FNC Bank News

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April 2024 - Community Banking Month

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April is Community Banking Month -- a time to recognize the unique spirit and unwavering commitment which makes community banks the foundation of our cities and towns across the state.

What sets community banks apart?

An independent community bank is a locally owned and operated bank, where bank loans and deposits help benefit local businesses and communities.
Community banks are the primary source of lending for small businesses and farms, providing roughly 60% of all small business loans and more than 80% of agricultural loans.
Community banks are preferred by small business lenders, with high customer satisfaction rates compared to large banks, finance companies, and online lenders. 81% of community bank loan applicants were satisfied, compared to 68% at large banks, and 48% at online lenders.
Community banks contribute tax dollars that help maintain local municipalities.
Research has shown average fees for checking accounts and other depository services are lower at community banks than at large, multi-state institutions.
Community banks give back to the community by supporting local events, programs, and organizations.
Community banks reinvest deposits almost exclusively within their local communities. Nearly 95% of the bank’s investment is put back in your community through residential mortgages, small business loans, agricultural and student loans.
Because community banks are themselves small businesses, they understand the needs of small-business owners.
Community banks’ boards of directors are made up of local citizens who want to advance the interests of the towns and cities where they live and where their banks do business.

Celebrate Community Banks With Us!

Every Friday in April, FNC Bank will be serving cookies at each of our branches in celebration of Community Banking Month.

Stop by to say hi and enjoy a sweet treat!

Cookie Fridays: 4/5, 4/12, 4/19 & 4/26

While cookie supplies last.

April 2024 - Customer Satisfaction Survey

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Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our annual customer satisfaction online survey during the first quarter 2024.

We are excited to announce the results!

92% of survey respondents gave FNC Bank an overall rating of 7 or greater (on a scale of 0-10). Typically, a rating of 7 or greater is considered a satisfied to happy customer.
94% ranked their customer service experience as good to excellent
88% ranked our product offerings as good to excellent
83% ranked our online & mobile banking platforms as good to excellent

Survey results are calculated using a nationally-recognized scoring system (Net Promoter Score). FNC Bank had a score higher than our industry average, and classified as “excellent” by Bain & Co (the source of the NPS system).

FNC Bank truly values the feedback we received from this survey! We are currently reviewing all comments and recommendations to better understand what we do well and what areas may need improvement.

We appreciate every one of our customers and truly value your input!

March 2024 - FNC bank Food Drive SUCCESS

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Our Food Drive Success Story: A Community United Against Hunger

During the month of March, FNC Bank embarked on a mission to combat hunger through our annual Food Drive. We set a goal of collecting 500 non-perishable goods for those in need throughout our local communities. Not only did our customers, employees and community members rally in support of this noble cause, they exceeded expectations. The food drive successfully gathered a total of 914 non-perishable items, shattering our initial objective.

The overflowing boxes of canned soup, dried grains, cereal, and other essential items at each of our branch locations are testament to the kindness that permeates our town. Every can, every box represented a beacon of hope for the individuals and families facing food insecurity.

The goods are now being distributed to local food shelves, directly impacting those in need and reinforcing the importance of civic responsibility and collective action. However, the march against hunger does not end here; it is a continual endeavor. Still, for now, we celebrate the success of our recent food drive, a shining example of what we can achieve when we come together for the greater good.

February 2024 - FNC Bank Transformation

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In the past year, FNC Bank has made substantial investments in both time and financial

resources to FNC Bank remodel plan

enhance our technology systems – from our core program to our online banking platform. These upgrades provide staff with greater efficiencies and customers with a more robust and secure way of banking digitally. Having successfully upgraded our technical space, our focus now shifts to enhancing our physical environment.

If you’ve stepped into our New Richmond branch lately, you can’t help but notice remodeling is underway. The last major remodel of this branch took place in the 1980s, and we believe it’s time to breathe new life into the space by creating an environment that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional for both our customers and our team members.

To better utilize the open space in the main area of our branch, we will be creating additional offices for customer-facing staff. Our lobby space, which is the centerpiece of our bank, will remain open and airy with the utilization of glass walls, brighter colors, and upgraded lighting. We hope these enhancements will significantly improve the overall ambiance of the space, creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere for our customers.

