2006 Done - Hello 2007

I'm off to Orlando for the Capital One Bowl game tomorrow. So here's an early new year's wish for you. We all need to pray for good health and happiness in 2007. Everything else in secondary.

And let us not forget all the children around the world who do not share the many blessings our children and grandchildren enjoy.

Life is good.

Merry Christmas

May this Christmas be meaningful to all of you.

Lack of Interest in Interest Rates

As expected, the Federal Reserve Board left unchanged the discount rate, which is the rate that dictates short term ( less than one year) interest rates. Predictions are that these rates will be down 50 basis points (1/2 of one percent) by the end of 2007. But keep an eye on inflation talk. If inflation fears pop up, look for higher rates.

Wisconsin - Marquette

Tomorrow is the big game! The winner of the UW - Marquette men's basketball lays claim to being best team in the state. And winning helps the recruiting battle for Wisconsin kids. Go Badgers!

Iraq Study Group Report

The newly released report from the Iraq Study Group is available on the web. 160 pages. You might want to take a look at as I am sure we are going to hear plenty about it over the upcoming weeks.

Didn't Get Completely Missed

Whoops, we did not get missed entirely by the snow storm. But one must admit it is pretty out.

Also, the big house fire in Fitchburg this a.m. reminds us all for the need for smoke detectors and batteries that are charged.

Darn, We' Be Missed

Wouldn't you know it? First big snow fall of the season and we are going to be on the edge of the storm and only get 2 - 4 inches. Hard to tell I am from the U.P. originally, isn't it?

Getting Ready for The Snow

1 - 3 inches of snow predicted. Great! As long as it is going to be cold, we might as well have some snow. Cold and bare ground is a big yuk!

Letter From Dad

I just came across an article from the Sept 26, 1985 "The Capital Times." The subject of the item was how a letter from dad will be cherished by a student going off to college or a child leaving for military duty. It said: "Letters from dad are cherished and treasured. Letters from mom are important because they usually contain everyday family news, but dad's seem to write different things and it's a nice type of support." Hey dads, write our kids.

Partially Back to Normal

Well, the election results are in, except for the possible recount of the state Attorney General's race. Some thoughts:

While happy the pre-election ads are gone, now we have to listen to all the post-election analyses. Life goes on. I am still convinced elections at our city, town school board, county supervisor levels have a greater impact on our daily lives than those that get the most media attention. And one thing more: if you want good representation at every level of government, get involved! Run for an office yourself; or help find what you feel would be a good candidate. And finally, I believe the two greatest rights we have as Americans is the right to vote and the right to a trial by a jury.

Enjoy this late autumn.

Year End Chores

November 28 is the last day you sell a security for a loss and still be able to repurchase it by year-end and avoid the wash sale rules.

Shriners' Hospitals

One of my big involvements is with the Shriners and their 22 Children's Hospitals. I often run across individuals who would like to know more about how to become a Shriner. If ever interested, I can be contacted at rgorsuch@oakbankonline.com.

God's Country

I recently spent a week in the Eagle River, Wisconsin area. I was with a group of 10 guys who played golf at 4 different golf courses during the week. Highly recommended for your play is the White Tail Golf Club on Hwy 70 near St. Germaine. It is one of the, if not the most, beautiful golf courses I have ever played on. And right across the street is a great place for steaks called Blink Bonnie. But be prepared to wait. They take no reservations.

Summer's Over

Well, today is the last day of summer. I don't know about you, but Autumn is my favorite season. The smell in the air; the beauty of the changing leaves that reminds us of our temporary existence; football; playoff baseball followed by the World Series. And the enthusiasm children have as they meet new friends and teachers at school. Autumn is THE season.

God's Place

I just returned from a few days at Flathead Lake Lodge in Montana. It is near Glacier National Park. This lodge is a five star!! And Glacier Park, if you have not been there, is a place you must visit in your lifetime.

Five years ago on September 11 we were a one year old bank. Like you, I recall exactly where I was and what I was doing that morning. May we never experience anything like it again.

What stands out in my memory was Judy McClain leading us in prayer on the national day of mourning that followed 9/11.

Not Doing A Good Job

I am really falling down on my blogging responsibilities! Since I last visited this blog, I have travelled to Regina, Saskatchewan and Dallas, Wisconsin. Yes, Dallas WISCONSIN. Regina is a beautiful city, but the surrounding area is so flat you can see your dog run away for two weeks. And Dallas, Wi is much preferred over the other one in Texas. Tomorrow we leave for Flathead Lake Lodge near Glacier National Park in Montana. I'll let you know about that trip later. Will be on Amtrack for 26 hours each way!

Have a great Labor Day and I'll visit with you soon.

The Anti-Investment

Reducing debt is investing. How? Take a look at the next credit card bill. If you are like most Americans, you carry a balance each month. Then look for the "APR" (annual percentage rate) and compare that with what your investments are earning. Chances are the APR is higher. So paying off your credit card probably is the best investment for you.

