Press Releases

 

AbbyBank’s winning bid of a 250-lb. hog at the Taylor County Fair will help feed the guests during the September 15th open house event for the new MASH Agriculture Barn. The event is hosted by the FFA Alumni and the Medford FFA. All are welcome, and food will be served from 4-8 p.m. at the barn.

 

“We are excited for everything that the new Agriculture Barn is going to bring to the Medford area—education community involvement, and most importantly a love for agriculture,” said Sue Ackerman, Vice President and Medford Branch Manager.

 

 

The United Way of Taylor County Fill A Bus program had a drop box at both the Medford and Abbotsford AbbyBank locations. The Fill A Bus program brings together all community efforts in helping local students to receive backpacks filled with needed school supplies for the upcoming school year.

 

“It is wonderful to see the community come together to help local students get started on a positive note for the upcoming school year,” states Sue Ackerman, Vice President/Branch Manager for AbbyBank.

 

 

Sam Tesmer, AbbyBank’s Assistant Controller, was awarded a diploma on August 10, 2018, at commencement exercises during the 74th annual session of the prestigious Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

 

The School, sponsored by state bankers associations from across the central United States, as well as the University of Wisconsin-Madison, was established in 1945 to provide bankers with an opportunity for advanced study and research in banking, economics and leadership. Instruction at the Graduate School of Banking takes place during two-week resident sessions for three consecutive summers, along with comprehensive study between summer resident sessions. The curriculum focuses on the management of strategic issues faced by banking executives and financial services industry professionals.

 

The Graduate School of Banking enrolls approximately 600 US and international professionals each year. More than 85 esteemed academicians, economists, government officials, and industry professionals comprise the School’s faculty.

 

In addition, Sam Tesmer was awarded a Certificate of Executive Leadership from the Center for Professional and Executive Development (CPED) at the Wisconsin School of Business. This is the highest-level certificate offered by CPED and reflects the rigorous leadership curriculum that is delivered through the Graduate School of Banking.

 

Sam has spent most of her 10 years in banking as a commercial and agricultural credit analyst, recently moving into the Assistant Controller position at AbbyBank. She is from the Abbotsford area and is a graduate of Rasmussen College with a Bachelor of Science in Finance, Summa Cum Laude. Sam volunteers at the Clark County Humane Society and the Marathon County Historical Society.

 

Sharri Stroinski, VP/CFO of AbbyBank, states “Sam’s hard work and dedication are evident in her success at Graduate School of Banking. We are very pleased with her accomplishment.”

 

AbbyBank is an independent, community owned bank with assets of $475 million, serving our customers and shareholders with offices in Abbotsford, Appleton, Medford, Wausau and Weston.

 

 

In 2017, AbbyBank started its remodeling of their Medford location on S. 8th Street. They sold their gently used furniture for $1,700 to local area businesses that could utilize it. In turn, AbbyBank donated those funds back into the Medford community by donating them to the Medford FFA. “We have strong roots in agriculture and a passion for education, that is what made this a perfect fit,” states Sue Ackerman, Vice President/Branch Manager of the Medford AbbyBank.

 

 

The United Way of Marathon County Fill A Backpack Fill A Need program had drop box locations at AbbyBank in Wausau and Weston and Peace Lutheran Church in the Town of Frankfort. The Fill A Backpack Fill A Need program helps all local needy students in Marathon County schools.

 

Peace Lutheran Church is proud to partner with AbbyBank to help provide school supplies to our local youth. “It’s a great feeling when we (the congregation) can help fulfill the needs of others in our surrounding areas,” states Kris Belanger, Fundraising/Community Service Project Coordinator at Peace Lutheran Church. PLC is made up of people from six local communities and believe that supporting the children of today is an investment in the future of those communities.

 

 

The Community Clothes Closet’s program, Cool for School Supply Drive had a drop box location at AbbyBank in Appleton on Casaloma Drive. The program provides local students in need a brand-new back-to-school outfit, gym shoes, and school supplies. Last year, the program helped over 650 kids start the new school year on a positive note!

 

“AbbyBank is new to the Appleton area, even though this year marks our 50th anniversary. We wanted to find an organization that gave students the tools and materials they need to have a successful school year. We found that partnership with the Cool for School Supply program,” said Rob Diedrich, Appleton AbbyBank Branch Manager and AVP/Mortgage Loan Officer.

 

 

AbbyBank welcomes Adam Rekau as the Vice President of Commercial Loans and Branch Manager at the Wausau Location. Adam joins the AbbyBank team with 15 years of banking experience working with clients in many industries. Some of those include; manufacturing, retail, wholesale, and transportation.

 

Adam is a graduate of UW Eau Claire’s School of Business. He is passionate about supporting business development and growth. He currently serves on the Central Wisconsin Economic Development Fund board, Merrill Area Development Corporation board, and the City of Merrill Community Development board.

