Coulee Courier

With summer in full swing, I want to take a moment to encourage all our customers and employees to enjoy the beauty that summer brings. Minnesota and Wisconsin have some of the best summers, and one part I truly enjoy is spending time on the many lakes in Minnesota.

Growing up, I enjoyed a walk around the Chain of Lakes in Minneapolis including Lake Harriet, Bde Maka Ska, Lake of the Isles, and Nokomis. In my opinion, Lake of the Isles has some of the best views out of all the lakes in Minneapolis. Now that I’ve moved to the southwest metro, I enjoy spending some of my free time boating on Lake Minnetonka. My family and I enjoy docking at Excelsior, eating at Maynard’s, and getting custard at Adele’s Frozen Custard. In Wayzata, we enjoy visiting 6Smith, a steak and seafood restaurant with incredible buffets on holidays.

Some other spots I enjoy visiting include Big Stone Mini Golf in Minnetrista and Glam Doll Donuts on Nicollet Ave in Minneapolis.

If you enjoy sports as much as I do, support one of many Minnesota sports teams. It’s my favorite way to spend a day in the Twin Cities. I have been a Vikings season ticket holder for 20+ years, and I also enjoy watching the Timberwolves, Wild, and Twins. Skol Vikes!

We hope you enjoy this edition of the Coulee Courier. Some of our employees have shared some of their favorite spots in Minnesota and Wisconsin. We encourage you to go out and see the sites while the days are long and the weather is beautiful.

~Dirk Gasterland, CEO

Understanding Remote Deposit Capture

Making deposits when and where it is convenient for you

Coulee Bank is a community bank that focuses on building relationships. We pride ourselves in offering in-person customer service at multiple bank locations. However, with the rise of digital banking, we quickly upgraded our services to offer many forms of digital banking. One of those product offerings is a Remote Deposit Capture (RDC).

What is Remote Deposit Capture?

RDC allows consumers and businesses to make deposits directly from a smartphone or with a remote deposit scanner. If you are a consumer with personal savings and checking accounts, you can deposit a check on an app by photographing the front and back of the check. If you are a business owner, you can use your smartphone or a remote deposit scanner to scan the front and back of a check and make a deposit.

Annie Bertram, AVP, Treasury Management says, “We are proud to offer this tool to our customers. At Coulee Bank, we do our best to keep pace with the latest banking technologies and offer our business customers and personal banking customers those products and services.”

She says, one of the latest upgrades to Coulee Bank’s business app is batch mobile deposits. A traditional mobile deposit allows you to take a photo of each check and deposit them separately. A batch mobile deposit allows you to photograph multiple checks and create one deposit. Bertram provides this example, “If you have five checks each written out for $20, you will see this as one deposit for $100. The batch feature is only for businesses."

How Does RDC Work?

This feature is very user-friendly. Here are six steps to help you get your paper check deposited on a mobile device:

1.     Download the Coulee Bank mobile app. In this app, search for the “deposit” or “mobile deposit” feature.

2.     Endorse the back of the check and write “For mobile deposit only” under your signature.

3.     On the app, select the proper account you wish to deposit the check and include the dollar amount of the check.

4.     The app will prompt you to take a photo of the front and back of the check. Make sure to take the photo in a well-lit area with a contrasting background. If the check is light colored use a dark background. Many banking apps have smart technology to help you take quality photos.

5.     Review the check details to ensure you have the correct amount in the app and the correct account selected.

6.     Click deposit.

If you are a business customer, you can use your mobile device or a remote deposit scanner. The scanner acts like a camera. You can scan in checks and deposit each one separately or make a batch deposit. Keep in mind, if you make a batch deposit, you need to take a photo of each check.

Is RDC Secure?

RDC is secure, but it’s important to remember to dispose of the paper checks responsibly. Checks have a lot of personal information on them including name, address, phone number, checking account number, and routing number.

You won’t see funds in your account until the following business day, but all deposits made prior to 6 pm will have an effective date that matches the date of the deposit. It’s good practice to keep the paper check for several days to ensure the deposit has cleared. Store these checks in a secure location. It’s recommended to wait until your next bank statement or 30 days before you shred the check. Bertram emphasizes shredding the check once a statement cycle has passed. "You don’t want the check to get in the hands of the wrong person. Remember, checks have a lot of personal information on them.”

Are There Caps on Deposits?

“To protect our customers, we establish a daily remote deposit limit. Putting a cap on remote deposits helps to alleviate fraud. We establish a unique limit for each business based on their needs. These are not arbitrary limits, and limits can be adjusted,” she says.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of RDC?

“One of the biggest advantages is your checks can be deposited at no cost. There are a few other perks to this feature, you don’t have to go into a branch,” says Bertram. “If there’s inclement weather, you don’t have to hustle to a brick-and-mortar location to deposit your checks. Geography doesn’t define us as banks anymore. You can choose who you bank with.”

