Business Cheerleader

We like to think of ourselves as a cheerleader for small business.  Beyond providing loans and business banking products, we also have an important role to play as a sounding board and trusted advisor.  We think being an effective cheerleader is not waving pompoms, shouting morale-boosting chants into megaphones, or flying 15 feet in the air.  Instead we try to focus on being a good friend to small business owners.  We try to tailor our offerings to our clients and perform a supporting role with gusto and a high level of enthusiasm.  Rah, rah, rah......

American TV

The small business community has been rocked by the news of American TV's closing.  Here is a Madison-based business that has been around for 30 years closing shop.  Just down the road a 50 plus year business, Johannsen's closed not that long ago.  While all the talk is about the future plight of small business, I can tell you that small business is alive and well.  There are thousands of small business in Wisconsin thriving and who have a bright future.  So don't despair, quality personal service and products is still here!

Why Do You Leave

Research indicates there are two leading reasons people leave their preferred banking institution:

1.  An increase in a fee or fees;
2.  Poor customer service.

Any change we make in fees we feel is necessary and justified.  Those of you on the receiving end of these fees should call us anytime you feel a fee is not understood by you or justified.  And it goes without saying that we always encourage input on our client service level.

Student Loans

Student loans and the repayment of student loans is a real problem in our economy.  It seems those who own up to their commitment to repay the loans are being penalized by those who do not repay.  The rates on the loans to those who are paying keeps going up to offset the losses of those who do not.  I think getting these loans is too easy.  Another example of government taking over what had been a rather successful program and turning it into a mess.

Markets

A little correction in the stock market is taking place.  Was due.