Local Cents by Pillar Bank

Balsam Lake Community

In this episode of Local Cents, Tony Meyers, Pillar Bank VP/Commercial Loan Officer, who talks about the vibrant Balsam Lake, WI community. While the town thrives in the summer with visitors enjoying boating, swimming, and family time in its lakes, there's so much more to discover year-round. From a strong school district and bustling downtown to an active chamber who organizes various events, there's something for everyone. Pillar Bank is proud to serve this thriving community.

Starter Home Project

In this episode of Local Cents, Rick Bonlender, Pillar Bank VP/Commercial Loan Officer, and Kristie Smith, Executive Director with St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity, explore Habitat for Humanity's innovative approach to creating affordable housing in the St. Croix Valley, WI. 
 
Discover the intricate process of securing funding, partnering with local organizations, and acquiring land, all while maintaining strong community support. Tune in to learn more about this groundbreaking project and its potential for growth in the future. Pillar Bank is a proud partner of the Starter Home Project. 

Affordable Homes with Habitat for Humanity

In this episode of Local Cents, Lisa Lyon from Pillar Bank and Kristie Smith from St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity discuss their mission to provide affordable homes for western Wisconsin communities.
 
Learn about the application process, qualifications, and how Habitat guides families towards homeownership. The organization's success relies on volunteers, with opportunities for everyone to contribute. Discover Pillar Bank's involvement and commitment to making a difference in people's lives through this partnership.

A Walk-Through Plum City and Memory Lane

In this episode of Local Cents, Deb Radle and Harriet Rothe discuss the history and attractions of Plum City, highlighting the strong sense of community that makes it unique. We learn about the origins of the city's name, the popular trout pond, and the importance of local traditions.
 
Deb and Harriet's insights reveal a shared love for their hometown and the value of genuine connections in a small town.

A Love A-Fair with County Fairs

As a community bank specializing in Agriculture financing, county fairs hold a special place in our hearts at Pillar Bank. Besides the rides, games, and demo derbies, they're all about the animals--beef, swine, goal and lambs (plus some turkeys). And our Ag bankers know a thing or two about farm animals, having grown up on local farms and participated in 4-H programs. 
This episode of Local Cents spotlights Pillar Bank’s strong presence at county fairs in western Wisconsin where we have seven branches. Listen in with Mike DeLong, VP/Commercial/Agriculture Loan Officer, as he shares how Pillar shows up at these thrilling summertime community gatherings. You'll learn about our efforts including volunteering, purchasing beef and swine at auctions, judging, and much more.
We'll see you at the fairs!

Saving Tips for Parents and College Students

Listen in to this, Local Cents podcast with Deann LaValley, Pillar Bank’s Director of Compliance, and her daughter Alayna, a future Belmont University student, about saving and planning for college.They share how Deann started saving early using a Pillar Bank Kid’s Club account, CDs, and a 529 plan, while Alayna set summer savings goals and tracked expenses with banking apps. The duo also talks about the importance of preparation like having family conversations, researching colleges, and applying for scholarships.Top Tips:
Start saving early with tools and resources like 529 plans and CDs
Set personal savings goals before and during college
Have open communication about family finances
Apply for scholarships
Utilize online tools to research what you are interested in and the opportunities the school have to offer.
A helpful episode for families planning ahead for college—financially and practically.

Fraud Prevention

In this episode or Local Cents, listen in with Mark Hojem, Director of IT/Internal Audit Coordinator and Colin Danielson, IT Specialist, break down key steps to fight fraud. From spotting phishing scams to securing your accounts with strong passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), they share simple, effective tips for staying safe.They also highlight helpful bank tools like card controls and real-time alerts to catch suspicious activity fast.Takeaways:
Don’t trust unknown emails or calls
Use complex, unique passwords
Turn on multi-factor authentication
Monitor accounts and set up alerts
Use your bank’s security features
Stay smart. Stay protected.

Benefits of Community Banking

This episode of Local Cents highlights the importance and benefits of community banks compared to larger financial institutions. Listen in with Neil Mathwig, Market President and Rick Theune, SVP/Director of Business Development in an insightful discussion as they explore the advantages of community banking and its impact.
 
Community banks play a significant role in the U.S. economy and offer personalized service by fostering strong customer relationships and local knowledge. They adopt new technology while maintaining human connections and actively contribute to local community development. 
 
We encourage listeners to explore community banks for a more personalized, committed banking experience. Pillar Bank has seven convenient locations in western Wisconsin online at www.Pillar.Bank.

Community Builder

In this episode of Local Cents, Shane Bauer, CEO of Pillar Bank, chats with the inspiring community builder, Jim Benson. With a wealth of experience in academia and public speaking, Jim has made a significant impact on the Baldwin community since his move from Bemidji.
At 88 years young, Jim's passion and dedication to community development are driving positive changes in Baldwin. His collaborations with local organizations and businesses, including Pillar Bank, are sure to contribute to the growth and progress of the area. Tune in to learn more about Jim's journey and the exciting future ahead for the Baldwin community.
Check out the Local Cents podcast on Apple podcasts.

Dairy Month

In this episode of Local Cents, we celebrate Dairy Month by discussing Wisconsin's thriving dairy industry. Despite a decline in farm numbers, the state remains a key player in the dairy sector.Dairy Month is a significant event in Wisconsin, featuring community breakfasts that bring people together and highlight the industry's importance.