News and Events

Still growing after more than a century, here’s how a small Brown County Bank has stayed local since 1911.

When the owners of the newest coffee shop in Allouez went looking for a loan to start the business, they found help in an unexpected place.  Larger regional banks were ready to lend, but GreenLeaf Bank, a small, family-owned bank in far southern Brown County not only jumped at the chance to do business with the shop, but also went above and beyond in helping them grow.  "We met with a really, really large bank where we had an account prior to GreenLeaf, but they were more focused on numbers," said Chris Christen, co-owner of Coffee Wizardz, 535 Green Ave., in Allouez.  “They weren't sending us leads for new clients, checking in on us or coming to our café. That was the big difference," he added.

Customers say that personal touch has been a hallmark of GreenLeaf Bank and its predecessors since the early 1900s, and it's a key to how the bank has managed to not just survive, but to grow over the last century.

Ray VandeVoort is the owner of one of the dozen farms near the GreenLeaf Bank branch at 1608 Day St., in the village of Greenleaf.  He has been a farm owner and a client of the GreenLeaf Bank for all his life.  Now 72 and retired, he says the bank has always been there to help him, even as farming became harder.  “I do less now, but we are still farming, and they are still there for us,” he said.  If the bank were to close tomorrow, he knows he could find another bank, but he “would sure miss them.”  “You go there, and they know everybody, they call you by your first name,” he said.

GreenLeaf Bank traces its roots to Wayside State Bank and State Bank of Greenleaf, created in 1911 and 1913 respectively. The banks were united in 1970, when Dave Krutz became the primary shareholder and president of both banks and changed the name to GreenLeaf Wayside Bank.  In 2020, the name was changed to the GreenLeaf Bank.

As of March 31, the small bank had 116,435 total deposits and $128.2 million in assets. By comparison, Associated Bank as the region's largest had 28.5 million deposits and $31.2 billion in assets, as reported by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

David Krutz, son of the original owner and now president of the entity, says GreenLeaf Bank has always been a community-oriented financial institution, with a personal approach and very loyal and competent employees.  Most of the bank's staff have been there for 10 years or more — and some for more than 40.  "We have been lucky, they have been so loyal to us; and for those that are retiring, we are thinking promotions (to fill those positions)," said Krutz.

For much of the bank's history, its main customers were local farmers.  “Historically (the portfolio) was a little more agricultural, but that’s been trending down over the years,” he said.  As family farms have closed and the dairy industry increasingly became dominated by large farms, that business began to dwindle.

Wrightstown is a fast growing residential area and today the biggest portion of the bank's business is in residential and commercial real estate, both in the village and in other parts of the region.  Wrightstown's population was 3,688 in 2020 according to the U.S. Census Bureau — up 30.46% since 2010. Greenleaf grew in that same period from 607 people to 918.

Tim Trudell, owner of Complete Auto Body, said the bank has always been there to support him and his business, a vehicle repair shop just two miles from the Greenleaf branch.  He thinks the institution has a strong relationship with the community, something that a big bank might not have.  “I’ve grown (the business) quite a few times and every time they were there to help me,” he said.

The bank's owners have been approached several times about their willingness to sell to a bigger bank, but Krutz feels a commitment to support the community, something he doesn't believe a bigger bank would have. If an offer were to be presented, he said, they wouldn’t sell.   "There have been studies that when a community bank gets bought out or closes, it really affects the local community because we are willing to take more chances than big banks with people we have a relationship with," said Krutz.  He pointed to a study done by the FDIC that underscored the importance and resiliency of community banks.  About 30% off community banks closed in the decade following the 2009 recession, compared to 36% of the 555 biggest institutions that closed over the same period.  Even as many closed, the 4,720 that remained not only survived, but also experienced continued growth while filling a crucial role in lending for commercial real estate, small businesses and agriculture, according to the report.

But besides financial aid to their customers, GreenLeaf also helps with food drives in churches, donations and student programs like "Stingcancer" at Wrightstown High School.  Mark Walters, pastor at Alleluia Lutheran Church in Greenleaf, said the bank helped with the church's mortgage and the documentation to access government grants like the PPP loans during the pandemic. The bank also selected their house of worship for a $2,000 grant last year.   "I think they are very important for the community, and they do a great job, everyone there," he said.

