News
Triangle Background

Q3 2023 FDIC Numbers Show Continued Strength of Wisconsin Banks

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) data released today showed Wisconsin banks remained in good health through the third quarter of this year. Year-over-year lending increased in all categories (commercial, residential, and farm loans), demonstrating the responsiveness of banks to meet their customers’ needs. Individuals and businesses continue to trust banks as a safe place to keep their money, as evidenced by a slight increase in deposits, both year over year (0.59%) and quarter over quarter (0.95%). Net interest margin has held steady at 3.19% year over year, and capital levels are healthy. 

Notable indicators include: 

  • Residential loans continued to grow, both year over year (25.19%) and quarter over quarter (15.38%). With low inventory, homes continue to sell quickly. Despite interest rate increases, rates remain relatively low in historical context. 
  • While commercial lending increased year over year (2.36%), it decreased slightly quarter over quarter (-1.61%), showing waning economic confidence of business owners. 
  • Farm loans increased both year over year (10.30%) and quarter over quarter (7.54%) as farmers looked to upgrade equipment, make capital improvements, or expand. 
  • Credit quality weakened as inflation, interest rate hikes, and slowed income growth have made it more difficult for borrowers to pay back their loans.  

Statement on the release of third-quarter 2023 Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) numbers from Rose Oswald Poels, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Bankers Association:  

“The newly released FDIC numbers showed that Wisconsin banks remained on solid footing through the third quarter of 2023. Banks continue to be trusted partners in helping individuals, families, and businesses meet their financial goals. As has been the case for several quarters — inflation, interest rates, and geopolitical issues remain concerns heading into 2024. Banks will continue to position themselves to support their communities through potential economic headwinds.” 

FDIC-Reported Wisconsin Numbers (Dollar Figures in Thousands) 

    9/30/2023  6/30/2023  QoQ Change   9/30/2022   YoY Change  
Net loans and leases   $111,535,045  $109,975,599  1.42%  $103,954,503  7.29% 
Total deposits   $121,056,968  $119,920,909  0.95%  $120,347,373  0.59% 
Commercial and industrial loans  $17,946,778  $18,240,073  -1.61%  $17,533,085  2.36% 
Residential loans   $31,432,982  $27,242,091  15.38%  $25,109,047  25.19% 
Farm loans   $5,188,674  $4,824,718  7.54%  $4,704,303  10.30% 
Total assets   $153,648,227  $152,380,455  0.83%  $148,567,421  3.42% 
Assets 90+ Days Past Due or in Nonaccrual Status   $518,570  $434,070  19.47%  $417,336  24.26% 
/by
, ,

Waukesha State Bank Expands Mortgage Lending Team

Waukesha State Bank is proud to announce the expansion of its mortgage lending team, reinforcing its dedication to meeting the evolving needs of homebuyers in southeastern Wisconsin. The bank welcomes Lee Turner as the new mortgage sales manager, alongside the additions of Doug Gray and Jim Larcheid as new construction mortgage consultants.

Leo Spanuello, senior vice president – mortgage lending manager at Waukesha State Bank, expressed enthusiasm about the expanded team, stating, “We are delighted to announce the growth of our mortgage team with the valuable additions of Lee, Doug, and Jim. Their extensive experience in mortgage lending, coupled with their dedication to customer service and leadership, positions them perfectly to uphold our ongoing commitment to supporting the needs and goals of local homebuyers.”

Lee Turner

Turner comes to Waukesha State Bank from Bell Bank Mortgage where he served as Wisconsin market manager. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of La Verne in La Verne, California and has over 20 years of residential lending experience, which includes managing and coaching mortgage loan officers, executing marketing and sales strategies, and originating loans. In his new role as mortgage sales manager, Turner will be responsible for promoting an effective mortgage sales environment, through regular sales training and coaching, to achieve bank production goals.

Turner is active with local mortgage industry organizations serving as a Wisconsin Mortgage Bankers Association past board member and member of their Education Committee in addition to serving on the Youth Foundation Committee for the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS. As a U.S. Navy Veteran, Turner also served as a board member for USO Wisconsin and is an Ambassador and Real Estate Committee Chair for the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce. He and his family currently reside in Waukesha.

As new construction mortgage consultants, Doug Gray and Jim Larcheid will be responsible for originating new construction mortgage loans, which includes meeting with prospects, taking mortgage applications, counseling borrowers, and developing relationships with Realtors, builders, financial service providers, and various community groups.