The core of our mission is to remain a thriving community bank. We have a strong set of values that guide our operations, and we are proud to be a stable and trustworthy institution that is deeply rooted in the community. This remodeling project underscores our longstanding commitment to creating a more vibrant downtown in New Richmond.

We understand that our bank's appearance plays a significant role in our customers' perception of our business, and we are excited to take this step towards modernization and excellence. Thank you for your patience during the construction phase. We look forward to sharing the completed project later this summer.

NOVEMBER 2023 - Financial Literacy Achievement

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Aaron Mork, VP Commercial Lender at FNC Bank, was recognized on 11/16/23 by the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation with Certificates of Recognition for his individual effort in promoting financial literacy to Wisconsin’s consumers.

Aaron has a passion for educating our youth in financial literacy and, for years, has made it a priority to provide in-school presentations that give area students a basic understanding of bank accounts, budgeting and general finances. Earlier this year, Aaron also coordinated FNC Bank's first Reality Fair for Osceola High School Junior students. Aaron’s efforts included months of preparation, and recruitment of almost 30 volunteers, but the result was well worth it. Our Reality Fair provided over 100 students with a simulation of an adult’s financial life, offering an interactive experience for making real world financial decisions and managing money. Participants experienced what it is like to have an account at a financial institution, decide how to use their money, obtain a loan, manage debt, and more. For these youth, this experience was an eye-opening, exciting, and fun way to build financial knowledge and skills.

“Throughout Wisconsin, bankers go above and beyond in their commitment to their communities,” said Chair of the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation Rose Oswald Poels. “We thank the team at FNC Bank — with special thanks to Aaron — for their outstanding work in helping individuals and families to build foundational financial skills.”

Thank you, Aaron, for your dedication to providing financial literacy to our local communities. We are proud of your accomplishments!

July 2023 - New online and Mobile banking

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New Online & Mobile Banking Coming Soon!

FNC Bank is excited to announce an upgrade to our online banking and mobile banking platforms effective July 25, 2023. This upgraded platform will provide an improved user experience, updated features & layout, and new tools & functionality. You’ll soon be able to take advantage of…

Two-factor authentication for greater security. Users will now have two layers of security to protect their sensitive online and mobile banking data.
Enhanced application tools including a search function by transaction description, remote deposit enrollment, ability to attach receipt images, and advanced card controls.
Additional account setting options such as hide/show accounts and tagging & adding notes to transactions.
Availability to set up external accounts for effortless account transfers between owned accounts at other financial institutions.
Update user profile information including email or phone number, request change of address, and obtain forgotten username.
Coming Soon! In-app conversations. Securely communicate with FNC Bank staff, tag accounts or transactions you have questions about, and share confidential data safely. In-app conversations provide greater security than communicating with FNC Bank via email or phone! Watch for this add-on in the coming months.

At FNC Bank, our priority is delivering an exceptional customer experience. That's why we're constantly investing in innovative tools to enhance your banking journey. Log in on 7/26/23 to discover our upgraded online banking and mobile banking services designed to provide you with a superior banking experience.

July 2023 - Rising Stars 2023: Tom Mews

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FNC Bank congratulates President Tom Mews on being chosen as BankBeat’s 2023 Rising Star in Banking.

BankBeat looks for bankers who have made outstanding contributions to their bank, industry and community, and who are poised to continue to make substantial contributions for years to come.

We are proud of Tom’s accomplishments and his unwavering dedication to FNC Bank and community banking as a whole. His contributions to our bank over the past 22 years is remarkable and we are honored to have him part of our team.

Congratulations on your achievement, Tom! Well deserved!!

May 2023 - Community ShreDDing EventS

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FNC Bank's Community Shredding Events were a huge success!

The sun was shining and the clear blue skies made for a picture-perfect day. Our FNC Bank crew had a wonderful time assisting the local community with safely shredding their paper documents, and we were proud to give away Red Maple tree seedlings to promote eco-friendly banking with our Green Giving Checking account. In total, 4300 pounds of paper were shredded.

As a community bank, it is our honor to provide these complimentary support services to area residents and businesses. Thank you to everyone who came to the event!

May 2023 - Making Fiancial Literacy a Reality

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FNC Bank is honored to have recently organized our first student Reality Fair held for Juniors at Osceola High School on May 22nd.

What is a Reality Fair?

