Are You Guilty Of Committing These 5 Payroll Mistakes?
Posted in Helpful Tips
Not knowing or failing to comply with payroll laws can put your business under a magnifying glass, and lead to fines and penalties. In fact, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) penalizes nearly 1 in 3 businesses for payroll mistakes. To avoid being one, don’t get tripped up by these common payroll mistakes.
Novem-Bear Preparations
Posted in Helpful Tips
With the first snows of the season upon us, it is time to for us to prepare our “dens” for winter. Does your winter prep list include a new furnace filter, a warmer coat, or maybe you’ve been saving up for some home improvements? If so, chances are there is a small business nearby who can help you get ready for the changing seasons so you can rest well all winter long!
Ready To Modernize Payroll?
Posted in Helpful Tips
Are you one of almost 30 percent of businesses still using payroll technology more than 10 years old? If so, your days of working with paper timesheets, punch cards and physical time clocks should be over. Payroll administration is a lot more than just handing out checks. Cloud-based payroll systems make it easy to share data, work remotely and stay up to date on ever-changing labor laws and requirements.
Saving Nuts
Posted in Helpful Tips
Wisconsin is home to five different species of tree squirrels that are working overtime to collect nuts and seeds for the winter. Just like a squirrel gathering nuts for a long winter, October is a great time for all of us to create a savings action plan to achieve financial goals.
Hidden Gems At Horicon Bank
Posted in General News
The Commercial Loan Processing team is led by Brenda Nelson and consists of two long-tenured commercial loan-processing professionals, Jenny Krug and Sherry Daley, as well as two credit analysts, Tony Kneepkens and Cody Wand. When speaking to Horicon Bank’s team of a dozen commercial lenders, Brenda’s team are some of the most highly praised people in the organization.
Stop Paying More In Taxes
Posted in Helpful Tips
About $1 billion in tax credits are claimed each year under the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program. Sadly, many restaurants and lodging businesses are unaware of the program or simply don’t take advantage of it.
Is Email Marketing Driving Your Sales Strategy?
Posted in Helpful Tips
It takes more than great products and service to get customers into your business. It also requires some form of marketing. Email marketing is the most effective way to incentivize your best customers to spend more money with you, win back consumers who haven’t been to your business in a while, and attract people that have never visited.
Join The Migration
Posted in General News
The cooler nights, shorter days, and longer nights of late summer are also a cue for wild creatures to begin preparing for fall and winter. Like our Horicon Bank goose, many species of birds are gearing up or already started on migration.
Reputation Equals Revenue
Posted in Helpful Tips
A few keystrokes on social media can have a powerful effect on your business.This makes regular monitoring of your online reputation mandatory. These five tricks will ensure your social presence isn’t driving your customers to competitors.
Natural Choices For Vacation
Posted in Helpful Tips
Wisconsin offers some great places to enjoy summer and nature alone, or with family and friends. There are some great City and County Parks for a quick trip outdoors. Lakeshore Park in Fond du Lac, Dodge County Ledge and Harnischfeger Parks, Ridge Run Park in Washington County, Hattie Sherwood Park in Green Lake, and Community Park in Oshkosh provide great options to get outside and have fun.
Four Ways You Should Be Using Data To Grow Sales
Posted in Helpful Tips
Data-driven marketing uses the information gathered in-store, online and from your mobile app to personalize future interactions with customers.
Natural Choices For Your Yard
Posted in Helpful Tips
Today’s gardens are more than a small plot or raised bed. To increase home value and your enjoyment, look for ways to infuse your entire yard with garden elements.
Coming Soon: Natural Choice Trivia!
Posted in General News
In appreciation for our customers making Horicon Bank The Natural Choice for all of their personal and commercial banking needs, we are proud to introduce a new daily feature on HoriconBank.com!
Horicon Bank To Acquire Markesan State Bank
Posted in General News
Sword Financial Corporation, the holding company of Horicon Bank, a Wisconsin state-chartered bank, announced today that it entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger on February 15, 2019 to acquire Markesan Bancshares, Inc. the holding company for Markesan State Bank, a Wisconsin state-chartered bank.
9 New Year’s Resolutions For Your Small Business
Posted in Helpful Tips
6 Tips For Smarter Shopping Online
Posted in Helpful Tips
Online shopping is certainly convenient. Just ask the 217 million people in the United States that do it each year. But is it safe?
Business Spotlight: SMC Metal of Oshkosh
Posted in Customer Spotlight
Dan Ruedinger of SMC Metal says Horicon Bank takes time to look at the story behind the spreadsheet.
