, 2002 Trust Indenture between the Elderly Housing Authority of the City of Racine and BONY’s predecessor trustee. The indenture describes series 2002A Fixed Rate Revenue Bonds and series 2002B Extendable Rate Adjustable Securities, each issued in the aggregate principal amount of $4,025,000. Payments of principal, premium, and interest were secured by promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $8,050,000 and were further secured by a mortgage and security interest also dated November 1, 2002.

The Atrium defaulted on its May 1, 2017 interest payment and stipulated with BONY to an assignment for the benefit of creditors and the appointment of a receiver pursuant to s. 128.08(1)(b), Stats. The receiver assumed management of The Atrium and, with BONY’s consent, proceeded to market The Atrium for sale. Residents of The Atrium, however, claimed entitlement to the sale proceeds, asserting claims for entrance fees paid to The Atrium in connection with residency agreements. On the receiver’s motion for declaratory relief, the circuit court properly held that the residents’ claim for entrance fees were not secured claims entitled to priority payment from the proceeds of the asset sale.

On July 31, 2019, the circuit court affirmed the receiver’s sale of The Atrium assets, but the residents objected to the disbursement of the sale proceeds to BONY. The parties agreed to hold the proceeds of the sale in trust pending appeal.

In July 2021, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals issued an unpublished opinion holding that the residents’ claims had priority over the properly perfected security interest of the bondholders. The result of the decision elevated the obligation to refund the entrance fees above the first mortgage securing bonds, the proceeds of which were used to finance the senior facility.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court agreed to review the issues presented by the dispute. The principal issue on appeal was whether a secured lender’s properly perfected mortgage and security interest have priority over resident claims for entrance fees from the proceeds of the sale of the building and assets. A secondary issue on appeal was whether the residents’ appeal was timely and sufficient to confer appellate jurisdiction. In filing its amicus brief on behalf of the membership, WBA was focused on the principal issue on appeal.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Decision

As outlined in the Court decision, the residents of The Atrium relied upon provisions within documents executed between The Atrium and BONY and a statement required under securities regulations regarding the risks of investing to assert that the bondholders contracted away the superiority of their mortgage lien. The Court disagreed with the residents.

The Court looked to the receivership statutes for resolution of the issue. Section 128.17, Stats. establishes an order of payment for how a receiver is to distribute proceeds of a sale among the estate’s creditors. The order is to follow: (i) the actual and necessary costs of preserving the estate subsequent to the commencement of the proceedings; (ii) costs of administration including a reasonable attorney’s fee for the representation of the debtor; (iii) wages, including pension, welfare, and vacation benefits, due to workmen, clerks, traveling or city salespersons or servants, which have been earned within three months before the date of the commencement of the proceedings, not to exceed $600 to each claimant; (iv) taxes, assessments and debts due the United States, Wisconsin, or any county, district, or municipality; (v) other debts entitled to priority; (vi) debts due to creditors generally, in proportion to the amount of their claims, as allowed; and (vii) after payment of the foregoing, the surplus, if any, shall be returned to the debtor.

The Court determined that “other debts entitled to priority” encompasses mortgages under s. 706.11, Stats. which grants priority to mortgages that are executed by a state or national bank. The Court also determined that “debts due to creditors generally, in proportion to the amount of their claims, as allowed” applied to unsecured claims. The parties of the case agreed the bondholders were secured creditors and the residents were unsecured creditors and under the order set forth under receivership rules, the claims of the secured creditors would have priority over those of unsecured creditors. However, the residents further argued the bondholders subordinated their secured interest to the residents’ interest in their entrance fees.

The Court looked to case law and the Restatement of Property in its review of how a party is to subordinate a security interest. The residents pointed to definitions of “permitted liens” and “permitted encumbrances” in documents executed between The Atrium and BONY.

The executed mortgage included language which stated, “permitted encumbrances” include “[l]iens permitted under Section 5.12(b) of the [Project Contract].” According to the Project Contract, “Permitted Liens shall consist of … [e]ntrance fees or similar funds deposited by or on behalf of such residents[.]” The residents argued that if the financing documents grant either permitted liens or permitted encumbrances priority over the bondholders’ mortgage lien, the entrance fees must be refunded before the mortgage is paid.

The Court looked to the language of the contract and mortgage which the relevant terms included the following:

“Pursuant to the Mortgage, the Corporation has granted to the Trustee a first mortgage lien on the campus currently owned by the corporation…subject in each case to Permitted Liens as defined in the Project Contract.”

