Local Cents by Pillar Bank

State of the Bank Address

In this annual podcast address, Pillar Bank’s CEO Shane Bauer shares 2024 highlights including addition of its seventh location in Amery, WI, and how its culture has been enhanced since implementing Pillar Bank Principles. Also hear about the bank’s focus on youth, education, and community betterment through its ‘reverse mentorship’ initiatives in 2025.

Leaving a Philanthropic Legacy through a Community Foundation

Discover the role of a community foundation in helping individuals, families, and businesses leave a legacy for what’s most important to them. Whether it’s for early childhood education, the arts, your hometown, mental health, affordable housing, the environment, or whatever makes your heart sing, a legacy gift forever makes good.
Listen in as Heather Logelin, President/CEO of the St. Croix Valley Foundation which serves six counties across western WI and eastern MN, and Rick Bonlender, a Commercial Banker with Pillar Bank and volunteer member of SCV’s Foundation Board of Directors, discuss how the SCV Foundation works. Learn about the giving side including how funds are prudently invested and how the earned interest is used to annually award grants to recipients. This episode is chock full of information including how to use the SCV Foundation as a planning source.

Check Fraud Prevention for Your Business

Businesses are being targeted by fraudsters who are going back to the basics. One technique is to intercept checks and ‘wash’ them by replacing the payee and dollar amount. Pillar Bank’s Treasury Management Director, Lisa Lyon, discusses the rise in check fraud which started during the pandemic and shares valuable tips on safeguarding your business from this threat. Discover essential measures like monitoring your account daily, setting notifications, and utilizing tools like Positive Pay to protect your business finances.

Corn, Beans and Florida – Inside the Ag Business

Pillar Bank’s Ag Lender, Mike DeLong, interviews and jokes around with client Gary Larson of Larson Ag Ventures. Gary discusses his farming background, passion for agriculture, and the joys of managing 3,000 acres with various crops. He highlights the importance of community support, mentorship, and embracing successes and failures within the industry, maintaining that it all evens out over time. Listen in to hear one farmer’s perspective on the Ag industry.

Digital Banking 2.0

Simplify your finances with Digital Banking! This Local Cents Podcast explores four convenient ways to send and manage your money online: Person to Person (P2P), External Transfers, Instant Payments, and Internal Transfers.
Join Melissa Lokken and Ashley Chevrier as they guide you through these versatile features, making your banking experience effortless and accessible.

Entering the Amery Community

Pillar Bank is excited about our seventh location opening in Amery, a charming city filled with picturesque lakes, exciting events, and a strong sense of community!
Listen to this podcast with Tony Meyers as he describes all that Amery has to offer including events, shopping, and much more.

Explore the Advantages of Modular Homes

Lori Davis, Consumer and Mortgage Lending expert from Pillar Bank, is joined by Dale Strobach, Sales Manager from Design Homes. Design Homes specializes in custom-built, factory-direct modular homes, offering clients the advantage of construction in a climate-controlled environment.
The duo discusses the key differences between modular and manufactured homes, highlighting how modular homes meet or exceed state code standards and are placed on permanent foundations, allowing them to grow in value over time.
If you're considering a new residence, Lori and Dale make the process simple and quick. Learn more by tuning in to this informative discussion on modular homes.

State of the Farm Economy

Mike DeLong, Vice President and Agriculture Loan Officer at Pillar Bank, discusses the state of the farm economy, focusing on dairy, beef, and crop operations.
Despite the challenges faced in the past 6-12 months, Mike emphasizes the importance of having a solid marketing plan to maneuver through these times. Yields across the country have been higher than average, and while some may attribute this to the election year, Mike highlights other factors such as production and usage.

Discover the Charm of Clear Lake, WI

Discover the charm of Clear Lake, a cherished community in the Pillar Bank family, with Isaac Christensen, our dedicated Agricultural and Commercial Lender. Born and raised in the area, Isaac values working for a bank that prioritizes community support and employee satisfaction.Clear Lake boasts a unique blend of small-town allure and big-town amenities. With notable figures like Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson and Baseball Hall of Famer Burleigh Grimes, the town's rich history comes alive at the Clear Lake Museum, spotlighting its logging and agricultural heritage.Experience the annual Clear Lake Heritage Days, a town-wide celebration that feels like a family reunion. Enjoy a variety of many other activities, including fireworks, groups, clubs and events. Connect with local businesses and community members dedicated to supporting their vibrant village.

Teller Life

Listen in with Leanna Larson, a seasoned Universal Teller at Pillar Bank in Spring Valley, WI, as she shares what it’s like to be a Teller with 21-years’ experience. A Universal Teller like Leanna wears many hats – from handling day-to-day transactions such as deposits and withdrawals to opening accounts and managing essential tasks for smooth banking operations.Over the years, she has witnessed the transformation of the banking industry from traditional check printing and filing systems to the modern convenience of online and mobile banking, empowering customers like never before.Learn how Pillar Bank’s leadership cultivates an environment that supports career growth and development, enabling employees like Leanna to excel in their roles while fostering valuable connections within the community.