Get To Know The 5 C's Of Credit
Posted in Helpful Tips
The 5 C's of credit are: Character, Capacity, Capital, Collateral and Conditions. Banks use the 5 C's to gauge the creditworthiness of a business looking for financing.
Top 10 Money Tips Every Freshman Should Know
Posted in Helpful Tips
Heading back to campus this fall? Consider adding a crash course in Money Management 101 to your personal syllabus.
6 Ways Community Banks Are Different From "Big Banks"
Posted in General News
As we finish up celebrating Community Banking month for one more year, we're focusing on the best reasons to love community banks – from local reinvestment of funds to local community involvement. But what exactly makes a community bank different from a “big bank”?
Beneficial Ownership Rule: What It Means For Your Business
Posted in General News, Helpful Tips
Starting May 11, 2018, business owners are going to want to give themselves a little extra time at the bank when they open a new account.
8 Money Saving Tips For The Budget Traveler
Posted in General News
This time of year in Wisconsin, locals are looking to get out. Get out of the cold. Get out of the dreary weather. Get out of the state. But what if you have spring break dreams and a shoestring budget? Saving on travel really can be possible, if you know the tricks.
7 Ways To Use Your Tax Refund
Posted in General News
Tax time. It’s a headache. But if you’re one of the 70 percent of US taxpayers receiving a tax refund averaging nearly $3,000, that refund check makes it all worth it. So how do you make that refund work for you?
How To Be A Savvy Giver This Holiday Season
Posted in General News
We’re big fans of giving. Giving time, giving help, giving money. But it’s that last one that deserves some warning. Do you know where your charity dollars are going? How do you know they are reaching the cause that touches your heart?
Tips To Stay Stress Free During The Holidays
Posted in General News
Let’s face it, the holidays are stressful. With all the decorating, cookie exchanges, shopping, holiday cards, wrapping and parties it’s easy to get overwhelmed this time of year. Here are some helpful tips to help keep you from losing your mind and make the holidays a little more enjoyable.
Northwoods Paper Converting: A Business Success Story
Posted in General News
What is paper converting? And how did Northwoods Paper Converting, Inc. grow into the Business of the Year in Beaver Dam? Check out their story and how Horicon Bank helped them along the way.
How Cyber Secure Is Your Business
Posted in General News, Helpful Tips
As a business owner, you probably have a lock on the door. Maybe even security cameras in the corner. But how well do you protect the technology of your business? With new technology, comes new risks and strategies for protection. This checklist from the National Cyber Security Alliance is designed to help you identify the technology in your business you
Race For Wellness: A Success!
Posted in General News, Community Events
With 170 registrants and a warm September day, Horicon Bank completed their sixth 5K Run/Walk for Wellness in Lakeside Park on Saturday, September 16th. Collaborating once again with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), which is a nationwide organization whose mission is to provide education, support and advocacy for families and people with mental illness, all race proceeds benefit the local Fond du Lac
Horicon Bank Original: Fred C. Schwertfeger
Posted in General News
What is at the core of Horicon Bank? Fred C. Schwertfeger, Vice President of Marketing, is here to tell you!
Two Ways Your Business Can Streamline Payments
Posted in General News
“Most companies have a difficult time processing payments because of the many different ways there are to receive those payments from their customers,” explained Bob Van Kirk, Certified Treasury Professional® and VP of Treasury Management at Horicon Bank.
Equifax Data Breach: What You Need To Know
Posted in General News, Helpful Tips
At Horicon Bank, our goal is to keep you informed on recent scams, data breaches and all other forms of fraud that might threaten your personal information.
We're 121 Years Old. And An Official "Historical Place."
Posted in General News, Community Events
It’s official! We’re 121 years old.
Horicon Bank Originals: Rose Petitte
Posted in General News
Up next in our Original Series, it's Vice President of Retail Sales, Rose Petitte. Rose came to Horicon Bank from a much larger institution after she discovered she was missing that "community bank feeling." Learn more about Rose and Horicon Bank by watching her video!
How To Choose The Right Checking Account
Posted in General News, Helpful Tips
A checking account is a checking account. They’re all the same, right? Well…not quite.
Horicon Bank Originals: Jim Blise
Posted in General News
Meet Jim Blise - owner of Design 2 Construct and member of the Horicon Bank Board of Directors. Jim's experience is unique. As a customer and director, he appreciates the efficient and personal loan process at Horicon Bank. Learn more by watching his video!
How I Made The Most Of My Credit Card
Posted in General News, Helpful Tips
You’ve heard the story before – the friend that got themselves into a little trouble because they loved their credit card a little too much. That friend was me.
