M&I Loses $858M in 2009

Marshall & Ilsley Corp. reported a fourth quarter net loss of $259.5 million, or 54 cents per share, which capped a fiscal year in which it lost $858.8 million, or $2.46 per share, representing an improvement over the bank’s 2008 performance. Read the Milwaukee Small Business Times article.

Bank Employee Charged With Embezzling

Kenneth Hamberger, 47, a 15-year employee of Citizens Community Federal Bank, is charged with stealing about $22,000 from the institution over two years, according to WEAU-TV Channel 13 in Eau Claire.

Bank Cites Participations as Trouble Spot

Jerry O’Connor, president of National Bank of Waupun, says his financial institution has a sound capital base and remains strong. The bank, which recently entered into an agreement with the OCC, lost $429,000 in the first nine months of 2009. Connor cited loan participations, not local loans, as the problem. Read more in the Fond du Lac Reporter.

Editorial: Don’t Blame Community Banks

“Wisconsin’s community banks are stable members of their communities; they continue to finance businesses; and they’ve not gotten caught up in the financial gizmos created by the too-big-to-fail investment banks. So, they ask, why are we suffering for the sins of the Wall Street bankers and others whose credit default swaps, collateralized debt obligations and other risky behavior brought us to the brink of economic collapse? It’s a fair question,” writes the La Crosse Tribune in an editorial. Read more.

Community Bank & Trust Announces Promotion

Community Bank & Trust has promoted Toni Reed to president at the Elkhart Lake office. Reed has been with Community Bank & Trust for five years and has a total of more than 18 years in the banking industry, the Sheboygan Press reported.

The newspaper also reported that Tom Steinhaus, manager of credit underwriting/government guaranteed loans for Heartland Business Bank, has been named an officer of the bank.

PNC Financial Names Wisconsin Exec

National City, now a part of Pittsburgh-based PNC Financial Services Group Inc., appointed A. James Baka as senior vice president for corporate banking in Wisconsin, according to the Milwaukee Small Business Times.

Gov. Doyle Signs on to Business Credit Effort

Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle joined governors from five other states in sending a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner urging quick federal action to help manufacturers and small businesses get access to much needed credit, stabilizing their businesses and protecting jobs, the Business Journal of Milwaukee reported.

Two Wisconsin Banks Enter OCC Agreements

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency said that the National Bank of Waupun and Eagle Valley Bank in St. Croix have entered into agreements with the regulatory agency, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

Associated Raises $478M

Associated Banc-Corp has closed its common stock offering, raising $478.3 million in new capital, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Report Highlights Top 10 Banking Trends

James VanDyke, president of Javelin Strategy & Research, discusses its Top 10 Trends in Banking report, including the biggest threats to banks, payments and security, as well as “the next big thing” in banking. Read more at BankInfoSecurity.com.