Local Cents by Pillar Bank
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 resources for you to thrive. Serving the Northwest Wisconsin communities of Amery, Baldwin, Balsam Lake, Chippewa Falls, Clear Lake, Plum City, and Spring Valley, we’re not an impersonal corporate bank with lots of red tape. We’re a well-established local bank that gets to know our customers and does what is right.
Episodes
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 f...
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 cha...
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:
- Why the group was formed
- How they’re shaping the Bank’s products and out...
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 motivati...
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
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...
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 sup...
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 i...
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.
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 pre...
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...
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 susp...
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 stro...
In this episode of Local Cents, Shane Bauer, CEO of Pillar Bank, chats with the inspiring community builder, Jim Benson. With a wealth of experience in academia and public speaking, Jim has made a significant impact on the Baldwin community since his move from Bemidji.
At 88 years young, Jim's passion and dedication to community development are driving positive changes in Baldwin. His collaborations with local organizations and bus...
In this episode of Local Cents, we celebrate Dairy Month by discussing Wisconsin's thriving dairy industry. Despite a decline in farm numbers, the state remains a key player in the dairy sector. Dairy Month is a significant event in Wisconsin, featuring community breakfasts that bring people together and highlight the industry's importance.
Tune in to this captivating podcast featuring Christina Arnett, Pillar Bank Loan Admin Specialist, and special guest Carrie Kruger, Executive Director of the Baldwin-Woodville Chamber. Discover the rich history and vibrant communities of Baldwin and Woodville, which have been thriving in Wisconsin since the late 1800s.
Learn about the top-tier school district, strong community organizations, beautiful parks, and numerous events ...
In this podcast, hear from Mike DeLong, VP/Commercial/Ag Loan Officer, how agricultural producers experience challenges in a stressful market and how to utilize effective operation management strategies to maintain success. Begin by developing a solid game plan utilizing R.E.M. methodology, assembling a team of industry experts, and regularly reviewing operational costs to ensure informed decision-making.
This episode of Local Cents highlights the importance of financial literacy for children's future well-being. Pillar Bank's educational initiatives, like the Teach Kids to Save program, involve employees reading stories and leading interactive bank tours to teach money management.
Key takeaways emphasize early financial education, enjoyable learning, community involvement, and ongoing learning for all ages.
The Pillar Community Circle is an employee-led committee at Pillar Bank that aims to enhance community engagement through volunteer work.
This episode of Local Cents highlights the value of volunteering during Wisconsin Banker’s Association (WBA) Power of Community Week, as well as throughout the year.
Listen to this podcast to hear how the committee seeks to involve the community in these efforts, fostering shared responsibili...
In this episode of Local Cents, Neil Mathwig and Derek Kuehni of Pillar Bank discuss what makes Chippewa Falls a great place to live. They highlight the town's unique charm, local amenities, and organizations like the Chippewa Falls YMCA, led by Derek White, that foster a strong sense of community. Discover how collaboration and involvement with the YMCA enhance residents' lives and strengthen the town.
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