Community banks are known to serve businesses and individuals in a small geographic area and emphasize personal relationships with their customers. Since 1961, Coulee Bank has proudly served the Coulee Region in Wisconsin and has grown to serve the Rochester, Minnetonka, and St. Paul Minnesota area. Not only does Coulee Bank strive to develop lasting relationships, but they also spend thousands of hours and dollars each year volunteering in the communities they serve. They employ dedicated people who spend their time and money supporting local charities and sponsoring events.
The Coulee Bank Mission
Their mission statement is ‘Doing the right thing for our clients and colleagues.’ But what does that mean on a day-to-day basis? Doing the right thing starts internally. Coulee Bank creates a supportive work environment. They offer educational opportunities to help you grow professionally, their benefits package is robust, and they encourage community involvement.
Because Coulee Bank fosters an excellent work environment, employees are ready to roll up their sleeves and serve the communities they work and live in. Rachel Munger, Public Relations Manager, says, “Coulee Bank’s first Core Value is “Serve” because this is central to who we are as an institution. We are committed to supporting and investing in our local communities. Giving back takes on many forms at Coulee Bank, such as sponsoring local events, donating to charitable causes, and volunteering with local organizations. It is something we are doing all year round!”
She says Coulee Bank has a Community Involvement Committee with representatives from each market that meets monthly. This group plans different service opportunities for employees. At these meetings, employees select different service opportunities to be completed during the workday.
Coulee Bank Fundraisers
Coulee Bank’s main fundraiser is for Great River United Way. This is a way for employees to support the charitable organization and experience friendly competition in the workplace. Munger says, “The Community Involvement Committee planned events for employees like penny wars, silent auctions, costume contests, and trivia contests.” The relationship with the Great Rivers United Way started in 1970! Last year, Coulee Bank employees gave $27,448.94 to United Way!
While United Way is the main fundraiser at Coulee Bank, there are several other fundraisers including a yearly food drive, back to school drive, and a Toys for Tots drive. Munger says she loves all of the options for employees because each team member is passionate about something different. Being involved in these different initiatives results in a stronger team and culture at the bank.
Fostering Economic Growth
“Community banks are a cornerstone in our local economic growth,” says Munger. Choosing to work with a community bank like Coulee Bank means your dollars stay local and fund small businesses, mortgages, and local loans. Community banks are steadfast in their support and believe in giving back to the communities that have entrusted them with their dollars. Munger says she is proud to work for a community bank that has donated over $700,000 over the past 10 years to local markets.
Coulee Bank’s commitment goes beyond banking. We invite you to join us in creating a thriving community. Because when our communities succeed, we succeed!