Published in Wisconsin Banker
August 2010
Going Mobile
Community banks investing in on-the-go customers
By Becky Nelson
Mobile banking may not yet be a high priority for current and potential customers, but savvy community bankers are preparing for it to happen.
Today about one-fourth, or 27 percent, of community banks offer mobile banking services, with many planning to introduce or expand [...]

Published in Wisconsin Banker
June 2010
Don’t Overlook the Details in a Robbery Situation
Despite increase in takeovers, banks are keeping their bank staff and customers safe
By Becky Nelson
Wisconsin bank robberies aren’t increasing in number, but they are becoming more violent.
Of the 95 bank and credit union robberies in 2009, 19 were takeover-style crimes and two ended in [...]

Published in Wisconsin Banker
April 2010

M&A, the 2010 Way
Banks seek opportunities in FDIC-assisted acquisitions
By Becky Nelson
No one wants to see a bank fail, particularly in one’s own backyard. But should that situation occur a well-positioned peer institution could make an acquisition almost overnight.
When the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions closed the Bank of Elmwood in Racine [...]

Published in Wisconsin Banker
March 2010
On a Cost-Cutting Crusade
Banks save money and resources in ways that benefit customers and staff
By Becky Nelson
Wisconsin banks are finding ways both small and large to trim facilities and operations costs, often saving energy and reducing waste in the process.
For one bank, controlling costs means handling maintenance and repairs internally rather [...]