Print Issue: March 2023

Striking the right balance in ticklers

I’ve seen my fair share of ticklers throughout my career. And when I say fair share, I mean tens of thousands. I worked for a company that had a tickler solution as part of a larger loan management system and helped community banks make the switch from their old system to the new system. [Continue]

Understanding deposit pricing stats

In times of volatility, it is critical to know how to interpret aggregated cost of funds data and correctly understand the pricing marketplace today. You may be familiar with Mark Twain’s opinion of statistics — “There are three kinds of lies: Lies, damned lies and statistics.” [Continue]

Is your core a cost center or a catalyst for growth?

In their efforts to win and maintain market share, many community bankers have recognized the need to invest in innovation. The problem is innovation efforts are often focused on front-end technologies, such as websites or mobile apps. Meanwhile, the back-end technologies, including legacy core banking systems, are left in place.  [Continue]

Building a better data analysis process

Banks need to be acutely in-tune not only with the state of the economy, but with the particular challenges their customers may face in a downturn. Already, millions of Americans are struggling to afford basic housing costs. [Continue]

Remembering the man behind the Guenther-gram

I was saddened to learn of the Jan. 25 death of Kenneth Guenther, the leader of the Independent Community Bankers of America from 1982 to 2004. When I bought this magazine to start NFR Communications in 1992, Guenther was one of the first people to reach out to me. [Continue]

Bank Earnings (Midwest) for 4Q 2022

Alerus Financial, Grand Forks, N.D., reported fourth quarter earnings of $10.9 million or 53 cents per share compared to $12.7 million or 72 cents per share in 2021. The company reported earnings for the full year of $40.0 million or $2.10 per share compared with $52.7 million or $2.97 per share in 2021. Alpine Banks … Read more

Making sense of saving habits

Whether it’s at grocery stores or gas pumps, people across the country are feeling the effects of inflation and many households have been forced to make major changes to their spending habits. But, what has happened to their saving habits?  [Continue]

Federal Reserve Weekly Filings for Jan. 28

Custodia Bank, Inc., Cheyenne, Wyo., application to become a member of the Federal Reserve System denied. Citizens Bancorp, Inc., Cadott, Wis., authorized to acquire Community Financial Bank, Prentice, Wis . . . This content is only accessible to members with a current subscription. If you are a subscriber but don’t have online access, please contact us … Read more

Federal Reserve Weekly Filings for Jan. 21

Lake City Bank, Warsaw, Ind., authorized to establish a branch in Indianapolis. Bison Bancshares, Inc., Bison, Kan., authorized to become a bank holding company by acquiring Bison State Bank, Bison. Encore Bank, Little Rock, Ark., filed to establish a branch in Denver. Midland States Bank, Effingham, Ill., filed to establish a branch in Sterling, Ill. … Read more