What Community Banking Really Means

June Dairy Month

Listen to this podcast featuring VP/Commercial/Agricultural Loan Officer Mike DeLong as he talks about one of his favorite times of the year — June Dairy Month! Originally established in 1937 as National Milk Month, this long-standing tradition celebrates Wisconsin’s dairy industry and communities. Tune in to hear about the many dairy events happening throughout western Wisconsin and why this month means so much to the area.

Leadership Starts Here: Inside Leadership Chippewa Falls

What does it really mean to lead in your community? In this episode of Local Cents, we sit down with Angela Kapp, Programs and Partnerships Director at the Chippewa Falls Chamber of Commerce, along with Pillar Bank’s Lori (Leadership Chippewa Falls graduate) and Colin (current participant), to explore the impact of this long-standing leadership program. Since its start in 1999, Leadership Chippewa Falls has developed more than 460 leaders across industries—equipping them with a deeper understanding of local issues, challenges, and opportunities. Angela shares how the program has evolved, including new immersive experiences like community tours, while Lori and Colin offer firsthand perspectives on how the program shapes leaders both personally and professionally. If you care about your community—and want to play a bigger role in its future—this conversation is for you.

From Startup to Standout: A Young Entrepreneur's Growth Story

What does it take to turn an idea into a growing local business? In this episode of Local Cents, we sit down with young entrepreneur Custer’s Cones & Candy founder Hunter Custer and Pillar Bank’s Neil Mathwig to talk about what it really looks like to start—and scale—a business from the ground up. Hunter launched the business at just 18 years old. Now, six years later, he’s expanded to multiple locations, added concession operations at local games, and is preparing to open another location—this time with plans to purchase the building. From bootstrapping his first location to reinvesting profits for growth, Hunter shares the realities of entrepreneurship, the lessons learned along the way, and why having the right financial partner matters. As Hunter puts it: “Working with good people we can depend on is so important.” If you’ve ever thought about starting your own business—or taking it to the next level—this episode is packed with insight you won’t want to miss.

Teaching Kids to Save -- One Story at a Time

April is Financial Literacy Month, and banks across Wisconsin are stepping into classrooms to help kids build smart money habits early. In this episode of Local Cents, Pillar Bank team members Erik and Dawn share how they bring financial lessons to life through the Teach Kids to Save program. One of their favorite ways to start the conversation is by reading the children’s book Money Monster, which helps students understand the difference between spending and saving in a fun, relatable way. From story time to classroom discussions, and even bank tours where students get to see what they learned about, Erik and Dawn explain how these experiences spark curiosity and important conversations about money. They also share lessons they wish they had learned earlier; the thoughtful questions kids ask; and why helping young people understand money is one of the most rewarding parts of serving our communities.

Giving Back through Pillar Bank's Community Circle

At Pillar Bank, serving our communities goes far beyond banking. In this podcast episode, Pillar Bank representatives share how employees are making an impact through volunteerism and local partnerships. From serving on nonprofit boards and chambers of commerce to supporting food pantries, parades, and community events, Erik and Dawn talk about how giving back strengthens the places we live and work. They also discuss the role of Pillar Bank’s Community Circle Committee, which helps connect employees with meaningful volunteer opportunities across our markets. Whether it’s assembling birthday cake kits for local food pantries or helping organize community events, Erik and Dawn explain why building relationships and showing up for our communities’ matters. Because when we serve together, we help create stronger communities for everyone.