Chris Christen said he and his business partner, Sam Brown, know very little about laws and rules, but at GreenLeaf they found all the support and knowledge needed.  "We actually got wholesale clients from them, different leads on grants to help us get through COVID-19. They really went above and beyond," said Christen.  He feels like the people at the bank want his business to be successful and build a stronger and longer partnership.   “We are just two guys who love coffee, we are not necessarily business people, so having people like them is just wonderful," he said.

Source:  Ariel Perez is a business reporter for the Green Bay Press-Gazette. You can reach him at APerez1@gannett.com or view his Twitter profile at @Ariel_Perez85

Teaching Children to Save – 7 Tips to Build Good Financial Habits

1. Talk About Money - Discuss things that cost money – both necessities and “nice to haves” – with your child and how saving is involved in getting those things.  Younger children can start to learn about concepts related to savings accounts, earning interest, etc.  Old children dive into concepts about credit, good debt vs. bad debt, investing, and so forth.  The more you talk with your kids about important financial literacy terms and how they related to their goals, the better!
2. Allow some Trial and Error - Allowing kids to make small mistakes with their money can be a good learning experience.  If your child decides to spend their birthday money on something frivolous, talk through how they might make a different decision next time.
3. Open a Bank Account - Starting with a piggy bank, cash, and coins is great for helping kids understand money in a digital world where the concept of a transaction can be harder to grasp.  As they get older, open a bank account and help them deposit their savings.
4. Model Good Habits - Involve your child when you pay your bills and set aside money for retirement, education, and other large purchases.  When they observe your good habits, kids will not only be more encouraged to handle their own money wisely, they’ll also pick up useful tips along the way.
5. Encourage Sharing - Help your child determine how much to spend, save, and give away.  Ask them what causes are important to them and where they would like to donate some of their money.
6. Save Up Together - Setting a goal and saving together for a vacation or joint purchases is a fun way to encourage saving.  You might offer a match or incentive for your child’s savings.
7. Keep the Conversation Going - Think of your child’s financial education as an ongoing conversation.  Continue to introduce new concepts and check in on their savings progress.  Celebrate when they reach a goal and have fun along the way!

Source: www.wisbank.com

The Social Security Administration and Office of the Inspector General continue to receive reports of scammers impersonating SSA employees over the phone, to request personal information or money.  Imposters may threaten you and demand immediate payment to avoid arrest or legal action.  Do not fall for it! 

• SSA employees NEVER threaten you for information, or promise a reward or resolution in exchange for personal information or money.
• Do not us caller ID to verify that the caller is a government employee.  Many scam calls “spoof” official government numbers, such as SSA’s National 800 Number, the Social Security Fraud Hotline, local Social Security field offices, SSA press offices, or local police numbers.
• Imposters may use legitimate names and phone numbers of SSA employees.
• If the caller demands sensitive personal information, payment via gift card or pre-paid debit card or wire transfer, it is a scam.
• If the caller makes threats when you do not comply with their request, it is a scam.
  

If you receive a suspicious call:

1. Hang up!
2. Do not give them money or personal information
3. Report the scam at OIG.SSA.GOV/REPORT
   

Source: oig.ssa.gov/scam

With pandemic scares still buzzing around and so many of us pressed for time, more Americans than ever will be doing most or all of their holiday shopping online this year.  And with nearly a third of all retail sales happening between now and Christmas, scammers are already stepping up their game.  Last year, they took $250 million from US consumers.  You may have noticed an increase in marketing calls and illegal robocalls, extra spam in your inbox, an avalanche of junk mail.  But they’re just the tip of an iceberg.  Fraudsters will be operating new scams as well as the familiar tried and tested tricks.

Here are the 10 most common shopping scams for Black Friday (the big sales day after Thanksgiving) and Christmas 2021:

1. Identity Theft.  Comes in many guises; the whole aim is to steal your bank account, credit card, and other personal information.  In particular, watch out for fake order confirmation messages or package delivery notifications, which will lead you to a bogus sign-on page.  Don’t click these messages.  Go to the real site and check there.

    

2. Fake websites.  Clever scammers know how to get their phony websites near the top of search results.  They may feature non-existent products at knockdown prices or bargain holiday travel.  They want your money, but you’ll get nothing in return.

    

3. Fake social media ads.  These may lead to fake websites.  Often, they feature bogus coupon offers, special sales, or free gifts and vouchers.  Don’t click on them unless you have security software; and if you do, don’t make purchases or provide financial information until you’ve thoroughly checked them out.

