20th Anniversary

Celebrates 20 Years!

Driving business success through lasting relationships

Vision, resilience and a bold future

From day one, we set out to make banking personal again – rooted in relationships and community.

Today, that same entrepreneurial spirit continues to guide us as we stand alongside the business owners shaping a bold future.

20th Anniversary News Story

Founder fireside: What 20 years means

Lisa Wente: Our customer touch

Founder fireside: Tales from the start, with humor and heart

2006–2010

Building the Foundation

  • Opened in Chicago with a mission to deliver “big bank expertise, community bank service.”
  • Expanded to Rosemont and quickly earned a reputation for relationship-driven banking.
  • Grew steadily through the financial crisis by earning client trust and maintaining conservative lending principles.

2011–2016

Growing Reputation and Reach

  • Celebrated 10 years of success and invested in modern digital and mobile banking platforms.
  • Recognized among Illinois’ top-performing community banks.
  • Strengthened client relationships through steady growth and personalized service.

2017–2022

Innovation and Resilience

  • Named one of the nation’s “Best Banks to Work For.”
  • Expanded commercial lending and treasury services to support privately held businesses.
  • Guided clients through the pandemic with PPP loans and trusted financial support.

2022–Present

Strength, Expansion, and the Future

  • Expanded leadership and relationship teams to serve growing client needs.
  • Continued national recognition as a “Best Bank to Work For.”
  • Opened a Milwaukee office and deepened community engagement across the region.
  • Celebrating 20 years of client success, innovation, and growth in 2026.

More than a bank – a true partner

Since 2006, we’ve helped hometown businesses realize their full potential with hands-on, personalized service.

20 years later, we’re still putting relationships at the heart of every success story.

Customer spotlight: Beyond the numbers – How a multi-generational family business found a true banking partner for growth

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Founder reflections: A 20-year journey in relationship banking

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Customer spotlight: Reimagining what’s possible in commercial real estate financing

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Discover what a true relationship bank can do for your business.

Banking with purpose

Community is who we are. For 20 years, we’ve supported local charities, sponsored neighborhood events and encouraged employees to give their time and talents.

As we celebrate this milestone, our commitment to giving back is stronger than ever.

Two decades of milestones and memories

A trusted perspective – 20 years in

After 20 years, we’ve gained the perspective that only time and experience can bring. In a landscape shaped by new regulations, digital banking and AI, our founding values of stability, relationships and community remain just as relevant. We’re here to help Midwest businesses navigate change with confidence and clarity.

Founder fireside:
When things get tough

Penny Foust: A changing landscape for treasury management

What does modern
banking look like?

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