She goes on to say that the tool benefits businesses because they can set up scanners at any location and have one of their bookkeepers, personnel in accounts receivable, or other employees make deposits for business owners.

RDC is one of the many ways Coulee Bank strives to stay on par with technology. For business owners, you can find more information about recent upgrades to our Treasury Management department in the following articles.

For more information about additional tools from our Treasury Management department, read the article What is ACH and Why Does Your Business Need It? You may also be interested in Positive Pay. You can read about Positive Pay.

The Importance of Curb Appeal



Tips for giving your home’s exterior the makeover it needs

Looking to sell your home? Don’t underestimate the power of curb appeal. From the driveway to the front doorway, the exterior of your home is a crucial selling point.

Curb Appeal Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

If you are concerned about cost, we have tips to beautify your home that won’t break the bank. Kris Farwell, Director of Mortgage at Coulee Bank, says, “The best way to save money on curb appeal is to put a little elbow grease into it.” Here are small things you can do to elevate the charm of your home. From colorful, blooming flowers, to a freshly painted front door, these DIY projects will entice home buyers to give you top dollar for your property.

Farwell says that first impressions are everything. The easiest and fastest way to make your home more appealing is by power washing the driveway and siding if needed. Make sure the gutters are clean and in good repair. Remove any dead leaves from the premises. Keep the lawn freshly cut, the hedges trimmed, and the weeds pulled from all flower gardens.

Add Color and Décor to the Front of Your Home to Make it More Inviting

An easy DIY project is to paint your front door. You can easily make your door a focal point with a contrasting color. If you need a few pointers here’s an article from HGTV on painting your front door. Click here to read more.

Farwell says, “Add bright blooming flowers in pots and hanging baskets to your front porch. Pay attention to the amount of sunlight the flowers will get so you choose the appropriate flower. Know the difference between annuals and perennials.” Annual plants have a one-year life cycle, meaning they don’t return year after year. Some examples of colorful annuals are petunias, marigolds, zinnias, begonias, and impatiens. Creating potted plants using annuals is inexpensive if you create a planter yourself. “Hiring someone to create potted plants can be costly, so try the DIY method first,” says Farwell.

If you aren’t a gardener, don’t go overboard with plants. The time commitment to care for the plants can become a burden especially if you are trying to sell your home and it needs to appear well cared for every day.

“If your porch is large enough for outdoor furniture, add a bench or a couple of chairs with a cohesive color palette,” says Farwell. Color coordinate the cushions with your newly painted front door or floral arrangement. Add festive holiday décor like red, white, and blue for the Fourth of July. She says to keep it simple. You definitely don’t want a crowded front porch that distracts from the overall appearance.

Put a Spotlight on Curb Appeal with Enhanced Lighting

Illuminate your driveway to make it safe and inviting. Replace any burned-out light bulbs by using long-lasting LEDs. Clean out the dust and cobwebs from the light fixtures to maintain their sparkle. Then, select beautiful and eco-friendly lighting to line the driveway and sidewalk. Illuminating your driveway, sidewalk, and front porch not only adds style but also enhances safety.

Maximize the Look of Your Mailbox

If your mailbox is next to the road, consider a fresh coat of paint, visible address numbers, flowers, and lighting. Replace or repair the mailbox post if it wobbles or leans. You may consider simple landscaping next to the post. Add a potted flowering plant or plant annuals around the base of the mailbox. If you landscape around the mailbox post, add landscaping rock or mulch for a polished and inviting look. Farwell emphasizes low-maintenance landscaping especially if you aren’t a gardener.

Remember, a well-maintained exterior can make a huge difference in attracting potential buyers. It doesn’t need to be fancy, keep the exterior clean and tidy for maximum results.

The Best Day Trips in Wisconsin and Minnesota

Lori DuMars, Human Resources Generalist

Want to see some “plum pudding” stone? Visit Parfrey’s Glen State Park in Wisconsin near Devil’s Lake. The “plum pudding” stone is quartzite. The Glen’s walls are sandstone embedded with pebbles and boulders of quartzite. This park is one of the most popular destinations outside of Devil’s Lake State Park, so be prepared to share the hike with lots of other visitors.

Rachel Munger, Public Relations Manager

Rachel and her husband, Corbin, recommend a scenic drive along the river. She says they like to start their day trip in Stillwater, MN, or Hudson, WI. They follow the river through Hastings, MN, and then drive to Red Wing, MN.

Munger says, “This day trip is fun in the fall when the leaves change colors. The drive is beautiful, and the stop offers nature to explore and cute little cafes and shops along the way.” She says the Red Wing Shoes Museum in Red Wing is a must-see; It has the World’s Largest Boot! 

World largest boot at the Red Wing Shoe Museum!