    

4. Phony charity appeals.  Again, these may appear as ads on social media or via emails with links to scam sites.  Charity scams are one of the biggest online frauds at this time of year.  If you want to donate, do it directly after confirming the organization is genuine. 

    

5. Porch pirates and mailbox thieves.  They’re out in force to rob you.  Secure your deliveries with a lockable box, a neighbor who’ll look out for you, or have items delivered to a pickup point.

    

6. Gift card fraud.  Gift cards are an easy option when you don’t have time or can’t think what to buy.  Two-thirds of us buy them.  Be cautious buying them at discounted prices from third-party resellers.  And never use one yourself to pay someone you don’t know.

    

7. Ecard scams.  A lot of people are switching from mailing regular Christmas and Thanksgiving cards to sending “virtual” cards that drop into inboxes.  It’s quick and it’s cheap.  But they may also install malware on your PC.  Be wary when you click on them.  Most Windows security software lets you right click on a file to check it before opening.

    

8. Malicious shopping apps.  If you use a mobile app (especially on an Android device) for your holiday shopping, make sure it’s legit.  Be cautious about apps that specifically target Thanksgiving or Christmas or that don’t explain what they do with the information you provide.

    

9. Knockoffs.  You think you’re buying a top brand at a premium but good price, but you’ll just get an imitation, or it may not even resemble the photo of what you thought you were buying. 

    

10. Fake seasonal job postings or money mules/reshippers.  You may need extra money for you gift buying when you see a promising online job ad offering seasonal or work-from-home employment.  Scams include upfront pay checks that bounce, payment for training materials, demands for personal information, and even operating as a forwarding address for crooks.

More Actions You Can Take

• Check URLs.  Make sure your keyed in or landed on the correct webpage.  Scam sites often use similar names to genuine ones. 
• Buy from reputable or research unfamiliar sites.  If you’ve never heard of it or used it before and it offers bargain prices or hard to get products, it’s a high risk and needs to be thoroughly investigated. 
• Ignore 5-star reviews and gushing recommendations. Don’t base your buying decisions on these alone.
• Use a credit card.  They mostly offer full protection on fraudulent use of your card.  Never wire money to pay. And don’t apply for a credit card from someone you’ve never heard of without researching them.
• Use a different password for each online account.  You should be doing this already, but you can also use your online shopping as an opportunity to change duplicated or old passwords.
• Ensure you have up to date Internet security software installed, especially those that can operate within your browser to check site safety.
• Monitor credit agencies, credit cards, and bank accounts.  After your big spend, when your account and other financial details have had a good airing, it’s particularly important to keep tabs on your online credit and spending records.
  

If you discover or suspect you’ve been scammed, report it immediately to law enforcement, your bank, your card company, and the credit reporting agencies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.  Each of the agencies has info on how to freeze your credit.

Source: scambusters.org

GreenLeaf Bank is partnering with the Wrightstown Area Food Pantry as a collection site for the month of November.  Drop off your donations at either of our office locations. 

Thank you for your consideration and generosity!

List of items needed:

• Cereal

• Pancake Mix and Syrup

• Oatmeal

• Breakfast Bars

• Canned Fruit

• Granola

• Juice Boxes

• Canned Tuna or Chicken

• Peanut Butter and Jelly

Receive a text with a surprise offer?  Don't click that link!
Better Business Bureau Scam Alert

Everyone loves a deal – including scammers. Con artists often offer too good to be true discounts in the hope that price-conscious consumers will jump on these “deals” without doing their research. Recently, BBB Scam Tracker has seen numerous reports of scammers impersonating well-known companies and offering discounts, some of which are COVID-19 themed.  

How the Scam Works

You receive a text message from a large, reputable company. The message claims that, due to the pandemic, the company would like to help people out by offering them an amazing deal. These range from free or discounted services to gift cards and cash.

For example, consumers reported receiving the following text messages using this ploy:

• “COVID-19 REFUND. VERIZON COMPANY is giving out $950 to all users of our Verizon service, If yes kindly text your Verizon”
• “Due to the pandemic, Hulu is giving everyone a free 1-year subscription to help you stay at home. Get yours here [link].
• "AT&T... Sorry for the coverage issues... Here's a little gift: [link]"

Other texts claim to be Walmart, Amazon, Costco, USPS and others. Of course, these messages don’t really originate with that company. They come from impersonators who hope to steal your personal information. If you click the link, you may be prompted to log into a lookalike website that scammers use to get hold of your login ID and password. With that information, scammers can access your accounts and even make purchases using your saved payment methods.