“This Mortgage constitutes a direct and valid lien on and security interest in the Mortgaged Property subject only to Permitted Encumbrances.”

While the language of the mortgage states the mortgage is subject to permitted encumbrances, the Court concluded nothing within the documents subordinated the bondholders’ mortgage. The documents contemplate the possibility entrance fees could take priority over the bondholders’ mortgage, but the provisions within do not create a lien, nor accord it priority over a properly perfected mortgage. The residents never attempted to create liens. Having never become liens, the residents’ claims are unsecured claims and recovery of the fees would not trump the bondholders’ perfected security interest of the mortgage; the order set forth in s. 128.17 must be applied to the payments from the sale proceeds.

The Court also reviewed the use of the finding in M&I First National Bank v. Episcopal Homes Management Inc., 195 Wis. 2d 485, 536 N.W.2d 175 (Ct. App. 1995), by the Court of Appeals in its decision to deem the residents’ claim superior to the bondholders’ lien.

The Episcopal Homes case involved a senior-living facility that defaulted on bond repayments. In that case, a group of roughly 1,700 bondholders bought more than $11 million in bonds to fund the construction of a facility. Under a series of financing documents, the bondholders held a security interest in an account containing approximately $1,000,000 in entrance fees. The residency agreements subordinated entrance fee repayments to the bondholders’ lien. After default on bond repayment, the bondholders claimed a secured interest in a segregated entrance fee account funds. Based upon language of the rental agreements, the Court of Appeals concluded the entrance fees were effectively security deposits under Wis. Admin. Code sec. ATCP 134.02(11). Based upon language within agreements, administrative code, and public policy, the Court of Appeals held the residents’ entrance fees were protected from the bondholders’ interests.

The residents in The Atrium case claimed their entrance fees were like those interests of the residents in the Episcopal Homes case. However, the Court determined the facts between Episcopal Homes and The Atrium were different and that the equitable powers used by the Court of Appeals in the Episcopal Homes against a segregated account containing funds traceable to residents’ entrance fees could not be used in The Atrium case as sections 706.11 and 128.17, Stats. so clearly grant the bondholders’ mortgage lien unequivocal superiority. The Court concluded it has no legal authority to extend the Court of Appeals decision in Episcopal Homes beyond a segregated account of entrance fees not in receivership to reach the distinct proceeds from the sale of real property subject to a perfected mortgage lien. The Court could not disregard the plain language under Chapter 128.

I am certainly sympathetic to the residents impacted by the Court’s decision. However, the unanimous decision does uphold Wisconsin’s clear priority order under receivership rules and under s. 128.17, Stats., that the bondholders, given their security interest of the perfected mortgage, were entitled to payment from the proceeds of the sale of The Atrium assets before payment to unsecured creditors, the residents.

I wish to thank the BoardmanClark law firm and Attorney James Bartzen in particular for their assistance with drafting and filing WBA’s amicus brief for this case.

At time of release of this letter, the opinion had not yet been posted to the Court’s website, however, it may be viewed on the WBA Compliance Page.

March 29, 2023/by Hannah Flanders
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/WI-Supreme-Court.jpg 375 564 Hannah Flanders https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Hannah Flanders2023-03-29 15:03:162023-03-29 15:03:16Executive Letter: Wisconsin Supreme Court Upholds Priority of Secured Creditor Under Receivership Rules
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Community, Member News, News

Peshtigo National Bank Announces Promotions

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The Board of Directors at Peshtigo National Bank is please to announce that the following individuals have been promoted. Congratulations to:

  • Craig Polzin, executive vice president – chief financial officer (CFO)
  • Jamie Nystrom, senior vice president – chief operations officer (COO)
  • Melissa Wenzel, vice president – loan officer
  • Kirstyn Folgert, vice president – compliance officer
  • Tamara Boye, vice president – human resources manager
March 29, 2023/by Hannah Flanders
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Triangle-Backgrounds_Lime-Green.jpg 972 1921 Hannah Flanders https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Hannah Flanders2023-03-29 07:46:312023-03-29 07:46:31Peshtigo National Bank Announces Promotions
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One Community Bank Announces 2023 Scholarship Program

Steve Peotter (left), president and CEO and Kay Gashette (right), VP – business banking officer.

