Nicolet merger expands ag offerings

Nicolet Bankshares, Inc., Green Bay, Wis., announced it will merge with County Bancorp., Manitowoc, Wis. In the $219 million deal — 80 percent stock, 20 percent cash — Nicolet National Bank, the $4.5 billion bank’s subsidiary, will acquire County Bancorp’s $1.5 billion Investors Community Bank. Based on financial records from March, the combined company will have $7.5 billion in assets. [Continue]

Iowa bank redefines ‘community’ with green energy lending niche

In the past decade, Decorah Bank & Trust has reduced its carbon footprint to zero, down from 814 metric tons, and the bank has a majority market share in its northeast Iowa community, which prioritizes solar energy. In fact, the Decorah community is developing a reputation as the state’s solar power capitol. “As a community banker, the Decorah area is a wonderful, vibrant community,” said Ben Grimstad, president and CEO of Decorah Bank & Trust. “But we’re not growing the population.” [Continue]

A clear-eyed vision for the future

Jason MacDuff, the fervent leader and vice president of Greenpenny Bank, moved to California from Decorah, Iowa, when he was 2 years old. Navigating the effects of pollution became a normal aspect of MacDuff’s life. He has vivid memories of days, bereft of wind and agitated by heat, when dangerous smog ignited community-wide “Spare the Air” days. [Continue]

WBA honors banker’s dozen

The Wisconsin Bankers Association honored twelve current and former bankers for their achievements in community service and civic engagement. [Continue]

Illinois bank to occupy new building

The Illinois Bank & Trust, subsidiary of Heartland Financial USA, Inc., Dubuque, Iowa, is buying the building previously occupied by the Galena Gazette for its Galena, Ill., location.  [Continue]