While the latest BBB Scam Tracker reports mention Hulu, Netflix, and Verizon, watch out for scammers impersonating other companies too. If one name stops being effective, they’ll quickly switch to another company.

How to avoid Text Message Scams

Treat messages from unknown senders with caution. If you receive a message from a number you don’t recognize, be careful. Many companies engage in SMS marketing, but keep in mind that consumers must opt in to receive messages. If you haven’t given a company permission to text you, it’s probably a scam.

Don’t click on links from strangers. Scammers often send shortened links that don’t let you see where they really lead in the body of their text message. If you click the link, you could be directed to a dangerous website, or you could download malware onto your device.

Confirm deals directly with the company before you accept. If you are really hoping the deal is legitimate, go to the company’s official website and send them an email, or call to inquire. The company can let you know if the deal is real or not.

Install antivirus software on your computer and mobile devices. This kind of scam can come from text messages or emails, so make sure all your electronics are protected. Antivirus software can scan for malware and alert you before you open a malicious website link.

Alert the company. It will help them fight the problem. AT&T and Verizon are asking consumers to forward suspicious messages to 7726 (SPAM).

Source:  Better Business Bureau 

GreenLeaf Bank finished their summer School Supply Drive to benefit area children in need. On the left, marketing assistant Ashley Rahn displays donations at our Greenleaf office and right, Marketing Director Joel Prunty with donations from our Wrightstown office.

Wrightstown donations were delivered to Wrightstown School District office and Greenleaf office donations went to the Wrightstown Area Food Pantry.

Thank you to everyone who donated!

Once again GreenLeaf Bank is partnering with local schools to collect supplies to bene­fit area children in need. School supply items can be dropped off at either GreenLeaf Bank location now through August 30^th.

Thank you for your consideration and generosity!

Here is a list of needed items:

• Wide-Ruled Notebooks

• Folders

• Pencil Box/Pouch

• Scissors

• Washable Markers

• Crayola Crayons

• Colored Pencils

• Pens

• Pencils

• Erasers

• Highlighters

• Index Cards

• Dry Erase Markers

• Glue Sticks

• Glue Bottles

• 3 Ring Binders

• Post-It Notes

• Rulers

• Backpacks

• Loose Leaf Paper

• Pencil Sharpener

• Tissues

• Lysol/Clorox Wipes

GreenLeaf Bank is no longer a property tax collection site for Brown County. The county has changed how they collect property tax payments. All payments are now made directly to the county via mail, online payment, or at their office located at 305 E Walnut St, Room #160 Green Bay WI 54301. 

This change also affects how local tax payments are collected for area townships and villages. Contact your local municipal government for details on how their tax payments are collected. We’ve enjoyed serving you for many years as a property tax collection site.

GreenLeaf Bank recently awarded four – $500 scholarships to 2021 high school graduates. The scholarships were accepted at Wrightstown High School’s award ceremony May 26th. The awards can be used for higher education at a college, university, or technical school. Mary Fritsch, GreenLeaf Bank VP-Retail Lending presented the scholarship to this year’s winners:

Olivia Hanaway (pictured)
Emily Brick
Grace Taylor
Logan Dewick

Congratulations and good luck as you pursue higher education!

Greenleaf WI, May 24, 2021 – GreenLeaf Bank has officially funded 147 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans, totaling over $4.5 million to assist local businesses. The PPP program provides forgivable Small Business Administration (SBA) loans to businesses adversely affected by the covid19 pandemic meeting specific guidelines.

"Our existing partnership with the SBA provided us the ability to quickly make significant contributions to the local business community at a time of great need,” says GreenLeaf Bank President/CEO David Krutz. "Bank staff put forth an amazing effort to make these loans happen. So, it’s extra gratifying to see the positive impact on local businesses and their employees.”

On May 4^th, the Small Business Administration announced Paycheck Protection Program funding had been exhausted and the application portal is no longer accepting new requests.

America Saves Week is a widely recognized national campaign where thousands of organizations join together to collectively encourage their communities to focus on their individual financial wellness. Over the course of a week we cover money-related topics from a relatable, down-to-earth, positive perspective. Savers end the week with tools, resources, and clarity on their current financial situation, new savings goals, and a realistic plan to achieve them.

The America Saves pledge is the central tool that allows savers to set a goal, and make a plan to achieve better financial stability.