Local Cents by Pillar Bank

April is Financial Literacy Month, and banks across Wisconsin are stepping into classrooms to help kids build smart money habits early.

In this episode of Local Cents, Pillar Bank team members Erik and Dawn share how they bring financial lessons to life through the Teach Kids to Save program. One of their favorite ways to start the conversation is by reading the children’s book Money Monster, which helps students understand the difference between spending and saving in a fun, relatable way.

From story time to classroom discussions, and even bank tours where students get to see what they learned about, Erik and Dawn explain how these experiences spark curiosity and important conversations about money.

They also share lessons they wish they had learned earlier; the thoughtful questions kids ask; and why helping young people understand money is one of the most rewarding parts of serving our communities.

At Pillar Bank, serving our communities goes far beyond banking.

In this podcast episode, Pillar Bank representatives share how employees are making an impact through volunteerism and local partnerships. From serving on nonprofit boards and chambers of commerce to supporting food pantries, parades, and community events, Erik and Dawn talk about how giving back strengthens the places we live and work.

They also discuss the role of Pillar Bank’s Community Circle Committee, which helps connect employees with meaningful volunteer opportunities across our markets. Whether it’s assembling birthday cake kits for local food pantries or helping organize community events, Erik and Dawn explain why building relationships and showing up for our communities’ matters.

Because when we serve together, we help create stronger communities for everyone.

Community banking is more than a place to keep your money — it’s a relationship.

In this episode, Tony Meyers and Becky Rouser share what community banking looks like in action at Pillar Bank. From supporting first-time homebuyers and small business owners to reinvesting time, talent, and resources back into the communities we serve, they explore how local decision-making and personal relationships make a real difference.

You’ll hear how knowing customers by name, understanding the local economy, and showing up on boards, at events, and in everyday life creates trust you can’t replicate with a call center or algorithm.

Because when banking decisions are made locally, communities grow stronger.

In this episode, CEO Shane Bauer and staff member Deann LaValley share why Pillar Bank chose CultureWise and how it helped bring clarity, consistency, and connection across the organization.

With 7 locations and 7 distinct cultures, Pillar Bank wanted more than mission statements and values that could feel abstract. What emerged instead were the Pillar Principles — 30 clear, behavior-based principles practiced one week at a time, led by employees from across the bank.

From weekly employee-led videos and peer recognition (Kudos) to real-time engagement insights, Shane and Deann explain how CultureWise created a bottom-up culture shift—one that feels more connected, more human, and more impactful for employees, customers, and the communities Pillar Bank serves.

When culture is shared, practiced, and celebrated, it doesn’t just change how people work—it changes how they show up.

Agriculture is evolving. Staying ahead means understanding what’s changing, what’s tightening, and where opportunity still exists.

In this episode, Pillar Bank’s Ag Lender Mike DeLong shares key takeaways from the Western Wisconsin Ag Lenders Conference, where lenders and ag experts came together to discuss the forces shaping today’s agricultural landscape.

From emerging farm technology and livestock trends to margin pressure and new risk-management tools, the conversation highlights how innovation and informed planning are helping producers navigate uncertainty.

With insights from industry experts and university extension leaders, this episode offers a high-level look at where agriculture is headed—and what it means for farmers, lenders, and rural communities alike.

Saving money looks different at every stage of life, but the goal is the same: being ready for what’s next.

In this Local Cents podcast episode, Pillar Bank’s Lisa Lyon (Gen X/Boomer) and Brooke McLaren (Gen Z) come together for an honest, practical conversation about what saving really means. From 401(k)s and Roth accounts to payroll deposits and automated savings, they break down how small, consistent habits add up over time.

You’ll hear why consistency matters more than the amount, how “paying yourself first” can be as simple as treating savings like a monthly bill, and how Pillar Bank’s new Round Up Savings program quietly works in the background—just like dropping spare change into a piggy bank you forget about until it really counts.

Because saving isn’t about getting rich.

Credit doesn’t have to be confusing—or intimidating.

In this episode of Local Cents, Sylvan Erickson, SVP/Chief Credit Officer, and Tony Meyers, VP/Commercial Loan Officer, break down what credit really is, how it’s built, and what it takes to maintain a strong credit score over time.

They tackle common misconceptions, share smart credit habits, and call out the mistakes that can quietly hold people back. Most importantly, they reframe the conversation: building credit isn’t a bad thing—it’s about learning how to manage it responsibly and confidently.

You’ll also learn who to talk to at Pillar Bank for guidance and personalized support, because understanding your options is the first step toward long-term financial success.

🎧 Listen in and take the guesswork out of credit.

In the first Local Cents podcast episode of 2026, CEO Shane Bauer looks back on a year that made an impact—and ahead to what comes next for Pillar Bank.

From helping rebuild the Baldwin EDC to partnering with St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity, 2025 was defined by community commitment. Add in more than 1,200 employee volunteer hours, and it’s clear: Pillar Bank didn’t just show up—we leaned in.

As we turn the page to 2026, the focus sharpens on the future. That means reaching, engaging, and retaining the next generation, and continued investment in technology. It also means strengthening processes, deepening connection, and continuing to elevate a culture that’s always been good—and is now becoming great.

On this episode of Local Cents, Mike DeLong, VP/Commercial/Agriculture Loan Officer with Pillar Bank talks with Jon Bahr of Ever.Ag, a Platteville-based risk management firm serving farmers nationwide. Jon focuses on grain marketing, while Ever.Ag supports the full farm-to table spectrum with dairy, livestock, and feed too.

This year’s market has been tough: low volatility and prices below “break even” have made profitability a challenge. Jon shares how marketing, paired with insurance and strong communication, helps farmers set goals and manage risk.

One key takeaway? It’s never too early to plan for next season and years to come. Tune in for practical insights from these experts.

At Pillar Bank, we believe the best way to build the future is to invite it to the table.

That’s why we created our Next Generation Committee — a team of employees under 30 who are helping guide how we grow, innovate, and connect with younger customers.

In our latest podcast episode, CMO Tracy Steeno sits down with two members of the committee to discuss:

Their insights are shaping real change — from digital experiences to the way we show up in our communities.