Doug Gray

Doug Gray joins Waukesha State Bank with 27 years of mortgage lending experience most recently serving as assistant vice president – residential lending for Associated Bank. He has an extensive background in new construction financing and has been specializing in this area for the last 25 years. Gray is active in the community participating in the Hunt for Heroes organization and was a licensed foster parent for Waukesha County for five years. He and his family currently reside in Sussex.

Jim Larcheid

Jim Larcheid has over 30 years of residential lending experience specializing in new construction financing. Most recently, he served as assistant vice president – senior mortgage loan officer at Associated Bank. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Marquette University and is active in the community serving with St. Dominic Catholic Church and with the Metropolitan Builders Association as past chairman of their advisory board. He and his family currently reside in Brookfield.

/by
Corn seedling
, ,

From the Fields: Recap From the 2023 ABA Agricultural Bankers Conference

By Chris Schneider

This November, about a dozen ag bankers from Wisconsin and I made the trek to Oklahoma City for the 71st annual American Bankers Association (ABA) Agricultural Bankers Conference. This year, the number one message was getting the ACRE Act through Congress to help the American farmer. This act, which would create a tax exemption on ag loans and rural home mortgages, will aid in saving approximately $1.15 billion in ag loan interest and will reach 17,000 local communities across the country.

In attendance at this year’s event was Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R–PA), who chairs the House Committee on Agriculture. During his opening session, GT offered updates on agricultural policies including the Farm Bill and shared what bankers need to know going into 2024. My impression of him was that he is committed to helping the American farmer and local communities.

Interest rate discussion was no surprise due to the past 12 months of increases. While many were questioning whether we will see it rise more, stay stable, or flatten out some, we will have to see if — as usual — the election year brings with it some softening of rates. I’m not sure if we will see the low rates of past years again in future.

Representatives from the ABA and Farmer Mac shared with attendees the results of the 2023 ABA/Farmer Mac Agricultural Bankers Survey. A few of the top and notable themes from this past year have been interest rate volatility, lender competition, credit quality, increased regulator burden, and weak loan demand.

In just the first day of the conference, attendees gained insight into food spending trends (a shocking 51% is spent on food outside of the house), student loan debt, legal cannabis, and more. Throughout the rest of the event, topics including new technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) and ESG trends and the sustainability especially the ag community. To me, the greatest take away from this year’s event was that in order to have successful farmers, ag bankers should be prepared to aid them in strengthening their ag IQ. By understanding the cost of production, strengthening their balance sheet, developing a marketing plan, and utilizing technology to set next level, we can help our clients do all the little things even better.

Schneider is vice president – senior ag banking officer at Nicolet National Bank in Manitowoc. Schneider also serves as Past Chair of the 2023–2024 WBA Agricultural Bankers Section Board of Directors.

/by
, , ,

Executive Letter: Building a Brighter, More Secure Future for Wisconsinites

By Rose Oswald Poels

Bankers are known for supporting their communities in a wide variety of ways — yet if there is one cause that is central to our industry, it is financial literacy. WBA-member bank leaders were recently sent a letter in the mail asking you to consider supporting the impactful financial education efforts of the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation (WBF), the non-profit arm of the Wisconsin Bankers Association. This Giving Tuesday, I am repeating this request for your generosity.

A recent study by Edward Jones and Morning Consult showed that nearly half of respondents (44%) were 25 years or older when they gained the majority of their personal finance education, and only 20% of respondents reported learning about financial education in school. The need for financial education is clear, and the good news is that bankers have been coming together for years through the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation to make a meaningful impact. Please see the Year in Review for programming highlights from WBF.

We are proud to report a more than 120% year-over-year increase in the number of elementary school ‘Teach Children to Save’ presentations given with our Reading Raises Interest Kits, and a more than 130% year-over-year increase in the number of applicants for our Spring Scholarships. To keep this strong momentum going, we rely on the generosity of donors like you. Because of WBF’s public charity status, donations may be tax deductible. Our goal is to raise $70,000 for the 2023–2024 fiscal year, and there are three easy ways for you to contribute:

  • Send a check to the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation, 4721 South Biltmore Lane, Madison, WI 53718,
  • Donate online at wisbankfoundation.org/donate, and/or
  • Use the pledge form to donate an item for our silent auction, which will be held online as well as in person at the WBA Bank Executives Conference, February 7–9, 2024.

