Press Releases

AbbyBank Supports Consumers, Small Businesses and Agribusinesses with Sensibill's Technology 

AbbyBank Launches New Tool Powered by MX to Help Members Improve Their Financial Lives

AbbyBank Hires New AVP/Business Banker & Cash Management Specialist for Appleton

Abbotsford, Wisconsin – Vicki Halopka, Compliance Officer for AbbyBank was recently awarded the Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM) professional designation from the American Bankers Association. “Earning the CRCM certification validates Vicki’s experience and depth of education in the bank regulatory compliance environment,” said Craig Stuedemann, CEO of AbbyBank.

The CRCM certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate excellence in the field of bank regulatory compliance. To qualify for the CRCM certification, individuals must have certain levels of experience and education in the compliance profession, pass an exam and agree to abide by a code of ethics. The CRCM exam covers regulatory requirements as they relate to credit, deposits/securities, safety and soundness, information reporting and corporate responsibility.

 When Vicki isn’t working you will find her volunteering her time for many organizations. Some of those organizations include; President of the FFA Alumni and Committee Member of the Friends of the Christian Education Baquet. Along with these organizations, she always jumps at the chance to volunteer at bank sponsored events.

Financial services professionals, working through ABA, initiated the CRCM certification and seven others to establish meaningful standards of knowledge in specialty areas of the financial services industry. ABA Professional Certifications formally recognize those who meet these standards and meet professional continuing education and development requirements. 

ABA Professional Certifications promote the highest standards of performance in the financial services industry by validating individuals’ knowledge and expertise.

AbbyBank is an independent, community owned bank with assets of $615 million, serving our customers and shareholders with offices in Abbotsford, Appleton, Gresham, Medford, Shawano, Wausau and Weston and online at www.abbybank.com.   

ICBA Honors AbbyBank for Exceptional Service During COVID-19

The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) announced AbbyBank as a recipient of its 2020 National Community Bank Service Award for extraordinary efforts to help small businesses, consumers and their communities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to support our friends and neighbors and humbled by this recognition from ICBA for doing what we’ve always done—supporting our community through good times and adversity,” said Natalyn Jannene Assistant Vice President of Marketing at AbbyBank.

As consumers and small businesses in urban, suburban, and rural communities grappled with the onset of COVID-19, AbbyBank stepped up as a financial first responder and steward of its community by:

• Working nights and weekends to provide Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program assistance, processing 392 loans for a total of $26.7M.
• Helping local health care providers collect Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). They collected almost 25,000 first aid items.
• Donating PPE to support essential workers, businesses, local charities, and those in need.
• Delivering gifts and a sense of hope when members of the community needed it most.

“ICBA is proud to honor the extraordinary dedication and commitment of community bankers, whose spirit of service shined through when our country needed it most,” said ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey. “We are so fortunate to represent such thoughtful and compassionate community leaders, and we commend their efforts to go above and beyond, even during times of challenge.”

The 2020 National Community Bank Service Awards, presented by ICBA and sponsored by FIS, generated more than 100 inspirational stories from community banks like AbbyBank a sampling of which is showcased in the September issue of ICBA’s award-winning magazine, Independent Banker.

ICBA founded the National Community Bank Service Awards program in 2002 to celebrate outstanding volunteer efforts and bring national recognition to the unmatched contributions community banks make to help sustain their communities.  

The Abbotsford Story, Inc., that has served the surrounding communities with its charitable giving since 1986, has a new name: AbbyBank Foundation, Inc.

While the bank’s original location is in Abbotsford, the story has changed. The bank now has seven locations in Central Wisconsin and not everyone realizes that the Abbotsford Story, Inc. is connected to AbbyBank. The name change will help our foundation’s outreach to support all our communities with sustainable donations.

We are excited to launch the AbbyBank Foundation, Inc. name which will carry on the legacy and tradition of giving back to our local communities, states Jennifer Jakel, Executive Vice President and CRA Officer for AbbyBank.

The Foundation remains an independent foundation. Since 1986, AbbyBank has made contributions totaling over $1,366,300 to the foundation. Over the years, the foundation has made donations to Abbotsford, Appleton, Medford, Shawano, Wausau, Weston and neighboring area organizations totaling over $1,002,375.65.

AbbyBank welcomes new member Patrick Trinko to the bank’s Board of Directors. Patrick graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from GMI Engineering & Management Institute in Michigan. He also completed Pre-Med at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. Patrick’s family owns and operates Shawano Ambulance which maintains five ambulances and has a station that is staffed 365 days a year serving nine townships, three villages and the City of Shawano.

