APRIL 2021 WISCONSIN BANKERS ASSOCIATION FOUNDED 1892 Ag Banking After an uncertain or modernize. Chris Schneider, Total farm loans 2020 in which gov- Together, these vice president – agri- – loans to finance agri- ernment assistance factors have ag cultural banking for cultural production and During the boosted farmers lenders balancing a Investors Community other loans to farmers financially and many mixture of optimism Bank, Manitowoc – by Wisconsin-based Pandemic projects were put and caution as they and vice chair of the banks dropped almost on hold, Wisconsin head into spring. WBA Agricultural 9% to $3.5 billion in bankers saw an Plans for Bankers Section. 2020 from more than 2020—A solid increase in borrowing expansion and Then, when govern- $3.8 billion in 2019, year for Wisconsin by their agriculture purchases stalled ment aid became according to Federal customers this year. last year when the available, farmers Deposit Insurance farmers For some farmers, COVID-19 pandemic were able to use that Corp. data. however, the focus left farmers wonder- money for operations Part of the reduced By Paul Gores may be more about ing how badly the instead of tapping lending in 2020 might reducing debt than economy would their banks for also have reflected borrowing to expand be impacted, said traditional lending. (continued on p. 8) Will Paid Time Off Look Different in 2021? By Alex Paniagua How paid Travel plans didn’t just take a back seat during time off could the chaotic ride of 2020 — for many, they change in 2021 were left on the side of the road. Restrictions and The initial global shut- limitations remain in down combined with the place, but PTO hasn’t unprecedented amount of disappeared in the same people working remotely way travel capability in the spring simply has. As a result, using had many asking a very vacation time has taken rational question: on a new meaning ‘Why would I take time without taking a trip off from working at abroad or getting the home just to spend whole family together for more time at home?’ the holidays. With people Gwen Schnitzler, having worked their way assistant vice president, through the pandemic, a human resources director new concern is whether at Forward Bank, 2021 will continue this Marshfield and chair trend of people abandoning of the WBA Human their vacation time in favor Resources Committee, of more hours spent at their saw a fair amount of this desks and home offices. throughout the year. UMS » 2020… The Year “Last year we Madison, WI 53718 WI Madison, PAID Vacations Stopped definitely saw a decrease U.S. POSTAGE U.S. 4721 South Biltmore Lane Biltmore South 4721 in PTO usage,” she said. PRSRT STD PRSRT Taking time off was Wisconsin Bankers Association Bankers Wisconsin never banned by any means. (continued on p. 18) 2 APRIL 2021 Helping Our Communities Thrive in April and Beyond By Paul Kohler would prefer to hold the event make it evident. The different April is a lot of things. It’s a this year and to once again ways to get involved in your month of celebration, the first Message from show the many ideas our community are endless, but if full month of spring, and the the Chair industry has to offer. You can you’re looking for inspiration, tail-end of winter for most Paul also make the continuation of please visit www.wisbank. northern Wisconsinites. But Kohler this program and other financial com/community/power-of- more importantly, April is education projects possible community-week. the month we are reminded with a tax-deductible donation The impact you have on of how strong our impact is on to the Foundation. Visit www. your community’s growth the communities we serve. excited to make it back into wisbankfoundation.org or and development does not Our commitment to engaging the classrooms then and were contact Foundation Director go unnoticed. Whether it in Community Banking certainly hoping to by now, Mike Semmann (msemmann be through promoting the Month and Financial Literacy but your dedication to @wisbank.com, 608-441-1206) importance of financial literacy Month are strong indications increasing smart spending for more information. or helping the schools, places of this, and there are many habits has not been stopped by April 19–24 marks the of worship, and businesses ways for your bank to the pandemic. This has been fourth-annual Power of affected by the pandemic, the participate this year. apparent through the donations Community Week, and we month of April is the perfect Teach Children to Save made to schools and libraries, are excited to highlight another opportunity to showcase your Day is approaching on April 22. as well as the recordings of year of bankers engaging bank’s involvement in making This campaign highlights bankers reading the financial in one or more community Wisconsin the exceptional state the