Horicon Bank And WB COLUMNS Race For Scholarships
Posted in General News
Horicon Bank and West Bend COLUMNS are teaming up to help high school students achieve their goals – and it’s not just a walk in the park.
What To Do After The 'I Do'
Posted in General News, Helpful Tips
All of the details you spent months worrying over have astoundingly come together: you said your vows, you cut the cake, you celebrated all night, and here you are…married! You may assume the planning is over, at last! But you still have a few things to wrap up in those first few weeks after your wedding day.
Horicon Bank Joins Exclusive Club
Posted in General News
Horicon Bank recently earned an “Outstanding” CRA rating, the highest rating available from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and was one of only twenty FDIC regulated banks to earn the honor in 2017. In fact, Horicon Bank was the only bank in the FDIC Chicago region to receive an “Outstanding” rating.
Before The 'I Do'
Posted in General News, Helpful Tips
Let’s face it, weddings can be expensive. Weddings are typically a huge financial burden for many newlyweds just starting their new lives together. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be that way! Start out with smart planning and a little creativity and you can easily have an unforgettable wedding – without breaking the bank.
A Great Place To Work...5 Years Running
Posted in General News
For the fifth year in a row, we’ve earned a spot on the list of Top Places to work in southeastern Wisconsin…and it couldn’t feel any better!
Register To Race For The Red, White And Blue!
Posted in General News
Horicon Bank's 5K Run/Walk for the Red, White and Blue is back! And this year, all race proceeds benefit the Gold Star Memorial Trail - a local effort to build a recreational trail connecting Dodge County communities from Mayville to Beaver Dam. The trail will memorialize and honor fallen service members from the area.
#120ActsOfCaring: Complete!
Posted in General News
Back in September, we decided to celebrate our 120-year anniversary with more than just a cake. We challenged our employees to complete 120 Acts of Caring – a challenge that fits well with our mission to be “Bankers who CARE.”
Horicon Bank Originals: Mike Fleischman
Posted in General News
Our next Horicon Bank Original features West Bend business banker Mike Fleischman. Listen to his story as he tells about what sets Horicon Bank apart.
Celebrate The Community Banks In Your Life!
Posted in General News
Happy Community Banking Month—a time to celebrate the nation’s more than 6,000 community banks and the communities they serve!
Go Green. Save Green.
Posted in General News
Almost everywhere you look, you find people actively trying to “go green” and lessen the amount of waste they create. Children are reminded to please turn off the lights when they leave a room, mothers grab their canvas totes out of the back seat before heading into the grocery store, and fathers program the thermostat and try to limit the number of electronic devices their teenagers have running at once.
Horicon Bank Originals: Grace Bruins
Posted in General News
Our Horicon Bank Originals Series is back! This time we're telling the story of New Media Marketing Officer Grace Bruins in her role at Horicon Bank.
6 Financial Tips For Military Families
Posted in General News
Military families face unique challenges. Challenges the rest of us may never have to deal with.
Tax Scammers Are Targeting You. Here's What To Do.
Posted in General News
Tax time is here. And during Identity Theft Awareness Week, it’s a great time to get up to speed on tax-related scams. Two common tax time scams revolve around scammers pretending to be something they are not – you or the IRS. The Federal Trade Commission warns of these two tax time scams and what you can do.
Saving Starts Now
Posted in General News
2017 has officially arrived. The party hats, noisemakers and “Auld Lang Syne” music have been put away for another year, but hopefully your resolutions haven’t. If you decided to get in better financial shape this year, your financial fitness goals probably have something to do with saving – saving for a home, saving for a rainy day, or even saving for retirement.
Best Financial Resolutions for 2017
Posted in General News, Helpful Tips
Maybe you’ve set financial resolutions in the past that fizzled out early on. Or maybe you didn’t quite accomplish all you had hoped to. Or maybe this will be the first year you commit to making changes and setting financial goals. We know how hard it can be to stick to new resolutions without a clear direction and a support system. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of the best financial resolutions to help you make 2017 your most financially fit year yet!
Horicon Bank Originals Series Debuts!
Posted in General News
We've started a brand new video series called "Horicon Bank Originals." Each original video features a different Horicon Banker or Horicon Bank customer telling their story.
Snapshots Of 2016
Posted in General News
What a year! Before we jump into January, let's celebrate all our favorite moments from 2016.
