Local Cents by Pillar Bank

What is compliance?

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

Uncovering the Housing Market

Learn about the key factors to consider when purchasing a home in today’s housing market from experts in real estate and financing. Whether you’re in the market, in the consideration phase, or just want to learn more about today’s market, you’ll gain valuable insights to confidently help you navigate the process, including knowing exactly what the many acronyms mean.  If you’re a first-time homebuyer, listen in for the various programs available to help you become a homeowner.  

Honoring Farmers in Dairy Land

‘Keep Youthful, Drink Milk’ – just one of the dairy industry slogans that are part of the industry’s rich history. 
In Wisconsin, dairy farmers are honored throughout June. Most counties have a breakfast, brunch, or dinner celebration and all are welcome to join.
Ag expert Mike DeLong shares his dairy knowledge in this fun and informative episode.

Family Friendly Workplaces - Intersecting Economic Development, Families, and Community Vitality

Tough labor markets. Projected to get more challenging in the years ahead. Net new employment statewide in Wisconsin predicts a mere 129 workers will be added in 2030.
Coupled with shortages in housing and childcare, it’s challenging for employers to attract people. That’s where Family Friendly Workplace (FFW) plays a role both helping employers recruit employees and aiding in economic development.
FFW helps with recruitment efforts of organizations like Pillar Bank. “It’s a stamp of excellence,” says Neil Kline, FFW Executive Director.  He’s on a mission to ensure communities, employers, and families in western Wisc. are thriving.
Listen to hear more about FFW and Kline’s definition of the perfect outcome. He’s joined by Pillar Bank’s Head of HR, Kathy Vande Berg, who shares how the process works and how it aligns with culture.

Business Approach and Relationship Building

Exploring the concept of strong business relationships in banking inspired us to develop a sales and service playbook. Picture it as a sports team working together, reflecting on the teams Mission, Vision, and Values through our strategic plays.
 
By building and growing our customer base through asking the right questions and understanding the customers perspective. Success goes beyond sales and service alone; it hinges on grasping the fundamentals and continuous learning. We emphasize listening and understanding our customers' needs.
 
Establishing a personal bond by meeting customers face-to-face significantly enhances the relationship. While digital meetings via Teams or Zoom, etc. have evolved, now we can meet whenever it works for our customers, Communications is at our fingertips.
 
Our ultimate measure of success is assisting customers in achieving and surpassing their goals.

Agriculture Growth: Managing the Ups and Downs with Expert Mike DeLong

Having grown up on a Wisconsin farm and spent his career in Agriculture finance, Mike DeLong offers sage advice for farmers managing through economic cycles including today’s price down tick.
Prices go up and prices go down – cycles typically last 18-32 months. Mike shares how farmers can manage risk, reduce expenses, and protect income.
From crops to dairy to cattle, there are ways to help smooth the ride when prices are down.  It’s a balancing act, and often revolves around close examination of key indicators and comparisons to peer groups to uncover the cents that make the most sense for the Ag business.
Mike works closely with his Ag clients and graciously shares his expertise to help farmers thrive.

The Economic Development Skinny: The BEAR, Team Sports, and Technology

Guest Charlie Walker, President of Chippewa Economic Development Corporation, discusses recruiting new businesses, supporting existing ones, assisting entrepreneurs, and attracting talent to Chippewa Falls, WI.
Economic development involves listening, connecting people, and collaborating with various entities like Chambers and Universities. Like Pillar Bank, they help businesses by offering advice and making connections. The organization offers mentoring programs for small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures in a diversified region encompassing manufacturing, agriculture, and technology.
Find out why economic development is a team sport, what the heck the BEAR has to do with it, and learn about some area challenges in healthcare, power capacity, technology (AI), foreign investment and more! 

Digital Banking 101: Online Money Management

Discover the basics of digital banking with Pillar Bank’s Melissa Lokken and Ashley Chevrier. Take control of your finances by tuning in to this podcast where you’ll get digital insights and tips from local bank employees.

Boosting Financial Literacy with Erik and Hilari

Welcome to Local Cents Podcast. In this episode, Pillar Bank experts Erik Thompson, Branch Retail Supervisor, and Hilari Henke, Universal Banker II explore the captivating world of financial literacy, motivating individuals of every age to take control of their financial futures. In this episode, we explore the most recent trends in financial planning, including budgeting, saving, investing, and Pillar Bank's community programs. Our expert guests will share their wisdom and knowledge, offering a new perspective on achieving financial prosperity. Join us on this exciting journey towards financial enlightenment and enhance your financial knowledge to new levels!

State of the Bank with Shane Bauer

On this episode of Local Cents, we are joined by Shane Bauer, CEO of Pillar Bank.  Shane provides an update with what the bank is focused on for 2024, the headwinds and challenges of the banking industry, and much more.  Listen in and visit us online anytime at www.pillar.bank.