One Community Bank is proud to launch the 2023 One Community Bank Scholarship Program. This program offers $1,000 scholarships to three graduating high school seniors. This scholarship program aligns with One Community Bank’s commitment of investing in the community.

The eligibility requirements to apply for the scholarships are as follows: the applicant must be a graduating high school senior, must be in good academic standing, and have post-graduation plans at a 2-year or 4-year institution; a technical or trade school; or an apprenticeship program. The application process also requires an essay.

Community involvement is important to OCB and is a key component of the application and eligibility process. Applicants are asked to write an essay that demonstrates their role in making a positive impact in the community; and how the applicant’s post-graduation plans will continue to support the community.

“One Community Bank is very proud to launch the 2023 scholarship program,” Steve Peotter, president and CEO shared, “Supporting the continued academic growth of young adults who have a dedication to their communities is a great way to give back.”

Click here for the application and essay requirements.

Please submit application and essay to OCBscholarship@onecommunity.bank. The application deadline is April 28, 2023. The selected recipients of the scholarships will be announced on Friday, May 26, 2023. Questions? Email OCBscholarship@onecommunity.bank.

March 29, 2023/by Hannah Flanders
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Triangle-Backgrounds_Yellow-on-Light-Blue.jpg 972 1921 Hannah Flanders https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Hannah Flanders2023-03-29 07:38:272023-03-29 07:38:27One Community Bank Announces 2023 Scholarship Program
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National Exchange Bank & Trust Announces Officer Promotions

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National Exchange Bank & Trust has announced numerous promotions within the organization.

Mitchell Frydrych has been promoted to chief technology officer.

Frydrych joined the bank in 2017 and brought more than 10 years of banking and IT experience with him. In his expanded role, he will continue to participate in strategic and operational decision making, lead the IT department including staff training and development, and work with appropriate departments in deploying new information systems, as well as monitoring current systems.

Frydrych earned his bachelor’s degree in Information and Computing Science from UW-Green Bay, his master’s degree in Information Technology Management from UW-Oshkosh, and he has completed the Graduate School of Banking where he focused on both the Bank Technology Management School and Bank Technology Security School.

Frydrych grew up in Armstrong Creek He now resides in Greenville with his family.

Kate Thone has been promoted to vice president – security and is based out of the office on South Main Street in Fond du Lac.

Thone joined the bank in 1989 and has served in a variety of operations roles. Thone was name assistant vice president and security officer in 2016. In her expanded role, she is responsible for leading the security function and setting the security strategy across the organization. Additionally, she oversees account payable activities and the bank’s vendor management program.

Thone grew up in Kaukauna and attended Kaukauna High School. She has continued her education throughout her career through earning the Accredited ACH Professional (AAP) which proves expertise within the field of Automated Clearing House payments. Thone is also an Associate Protection Professional (APP) Board certified in security management fundamentals and is an alumna of the Leadership Fond du Lac program.

Thone currently resides with her husband in Fond du Lac. She is active in the community as a board member and treasurer of The Family Resource Center of FDL County Inc. and a member and volunteer at her church.

Megan Schueller has been promoted to assistant vice president – lending projects and works out of an operations building in Fond du Lac.

Schueller joined the bank in 2018 as a loan services project coordinator and brought eight years of project analyst experience with her. In 2020, she was promoted to lending project officer. In her expanded role, she will continue to oversee lending projects and initiatives for all commercial lending teams and manage the appraisal team.

Schueller grew up in Markesan and currently resides in Fond du Lac. She is active in the community as a part of the Young Professionals of Fond du Lac, the Fond du Lac County Historical Society, Ruby’s Pantry, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fond du Lac County, and the Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership.

Julie Stigler has been promoted to assistant vice president – eBanking where she is based out of the office located on North Main Street in Fond du Lac.

Stigler joined the bank in 2015 as an eBanking business specialist. She was then promoted to eBanking business lead before becoming an eBanking business officer. In her expanded role as AVP – eBanking, she will serve as a point of contact for all online business banking products and services, participate on cross functional teams to bring new products and services to customers, and help deliver online banking solutions and services that help customers streamline their processes for efficiency and accuracy.

Stigler grew up in Oakfield where she attended Oakfield High School. She then went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Communication from Carroll University and her master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and Quality from Marian University. She currently resides in Rosendale with her family. She is active in the community as a part of the Village of Rosendale Parks Committee and the Tree Committee.

Mark Witt has been promoted to an assistant vice president and retail lending supervisor and is based out of the bank’s Pardeeville office.