value of teaching kids literacy book which was service activities. The Power that it is. There is appreciation the importance of financial distributed to schools. of Community campaign every step of the way, and literacy, but last year’s drastic The Wisconsin Bankers shows the many ways banks there is power in every helping transition at the end of March Foundation once again are the backbones of our hand you lend. highlighted the innovation encourages all participating communities. Although 2020 Kohler is president and CEO of and creativity of bankers member banks to contact their emphasized this, each year Charter Bank, Eau Claire and as well. Many of you were local schools to see how they before and after continue to the 2020-2021 WBA board chair. FIRST BUSINESS BANK FUELS TURNAROUND, ACQUISITION, AND EXPANSION SOLUTIONS We help companies overcome financial obstacles through innovative asset-based lending solutions, focusing on small- and mid-market companies in transition with credit requirements from $2,000,0000 to $16,000,000. CALL US TODAY TO LEARN MORE Mike Colloton – Milwaukee – 262-792-7180 Pete Lowney – Madison – 608-232-5987 firstbusiness.bank First Business Bank offers Asset-Based Lending solutions through its wholly owned subsidiary, First Business Specialty Finance, LLC. Member FDIC APRIL 2021 3 LOAN PARTICIPATION PROGRAM State Bank of Cross Plains Participation High-Performing BHG Commercial Medical and Professional Loans $30,000,000 New purchase by State Bank of Cross Plains 4.25% Net Rate to Participating Banks **Commitment required — limited availability** Estimated closing: April 30, 2021 Medical / Professional portfolio mix: 50% / 50% PROGRAM DETAILS WEIGHTED CHARACTERISTICS • 3% reserve to be held at State Bank of Cross Plains $110k LOAN AMOUNT • Includes standard BHG “May-Opt” substitution • ~350 loans in portfolio 730 FICO • Servicer will be State Bank of Cross Plains • Original loan file held by State Bank of Cross Plains 105 MONTH TERM • All individual loans and pool summary information available via secure portal $250k INCOME 2.2 CASH FLOW COVERAGE BHG is transforming the financial industry; leveraging the power of data, analytics, and cutting-edge technology to become not only the number one source for professional loans, but the creator of the largest community bank loan and product network in the country. Since 2001, BHG has originated more than $7 billion in loan solutions to top-quality borrowers, which community and midsize banks can access via a state-of-the-art loan delivery platform. Building on nearly two decades of innovation, BHG and its family of brands now offer a full suite of financial solutions that span business, consumer, and SBA 7(a) loans, credit cards, collection services, risk management services, and point-of-sale financing with a focus in patient lending. BHG is partially owned by Pinnacle Bank (PNFP) and has headquarters in Davie, FL and Syracuse, NY. Meaghan Kincaid VP, Institutional Relationships BHG BANK GROUP [email protected] bhgloanhub.com/keithg BNK0321-007 210318 WBAWBA CapitolCapitol DayDay VIRTUAL | May 11, 2021 | 10–11:30 a.m. “Increasing banks’ visibility, telling our positive story, and engaging lawmakers on additional ways we can succeed are all key parts of industry advocacy. WBA Capitol Day is a one-stop-shop where you can accomplish all three, and I highly encourage you to participate in this year’s event.” – Tom Mews, Chair, WBA Government Relations Committee President, FNCBank, New Richmond WBA’s Capitol Day will be held using a virtual format on Tuesday, May 11. Make sure you’re not on mute! Speak up (virtually) for Wisconsin’s banking industry! VIRTUAL Tuesday, May 11 10–11:30 a.m. As part of Capitol Day, you will: · Hear from State Assembly and Senate leaders as they provide updates on the 2021–22 legislative session and political dynamics. · Receive a WBA Government Relations update with a rundown of our progress on accomplishing our legislative agenda. · Share the positive impact bankers are having on Wisconsin businesses, communities, and the economy. · Provide legislators with a call-to-action on how they can help your bank and the industry as a whole. Register online at www.wisbank.com/CapitolDay. If you have any questions or want more information about Capitol Day, please contact WBA’s John Cronin at [email protected]. Virtual in May WBA Capitol Day APRIL 2021 5 WBA – Taking Banks’ Story to Decisionmakers By John Cronin » Pop Quiz: Advocacy WBA Provides Testimony at For those who took an Update intro-level political science Informational Hearing or government class, what John Cronin phrase did you hear on day one? “All politics is local,” right? Sure, most of the news stories you see are about WBA Capitol Day political parties trying to May 11, 2021 VIRTUAL advance their respective See ad on p.