Local Cents by Pillar Bank

Local Cents by Pillar Bank

By Pillar BankBusiness
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Local Cents by Pillar Bank episodes

  • Small Business Success Story A Decade of Learning and Growth

    Jim Peterson had a choice - continue working for a large national business where he was 'just a number' or strike out on his own. He chose the latter in 2015 and that's when J&F Facility Services began. 

    Join Neil Mathwig, Market President of Pillar Bank's Chippewa Falls branch, as he chats with Jim about his 10-year success story.  Jim shares his why, his journey and motivations, as well as the lessons he's learned along the way.  

    Biggest challenge?  It's not staffing.  

    Learn how the right fit customers and a philanthropic approach have played a key role in this small business' growth story. J&F Facility Services 

    14 min
  • Culture, Campaigns & Community: A Marketer-to-Marketer Chat

    Marketing is a lot more than party planning! Our marketing team shares what it’s like to market for Pillar Bank in our latest Local Cents podcast. Listen on Spotify or wherever you find your podcasts.

     

    #pillarbankwi #pillarbank #marketingpodcast #localbankingdone right #culture #LocalCentspodcast

    22 min
  • 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.

    12 min
  • 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. 

    19 min
  • 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.

    12 min
  • 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.

    11 min
  • 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!

    9 min
  • 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.

      13 min
    • 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.

        9 min
      • 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.

        10 min

      About Local Cents by Pillar Bank

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      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…