Wisconsin

Even in the face of soft loan demand, banks in the region have held firm on terms. That should position them well for the next economic downturn.

Premier Federal and Educators Credit Union together returned more than $3.7 million to members on the strength of their 2019 performance.

Though there were several high-profile mergers of equals among bigger banks, deal activity rose only slightly, and the vast majority of transactions involved the smallest of institutions. Here's an overview of those trends and others that stood out in bank dealmaking last year.

While digital channels are becoming more popular, many banks remain committed to highway advertising.

The company will pay nearly $33 million for Tomah Bancshares to boost its operations in Wisconsin's Monroe County.

Delinquencies also remained at "historical low levels" through Sept. 30, according to the state's financial regulator.

The Wisconsin-based institution has returned more than $11.7 million to members over the past six years.

The program will be called Bucks for Buckeyes and will be offered in partnership with the Minnesota Credit Union Network.

The acquisition of Farmers & Merchants Bank created a bank with more than $200 million in assets.

One Wisconsin credit union's foray into a community of just 2,500 people has been a success, and it could be a template for other institutions to follow.

The West Bend, Wis.-based institution's new chief executive has been with the credit union for more than 15 years.

Other banks have made splashy acquisitions there, but PSB Holdings is getting ready to open a branch after making inroads in the market for three years. Its next step could be M&A.

Executives of the Wisconsin bank realized employees weren't getting enough direction so they adopted a strategy that breaks objectives into smaller steps.

Institutions in the Badger State reported that lending was up by almost 6% and delinquencies remained at historic lows.

The company will pay $195 million for its first retail operations in the city.

The young professionals' development group is searching for a new manager following Lauren Culp's departure on Friday. She will remain in the industry.

The most recent Credit Union Trends Report from CUNA Mutual Group is “indicative that both the credit cycle and the U.S. business cycle are moving into their last stage before the next economic slowdown,” according to one economist.

A new employee each year will be selected to represent the Eau Claire, Wis.-based credit union at industry events.

The Wisconsin regional agreed to buy the parent of First National Bank in Staunton for $76 million in cash.

County Bancorp is a small dairy lender in Wisconsin with an exposure to milk prices, and Bank OZK is a larger bank in Arkansas coping with out-of-market real estate trends. Their stories show how market sensitivities can vex specialists.