Tis The Season For Holiday Scams
Posted in General News, Helpful Tips
It’s not just the Grinch who is stealing Christmas – it’s clever holiday scammers. Don’t let them steal your holiday cheer this year. Stay informed and check out these helpful tips from the Better Business Bureau on how to spot common holiday scams.
3 Steps To Mobile Security
Posted in General News
We live in an increasingly mobile world. And as great as it is to be connected to friends across the world, to FaceTime with family in another state or have your groceries delivered just by clicking a button, that smartphone, tablet or laptop can be the door that opens your world to cybercrime.
Identity Thieves Have A New Target: Your Kids
Posted in General News
So picture this- Little Johnny, a happy little 4-year-old boy is spending his days building cardboard rocket ships, annoying his big sister, making mud pies in the backyard and racking up thousands of dollars in credit card debt.
Investing In Community: A 120 Year Business Model
Posted in General News
Forging a business over 120 years takes resolve. Grit. Fortitude. And for Horicon Bank, kindness.
Tune-Up Your Finances
Posted in General News
When is the last time you had a check-up…on your finances? It’s far more common to schedule routine maintenance for your vehicle or a personal doctor appointment, however having your financial wellness checked regularly can be just as important.
We're Racing For Wellness In Fond du Lac
Posted in General News
We’re racing for wellness. Five years in a row.
Introducing The New HB Kids Club!
Posted in General News
How many of you wish you had started saving money sooner than you did?
To Have And To Hold...And To Share A Bank Account?
Posted in General News
There is a laundry list of topics we all have been told should be discussed before walking down the aisle to avoid problems down the road, and finances is near the very TOP of that list. You’re most likely aware of your partner’s spending habits and general income, but there is much more to discuss in the world of finance.
Governor's Prayer Breakfast: A Prayer For Leadership
Posted in General News
On May 5, 2016, I had the honor of offering a Prayer for Leadership at the Wisconsin Governor's Prayer Breakfast in Milwaukee. My prayer included a desire for our leaders to have the virtues advocated by Reuel, Moses' father-in-law in Exodus 18.
How To Avoid The "Grandparent Scam"
Posted in General News
You’ve heard it before. A local elderly woman is called up by her “grandson,” and panicked, he pleads with her to quickly wire money because he’s stranded and in trouble. She rushes to wire the money – concerned for her grandson’s safety, only to find out later that person on the other end of the phone was scamming her all along.
Racing For The Red, White And Blue In 2016!
Posted in General News
Horicon Bank's 5K Run/Walk for the Red, White and Blue is back!
Horicon Bank In Fond du Lac Celebrates Grand Opening!
Posted in General News
Horicon Bank In Fond du Lac Celebrates Grand Opening!
5 Things To Do Before Buying Your First Home
Posted in General News, Helpful Tips
If you're ready to take the leap from renter to homeowner, one of the most complicated parts of the process can be securing a home loan. Here are some ways to improve the financing you’ll get and other helpful tips for buying your home.
Traveling Tips To Keep Your Money Safe
Posted in General News, Helpful Tips
From January to December, here are our top ten favorite moments of 2015.
Goose And Otter Talk Fitness
Posted in General News
Goose is off and running! But what has he been training for? Well, a Horicon Bank sponsored 5K Run/Walk for course! And that's not all. Goose is training to be financially fit too - check out just how he does it at Horicon Bank.
How To Do Valentine's Day On A Budget
Posted in General News, Helpful Tips
Heavy on love but light on cash this Valentine’s Day? Instead of buying the cliché (and expensive) chocolates and roses this holiday, try something a little more creative…and a little less expensive. After all, money can’t buy love.
Tax Time Scammers Are Here. Are You Ready?
Posted in General News
Tax time is here and so are the tax time scams. Are you prepared to protect yourself and your identity?
Meet Our Newest Team Members!
Posted in General News
Meet the newest members of our Horicon Bank team! They're not just friendly faces from the marsh; they've got a special interest in keeping things eco-friendly too!
Top Ten Horicon Bank Highlights Of 2015
Posted in General News
From January to December, here are our top ten favorite moments of 2015.
Accidental Bankers: Unexpected and Excelling
Posted in General News
“When I grow up, I want to be a banker.” Said no little girl. Ever. Finance may not top the list of female dominated industries, but at Horicon Bank women make up 70% of the staff. Although they may not have dreamed of working in the financial industry, each woman at Horicon Bank has a story.
$25,000 = 50 Vets. And You Helped Us Do It.
Posted in General News
We celebrated Veterans Day this year with a $25,000 announcement for the Honor Flight Network.