A reality fair is a simulation of an adult’s financial life that provides youth with an interactive experience for making real world financial decisions and managing money. Participants experience what it is like to have an account at a financial institution, decide how to use their money, obtain a loan, manage debt, and more. For students, a reality fair can be an eye-opening, exciting, and fun way to build financial knowledge and skills.

This was the first time this type of exercise has been hosted in Osceola and it took a great deal of community involvement. Many thanks to our reality fair volunteers who took time from their busy schedule to provide guidance at each station throughout the reality fair. We truly could not have done it without your support! These local business partners include: Due North Homes, Edward Jones, Floorworks, Krumm Exteriors, Northwood Technical College, The Open Cupboard, Osceola Chamber of Commerce, Osceola Medical Center, Primerica, The RiverGroup Financial Advisors, SF Insurance, The Staple, Stein Insurance, Vater Solutions/Bending Branches, and the Village of Osceola.

Additionally, thank you to Osceola High School, specifically Mr. Leonard and the custodial staff, for partnering with us to make this Reality Fair a reality. We are proud to contribute to the growth and success of our local youth in Osceola and to guide them through important decisions that may come along their journey in life!

March 2023 - FNC Bank Announces Passing of john soderberg

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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Soderberg on March 13, 2023. John will be greatly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and community members.

As a second-generation owner of First National Community Bank (FNC Bank), John focused tirelessly on community and economic development in New Richmond and the Western Wisconsin region. While his efforts involved many civic achievements and resulted in countless successes for businesses and individuals across the area, the signature accomplishment of his life was leading the effort to build the much-anticipated St. Croix River Crossing from Stillwater, MN to Houlton, WI. Decades in the making, John persevered through many challenges to the project. His hard work and dedication resulted in the approval and completion of this critical infrastructure, which stands as a fitting tribute to John’s ability to bridge the gap between competing interests. He understood the importance of bipartisanship, compromise, and ensuring a “seat at the table” for all points of view and interests. The result was an engineering marvel that satisfied various transportation, environmental, and aesthetic needs, and one which will serve the Metropolitan area and Western Wisconsin for decades to come. While he would always deflect any praise for this accomplishment to the many others who also contributed mightily to the bridge becoming a reality, John remained a driving force throughout the many times the project was considered an impossibility.

John began working for the bank in 1964, under the watchful eye of his father Henning. He learned about banking from the ground up by working in various positions for several years, and he eventually succeeded his father as President and CEO upon Henning’s retirement in 1987. John understood that a bank needs to have a larger presence to successfully serve a region such as Western Wisconsin, and he oversaw expansion of the bank to branches in Somerset, Hudson, and Dresser. More recently, beginning in 2012, he began the succession process which brought his son Scott and daughter Libby into the fold to continue his community banking legacy. Scott took the reins as CEO in 2020, ushering in another generation of Soderberg leadership and reinforcing the commitment that FNC Bank remain a community-focused institution.

A lifelong resident of New Richmond, John was an active member of many local organizations and contributed countless hours in support of the community that he called home. The fact of his generosity was well-known, but the great extent of it was not. Taking credit for anything was simply not in his nature. John will be remembered for his empathy and concern for those around him in the community that he loved. Thank you John, and farewell.

Visitation will take place at the R&D Banquet Facility (Ready Randy’s), 1490 131st St., New Richmond, WI, on Thursday, April 20, 2023, from 1:00-4:00 pm, followed by a memorial service at R&D from 4:00-5:00 pm. Thereafter, the family invites attendees to share their favorite John stories at a reception at R&D from 5:30-7:00 pm.

Memorials are preferred as donations in the form of non-perishable food items or monetary contributions to one of the following four organizations fighting food insecurity for families and individuals in our Western WI communities: Five Loaves Food Shelf in New Richmond; Somerset Community Food Pantry; Hudson Food Cupboard; and Open Cupboard Food Pantry in Osceola. Donations of either kind may also be dropped off at any of FNC Bank’s branches in New Richmond, Somerset, Hudson, or Dresser.

January 2023 - FNC Bank Recognized as SBA Volume Lender

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FNC Bank is proud to announce we have been named the FY2022 Wisconsin SBA Volume Lender Award for:

“Lender with Most Approved 7(a) Loans”
Asset size: > $200 million - $300 million

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Wisconsin office is recognizing 14 lenders in 15 volume and specialty categories for FY2022, the twelve months ending Sept. 30, 2022. With total SBA-backed FY22 lending in Wisconsin reaching more than $789 million, community lenders again played a strong role with 12 of 15 awards going to Wisconsin-based lenders.

