Banker With A Beer: A Podcast Series by Northwestern Bank

In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Aaron White, Community Development Director for the city of Eau Claire,    Topics discussed include: What Makes Eau Claire Desirable for Growth? Significant Project Updates Data Centers Can Eau Claire continue to grow its footprint? Lighting Round Beverage Enjoyed: Oktoberfest Uber, Leinenkugels    Thank you for listening to this episode! Hel...

In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry Jacobson, President and CEO of Northwestern Bank joins us as he prepares for retirement after a 47-year career.  Topics discussed include: Jerry's Career Highlights Changes in banking Changes in the Chippewa Valley The impact of Technology Lighting Round Beverage Enjoyed: Leinie's Honey Weise    Thank you for listening to this episode! Help support the...

In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Dr. Michael Carney, Interim Chancellor of UWEC.      Topics discussed include: Dr. Carney's Career Journey Chancellor Search Process / Timetable Higher Education Trends How AI and Other Technologies are Transforming the Student Experience Keeping UWEC Connected to the Community Beverage Enjoyed: Gunpowder IPA, the Brewing Projekt    Thank you...

In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry sits down with Paul Kohler, Eau Claire Market President for Nicolet Bank.    Topics discussed include: Reflections on Paul's career in banking Changes in the Chippewa Valley The evolution of banking and its future Lighting Round Beverage Enjoyed: Belhaven, Scottish Ale     Thank you for listening to this episode! Help support the show by leaving Banker...

In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Eric Rygg, President of Silver Spring Foods and Huntsinger Farms.    Topics discussed include: The world of Horseradish What is a "Zing Master" Signature Sandwich for the Chippewa Valley Impact of Tariffs on Silver Spring Foods Lighting Round Beverage Enjoyed: Pumpkin Spice Veneration, 3 Sheeps Brewing Sheboygan WI    Thank you for listening...

In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Mark Broses of the Chippewa Falls Rotary Club and Hosting Coordinator for the Open World – Poland Visitors    Topics discussed include:  The Polish Guests and Hosting Experience The Chippewa Valley Tour Cultural Exchange / Trade Opportunities Benefits of International Exchanges Beverages Enjoyed: Zvwiec and Warka, Polish Lagers    Thank you f...

We tried something new this week and took the podcast on the road!  Banker with a Beer was recorded in front of a live audience at the Roadmap Marketing Conference in downtown Eau Claire.  Jerry hosted a panel of local marketing specialists including Erin Trowbridge of 4 Peas Consulting, Lee Carather of Double Forte, and Benny Anderson of Daredevil Business Consulting.    Topics discussed include:...

In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Darrin Senn, owner of Senn Blacktop, co-owner of 1917 Restaurant, and NB Board of Director Chairman.    Topics discussed include: Opening of 1917 Restaurant on Lake Wissota NB Leadership Transition Changes and Challenges in the Asphalt Paving Industry Lighting Round Beverage Enjoyed: Deus, Belgium Ale 2017    Thank you for listening to this e...

In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry sits down with Traci Hollister and Lindsey Sabelko, CPAs and Partners with Wipfli.    Topics discussed include: Tax Implications of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Advising clients who have side hustles about managing their taxes Difference between tax credits and tax deductions Tax Planning Advice for young adults Beverage Enjoyed: Smithwick's Red Ale, Ir...

In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry sits down with Brian Maki, Director of the Northern Wisconsin state Fair   Topics discussed include:  •    Qualifications of a Fair Director  •    Keeping the Fair Relevant in the Digital Age •    Fair Ground Improvements  •    Future Events on the Fairgrounds •    New Attractions for Oktoberfest Beverages Enjoyed: Leinenkugel's Oktoberfest    Thank you...

In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry sits down with Nancy Kerr, Director L.E. Phillips Public Library   Topics discussed include: Impact of the library renovation on use of the building and its collection Things the library loans out that most people aren't aware of Relevancy of the library in the age of AI and Google Hosting the unhoused Highlighting local authors The Libby app Beverages...

In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry sits down with Natasha Plank Ottum, NB Board Member and CEO/Owner of Plank Enterprises.   Topics discussed include: Products manufactured by Plank Enterprises   Role of NB in the business community NB's role in supporting generational transition at Plank Giving up medical career for manufacturing Health care challenges for employers Beverages Enjoyed: W...

In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry sits down with Dr. Heidi Eliopoulos, Superintendent of the Altoona School District.   Topics discussed include: District enrollment growth   Hiring and keeping teaching and staff Building issues, operations after failed referendum AI and smart phones in the classroom Politics in the classroom Beverages Enjoyed: Hacker Pschorr Weise Beer, Munich Germany...

