A Note from our CEO, Scott Soderberg

Ringing in the New Year is always associated with new beginnings, fresh starts, and of course, New Year’s resolutions. The most popular resolutions by far are those that focus on self-improvement of some type. Some don’t bother with this tradition, most that do make one resolution, and still others set multiple goals for themselves for the next year. I had a discussion with a family member over Christmas who had set TEN resolutions for 2024. I’m guessing “setting more goals” was #1 on the list…

Last month, I asked you to “just wait and see” what the New Year might bring to FNC Bank. We’ve been working on a 2024 self-improvement “resolution” for some time now, and I’m very excited to report that we began construction in the waning days of 2023 on a major remodeling project in our New Richmond Branch. We expect it to be completed by late summer, just in time for our 105th anniversary.

During the time that our current plans were taking shape, I couldn’t help but think about the parallels with the last major change to our building here in New Richmond. It was 1987, and the bank had grown to the point of needing more space. My father John Soderberg had a decision to make: Should the bank build and relocate in the newly developing area south of town? Or should he acquire the necessary space around the existing building and keep the bank downtown? While there were many factors to consider, I know he knew choosing the latter was the right call. He understood that remaining an important part of a vibrant downtown was best for New Richmond and the bank. I believe this is even more true today.

There is some irony here too. While the bank has continued to grow, we don’t need more space. This is due to advancing technology and remote working capability—both of which were accelerated by the pandemic. All of this has combined to create an unexpected but very significant opportunity to transform our current “spacious” lobby into a one-stop customer experience for all of our products and services. Combined with our recently upgraded digital banking platform, you will always be able to connect with us—including when you want to see a friendly face. We believe that banking is a personal experience which should be available personally. Again, this might be even more true today.


Demolition begins!

As they say, “please excuse our mess” for a few months. We think you’ll like what our 2024 resolution will bring!