Rural economy slows but remains strong
The rural economy is slowing but remains strong as farm prices continue to increase at a historic pace, according to a monthly Creighton University survey. The Rural Mainstreet Index fell from 62 to 57.7 in May, the lowest reading since early 2021, but still remained above growth-neutral for the 18th ...
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It’s springtime for entrepreneurs; time to cultivate business
Inflation. Continued supply chain disruptions. War in Ukraine. Yet another Covid variant. There’s never a shortage of bad news, is ...
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CSBS president/CEO dies at 58
Longtime Conference of State Bank Supervisors President and CEO John Ryan died unexpectedly late in the day of May 16 ...
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Economist: Limited recession likely
Economist Elliot Eisenberg said the United States will likely enter a recession. He expects the downturn to last less than ...
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Chronicles
Lawmakers call for SAFE Banking Act passage
A bipartisan group of two dozen Senators recently called for the passage of the SAFE Banking Act in a letter ...
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Inflation plunges consumer sentiment by nearly 10 percent
Consumer sentiment fell by nearly 10 percent this month as inflation continues wreaking havoc on economic expectations, according to a ...
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Granite Bank entering Twin Cities market
Cold Spring, Minn.-based Granite Bank is entering the Twin Cities metro market by acquiring Champlin, Minn.-based Maple Bank ...
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Michigan CU expands to Florida with bank purchase
Dearborn, Mich.-based credit union DFCU Financial is expanding into Florida by acquiring Tampa-based First Citrus Bank. ...
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Ag prices soar as war continues in Eastern Europe
U.S. wheat and corn commodity prices spiked 60 percent and 30 percent, respectively, during the first quarter of this year, ...
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Small business optimism remains stunted
Small businesses optimism remained at a relatively low level in April as decades-high inflation continued, according to an NFIB survey ...
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People
Macatawa Bank names Moll VP
Holland, Mich.-based Macatawa Bank hired Mike Moll as bank protection manager, vice president. Moll, owner of the Michigan-based Moll Security ...
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Parson joins West Bank board
Rosemary Parson joined the boards of directors at West Bancorporation, Inc., and West Bank, West Des Moines. Parson is the ...
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Schaefer named VP at The Bank of New Glarus
Wisconsin-based The Bank of New Glarus hired Kurt Schaefer as vice president of retail sales. Schaefer, who has more than ...
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Opinion
High commodity prices can create sticky situations
This spring the Ag Press has been filled with breathless articles about the future direction of commodity prices. “Wheat Hits ...
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Agenda Item No. 1: Good governance
Just as banks must adapt their strategic goals and operations to changes in local business conditions, the broader economy, and ...
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Community banks can leverage data to stay competitive
Community and midmarket banks have typically maintained competitive advantages over large national banks with personalized service and strong community relationships ...
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Community Relations
Ixonia Bank expanding into Milwaukee metro with MLO
Wisconsin-based Ixonia Bank is expanding into the metro Milwaukee area by opening a mortgage lending office in Brookfield this summer. ...
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First Security Bank & Trust, Iowa QB receive visual media honors
Charles City, Iowa-based First Security Bank & Trust and its spokesperson, Iowa Hawkeyes Quarterback Spencer Petras, received multiple honors during ...
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ChoiceOne Bank marks Fremont reopening
Sparta, Mich.-based ChoiceOne Bank reopened its remodeled Fremont, Mich., branch on May 12 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The branch includes ...
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