Your contribution will enable us to continue to:

  • Provide complimentary Reading Raises Interest Kits to teach the importance of saving money at a young age,
  • Award scholarships to current and upcoming college students with interests in the banking industry,
  • Provide comprehensive and comparative data on the banking industry through Banconomics.com,
  • Honor bankers and industry leaders for their engagement with financial literacy, and
  • Offer grants to support outstanding non-profit financial education programs across the state.

Thank you in advance for considering adding your name to the list of our supporters or renewing your commitment. Your contribution — of any size — is not just an investment in financial literacy; it is a commitment to empowering individuals, families, and Wisconsin communities with the knowledge and tools they need for a secure and prosperous future.

/by
Wisconsin state capital building view from above
, ,

Taking the Lead on Advocacy

By Lorenzo Cruz

The Wisconsin Bankers Association’s (WBA) mission to support our members is rooted in advocacy. However, the advocacy we do on behalf of the banking industry is not successful without your active participation in partnership with WBA. In addition to responding to grassroots email alerts asking you to contact your state or federal elected officials, we need you to participate in our annual Capitol Day in Madison to directly share with legislators the positive impact banks have on Wisconsin’s economy. Since the state legislature only meets in the spring in an election year, WBA’s Capitol Day is just around the corner, scheduled for February 22, 2024.

What is Capitol Day?

The one-day event is held annually in Madison and features updates from WBA staff on key issues impacting banks in Wisconsin as well as a legislative panel and guest speaker. These morning sessions provide the perfect opportunity to gain insight into the political and policy landscape of the state, along with the specific legislation affecting the banking industry prior to heading to small group meetings with state legislators.

In the afternoon, WBA schedules meetings for each banker attending with their elected state legislators determined by Assembly and Senate district. Bankers from all areas of the bank are encouraged to participate in Capitol Day and make their voices heard. While it may seem daunting, our team works diligently to ensure each attendee is prepared with talking points and handouts to have impactful conversations with their legislators. The relationships formed between bankers and their representatives continue to be critical in reinforcing the impact legislative proposals will have on local banks and communities, as well as the industry.

Why Does it Matter?

In 2023, the membership shattered WBA’s Capitol Day attendance record with nearly 200 bankers in attendance for the annual event. Almost half of those present in 2023 were first-time attendees. It is vital that bankers not only continue to voice their opinion on policies impacting them, but also encourage others to provide new perspectives that augment the voices of our seasoned advocates.

By meeting with 75% of the legislators in our state, our presence at the State Capitol this past May unified the voice of Wisconsin’s banking community and resulted in the historic tax parity relief and personal property tax repeal wins we saw passed in the budget this summer. Legislators and staff sincerely value hearing directly from their local bankers (YOU!) on the issues impacting their district.

However, WBA isn’t the only business association to host a government day to educate and lobby legislators on the policy matters that impact their industry. In the past several years, credit union activists and realtors have shown up in larger numbers to represent and advocate for their industries. With many more legislative priorities that we wish to accomplish, including guarding against credit card swipe fees and pushing for financial institution modernization and elder fraud protection, it’s important that we do the same!

With so much at stake, an even larger turnout is warranted for the 2024 event. Our team is hoping to see at least 300 bankers in Madison for WBA Capitol Day. Your voice unequivocally matters to our advocacy success so if you would like to help shape the issues affecting the success of the banking industry, I highly encourage you to mark your calendars for February 22. It is well worth your time and effort.

Taking the Next Step

Equally important to our grassroots initiatives are our political fundraising efforts from an advocacy standpoint. While it is never easy asking for monetary support, the political reality is that in order to maintain existing allies and garner future ones, we need to provide financial support to elected officials and candidates who will aid us in safeguarding the banking industry.

If we neglect this task, we run the risk of a competitor or adversary gaining the advantage to pass legislation or an administrative rule that harms our industry. Legislative issues WBA is defending against, including a change in lien priority, additional regulatory burden in the form of new privacy rules or ESG/fair access concerns, or losing revenue in the form of interchange fees, individually or in combination, would be detrimental to the success of the banking industry if enacted into law.

With the 2024 election season quickly approaching, and campaign spending expected to break even more records, WBA set a goal of raising $300,000 in personal contributions to either Wisbankpac or the Alliance for Bankers Conduit (ABW) in 2023. As of this writing, we are at nearly 75% of this goal. With your help, we can replenish our political fundraising campaign coffers and support the elected officials and candidates who support you!

