In this challenging economic environment, it is evident that small businesses are more important than ever to job creation and our country’s economic recovery. Community banks play a vital role in supporting small businesses by providing financing to grow, and cash management services to support cash flow needs. At First Bank Financial Centre (FBFC) we have provided loans and cash flow assistance to local businesses for more than 150 years. In fact, our Bank was the number one community bank Small Business Administration (SBA) lender in the entire state of Wisconsin this past year.
FBFC continues to implement innovative ways to help our business customers manage their banking accounts. We offer online tools including Business Online Banking and Express Deposit in addition to convenient cash management products like Investment Sweep Accounts. One of our main priorities is to help your small business succeed.
Thank you for the trust you have placed with our Bank. On behalf of all our employees I wish you and your family a safe and joyful holiday season.
Identity theft affects 10 million people in the United States every year. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched a campaign called “Deter. Detect. Defend.” This provides resources to combat identity theft. If you believe your identity has been compromised, or if you want to find ways to protect yourself, the FTC’s ID theft site, is a great starting point.
Deter
* Protect your social security number. * Shred documents containing personal information before discarding them. * Never give out information over the phone or Internet unless you know who you are dealing with
Detect
* Request your credit report at annualcreditreport.com. Federal law gives you the right to a free credit report every year from the three national consumer reporting companies. * Review your financial accounts regularly. * Check credit card and other bank statements for charges you did not make.
Defend
* Call the three credit reporting companies and place a fraud alert on your credit report. * Call the security or fraud department of companies holding your accounts to have them close any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Follow up in writing and include copies of supporting documents. * File a police report. Contact the FTC at 877.438.4338. Your information will help law enforcement officials track down and stop ID thieves.
To ensure your investments are safe from theft, contact Eric M. Mazemke, Investment Representative, at (262) 560-2074, or eric.mazemke@cfnmail.com, for a complimentary consultation.
Securities and Advisory Services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Not FDIC Insured, No Bank Guarantee, May Lose Value, Not a Deposit, Not Insured by any Government Agency.
Many of our nation’s more than 8,000 community banks offer overdraft services to their customers who would otherwise inadvertently overdraw their accounts and thus become subject to fees and complications. First Bank Financial Centre (FBFC) is no different. To help manage your accounts wisely and avoid overdraft fees, it is important to:
* Keep an eye on your account balance prior to writing a check or using your debit card. * Prevention is your best medicine. * Review your transactions on an ongoing basis. * Use services, such as online banking, to keep up-to-date with your balance. * Do not use your debit card like you use your credit card. Your debit card is like an electronic check and the funds are automatically deducted from your account.
For more information on managing your accounts, or FBFC’s overdraft coverage, please visit www.fbfcwi.com. Portions of this article provided by the ICBA
Freedom Communications was established in 1984 by owner Richard Meier. Richard began in the business by personally answering phone calls for a crisis hotline. This turned into the 24-hour call center it is today, serving more than 150 customers. Located in Oconomowoc, Freedom Communications takes great pride in providing specialized service to its individual clients at an affordable price.
Clients of Freedom Communications include health care services, funeral homes, church parishes, appliance and repair centers, utility companies, real estate offices, veterinary services, and law offices, to name a few. They strive to handle each in-bound call with deliberate care, and hold high regard for integrity and maintaining the dignity of each caller. From the inception of the company, it has been Richard’s vision to provide his customers with friendly and efficient support.
With business values similar to First Bank Financial Centre’s (FBFC), its no surprise FBFC has been their trusted bank for many years. Meier stated, “As a business customer, FBFC’s convenient locations and low costs have been very important.” He added, “Freedom Communications does all their business through FBFC including their monthly tax deposits.”
Freedom Communications 1341 W. Wisconsin Ave. Oconomowoc, WI 53066 (262) 567-9560www.freedcomm.com
In addition to running a successful business, employees of Freedom Communications are also involved in the Faith and Hope Foundation, and ChildFund International. If you would like more information on Freedom Communications, please contact Marge Logan at (262) 567-9560, or visit their Website at www.freedcomm.com.
To be considered for a future Customer Spotlight article, please contact Becky Miller in the Marketing department at becky.miller@fbfcwi.com or 262-560-2077.
During the month of December, most of our bank offices will be offering complimentary gift wrapping services with a suggested donation to a local charity. Wrapping schedule is as follows; contact your local office for details!
CORPORATE 155 W. Wisconsin Ave. Oconomowoc Dec. 18 and 23 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. and 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Summit 1300 Summit Ave., Ste. 100 Oconomowoc December 11 Regular lobby hrs
Hartland 800 Cardinal Ln. December 11 & 18 Regular lobby hrs
Hartford 940 Bell Ave. Hartford December 14 - 18 Regular lobby hrs
Germantown N112 W17100 Mequon Rd. December 17 & 18 Regular lobby hrs
West Bend 1811 W. Washington St. December 17 & 18 Regular lobby hrs
Looking to buy or refinance? Apply online at FBFC's Mortgage Center. It's quick, easy, and you can do it from the comfort of your own home. Visit our online mortgage center.
(Day trips June – December, 2010 not shown here, but are available. Itinerary subject to change.)
January 14 Those Fabulous 50s & 60s Fireside Theatre in Fort Atkinson, WI
February 6 Valentine’s Day Massacre Tommy Gun’s Garage in Chicago, IL
March 9 Show Me the Money Chicago, IL
April 20 Czech it Out Green Bay Area, WI
May 20 Smokey Joe’s Cafe - Broadway Revue Wisconsin Dells, WI
August 24 - September 2 Extended trip to IRELAND
October 10-16 Extended trip to NEW ENGLAND
If you would like additional information on any of these trips, or are interested in signing up, click here for a reservation form. If you have questions, please contact Tammy Sawvel at (262) 560-2069, or tammy.sawvel@fbfcwi.com.
Copyright 2008