6 Cyber Security Tips For Parents
Posted in General News
Never before have kids been as exposed to new ideas, new cultures, new music and new art forms as they are today. But the easy accessibility to these new experiences through the Internet, can mean easy accessibility and vulnerable exposure to your child, your computer and your personal information. Below are six tips from the National Cyber Security Alliance to help you, and your kids, stay safe online.
Horicon Bank Named A "Game Changer"
Posted in General News
Horicon Bank was recently named a “Game Changer” in the world of financial technology at a national conference in San Diego, California.
Customer Spotlight: Black Waters Coffee
Posted in General News
In the movie You’ve Got Mail, Tom Hanks’ character breaks down the modern coffee shop – “The whole purpose of places like Starbucks is for people with no decision-making ability whatsoever to make six decisions just to buy one cup of coffee. Short, tall, light, dark, caf, decaf, low-fat, non-fat, etc. So people who don’t know what they’re doing or who on earth they are can, for only $2.95, get not just a cup of coffee but an absolutely defining sense of self: Tall. Decaf. Cappuccino.”
Don't Get Scammed By Skimmers
Posted in Helpful Tips
Scammers may be getting trickier, but banks are also getting smarter. And you can be smart too when you visit an ATM with your debit card.
A Three-peat Winner
Posted in General News
We've earned a spot on the list of top places to work in southeastern Wisconsin for a third year in a row - and we couldn't be more excited!
Race For The Red, White And Blue In Horicon
Posted in General News, Community Events
Never thought you’d see Lady Liberty running through the streets of Horicon? In June, you just might.
Horicon Bank Celebrates 100 Years On Lake Street
Posted in General News
Horicon Bank’s building headquarters is celebrating 100 years on East Lake Street in the city’s downtown.
6 Ways To Help Your Kids Be Better Savers
Posted in General News, Helpful Tips
Saving isn’t always easy. But it is important. To address the need to understand how to save, the American Bankers Association, or ABA, started an educational program – and they started young.
Community Banks: More Than They're Cracked Up To Be
Posted in General News
A bank is a bank is a bank. They’ve all got tellers and lenders and can turn checks into cash. It doesn’t matter where you bank. They all do the exact same thing, because they’re all the same.
Horicon Bank Cracks Top 25 Websites
Posted in General News
We made the list! The Financial Brand, an online publication focused on banks and credit unions, recently ranked their top 25 most inspirational responsive banking websites - and Horicon Bank's site is featured.
5 Smart Ways To Use Your Tax Refund
Posted in General News, Helpful Tips
Nearly 8 out of 10 U.S. tax filers will receive a federal tax refund this year. As millions of Americans await reimbursement from Uncle Sam, The American Bankers Association has put together five easy tips for making the most of your tax refund.
Protect Your Tax Refund
Posted in Helpful Tips
It’s tax season. A stressful time for accountants, an exciting time for people receiving refund checks and a busy time for tax scammers. According to the Better Business Bureau, consumers should be on the lookout for these top three tax refund scams.
Closing The Door On Hunger In FDL
Posted in General News
Our Fond du Lac office is closing the door on hunger!
Talking IRAs
Posted in General News
We sat down with Trish LaBlanc, our Horicon Bank Retirement Account Specialist for a quick Q and A about IRAs.
What's The Deal With HSAs?
Posted in General News
“HSA” stands for Health Savings Account. It was designed to be a tax exempt account to help save for medical expenses.
Happy Holidays!
Posted in General News
Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year from your friends at Horicon Bank! We wish our customers, our employees and our communities a very blessed holiday season.
The Holidays...A Time to Save?!
Posted in Helpful Tips
The Holidays are quickly approaching- time to trim the tree, bake delicious cookies and… save money?
Online Shopping: How to Stay Safe
Posted in Helpful Tips
Holiday shopping season is here, and scammers are lurking to steal financial information from online shoppers. To avoid being a victim, consider taking the following steps to keep your financial information safe.
Let The Adventure Begin!
Posted in General News
It’s been a big year at the Bank. We received an award for being a “Top Workplace” in the state; we spent a big part of our summer and fall raising over $21,000 in support for local Honor Flight Chapters; we hosted not one, but two, 5K Run/Walk events; our Senior Management team dressed up like the Brewers racing sausages and raced across the lawn of Old Hickory Golf Club at our all-employee meeting; I was honored with the Community Banker of the Year award; and that’s right – we even bought a bank in Green Lake! To round it all out, we started a blog.
Horicon Bank Donates To Honor Flight
Posted in Community Events
Horicon Bank made Veterans’ Day just a little sweeter for local veterans.