Your contributions — both monetary and grassroots support — make a tremendous difference. To learn more about all the ways you can help be a strong advocate for your bank and the industry, please visit wisbank.com/advocacy.

Learn More
/by
Triangle Background
, ,

One Community Bank Celebrates Concession Stand Grand Opening at Middleton High School Stadium

One Community Bank is delighted to invest in our communities and support the Middleton Cross Plains Area School District (MCPASD) with their new High School Stadium. OCB was thrilled to donate $100,000 to the MCPASD Education Foundation for their High School Stadium Complex Improvement Project.

One Community Bank’s twenty-year commitment is recognized through signage inside and outside of the concession stand, a plaque on the donor wall in the Cardinal Fan Walkway, and a paver.

“At One Community Bank we believe in three things: serving our clients, supporting our colleagues, and investing in our communities. We are proud to invest in the good neighbor community of Middleton and contribute to the impact MCPASD is making on students,” said Steve Peotter, president and CEO.

“The stadium complex includes a ticket booth, restrooms, locker rooms, a concession stand, an excellence tunnel, storage, a donor wall, and more. The first story is completed, the second story has yet to be completed. Fundraising continues for the second story. The community has been incredibly supportive, and it’s been made possible because of amazing partners like One Community Bank,” said Dr. Dana Monogue.

The Middleton High School Stadium aims to be a stadium for all. It is a state-of-the-art stadium complex that continues to drive the MCPASD district mission of being inclusive, innovative, and inspiring for all students.

/by
, ,

Farmers & Merchants State Bank President Celebrates Lifetime of Service

Pictured (left to right) are: Pam Kelly and Bill Campbell.

On November 15, Pam Kelly, president of FIPCO — a subsidiary of the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA), presented Bill Campbell, president and CEO of Farmers & Merchants State Bank, Waterloo, with the Association’s Lifetime Service Award. The award, which was presenting during the bank’s board meeting, recognizes Campbell for 40 years of service to the banking industry.

/by
St. Marcus Students
,

Wisconsin Bankers Foundation Awards Grant to St. Marcus School

The Wisconsin Bankers Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Wisconsin Bankers Association, is pleased to announce a $5,000 grant to St. Marcus School in Milwaukee. The grant will support the St. Marcus community engagement team’s financial education efforts during the 2023–2024 school year, including:

  • Virtual financial literacy classes hosted by St. Marcus and their community partner organizations.
  • In-person “Rising Star” meetings. These dinner meetings spotlight a parent who shares a testimonial about their recent successes with a group of other parents. The group also troubleshoots obstacles that other parents are facing and creates a resource for each other.
  • A recognition and celebration event called “RISE” (Resilient Individuals Seeking Excellence) that brings together school parents, staff, and community members who celebrate the successes of a group of 4–5 parents who are on their way to becoming homeowners, have become homeowners, or are accomplishing their financial goals in other ways.

St. Marcus Students

“The work St. Marcus School’s community engagement team is doing to empower the families of their students aligns wonderfully with our Foundation’s mission to promote financial literacy and capability,” said Rose Oswald Poels, chair and treasurer of the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation. “We are proud to support these initiatives and congratulate the St. Marcus staff and participants on the positive impact they are creating.”

St. Marcus School is one of two recipients of a 2023–2024 Wisconsin Bankers Foundation grant. The Foundation also awarded a $5,000 grant as part of a three-year commitment to Asset Builders to support its statewide Finance and Investment Challenge Bowl for high school students.

/by
, ,

Wagner Celebrates 30 Years at National Exchange Bank & Trust

Tammy Wagner celebrated 30 years of service to National Exchange Bank & Trust on October 18, 2023.

Wagner joined the bank in 1993 and is currently the assistant vice president of operations and lending. Her responsibilities include managing day-to-day operations of the Elkhart Lake office, supporting customer service, and providing financial resources to local businesses.

Wagner resides in Kiel with her family. She is active in the community as a part of Professional Women’s Connection and Vincentian with St. Vincent de Paul Society.

/by
Triangle Background
, ,

Bank of Mauston Announces Retirement and Promotion

At the end of 2023, Michael Lindert, president and CEO of Bank of Mauston, will retire after 40 years of service to the banking industry. As such, the bank is pleased to announce that Molly Scully has been promoted to Bank of Mauston’s president and CEO.

/by
WBA logo

questions@wisbank.com

608-441-1200

4721 S Biltmore Ln.
Madison, WI 53718

Get our Newsletter!
Subscribe