Patrick comes to AbbyBank as an accomplished business leader and immense community supporter. He is currently the President of the Shawano County EMS Association, a member of the ThedaCare Medical Center - Shawano Trauma Committee, Northeast and Northcentral Wisconsin Technical College EMS Advisory Committees, Bellin Memorial Hospital Chest Pain Committee and the Stroke Committee, Shawano Community School District Safety Committee and President of the Vilas County Improvement Company Board of Directors.

Patrick was a director for State Bank until October of 2019 when the transaction was completed with AbbyBank. When Patrick is not working, or volunteering, you will find him spending time with his wife Liz and his children, McKenzie and Parker. Like many of us in Wisconsin, he enjoys outdoor activities like snowmobiling, boating, and hunting.

“We are very pleased to have Patrick join the AbbyBank board of directors. We are confident that Patrick’s knowledge of Shawano and Gresham markets will enable us to effectively serve our growing customers base,” states Craig Stuedemann, CEO of AbbyBank.

AbbyBank, Abbotsford Wisconsin and State Bank, Gresham, Wisconsin  

AbbyBank announced the closing of a definitive agreement under which State Bank’s assets and liabilities became part of AbbyBank as of October 25, 2019.

“This is an exciting time for all of us,” states Craig Stuedemann, President and CEO of AbbyBank. “State Bank’s customers will find that our resources allow us to offer expanded services and enhanced opportunities to better serve them and their local communities.”

AbbyBank opened in 1968 and the corporate headquarters remain in Abbotsford.  The addition of the Gresham and Shawano locations will increase AbbyBank’s assets to approximately $550 million.  AbbyBank serves customers with additional locations in Appleton, Medford, Wausau and Weston, Wisconsin.

As of October 28, 2019, customers can utilize all seven locations for their banking needs.  

Gerrish Smith Tuck, Consultants and Attorneys, Memphis, Tennessee served as AbbyBank’s financial and legal advisor in the transaction. Ruder Ware, L.L.S.C., Wausau, Wisconsin, served as State Bank’s legal advisor in the transaction, and Edelman & Co., Ltd. served as financial advisor to State Bank and its parent company West End Financial Corporation.

Mike Papendorf Joins AbbyBank as VP Commercial Loan Officer, Appleton Location

AbbyBank welcomes Mike Papendorf as Vice President/Commercial Loan Officer at the Appleton location.  Mike joins the AbbyBank team with 17 years of banking experience, 12 of which have been working with clients in many different industries to include; manufacturing, retail, wholesale, and transportation.

Mike is a graduate of UW Oshkosh with a degree in Business Administration and Finance. He currently serves as Treasurer for the Clintonville Area Ducks Unlimited, Crossways Lutheran Camping Ministries, Clintonville Area Foundation and is a Board Member for the Clintonville Area Industrial Corporation.

Mike feels strongly about providing his customers with products and services that help them reach their goals and dreams. Even more important, he enjoys helping people become successful and being part of the experience with them. When he is not working you will find Mike; hunting, fishing, camping and spending time with his kids and helping at their sporting events. Like many of us, in the winter, he enjoys a vacation some place warm!

Garrett Kornman, Senior VP and Senior Loan Officer of AbbyBank, states “We are excited to be able to add Mike to the AbbyBank team and look forward to his contributions toward our continued growth in the Appleton market. Mike’s years of experience and dedication to his customers ensure that he will be a welcome addition to our strong team of bankers currently serving the communities of the Fox Valley.”

AbbyBank’s winning bid of a 250-lb. hog at the Taylor County Fair will help feed local families in need in the Medford and surround communities. After the sale, the bank processed the meat and had it delivered to the food pantry at the First Baptist Church in Medford. 

“We were thrilled to have been the winning bidder of a hog at the fair. It was great to be able to have a two-fold win and donate that back into the community!” said Sue Ackerman, Vice President and Medford Branch Manager.

The United Way of Marathon County Fill A Backpack Fill A Need program had drop box locations at AbbyBank in Abbotsford, Wausau and Weston and Peace Lutheran Church in the Town of Frankfort. The Fill A Backpack Fill A Need program helps all local students in need in the Marathon County schools. This also includes the Abbotsford and Colby School Districts.

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.

Announcement AbbyBank, Abbotsford Wisconsin and State Bank, Gresham, Wisconsin  

Local Organization Receives $1,500 in Donations 

Rocky Road Boutique and AbbyBank join together to support Stepping Stones in Medford

AbbyBank Promotes David Klein to Head of Mortgage Division

Local Organizations Receive $500 from The Abbotsford Story Foundation

Local Organizations Receive $3,950 from The Abbotsford Story Foundation

4/9/19

Local Organizations Receive $3,100 from The Abbotsford Story Foundation

Local Organizations Receive $2,900 from The Abbotsford Story Foundation

4/3/19

Local Organizations Receive $2,899 from The Abbotsford Story Foundation

Local Organization Receives $15,000 from The Abbotsford Story Foundation

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.

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.