In 1859, Wisconsin had been a state for 11 years. What we now know as Lake Country, was once a farming community dotted with trading outposts. When the railroad came to town, Oconomowoc began to grow. A group of investors decided it was time for a local bank, and with $25,000 in capital, Summit Bank, later to be named First Bank of Oconomowoc was born.
Oconomowoc officially became a city in 1875; it grew and prospered as more and more people discovered the charms of Lake Country. Schools, churches, dry-goods stores, and groceries sprang up to serve the growing community.
The Bank of Oconomowoc, (formerly known as Summit Bank), moved to a new building at the center of downtown; which was easily accessible at the crossroads of Main St. and Wisconsin Ave. From the boom of the 1920s through the pain of The Depression, the Bank of Oconomowoc remained an Oconomowoc institution.
In 1984, Bank of Oconomowoc changed its name to First Bank of Oconomowoc, to reflect its status as the oldest bank in Oconomowoc. A new 36,000 square foot building was constructed at Church St. and Wisconsin Ave. in Oconomowoc. Since 1993, when the bank name became First Bank Financial Centre, the bank has continued a steady expansion to serve other nearby communities. First Bank Financial Centre has seven bank offices and two loan offices that serve southeastern Wisconsin, with more than $600 million in assets.
We thank you again, for your continued loyalty to First Bank Financial Centre. We look forward to serving you and your family’s financial needs for many years to come.
Mark W. Mohr President, First Bank Financial Centre
If you want to buy a home, but aren’t sure if your budget can handle soaring real estate prices, we have good news for you! With the help of First Bank Financial Centre - and the following 10 tips - you can become a savvy home buyer, without breaking your budget!
1. Get pre-approved for your home loan. Fill out a loan application atwww.fbfcwi.com, and go through the process of securing financing. That way, you will know exactly how much home you can afford.
2. Explore creative financing options. During the home loan pre-approval process, ask about low down payment options, first and second mortgage combinations, and first time buyer programs.
3. Sell your existing home first. Although selling your existing home before finding new real estate to buy can be nerve wracking, the inconvenience will be offset by your ability to make an offer with cash in hand.
4. Look for vacant real estate. A vacant home could be just the deal for a savvy home buyer, so have your realtor look for vacant property in your preferred neighborhoods.
5. Consider cosmetic fixers. If you’re handy, consider buying real estate in need of cosmetic fixing. It could end up being the home of your dreams for a price you can afford.
6. Buy a home that’s a major remodel project. If you want to live on a beautiful lake, but can’t afford a $2 million home mortgage, consider buying a dilapidated cottage on a fabulous lot. After some improvements, your property value may skyrocket.
7. Don’t discount bank foreclosures. One person’s loss could be your gain if you buy real estate in foreclosure. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (www.hud.gov) can be an excellent resource for foreclosed properties.
8. Land with a manufactured home. It may be wise to compromise on a piece of property in an outlying area with a manufactured home.
9. Consider an older, smaller home. If you can enjoy life in an older, smaller home, in a neighborhood off the beaten path, this could be your ticket to real estate ownership.
10. The cheapest house in the best neighborhood. You have your heart set on a specific - and expensive - neighborhood. A budget-savvy buyer will look for the least expensive home for sale in the neighborhood.
Buying real estate without breaking your budget will require research and compromise. On moving day, however, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that your homework paid off!
Dave Droegkamp Heating Inc. is a well-established HVAC contractor. Located in Hartland, this family owned business has been in operation for 27 years. While focusing on consistently exceeding customers’ expectations, Dave Droegkamp Heating also provides industry-leading products and services at competitive prices, including the installation of environmentally friendly, geothermal heating and cooling systems.
In 1982, Dave Droegkamp, father of the three current owners, John, Kris, and Scott, originally founded the business in Dousman, WI. After nearly four years, he moved the office to Hartland, where it has remained ever since. Taking over the family business seemed inevitable for the three sons, who are the fifth straight generation of Droegkamps to work in the HVAC business in the greater Milwaukee area. Scott joked, “I guess you could say it’s in our blood!”
First Bank Financial Centre has been assisting Dave Droegkamp Heating with their financial needs for more than ten years. Scott has said, “First Bank Financial Centre listened to our changing needs over the years, all while providing friendly and well-trained employees who know how to treat people and support local businesses.”
In addition to running a successful business, Dave Droegkamp Heating is also involved in, and supports organizations like, the Hartland Chamber of Commerce, NARI, MBA, local volunteer fire departments, churches, and schools.
If you would like more information on Dave Droegkamp Heating, please contact their office at (262) 367-2820, or visit their website at www.davedroegkamp.com.
Dave Droegkamp Heating, Inc. 540 Norton Drive Hartland, WI 53029www.davedroegkamp.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.
eStatements - Reduce paper clutter and access your bank statements from just one location.
eBanking - Enjoy convenient and secure banking in the comfort of your home.
eBill Pay - From your credit cards to the electric bill, manage all of your bills from one online location.
eNewsletter - Sign up to receive this quarterly customer newsletter via email versus mail by visiting us at www.fbfcwi.com.
Did you know…one of the many services provided by First Investment Services is assisting customers with their retirement income planning? As you know, this planning is more valuable now than ever before. Having a plan in place that is reviewable and customizable can help alleviate concerns that you may have regarding retirement.
It takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete the questionnaire, and the results provide invaluable data in determining your affordable lifestyle in retirement. We highly encourage anyone within five years of retirement to go through this planning process. If you are already retired, this planning tool is also a great way to re-assess your current situation.
The tool addresses five key areas of concern in retirement including longevity, health care expenses, inflation, asset allocation, and excess withdrawal. We are also able to make personalized recommendations using your input to help you maximize your retirement lifestyle.
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.
July 25 - A Fun Day In Chicago
Chicago, IL
September 10 - “Church Basement Ladies”
Hartford, WI
September 22-24 - Door County Getaway
Door County, WI
October 21- Oneida Casino & Bingo
Green Bay, WI
November 11 - “A Wonderful Life”
Janesville, WI
For a reservation form, including itinerary and cost, visit any of our seven office locations or download the reservation form(s) online.
If you have questions, please contact Tammy Sawvel at (262) 560-2069.
There has been a lot of hype recently about the benefits of eating organic. However, almost everyone is feeling a financial pinch due to the current economy. The good news is, going organic doesn’t have to be an “all or nothing” mentality.
Many feel they have to throw everything out of their kitchen and buy everything organic, all at once. That’s very over whelming and is a “set up” to fail. Besides, who has the money to do all of that at one time?
Ease your way into buying organic. Begin with buying some organic produce. Get used to that change for awhile. Once you taste the difference in flavor, you will be glad you made the switch.
Make progress by adding in some organic meat. Again, give yourself and your family some time to adjust to the new flavors. From there, progress to purchasing organic poultry, dairy, etc.
Changing your habits slowly won’t kill your wallet, and step by step, you’ll be getting more toxins out of your body. A slow introduction to organic food will also help ensure you make this a lifestyle change versus just a temporary change.
Article compiled from www.lowcarbfriends.com
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Copyright 2008