Local Cents by Pillar Bank
Local Cents by Pillar Bank is your go to source for local banking topics that are relevant to you! At Pillar Bank, we are a trusted and caring partner committed to providing the guidance and resources for you to thrive. Serving the Northwest Wisconsin communities of Amery, Baldwin, Balsam Lake, Chippewa Falls, Clear Lake, Plum City, and Spring Valley, we’re not an impersonal corporate bank with lots of red tape. We’re a well-established local bank that gets to know our customers and does what is right.
Episodes

Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
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.

Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
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.

Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
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.

Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
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.

Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
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.

Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
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.

Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
In this podcast episode, Pillar Bank CEO Shane Bauer shares the transformative impact of the newly introduced "Pillar Bank Principles" program. By focusing on core behaviors that shape interactions between employees, customers, and daily work, Pillar Bank experienced an overnight shift from a good to a great culture. With one principle practiced per week, the bank ensures consistent culture across all locations.Discover how these principles attract both new talent and customers, solidifying Pillar Bank's reputation as a local bank with a thriving, united company culture. Don't miss this insightful conversation!

Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
In Wisconsin, summers offer more than state or county fairs, they also bring Farm Technology Days to the state that’s referred to as Dairy Land. This technology fair brings farmers, technologists, and others to gather for three days of Ag camaraderie where visitors will discover the latest in technology that’s helping advance food growth and production.
This year’s event is held August 13-15 in Cadott, WI. Pillar Bank’s Ag expert, Mike DeLong, shares all the details and more in this podcast episode. Visiting Ag Tech? Visit our booth and register for a high-tech drone giveaway.

Tuesday Jul 16, 2024
Tuesday Jul 16, 2024
You’ve got a great business idea, and you’re ready to take the next step. Or perhaps you’re pondering what it will take to start a business? The success of your new business venture involves several key steps, including access to the right resources. Join Pillar Bank’s Tony Meyers, VP/Commercial Loan Officer, as he guides you through the process of starting a business.
This Local Cents podcast episode explores …
• Why it’s important to have a team of experts to guide and support your journey
• How to lay a strong foundation by creating a business plan
• Why you should be strategically agile and adaptable as conditions shift
• And, much more – monitoring financial statements, keeping records, hiring, and raising capital
By following Tony’s advice and leveraging community resources, you will be well-prepared to transform your business idea into a successful and prosperous enterprise. Visit any of Pillar Bank’s locations to speak with a banker about starting your own business.

Wednesday Jul 03, 2024
Wednesday Jul 03, 2024
What is compliance? Why is it important? Listen to this podcast as Deann LaValley, Pillar Bank’s Director of Compliance, talks all things compliance.
You’ll learn …
•Why compliance is important for Pillar Bank•How compliance benefits you as a customer•What simplicity and efficiency have to do with compliance•How our multi-faceted approach mitigates risk