Press Releases

AbbyBank is pleased to announce the appointment of Tricia Rathermel to its Board of Directors. With her extensive background in business administration and commitment to fostering economic development, Tricia is set to bring a wealth of knowledge to AbbyBank.

Tricia graduated from Calvin University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration. Since then, she has become a recognized advocate for economic growth in the Greater Oshkosh region. She currently serves as the President and CEO of the Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation (Greater Oshkosh EDC), with a strong focus on both the private and public sectors.

Tricia is a valued member of the board of advisors for the Alta Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at UW Oshkosh. She also serves as a Member of the Board of Advisors for Fox Valley Technical College, emphasizing her commitment to educational excellence.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Tricia exemplifies the spirit of giving back. She dedicates her time to serve as a campus life mentor for Badgerland Youth for Christ and holds a pivotal role as an at-large member on their Board of Directors, actively nurturing the next generation. Furthermore, Tricia contributes her expertise and passion to the Oshkosh Area United Way as a member of their Board of Directors.

"We are thrilled to welcome Tricia Rathermel to the AbbyBank Board of Directors," said Craig Stuedemann, President, and CEO of AbbyBank. "Her passion for economic development, tireless dedication to the Greater Oshkosh region, and her invaluable community involvement make her an outstanding addition to our team. We look forward to working with Tricia to guide AbbyBank’s growth in the Fox Valley."

Tricia expressed her enthusiasm for joining the board, stating, "I am truly honored to become a part of the AbbyBank Board of Directors. It's an exciting opportunity to contribute to the growth and prosperity of our community."

AbbyBank welcomes Mike Morse, VP/Commercial Loan Officer, to their Shawano and Gresham, Wisconsin locations. Mike has 26 years of banking industry knowledge, 24 of which are in commercial lending. He comes to AbbyBank with a degree in Economics from UW Madison.

Mike is very involved in his community as he is currently a board member for ThedaCare Hospital in New London, and volunteers with the Rotary Club. He also serves his community through being on the Zoning Board and the Police and Fire Commission.

“I enjoy helping develop plans and strategies for my customers. Also, I like the role the bank plays in the success of our business customers,” states Mike.

When Mike isn’t working, you will find him golfing, fishing, and playing Pickleball. “Mike has been a positive influence and steady presence in his community,” stated Adam Rekau, Senior Vice President/Senior Loan Officer. “He has quickly established himself as a team player and we look forward to his impact on our local community.”

AbbyBank is pleased to announce the promotion of Samantha Olson to Mortgage Loan Officer at our Shawano location.  Samantha will serve customers at our Gresham and Shawano location by helping them finance their homes or assist them in applying of a Home Equity Line of Credit.

Samantha joined AbbyBank in 2009 and has been a Teller, Personal Banker, Branch Operations Supervisor, and a Retail Market Lead before transitioning into a Mortgage Loan Officer. She has a creative and thoughtful approach to banking and has the ability to generate positive results for her customers. She is a member of the Shawano Area Early Childhood Partnership (SAECP). She also volunteers at various AbbyBank sponsored events where she always displays her contagious and infectious smile.

When Samantha isn’t working, you will find her camping, fishing, and spending time with her family. She is extremely excited to start helping her customers celebrate their most memorable moments in their new home.

“Samantha’s positive attitude and great customer service skills will make her transition to mortgage lending invaluable to our customers and the bank.” States Dave Klein, Vice President/Mortgage Department Manager at AbbyBank.

AbbyBank welcomes James Kilsdonk, VP/Commercial Loan Officer, to their Appleton, Wisconsin location. James is a 15-year veteran of the banking industry, five of which are in commercial lending. Prior to AbbyBank, James was the market president at Old National Bank. He comes to AbbyBank with a degree in marketing from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. He also was the 2019 Future 15 Young Professional award recipient; a 2019 Leadership Fox Cities graduate and received the 2021 NWTC Distinguished Alumni Award.

James is extremely philanthropic as he is currently a board member for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Wisconsin’s. He is the treasurer for the Fox Cares Foundation and a board member for the Fox Cities Pulse Young Professionals. He also volunteers for the American Cancer Society, United Way Fox Cities, and the St. Joseph Food Program.