“SBA-backed lending in Wisconsin saw its second highest level in recent years with $789 million delivered to small business owners through SBA’s core lending programs in FY22. While a drop from the more than $1 billion in loans last year, lenders are still delivering much needed capital to Wisconsin’s startups and more seasoned entrepreneurs,” stated Eric Ness, SBA’s Wisconsin district director. “These high-volume lenders showcase the importance and continued availability of SBA-backed financing for small businesses at all stages of growth through Wisconsin’s many commercial and community banks, credit unions, CDC's, CDFI’s and other financing institutions.”

The SBA will recognize FNC Bank along with other volume lenders at the 2023 Wisconsin Lenders Conference hosted by UW-Stevens Point on May 18.

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June 2022 - tom mews to serve on the wba board

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Tom Mews, president of FNC Bank, will serve a three-year term on the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) Board of Directors.

The Wisconsin Bankers Association is the state’s largest financial industry trade association, representing more than 200 commercial banks and savings institutions, their branches, and over 35,000 employees.

“We are delighted to welcome Tom to the WBA Board of Directors,” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO. “Our Board is comprised of talented experts who are committed to serving Wisconsin’s banking industry and communities, and this year’s new Board members are no exception.”

Mews has served at FNC Bank since 2001 and became president in 2011. He has been an active member of the WBA Government Relations Committee and has participated in capitol visits to Madison and Washington, D.C. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His community involvement includes working with the New Richmond Area Centre, Forward New Richmond (Economic Development Committee), Westfield’s Hospital Foundation, the New Richmond Area Community Foundation, and the New Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce.

Congratulations Tom! We are proud of your accomplishments and your commitment to community banking!

Photo caption: WBA Board Chair Dan Peterson (left) presents Tom Mews (right) with Wisconsin Bankers Association Board pin.

mAY 2022 - introducing moneypass

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Your Checking Account Just Got Better

FNC Bank is happy to announce our checking accounts will now have access to the MoneyPass ATM network. The following are frequently asked questions.

What is MoneyPass?

MoneyPass is an ATM network allowing our debit cardholders access to 37,000 convenient surcharge-free ATMs nationwide.

Why did FNC Bank add MoneyPass?

Providing MoneyPass access further enhances our checking account options and allows for greater benefits to our customers. There is no charge to you for the addition of MoneyPass. FNC Bank has assumed these costs as an additional perk to our customers. Your surcharge-free ATM options just went from 4 (at each of our branches) to 37,000 nationwide.

How will this affect my checking account(s)?

MoneyPass is now available to all FNC Bank checking account cardholders.*

When will MoneyPass launch?

MoneyPass is live now so debit card customers can take advantage of these additional ATMs immediately.

How do I find MoneyPass ATMs?

You can locate MoneyPass ATMs at https://moneypass.com/atm-locator.html. You may also continue using our branch ATMs without charge.

FNC Bank hopes you enjoy your expanded ATM options! If you have any questions, please contact us.

*Does not include Health Savings Account (HSA) debit cardholders.

FEB 2022 - recent grant recipientS

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FNC Bank is honored to support our community through our Grant Program. We understand the importance of partnering with organizations in the communities we serve to improve the well-being of the citizens that make our region a great place to live and work.

It is our privilege to support the following organizations through our recent grant process in January 2022:

• $2,500 The Sharing Tree, Inc.
• $1,500 Kinship of Polk County
• $1,500 Friends of Osceola Library, Inc.
• $1,000 Somerset Elementary School

Some of our favorite moments are receiving updates from our grant recipients and seeing first-hand the impacts of our grant program. During this recent round of grant approvals, we received this nice thank you and photo in response to our support of the Second Graders at Somerset Elementary School:

“We couldn't be more excited to get the news of our $1000 grant through FNC Bank. We are so lucky and blessed to live and work in a community that supports our kids and families like your business does.”

It’s little moments like these that brighten our day and reinforces why we provide our Grant Program. ❤️

FEB 2022 - FNC BANK POWERS BRANCHES WITH 100% RENEWABLE ENERGY

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Effective February 2022, FNC Bank has moved to renewable energy sources to power each of its four branch buildings.

