Wisconsin

FITCHBURG, Wis. — Summit CU remodeled its branch here in early 2013 as part of a move to "inspire" members to dream more, and the project appears to have paid off.

Westbury Bancorp (WBB) in West Bend, Wis., intends to repurchase up to 250,000 of its issued and outstanding shares, or roughly 4.9% of its stock.

OSHKOSH, Wis. — Two employees of Oshkosh Central CU have been suspended following an investigation by the state's credit union regulator that has uncovered serious financial irregularities at the $28 million credit union.

Many mutuals feel pressure to sell or switch charters. But there's another option.

The Chicago-area company has shown a willingness to pursue small branch deals and expand in nearby Wisconsin as it looks for liquidity and lending opportunities.

The lessons that elementary school students learn about saving can have a lasting effect, according to a new study supported by the Treasury Department.

Wintrust Financial (WTFC) in Rosemont, Ill., has agreed to buy 11 branches in Wisconsin from Talmer Bancorp (TLMR) in Troy, Mich.

ANTIGO, Wis. — The "mobile-only" consumer, those conducting all of their remote banking activity via a tablet or smartphone, are growing in number — quickly becoming a group that industry insiders and analysts say credit unions must cater to and support.

AnchorBank in Madison, Wis., has been released from two enforcement actions from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

OSHKOSH, Wis. — A trio of Wisconsin credit unions have decided to merge — a rare event in itself, made all the more unusual in that none of the three are struggling.

First Federal and Bay View are combining similar sized institutions that have complementary infrastructure, earnings and products. Though small, the deal could serve as a model for mutuals interested in keeping their charter and culture.

First Federal Bank of Wisconsin in Waukesha and Bay View Federal Savings and Loan Association are merging.

MADISON, Wis. — The National CU Foundation hopes credit union employees will "dress down" to support financial education initiatives next month.

The home, the road and credit card rewards are some key areas CUs are zeroing in on as spring approaches.

Regulators are laser-focused on compliance, particularly when reviewing merger applications. Associated, recently freed from an enforcement action, could use its clean bill of health to woo sellers.

Associated Banc-Corp (ASBC) in Green Bay, Wis., seems poised to make acquisitions.

MADISON, Wis. — One of the most visible changes at credit unions in the wake of the Great Recession has been the sharp increase in expectations for credit union directors — especially when it comes to financial education.

Allan Hosack joined the $1.9 billion-asset Waterstone after a decade at BMO Financial Group (BMO) and predecessor, Marshall & Ilsley.

Associated Banc-Corp (ASBC) posted a fourth-quarter profit of $47.8 million, up 2.4% from a year earlier.

Bank Mutual (BKMU) in Brown Deer, Wis., reported higher earnings due mostly to improved credit quality.