“I enjoy helping people and companies create solutions for their needs. Seeing their success, growth and fulfilling their dreams, brings joy to my heart. When a business is successful, that means jobs, food on family tables, and a stimulated local economy, which is very rewarding for me,” states James.

When James isn’t working, you will find him golfing, playing sports, and being a dad. He’s also an avid motorcycle, auto and racing enthusiast.

“James is a steady presence in the Fox Cities area. He will remain committed to his community and represent AbbyBank well,” stated Adam Rekau, Senior Vice President/Senior Loan Officer. “He will be a valued member of our team and we look forward to his success here.”

Heather comes to AbbyBank with over 18 years of experience. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Stevens Point and is a graduate of the University of Madison’s Graduate School of Banking. Heather has worked in many different areas of community banking, which makes her a great fit for AbbyBank and as our Chief Retail Officer. In her role, Heather will lead the retail activities across all seven AbbyBank locations. Heather loves working with customers and building relationships. She also enjoys being a supportive leader and coach for her retail team.

When Heather isn’t working you will find her attending her children’s sporting events. She loves Wisconsin summers and enjoying time with family and friends at their cabin up north on the lake.

“We are happy to welcome Heather to the AbbyBank team, stated Craig Stuedemann, President, and CEO at AbbyBank. Heather has a deep understanding of the banking industry and will help us enhance and streamline our retail division. She shares the same passion for community as all of us here at AbbyBank.”

The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) has named Natalyn Jannene recipient of the Prochnow Educational Foundation/WBA Scholarship. Natalyn, AVP/Marketing, AbbyBank, Abbotsford, WI, will receive a $1,500 discount from the regularly charged fees for each of the three years of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

This $4,500 scholarship, established and funded by the Herbert V. Prochnow Educational Foundation, furthers the goal of supporting banker education. The scholarship is made available annually to a selected individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and a commitment to his or her community and to the banking industry.

“The banking industry and the communities we serve have a bright future because of the leadership of bankers such as Natalyn" said Craig Stuedemann, President, and CEO of AbbyBank. “This scholarship is in recognition of Natalyn’s commitment to AbbyBank and our valued customers”.

The Herbert V. Prochnow Educational Foundation, a not-for-profit support organization to the Graduate School of Banking, has promoted the growth of banker education throughout the United States.  The Graduate School of Banking was established in 1945 and has more than 20,000 alumni. 

WBA sponsors the Graduate School of Banking through its membership in the Central States Conference of State Bankers Associations.  Rose Oswald Poels of the WBA is a member of the school’s Board of Trustees.

For further information regarding the scholarship, please contact the Wisconsin Bankers Association at 608-441-1200.  For additional information regarding the Graduate School of Banking, please visit gsb.org.

6/6/22

AbbyBank is pleased to announce the promotion of Adam Rekau from Vice President/Commercial Loan Officer to Senior Vice President/Senior Loan Officer.  Adam joined the AbbyBank team in 2018 with 15 years of banking experience. In his new role, Adam will lead the commercial and agricultural loan department while continuing to support his current customers that he has built lasting relationships with.

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, and the Merrill Area Development Corporation board.

Craig Stuedemann, President of AbbyBank, states “I know Adam is very excited to take on this important role. He is a trusted advisor not only to our customers, but to our team at AbbyBank as well.” 

Shawn Sukup joins AbbyBank as Vice President/Commercial Loan Officer at the Wausau location. Shawn joins the AbbyBank team with 22 years in the financial services industry. He is a graduate of UW-Stevens Point with a Business Management degree. Shawn’s broad range of industry experience allows him to build strong relationships with his customers by providing exceptional service and understanding their financial needs.

“My personal mission is to earn my customers trust and become their primary contact for all their financial needs,” Shawn states.

Adam Rekau, new Senior Vice President/Senior Loan Officer said “Shawn’s years of experience and his dedication to his customers are a great asset to our team and a great resource for our customers. We look forward to Shawn’s contributions to AbbyBank’s continued growth in the Wausau area.” 

The AbbyBank Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce the donation of $800 to the Junior Achievement of Wisconsin Northcentral to help purchase a new laptop and printer.

Hmong American Center receives $1,500 from AbbyBank Foundation

AbbyBank is pleased to announce the promotion of Karla Feldbruegge. Karla is an AVP/Business Banker and Senior Personal Banker. She will now also be the Branch Manager for the Abbotsford location.  Karla has been with AbbyBank for 40 years. She continually earns the respect from her customers and the staff because of her extensive knowledge and caring personality.