Witt joined the bank in 2020 as a mortgage loan officer and brought with him more than 20 years of banking experience. In 2021, he was promoted to retail lending supervisor where he led and trained area lenders in addition to serving the retail lending needs of the Pardeeville, Westfield, Coloma, and Randolph markets. In his expanded role, he will help with branch development, serving as the primary retail lender in Westfield, Coloma, and Randolph while mentoring retail lenders in the Pardeeville, Montello, Princeton, and Omro offices.

Witt grew up in Portage where he attended Portage High School. He then earned his bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing from Concordia University – Wisconsin. Witt now resides in Pardeeville with his family.

Witt is active in the community as a citizen member of the Columbia County Revolving Loan/Housing committee and a Coach and Treasurer for Portage Youth Softball Inc.

Diana Nachtrab has been promoted to account services officer and works out of office located on South Main Street in Fond du Lac.

Nachtrab joined the bank in 1998 as a part of the account services team. In 2016 she was promoted to account services team lead for fraud and in 2021 she transferred to the team lead for imaging. In her expanded role, she will oversee the payments & recon and fraud support teams and plays an integral part of the Account Services leadership team in employee engagement, risk management, and leading project teams.

Nachtrab grew up in Van Dyne and attended Laconia High School in Rosendale. She now resides in Fond du Lac.

Dana Swiss has promoted to loan servicing officer and works out of an operations building in Fond du Lac.

Swiss joined the bank in 2003 as a loan services representative. In 2019, she was promoted to loan servicing team leader and in 2021, she was promoted to loan servicing supervisor. In her expanded role, she will continue to supervise loan input and credit inquiry staff and review various process and reports to ensure compliance.

Swiss grew up in Austin, Texas. She now resides in Fond du Lac with her family. Swiss is active as a part of the United Way committee at the bank and volunteers for Relay for Life.

Jayme Whitty has been promoted to account services officer and works at the office located on South Main Street in Fond du Lac.

Whitty joined the bank in 2017 as a part of the fraud department. After a short time, she moved to the ACH team before becoming the assistant supervisor of account services in December of 2019. In her expanded role, she will provide oversight to the quality review and imaging teams in addition to providing strategic input and people engagement as a part of the Account Services leadership team.

Whitty grew up in Byron and attended Lomira High School. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Finance from UW-Oshkosh. She now resides in Eden and is active in the community as a part of Sunset Stitchers Quilt Guild.

March 28, 2023/by Hannah Flanders
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Untitled-3_Blue.jpg 972 1920 Hannah Flanders https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Hannah Flanders2023-03-28 08:12:452023-03-28 08:12:45National Exchange Bank & Trust Announces Officer Promotions
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First National Bank and Trust Company Hosts International Speaker

Pictured (left to right) are: First National Bank and Trust Company (FNBT) employees Leah Jacobs, Lucia Wineski, with motivational speaker, Jon Pritikin, followed by FNBT employees Ian Leavitt and Emanuel Gomez and Wyatt Anderson from the School District of Arcadia.

First National Bank and Trust Company presented the second year of FNBT Promise on Tuesday, March 14 with motivational speaker Jon Pritikin who spoke to over 1,125 middle school and high school students in the local area.

First National Bank Trust Company hosts this annual event as a way to reinvest in area youth and provide a speaker to schools at no cost. This year assemblies were held at Arcadia School District and Independence School District with students from Holy Family Catholic School and St. Boniface School joining onsite in Arcadia and Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School joining onsite in Independence.

Jon Pritikin, known for breaking two Guinness World Records, combines his attention-grabbing “feats of strength” with an even more impressive message of how he overcame incredible challenges throughout his life. He positively motivates student to make the kind of important daily choices that affirm the value they place in themselves and in others.

“I know Jon’s message resonated with our students. I could see it on their faces when he was speaking, and I could hear it in their voices when they talked about it later. Several students spoke about how they were moved by his message,” said Wyatt Anderson, High School principal & co-athletic director for School District of Arcadia. “Jon has a way of connecting with those that have been or are hurting, and it is great for those students to know that there are others that share a similar story.”

Independence Public Schools reacted similarly as shared on their Facebook page, “Thank you to First National Bank and Trust Company for sponsoring speaker Jon Pritikin. He shared an emotional message of hope and resilience with our middle school and high students emphasizing the need to help each other and spread kindness.”

