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 straight month. [Continue]
Holland, Mich.-based Macatawa Bank hired Mike Moll as bank protection manager, vice president. Moll, owner of the Michigan-based Moll Security Consulting, LLC, was employed with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as a protective security advisor, serving in the U.S. Air Force-Michigan Air National Guard as a security police officer with the 127th, Security Police … Read more
Rosemary Parson joined the boards of directors at West Bancorporation, Inc., and West Bank, West Des Moines. Parson is the senior vice president of policy administration and community relations at EquiTrust Life Insurance Co., West Des Moines. She was inducted into the Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame last year. “We are proud to have (Rosemary) … Read more
Wisconsin-based Ixonia Bank is expanding into the metro Milwaukee area by opening a mortgage lending office in Brookfield this summer. The office will include space for client meetings and closings but will not accept customer deposits. Senior Vice President David Rouse is building the lending team for the office. “This is a logical and strategic … Read more
Wisconsin-based The Bank of New Glarus hired Kurt Schaefer as vice president of retail sales. Schaefer, who has more than 20 years of banking experience, will oversee all branches, including the new office in Monroe, Wis., which will open late this year. He has a degree in business administration. “We feel very fortunate to have … Read more
A bipartisan group of two dozen Senators recently called for the passage of the SAFE Banking Act in a letter to House and Senate leadership. [Continue]
Charles City, Iowa-based First Security Bank & Trust and its spokesperson, Iowa Hawkeyes Quarterback Spencer Petras, received multiple honors during the 31st Annual Iowa Motion Picture Awards ceremony on May 14 in Ottumwa. The awards recognize extraordinary work in Iowa-based visual media. First Security and Petras received second-place Awards of Achievement in two areas, including … Read more
Longtime Conference of State Bank Supervisors President and CEO John Ryan died unexpectedly late in the day of May 16 in Washington, D.C. [Continue]
Consumer sentiment fell by nearly 10 percent this month as inflation continues wreaking havoc on economic expectations, according to a University of Michigan survey. [Continue]
Cold Spring, Minn.-based Granite Bank is entering the Twin Cities metro market by acquiring Champlin, Minn.-based Maple Bank. [Continue]