Heather Beiler, Chief Retail Officer, states “Karla has proven to be an asset to AbbyBank and our local community throughout her tenure here and has always offered outstanding financial service to our customers. We couldn’t be happier to see her transition into her new role as the Abbotsford Branch Manager.”

The AbbyBank Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce the donation of $1,000 to help with the cost of construction for the caboose roof and the depot platform.

Shawano Police Department receives $2,500 from AbbyBank Foundation

Holy Rosary Catholic School receives $1,000 from AbbyBank Foundation

The AbbyBank Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce the donation of $9,500 to the Little Lamb Academy of Medford, Huey’s Hideaway Children’s Museum and Taylor County Supportive Housing.

Little Lamb is currently working on construction of their childcare center. The awarded funds will help with several needed items like, cribs, changing tables, mats and floor coverings, cabinetry, and playground equipment.  

Huey’s Hideaway will use the funds to help towards their outdoor expansion project. Huey’s is working on creating an additional outside area where a dinosaur exhibit will be placed.

Taylor County Supportive Housing will use their funds for the construction of a handicap bathroom.

Shawano, WI -- AbbyBank and the Village of Gresham are pleased to announce they have partnered together to create an even better community space. AbbyBank is undergoing a major remodeling of its current location at 801 Main Street in Gresham. The project will include new business offices and a community room for the Village of Gresham. Upon completion, AbbyBank will donate the building to the Village and in-turn lease banking space from the Village. Keller, Inc. will be the Design/Build and General Contractor overseeing the remodeling project.

The project starts July 9^th and is expected to be completed by year-end. In the interim, the bank offices have moved into a temporary banking unit located on the same site. This will help speed up the remodeling process and get everyone settled into the building faster. Hours of operation will not change during construction and all banking transactions can still take place.

The Village of Gresham is also pleased to announce they are the recipient of a $125,000 Community Development Investment (CDI) Grant through Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).  The WEDC’s CDI Grant Program supports community development and redevelopment efforts. The matching grants are awarded based on ability of applicants to demonstrate economic impact of the proposed project, including public and private partnerships. The awarded grant was essential in moving the remodeling project forward.

Craig Stuedemann, CEO of AbbyBank, said, “AbbyBank is excited about this "win-win" accomplishment whereby we helped the Village of Gresham obtain new office space for their growing needs and modernize our banking office for our Gresham customers. We have a long history of supporting the community and are proud to continue that tradition with this unique partnership.”

Brian Carroll, Operations Manager of the Village of Gresham said, “We are extremely grateful to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation for our CDI grant. Sharing this space with AbbyBank helps bring us together to ensure our businesses and residents have a great place to live, work and play.”

“As the state’s leading economic development organization, WEDC’s aim is to bring together the best of Wisconsin’s public and private sectors,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC. “It’s exciting to see the Village of Gresham and AbbyBank joining forces to meet their mutual needs and to support a vibrant community.”

AbbyBank is an independent, community owned bank with assets of $625 million, serving our customers and shareholders with seven locations in Central and Eastern Wisconsin and online at www.abbybank.com    

The AbbyBank Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce the donation of $479 to the Marathon County Literacy Council for a new paper shredder and bilingual books. McLIT, is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to teaching literacy to adults and students no matter their level. They provide tutoring services to Marathon County and surrounding areas and at no cost to the public. 

The AbbyBank Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce the donation of $1,500 to the Compassionate Home Health Care, Inc. for collection boxes, tables, and dollies. CHHC is a non-profit organization that collects personal care and cleaning items for community members in need. They have assisted thousands of families in the northeast Wisconsin region. 

The AbbyBank Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce the donation of $2,350 to the Colby Community Library and Central Fire & EMS. These donations will help purchase a new LUCAS device for the Central Fire & EMS and new computer and software for the Colby Community Library.  

Every March and September, AbbyBank’s charitable foundation, The AbbyBank Foundation, Inc. receives requests from many area schools, non-profit organizations or community organizations for funds needed to enrich, create, or support existing community public projects. The AbbyBank Foundation, Inc., strives to provide continued support to its area communities.