Pritikin teaches every child is worth investing in, no one should feel alone, and a person’s future is not defined by their past. He has travelled the world for over two decades inspiring over 10 million people across 40 different countries with his “Feel the Power” presentations since 1994.

“Jon did an excellent job relating to the students through his feats of strength and his life story. The students were impacted by his raw emotion and how people struggle to fit in at a young age,” added Leanne Haines representative with Holy Family Catholic School.

“Jon had a great message that resonated with some many children in our community. With having two boys that were able to attend the assembly it gave me a great opportunity to continue the conversation at home. I am honored First National Bank and Trust Company was able to bring Jon into our community and share his story. Thank you to all the school districts who joined us,” concluded Josh Grzadzielewski, vice president of community banking with First National Bank and Trust Company.

March 27, 2023/by Hannah Flanders
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Untitled-3_Light-Blue.jpg 972 1920 Hannah Flanders https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Hannah Flanders2023-03-27 08:19:342023-03-27 08:19:34First National Bank and Trust Company Hosts International Speaker
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Sawyers Promoted at One Community Bank

Autumn Sawyers

One Community Bank is proud to announce the recent promotion of Autumn Sawyers to senior risk management analyst and officer of foreign assets control/anti-money laundering.

“Autumn joined the risk management team in 2021 and has been a tremendous asset to the team. Autumn has worked extensively to improve the bank’s risk posture and function,” said Rick Lewis, chief risk officer.

Sawyers has worked in the financial industry for nearly 10 years. She has held a variety of roles including teller, universal banker, and deposit operations specialist. “I have been fortunate enough to work in a variety of roles and find a perfect fit in the risk management department,” said Sawyers. “I love that each day of my job is different. Every day I am presented with a new challenge that gives me an opportunity to learn and develop my problem solving and organizational skills. I value being able to learn something new each day.”

In her free time, Sawyers enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also treasures the family vacations she takes with her husband and dogs.

March 24, 2023/by Hannah Flanders
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Untitled-3_Lime-Green.jpg 972 1920 Hannah Flanders https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Hannah Flanders2023-03-24 07:00:472023-03-22 15:15:24Sawyers Promoted at One Community Bank
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Van Asten Retiring After 32-Year Career with First State Bank

Bob Van Asten

First State Bank has announced that Chief Executive Officer and former bank President Bob Van Asten is retiring on March 31, after a 32-year career with First State Bank and 35 years in banking.

Van Asten joined First State Bank in 1991 as an assistant vice president responsible for developing and maintaining commercial and agricultural loan relationships. Over the years, he advanced in the organization holding positions of vice president, Clintonville branch manager, senior vice president and business banking manager, and senior credit officer. Van Asten was named president and elected to First State Bank’s board of directors in 2015, becoming chief executive officer (CEO) in February 2016.

Following the announcement of his retirement plans late last year, Matthew R. Lemke was named in January to succeed Van Asten as president. Van Asten continued in his role as CEO, working closely with Lemke and the bank’s board of directors to assure a smooth transition.

Under Van Asten’s leadership, First State Bank’s total assets grew from $260 million in 2016 to $539 million. This growth included the expansion of the bank’s market area into central Wisconsin with the acquisition of the former Farmers and Merchants Bank in Rudolph in 2017 and Pioneer Bank in 2020. First State Bank also built a larger facility in Stevens Point last year and began construction on its new corporate headquarters in downtown New London in January.

During his career, Van Asten was involved in both the New London and Clintonville communities. He has been a member of the New London Rotary Club since 1991 and served as treasurer for 10 years. He was director and past chairman of the board of directors for the Clintonville Area Foundation. Van Asten has also served on the board of directors and as past board chairman for the New London Family Medical Center, as a director for the Wolf River Area Heath Care Foundation, and as a director and president of the Clintonville Area Chamber of Commerce.

“I am very proud First State Bank is poised to continue to grow and serve our customer and communities and want to offer my sincere thanks to our employees whose hard work and dedication have allowed us to achieve so much,” commented Van Asten.

Customers and community members are invited to stop by First State Bank’s New London bank lobby on Wednesday, March 29, from 1–3 p.m. to wish Van Asten well in his retirement and enjoy refreshments.

March 24, 2023/by Hannah Flanders
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Untitled-3_Yellow.jpg 972 1920 Hannah Flanders https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Hannah Flanders2023-03-24 07:00:152023-03-22 15:10:05Van Asten Retiring After 32-Year Career with First State Bank
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