How Blackhawk Bank plans to continue its Illinois expansion
An interview with David Adkins, president and COO.
Q: Tell us about Blackhawk Bank.
A: Blackhawk Bank is a leading community bank serving clients in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. The bank offers an array of personal banking and mortgage services and comprehensive commercial banking services. Our full service banking centers are in Beloit and Janesville, Wisconsin and Roscoe, Machesney Park, Rockford and Belvidere, Illinois.
Q: When and where did Blackhawk start?
A: Blackhawk Bank, formerly Beloit Savings Bank, was founded in 1881. Since then, the bank has thrived for generations under the guidance of its 17 presidents and numerous local, civic, and business leaders serving on its board of directors. Since Blackhawk's inception, the leadership skills of these men and women have positioned the Bank as the foremost provider of financial services in Rock, Boone and Winnebago counties. Blackhawk Bank takes pride in being a strong corporate citizen, strengthening economic growth and prosperity in the communities it serves.
Q: Is there a meaning behind the name?
A: In 1990, Beloit Savings Bank changed its state charter to become a publicly-held commercial bank. Shares of Blackhawk Bancorp Inc., the bank holding company, became available on the Over the Counter Market and during this transition, the Bank's name was changed to Blackhawk State Bank. In 2005, this name was shortened to Blackhawk Bank.
A: You seem to be coming more into Illinois. What is the strategy there?
Q: We conducted extensive research of 11 counties on both sides of the state line before identifying the community of Elgin as the right fit for our next expansion. We bring a very different approach to relationship development and that style of banking resonates with the residents and business owners in McHenry County.
Specializing in community banking, commercial bankers at Blackhawk proactively address the needs of clients in their unique locale and provide extensive small business counseling along with financial products and services intended to improve their success.
To lead the new-market initiative, Pam Cumpata has been appointed to the position of senior vice president, business banking. Pam understands the unique market attributes of Kane and McHenry Counties, and how to help its residents capitalize on opportunity. She has over 31 years of experience in business development and business banking, and served as the president of the McHenry County Economic Development Corp. for the past 8 years. She is now engaging with her network of business owners to introduce them to the benefits that commercial clients experience with Blackhawk Bank.
Q: What's hot in the industry right now?
A: E-commerce and online banking continue to expand as technology continues to develop. We are excited for the upcoming new services and features we will be offering and will continue to stay current as new banking trends advance.
Q: Who is your typical customer?
A: Blackhawk Bank has earned the reputation as being the bank for business owners in manufacturing, dental and health care. Our clients take great comfort in the fact that we 'get' the complexities of these unique fields and also work with clients from a wide variety of industries. We stand with our clients to help manage the natural ups and downs of the economy, to spark creative thinking and innovation, to meet challenges head on, and to seize opportunities.
Q: Tell us one fact about the business that most may not know.
A: At Blackhawk Bank, financial education is a community service that we are happy to provide, free. Our 'Speakers Bureau' was developed to discuss financial topics with members of clubs, organizations, and the media in ways that are informative and engaging. Our speakers are available for group presentations. To learn more, contact Stephanie Meier at (815) 986-7164 or smeier@blackhawkbank.com.
Blackhawk Bank
President: David Adkins
Headquarters: 400 Broad St., Beloit, Wisconsin
Number of employees: 175
Locations: 8 branch locations and a mortgage processing center
Web address: <a href="https://www.blackhawkbank.com/">blackhawkbank.com</a>
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/bank_blackhawk">twitter.com/bank_blackhawk</a>