The Foundation was formed in 1986 as a private charitable foundation of AbbyBank, which has contributed over $1,462,300 to the foundation. Since 1986, the foundation has made donations to Abbotsford, Appleton, Medford, Wausau, Weston and neighboring area organizations totaling over $1,034,267.37.

For more information regarding AbbyBank and its charitable foundation, visit their website at www.abbybank.com, call 715-223-2345 or stop in at any of the Abbotsford, Appleton, Gresham, Medford, Shawano, Wausau or Weston locations.  

Sensibill, the leading provider of everyday financial tools and SKU-level insights that drive personalization and help make financial wellness attainable for all, today announced that AbbyBank has launched its technology in partnership with FIS.

Natalyn Jannene, Assistant Vice President of Marketing for AbbyBank, said, “In today’s online world, customers expect more convenience to bank how they want. Our partnership with Sensibill will help our customers and employees with digitizing the shoebox of receipts or overstuffed purses and wallets, making it easier for them to track receipts, exchanges, and warranties in one place.”

AbbyBank serves a wide range of customers and providing Sensibill’s technology will help reduce time and stress of managing paper receipts. The receipts management tool organizes receipts for their Health Savings Account, side gigs, home construction, or their small businesses for tax purposes. It also helps customers track expenses for governmental programs like the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

Corey Gross, Co-founder and CEO of Sensibill, added, “At Sensibill, we’re solving everyday problems that customers and businesses face today. This is a time when financial institutions like AbbyBank, that have strong relationships with their customers, can continue to make a huge impact in their financial lives by providing user-friendly tools to conveniently manage finances.”

About Sensibill

Sensibill provides everyday financial tools, equipping financial institutions with personalized insights to help their customers build healthier financial habits. The AI-powered platform enables end-users to easily track spending and manage their finances. Sensibill has rolled out its solutions to over 60 million users across North America and the U.K. Visit getsensibill.com to learn more.

New tool provides customers with a seamless view of all their financial data, including budgeting, subscription tracking, account aggregation, and debt management

ABBOTSFORD, WI and SILICON SLOPES, UT, March 29, 2021 -- AbbyBank recently announced the release of a new digital banking product, a personal financial management (PFM) tool powered by fintech innovator MX. The feature allows customers to experience an embedded digital money management tool within their new AbbyBank eBanking and Mobile Banking platforms.

“The goal is to help our customers improve their financial awareness,” said Natalyn Jannene, Assistant Vice President of Marketing, AbbyBank. “Knowing where money is spent allows you to manage your money more effectively. When our customers succeed, we succeed and that is truly what AbbyBank is here for.”

The new tool is one-way AbbyBank is using data to better serve its customers, providing a seamless experience for viewing all their financial data in one single view. Features include budgeting, subscription tracking, account aggregation, auto-categorization, and debt management -- allowing customers to make better financial decisions in real-time. For AbbyBank, the tool will help the bank increase user loyalty while ultimately improving the financial lives of its customers.

“With MX, AbbyBank is giving its customers across Wisconsin greater clarity into their personal finances -- exactly the kind of innovation, partnership and money experience that MX loves to enable through our powerful data platform,” said Nate Gardner, Chief Customer Officer, MX.

Powered by MX, the PFM tool uses AI and machine learning to translate obscure transactions with 99% accuracy, saving time, reducing cost, and driving innovation. Cleansing and augmenting financial data gives customers actionable insights with categorization, merchant names, logos, and location for each transaction.

About MX:

MX helps organizations everywhere deliver data-driven money experiences by connecting the financial ecosystem and turning raw, unstructured data into their most valuable asset. MX enhances financial data by cleansing, categorizing, and adding metadata that empowers organizations to deliver personalized experiences, reduce fraud, approve loans faster, and help customers save and invest smarter.

Founded in 2010, MX is one of the fastest growing fintech innovators, powering more than 2,000 banks, credit unions, fintechs, and technology companies, as well as 85% of digital banking providers, with a combined reach of over 200 million consumers. To learn more visit www.mx.com

AbbyBank welcomes Julia Olsen, AVP/Business Banker and Cash Management Specialist to their Appleton, Wisconsin market. Julia joins AbbyBank with over 8 years of banking experience in the Greater Appleton area. We are thrilled to welcome Julia Olsen to the AbbyBank team,” said Garrett Kornman, Senior Vice President and Senior Loan Officer at AbbyBank. “She brings knowledge and experience that will be a great resource to our customers. Julia shares the same passion for community growth and success as all of us here at AbbyBank.”

