20
Wisconsin Community Banker
January/February 2014
Marty Reinhart, Heritage Bank,
Marshfield
This past year saw improvement in the
overall economy as well as our industry. A
quick look at the most recent CBW Ban-
conomics Report shows ROAs, ROEs, and
capital continue to grow, which puts all of
us in a much stronger position going into
the new year.
As CBW members, we continue to play
a key role in the health of our communities and Wisconsin.
While we are covered in snow with subzero temperatures, I
see optimism about the future when I talk to my customers
and colleagues. Loan growth, while still less than we’d like, is
improving along with the financial health of our borrowers.
High liquidity challenges us from an investment standpoint
but also provides us funding as loan activity picks up.
We face a number of the same issues that we have had in
the past such as declining margins, increasing regulations,
and the need to invest in ever-changing technology. With
the specter of Fed action leading to rising interest rates,
liquidity and interest rate sensitivity is on all of our minds,
along with the minds of our examiners. This may be the
biggest area of concern in the coming year for the banking
industry.
On the political front, the leadership of CBW on the state
level and ICBA nationally have advocated for significant
changes to legislation to reinforce the difference between
the mission of community banks, compared to their larger
counterparts. This fight will continue and our state and
national organizations are working hard on our behalf. They
need our active involvement in the form of financial contri-
butions, as well as in communicating with our legislators.
I look forward to 2014 and the opportunities it provides
to serve the financial needs of our customers and communi-
ties as strong independent community banks.
Steve Zeman, Union State Bank of West
Salem
While our country will continue to
face a number of problems and issues in
2014, the one thing that we can count
on is the stability and success of com-
munity banking. We will continue to
make loans, accept deposits, implement
changes due to all of the new regulations,
and go about the business of helping our
communities grow stronger. The main challenges will be
from new federal regulations, a stagnant economy, and from
our business customers’ hesitation to take on large improve-
ments and expansions. The fear of higher taxes, federal
deficits, higher health insurance costs, and new regulations
continue to be stumbling blocks for our general economy.
As community bankers, our opportunities will continue to
lie in our strong community ties, our stable banking opera-
tions, and providing excellent service to our customers.
Liquidity Planning
Strategic Planning
Regulatory Assistance
Stock Valuations
Capital Markets
Expansion
De Novo Bank Charters
Internal Audit
Information Technology
Recruitment
Human Resources
Lending Loan Review
Compliance
Policy Development
Young & Associates, Inc.
Bankers Working For Bankers
800.525.9775
younginc.com