 

Craig Stuedemann, President of AbbyBank, states “Adam will play a key role in providing quality commercial loans to facilitate growth in the greater Wausau and Merrill areas. His background in economic development will be an asset as we continue to grow our customer base.”
AbbyBank is an independent, community owned bank with assets of $462 million, serving our customers and shareholders with offices in Abbotsford, Appleton, Medford, Wausau and Weston.

 

 

Craig Stuedemann assumed his new role as President of AbbyBank on January 1, 2018. Craig succeeds Pat McCrackin, who will remain CEO and Chairman of the Board.

 

Craig, joined the AbbyBank team in 1998, most recently serving as Senior Vice President and Senior Lender. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Business from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has also completed the Graduate School of Banking. Having worked in banking for 27 years, Craig is passionate about a community bank’s ability to positively impact local businesses, households, family farms, and the areas we serve. When not at work, Craig is active in his church, the Wausau Noon Kiwanis Club, DC Everest Youth Boys Basketball , Junior Achievement, YEA, and coaching various youth athletic teams.

 

Garrett Kornman joins the AbbyBank team as our new Senior Vice President and Senior Lender. He comes to AbbyBank with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin – Parkside, and has also completed the Graduate School of Banking at UW-Madison. Previously, Garrett was a Senior Lender in Southeast Wisconsin and has been in the banking industry for 15 years. In his free time, he enjoys being a conductor and has been playing saxophone for 35 years!

 

“We’re confident that Craig will continue the dedication to our values, innovation and community service. His years of experience and knowledge of the industry will help us reach the next level of community banking. We are also excited to have Garrett join our team as our new Senior Vice President and Senior Lender. He will be a great asset to the AbbyBank team,” states Pat McCrackin, CEO for AbbyBank.

 

AbbyBank is an independent, community owned bank with assets of $462 million, serving our customers and shareholders with offices in Abbotsford, Appleton, Medford, Wausau and Weston.

 

At the annual shareholders meeting held in February, Patrick McCrackin, CEO of AbbyBank, presented Dennis Kramer with a plaque for his service on the board. Dennis joined the AbbyBank board of directors in 1994 when the bank had $87 million in assets. “Those that know Dennis admire him not only for his business efforts, but also for his personal commitment to this community. We have truly valued his leadership over the last 24 years,” states Patrick McCrackin.

 

AbbyBank is an independent, community owned bank with assets of $462 million, serving our customers and shareholders with offices in Abbotsford, Appleton, Medford, Wausau and Weston.

 

 

50 years ago, in the small town of Abbotsford, Wisconsin, a vision became a reality when local business people came together and established the Abbotsford State Bank. This development brought a new quality of independent and community based financial service. The dedication to banking services for consumers, agriculture and businesses, proved to the shareholders and community that they could put their trust in this hometown bank. This success brought about new locations to other communities in 1998 and 2006, along with a name change to AbbyBank. The name change recognized the roots of origination while still displaying commitment to all three of the communities served. In 2016, AbbyBank completed its transaction with Fidelity National Bank adding Medford and Appleton to our footprint.

 

A special 50th Anniversary logo has been designed to honor the occasion. Patrick McCrackin, CEO, states, “We want to express our sincere gratitude for the many years of loyalty from our customers and the communities we serve. An Anniversary Celebration held at each location and more information will be posted as these events get closer. We look forward to celebrating this great milestone with those who made it possible!”

 

AbbyBank is an independent, community owned bank with assets of $462 million, serving our customers and shareholders with offices in Abbotsford, Appleton, Medford, Wausau and Weston. www.abbybank.com

 

 

AbbyBank welcomes new member Karen Piel to the bank’s Board of Directors. Karen graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School. Karen is currently employed by Marshfield Clinic Health System Foundation as their Charitable Gift Planning Officer, a role she has had since 2006. Previously, she was an estate planning attorney in the Wausau area.

 

Karen comes to AbbyBank as an accomplished business leader and an experienced board member in both the public and non-profit sector. In the past, she was elected to the Marathon County Board of Supervisors, serving on several committees, and elected to the Wausau School Board. She is currently a citizen member of the Marathon County Board of Adjustment, a faculty member for the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy Madison Institute - Planned Giving Track and a volunteer with the Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long-Term Care. In addition, Karen served as a volunteer for the American Legion Auxiliary Badger Girls State Program for over 20 years and she is a Leadership Wausau/Marathon County Graduate. She is also a member of numerous professional associations and is very passionate about giving back to her community. When Karen is not working, or volunteering, you will find her spending time with her family, enjoying outdoor activities, reading or traveling.

 

“We are confident that Karen will add great value to our Board of Directors and that AbbyBank will benefit from her insights, judgement and counsel,” states Pat McCrackin, CEO of AbbyBank.

 

AbbyBank is an independent, community owned bank with assets of $462 million, serving our customers and shareholders with offices in Abbotsford, Appleton, Medford, Wausau and Weston.