Olsen will graduate from Fox Valley Technical College this year with an Associates in Business Management. She has a very philanthropic side to her as she is involved in Junior Achievement and is a 4H Leader. “I am passionate about people! I enjoy actively engaging with people to uncover needs and connect those needs with solutions,” said Olsen.

AbbyBank is an independent, community owned bank with assets of $616 million, serving our customers and shareholders with seven locations in Central and Eastern Wisconsin and online at www.abbybank.com    

AbbyBank, Abbotsford, Wisconsin and State Bank, Gresham, Wisconsin, have entered into a Purchase of Assets and Assumption of Liabilities Agreement that will result in AbbyBank acquiring substantially all of the assets and assuming substantially all of the liabilities of State Bank. The transaction will increase AbbyBank’s total assets approximately $28 million, to approximately $533 million.

Following the transaction, each of State Bank’s current branch locations, one in Gresham, Wisconsin and the other in Shawano, Wisconsin, will be operated as branches of AbbyBank.  Financial terms of the deal will not be publicly disclosed.  Closing of  the transaction is subject to the receipt of all required regulatory approvals.

 Craig Stuedemann, AbbyBank’s President, said of the transaction:

 “AbbyBank is excited about the opportunity to engage in this strategic transaction with State Bank. AbbyBank looks forward to the opportunity to provide State Bank’s customers the outstanding products and service that AbbyBank’s customers have enjoyed since its inception in 1968.”

 Neil Beckman, Chief Executive Officer of State Bank, said of the transaction:

 “State Bank looks forward to continuing to work with AbbyBank to bring this transaction to completion. AbbyBank is a great community bank, and the customers, employees and communities of Gresham, Shawano and the surrounding areas will continue to receive the great service they have come to expect from State Bank. We do not think we could have found a better partner in this transaction.”

Gerrish Smith Tuck, Consultants and Attorneys, Memphis, Tennessee served as AbbyBank’s financial and legal advisor in the transaction. Jeffrey C. Gerrish and Greyson E. Tuck served as lead advisors.  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.

The Abbotsford Story, Inc. is pleased to announce the donation of $1,500 to the EMPD Blue Hearts. The donation will help towards the 5K/10K With A Cop program. This program helps law enforcement officers build relationships with at risk youth. They plan to help teach them the importance of goal setting, self-discipline, empower them with confidence and dedication that will help them live successful lives.

Rocky Road Boutique and AbbyBank presented Stepping Stones with a $200 donation from the proceeds of their boutique party on Sunday, April 7^th. Rocky Road Boutique in Stetsonville was AbbyBank’s featured business of the month in April. Both businesses wanted to find a way to team up and give back to the community.

Kendra Socwell, owner of Rocky Road Boutique, suggested Stepping Stones in Medford. “Kendra wanted to give some of her proceeds back to the community that has been so welcoming to her and her new business. After discussing the many wonderful organizations in the area, we agreed Stepping Stones was a great choice,” stated Natalyn Jannene, Assistant Vice President of Marketing for AbbyBank.

David has over 30 years of banking industry knowledge, 29 of which have been in real estate lending in the greater Wausau area. David obtained his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Marketing from UW-Oshkosh. He graduated from the Wisconsin Bankers Association's Commercial Lending School and has his Wisconsin Insurance License. He has been a member of the Everest Area Optimist Club for the past 30 years, and has served as treasurer, secretary and board member.

David enjoys working with his customers through the loan process, making sure to be with them each step of the way. He takes pride in providing great customer service which creates a continual robust relationship. 

Jenny Jakel, Executive Vice President of Retail, states “David’s expertise in mortgage lending and helpful personality are key factors in successfully navigating the mortgage process for our customers and all involved in each individual home purchase.”   

The Abbotsford Story, Inc. is pleased to announce the donation of $15,000 to the Colby Pullers Club for their food and beverage hospitality building. “Colby Pullers Club is excited for the opportunity and partnership with Abby Story Foundation. This grant will allow us to provide permanent structure to the facility and help us make, Pulling for Youth Hunger and Health in 2019 and years to come a great success.  The Abby Bank Hospitality Building will be a great addition to the property and the City of Colby,” states Lony Oestreich, Colby Pullers Club.