Reading Recommendations

Here's a couple books I have read lately that I highly recommend. (1) "Chasing Daylight" by Eugene O'Kelly and (2) "The World is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman. O'Kelly was diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer at age 51. The book is his account of how he lived his final 100 days. Has application to all of us!! You can read it over the weekend.

The other book brings amazing information to your attention about how technology is changing our world. It is good bed time reading but very informative.

We Live In A Great Country

Despite America's weaknesses, we are still the greatest country to live in on the face of the earth. I fear many of our citizens have forgotten or ignore the sacrifice thousands have made to preserve the freedoms and liberties we enjoy daily. I thank God for this great land. May all of us pause during this Independence Day and give thanks to our many blessings.

The World is Flat.

Here's a book recommendation: "The World Is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman. But hurry and read it; it may be irrelevant soon!

Gas prices getting you down?

Check out this site to help you find the lowest gas prices in town.
http://www.madisongasprices.com/

Bob

'Chasing Daylight' by Eugene O'Kelly - New York Times

'Chasing Daylight' by Eugene O'Kelly - New York Times

This is an interesting book. Click on link to review.

Fake Checks: Don't Get Fooled

Fake check scams are on the rise. The best defense against this con is to be wary. Remember the old saw about everything being too good to be true?

While there are many variations of fake check scams, they all usually start with someone offering to: buy something you advertised for sale; pay you to work at home; give you an "advance" on a sweepstakes you've won; or give you the first installment on the millions you'll receive for agreeing to transfer money in a foreign country to your bank account for safekeeping.

If you think someone is trying to pull a fake check scam, report it. Consumers can visit the National Consumers League's National Fraud Information Center or call them at 1-800-876-7060.

Time Flies

Golly, it has been over a month since I have "blogged!" I voted today. Not many contested races on the ballot. I did do something I have never done before.... I wrote in a person for my county supervisor representative. The current rep has no contestant and I wanted to show my independence. People have no right to complain about their elected officials if they fail to vote. Yet, only about a 15% turnout expected in Fitchburg.

Deposit Insurance Coverage

I do not feel anyone needs to be concerned about how much they have in deposits at Oak Bank that are not covered by federal deposit insurance corporation coverage. And it is a fairly complicated process to go through to determine what is not covered if you have several different accounts here. There is a website that will lead you through the determination. Go to http://www.fdic.gov/deposit/deposits/index.html. Click on the "Walk Me Through" link. Good luck.

Sound Advice

Dean Medical Center offers a free hearing screening. Just call 252-5252. Kind of interesting for those of us who hear from our spouse that we have bad hearing!

Just Thinking

Yesterday we learned that one of our associates has been diagnosed with cancer. Again, we are reminded that there are no certainties in life other than we all know that one day we cease to exist here. One has to wonder why we just go on sweating the small stuff. This morning on TV I was reminded that 27,000 children died of starvation in this world last night. And an editorial this past weekend on the Hamas election in Palestine reminded us of the potential consequences of that. One could get depressed! But let us not forget that we still live in the greatest country in the world where we are free to live our lives as we choose. And worship as we choose. But all this comes with a responsibility - to work to make this world a friendlier and warmer place for all. Thanx for listening. Just had to get some things out today.

Ground Hog Day

Whether the groundhog sees its shadow today seems different this year. Usually we have had our fill of bitterly cold weather. But how does one complain about a whole month of January where the temperature was 30 degrees or warmer every day! I continue to get e-mails from friends in Florida telling me how warm it is there. Well, I'm headed for the U.P. of Michigan this weekend. Hopefully there will be plenty of nice snow for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. There is always something refreshing about sitting around a wood burning stove after a day outdoors in God's creation.

Good Read

If you haven't read "Good to Great" by Jim Collins, you should. The theme of this non-fiction book applies to any organization.

Bob Gorsuch 

Of Course, A New Year's Resolution (or two)

It's 2006! The year will be filled with opportunity for those who want to do things better than they did in 2005. Here are some thoughts on how to implement better practices.

1. Focus on the "Insignificant 95 Percent." Culture drives profit. If you want more profit, you must create a culture where people are passionate about their work, and bring their pass for being the best in the door with them daily. Don't miss the important things you should be doing by focusing on the 95 percent of stuff that really doesn't contribute to the bottom line.

2. Get the right people in the right seats on the bus. Career path people into a slot where they can win.

3. Celebrate systematically. Life is hard and filled with opportunities for people to tell us how we did things wrong. To counteract "life," build frequent rituals of celebration that make a big deal of the small milestones you achieve on the way to accomplishing bigger goals. Celebrating success builds confidence. Confident people keep growing. Organizations that grow are filled with people who are growing.

Happy New Year!!