The bank partnered with New Richmond Utilities (serving its New Richmond branch), and Xcel Energy (serving its Hudson, Somerset and Dresser branches) to shift to 100% renewable energy sources. This approach meets sustainability goals using dedicated wind, solar and biogas resources, and achieves the bank’s goal of fully powering all FNC Bank buildings with 100% renewable energy. The decision to move to a cleaner power source is consistent with the bank’s commitment to social responsibility within the communities is it serves.

"FNC Bank is very proud to take full advantage of energy programs through the local utility companies to power our branches with 100% renewable energy. We feel that choosing this path is not only our responsibility in furthering the larger goal of energy sustainability, it also fits squarely with our 100+ year tradition of being community-minded in everything we do. These energy partnerships enable all of our buildings to be powered 100% by renewable energy."

The bank’s move to 100% renewable energy will result in the annual equivalent of 98 cars being taken off the road, 122.5 acres of trees planted, or 180 tons of coal not burned.

jan 2022 - FNC BANK AWARDED FAMILY FRIENDLY WORKPLACE CERTIFICATIOn

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FNC Bank was recently certified as a Family Friendly Workplace. Family Friendly Workplaces (FFW) is a non-profit organization partnering with businesses in St. Croix, Pierce, and Polk counties to promote family friendly policies and practices.

The Family Friendly Workplace Certification® recognizes workplaces with practices that directly support employee families as well as provide funding to family supporting programs. As part of the certification process, FFW conducted a thorough review of FNC Bank’s human resources policies and practices, awarding points for policies and practices which support families. FNC Bank received the highest Gold Level Family Friendly Workplace Certification for their dedication to employees and their families.

“FNC Bank is committed to supporting our employees, their families, and the communities we are so proud to serve,” said Scott Soderberg, CEO of FNC Bank. “Becoming a certified Family Friendly Workplace is directly in line with our values and practices, and we hope this encourages others in our communities to think about how they might work to help support families as well.”

As part of their commitment to supporting Family Friendly nonprofits, FNC Bank recently donated funds to Five Loaves Food Shelf in New Richmond through the FFW nonprofit conduit.

“We have made it a focus of ours to support organizations addressing food insecurity in our communities. This donation continues that effort, and we are proud to celebrate and empower those working to provide this critical assistance to those in need,” said Scott.

“FNC Bank’s certification is a natural fit, and we hope their leadership will encourage others to become certified,” said Neil Kline, Chief Evangelist for FFW.

dec 2021 - FNC BANK’S NEW CHIEF OPERATING OFFICEr

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FNC Bank is excited to announce the promotion of Sheri Soderquist to Chief Operating Officer. As FNC Bank’s first COO, Sheri will be responsible for overseeing daily branch operations including front-line staffing, facilities management, and bank security. She will use her skillset to develop and implement strategies for delivering a superior customer journey through efficient processes, enhanced security measures, adoption of a service culture, and expansion of account relationships.

Sheri has been with FNC Bank since 2012 and possesses a wealth of experience and knowledge vital in this new position. Her financial services career expands across consumer, commercial and mortgage areas giving her a firm understanding of financial products paired with exceptional business development and relationship management skills. As a Graduate School of Banking graduate, Sheri embodies an additional skillset to evaluate and execute operating plans, talent goals and other corporate growth objectives.

“We are excited to expand our relationship banking efforts with the addition of a COO role. This is a significant step for the bank, specifically designed to improve the way we do business” says Scott Soderberg, CEO of FNC Bank. “Sheri is uniquely qualified to do just that, based on her extensive hands-on experience at all levels of banking. We are confident in her abilities to develop strategies that will enhance the customer experience at FNC Bank.”

On a personal level, Sheri is a known leader in the communities we serve. She is an active member of the New Richmond Chamber having served on the Chamber Board since 2017 and as a Chamber Ambassador since 2012. Sheri also holds Treasurer roles for the Town of Richmond in St. Croix County since 2011 and on the board of directors at New Richmond Heritage Center since 2016.

In her most recent role of Vice President Commercial Lender at FNC Bank, Sheri will continue to serve her business customers until the bank has onboarded another Commercial Lender to assume those relationships. Her office will remain at the New Richmond branch; however, she will be frequenting the Somerset, Hudson, and Dresser locations to better serve our customers throughout western Wisconsin.