In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry sits down with Jane Johnson, NB's Vice President of Residential lending. Topics discussed include:  Update on the Chippewa Valley housing market Current housing market rates Home Lending Basics Ways for parents to assist children in purchasing homes Beverages Enjoyed: Modicum's Muirhead Scottish Ale Thank you for listening to this episode! Help support...

In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry sits down with Brad Hentschel, Planner for the City of Chippewa Falls.   Topics discussed include: Hospital Openings (both Aspirus and the reopening of St. Joseph's) CF Road projects   Market on River Downtown Housing Hope Village and the purchase of the Indianhead motel Leinenkugel Brewery Status Outdoor Pool Update Beverages Enjoyed: Barrel Aged Black...

In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry sits down with Eric Rykal, Owner and Brew Master of Modicum Brewing.   Topics discussed include: Brewing Philosophy and Inspiration Transition of Modicum to the Coffee Grounds   The closing of Leinenkugel's Brewery Leason's learned from the troubled transition to Artisan Forge Sampling non-Modicum beers Beverages Enjoyed:  Second Chance Maibock & Corona...

In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry sits down with Heather Mishefske, owner of embark Dog Academy for a discussion on all things canine.   Topics discussed include: The inspiration for opening a dog training school   Training Techniques and Philosophy Dog Psychology and Human Behavior Running a Dog Training School as a business Advice for Dog Owners Beverage Enjoyed:  Lindermans Belgium L...

In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry sits down with Amanda Parkinson, AVP of Marketing at Northwestern Bank for a discussion on Artificial Intelligence (AI).   Topics discussed include: What is AI?   How one new to AI can access it Security and Confidentiality Concerns How NB uses AI Thoughts on how AI may evolve Beverage Enjoyed:  Singha, "the Original Thai Beer", Product of Thailand Than...

Episode 223 In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry and Scott sit down with Chancellor Jim Schmidt of UW Eau Claire.   Topics discussed include: The move to James Madison University Proudest Accomplishments at UWEC Campus Expansion Purchase of Sacred Heart Hospital by Blugold Properties Most missed things about Eau Claire Beverage Enjoyed:  Gunpowder IPA, The Brewing Projekt Thank you for lis...

In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry and Scott sit down with Steve Nick, Attorney for the City of Eau Claire   Topics discussed include: The Sevens Project   Badger of the Year Orchard Hills Development Oakwood Mall / Hills Area Downtown Transit Center Cannery District Beverage Enjoyed: Divine Dramedy Abbey Dubbel, Modicum Brewing Eau Claire Thank you for listening to this episode! Help su...

In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry and Scott sit down with Peter Hoeft, CEO and Owner of Hoeft Builders   Topics discussed include: The Sevens Project   Eau Claire's Need for Class A Office Space Eau Claires Continuing Growth Growing Up vs Growing Out Out-of-State Hoeft Entities Beverage Enjoyed:  Montucky Cold Snack  Thank you for listening to this episode! Help support the show by leav...

In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry and Scott sit down with Mike Golat, Administrator for the City of Altoona.   Topics discussed include: Completion of River Prairie   Population of Altoona growing, nearing 10,000 Container Park / Downtown Revitalization The health of Lake Altoona Leadership change on the horizon Beverage Enjoyed: Piraat Ale, Belgium  Thank you for listening to this epis...

In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry sits down with Amber Scharenbroch of Eau Claire Jazz, Inc.    Topics discussed include: Perspectives as a Jazz Festival participant, organizer, and Board member   Is jazz still relevant to young adults? What makes jazz unique as a musical art form? Advice to first-time Jazz Festival and Jazz Crawl attendees Preview of guest artists: John Clayton and Car...

In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry is joined by NB Business Banker, Jake Krebsbach. Jerry and Jake sit down with Hayden and John Goodman, owners of Chippewa Valley Drones.    Topics discussed include: Qualifications for flying a drone How drones compare with traditional agricultural spreading equipment Turning a hobby into a business Most fun in the business Drone flying stories Beverage...

In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry and Scott sit down with Molly Bushman, President of McDonell Area Catholic Schools.    Topics discussed include: Plans for large land purchased near St. Joseph's hospital Enrollment Growth   Great Books Approach / University of Dallas Role of Religion in School Alternative Educational Options Beverage Enjoyed:  Guinness 0 NA Beer  Thank you for listenin...