A beautiful hike in Red Wing, MN.

Brianna Kane, Business Banking Assistant

When talking with Kane about Hastings, MN, nostalgia comes to

mind. Kane grew up in Hastings and was married at the Rotary pavilion. “There

is a gorgeous backdrop of the river and colorful fall leaves,” she says. In the

summer, Hastings hosts Rivertown Days where you can shop local vendors, indulge

in cheese curds, freshly squeezed lemonade, or food from other local food

trucks. Rivertown Days includes a carnival with rides, live music, and a

classic car show. 

Brianna's kiddos standing by the river in Hastings, MN.

Kane and her family have annual passes to the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley, MN. She says, “There are so many different animals from different environments! We love to visit!” She's right. There are 546 different species of animals and altogether; it has 4,200 animals. 

Brianna and her kiddos at the zoo.

Another Kane family favorite is Valleyfair. It’s located in Shakopee, MN. Experience one of 75 different rides, a water park called Soak City, food fests, and fireworks. Kane says she worked there in high school, so it’s a family tradition to attend each year.

Brianna at Valleyfair.

Amy Bauer, Chief Human Resources Officer

Exploring contemporary art inspired by nature can be done at Franconia Sculpture Park in Taylor’s Falls. Bauer says this 50-acre outdoor museum enchants visitors and fosters interesting conversations. After an afternoon of creative delight, she recommends a root beer float at Taylors Falls Drive In. 

Sculpture at Franconia Sculpture Park.

If it’s fainting goats, deer, bunnies, and mini ponies you want to see, Bauer suggests Fawn Doe Rosa in St. Croix Falls. This park offers educational resources about animals, wildlife, and nature. Hiking, beaches, camping, and kayaking rentals are available as well. 

Do you enjoy active day trips? Willow River State Park in Hudson, WI, offers miles of scenic hiking trails featuring impressive views of Willow Falls and the Willow River Gorge. Bauer says, “Park by the beach, then hike to the waterfalls. You can climb up the lookout tower for those impressive views. You can also camp, eat at one of the many lakeside picnic areas, and enjoy fishing and swimming opportunities on Little Falls Lake.”

Willow River State Park in Hudson, WI.

Mark Landy, Retail Banking Manager

“My family always tries to make at least one trip to Hok-Si-La Park each year because it offers a little bit of everything,” says Landy. He says it is the perfect place and super inexpensive. The park is located on the Minnesota side of Lake Pepin. It’s pet friendly and offers a great beach, fun little gift shops, free parking, a park for kiddos, views to steal your heart, birdwatching, camping, or cabins for overnight visits. You can also play volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, or go hiking.

Landy included photos taken eight years apart at the same spot.

Nicole Czarnomski, Digital Marketing Specialist

“Lanesboro remains top on my list of places to go each summer from biking with my husband or being entertained at the Commonweal Theatre with friends,” says Czarnomski. She has lived in southeastern Minnesota for more than 15 years and each year she visits Lanesboro at least once or twice a year!

A paved trail system meanders along the Root River from Lanesboro. Bicyclists and walkers can enjoy the trail. The trail winds through the valley and is more than 40 miles long. “I’ve seen a family of raccoons, deer, bunnies, chipmunks, and lots of squirrels along the path,” she says.

If you like pie, take the bike path to Whalan, MN, and visit Aroma Pie Shoppe. Their pies are World Famous and baked from scratch! Pie flavors include apple pies, a variety of berry and rhubarb pies, a variety of cream pies, custard pies, and nut pies.

Kayla Stuhr, Commercial Loan Specialist

Looking for a fun family outing? Look no further than Ecker’s Apple Farm in Trempealeau, WI! With a beer garden, live music, candy apples, pies, food trucks, and pick your own apples, there’s something for everyone. 

Emily Darling, Mortgage Loan Administrator

Emily Darling put the Clemens and Munsinger Gardens in St. Cloud, MN, on her bucket list. For Juneteenth, she planned a trip with her mother and sister.

She says, "We were pleasantly surprised viewing the elaborate plantings in the shaded Munsinger garden next to the river. Every shade of Blue Lupine was in full bloom and taller than me!" She says they couldn't have picked a better day to see the June bloomers. 

At the Clemens Gardens, a vast display of annuals put on a grand show including every color of rose imaginable! Intricate fountains and tributes adorned the gardens. Darling and her family finished their two-hour stroll with a picnic by the river. She says, "Mom enjoyed spending time with my sister and me. We have memories and photos that will last a lifetime."

Janel Garrick, BSA Officer

Visit Marine on St. Croix, MN, and stop for chocolates at the St. Croix Chocolate Company. Garrick says, "The chocolates are mini pieces of art and so delicious!"

You can also spend time in the town of Marine on St. Croix. A few little shops in that area include the Marine General Store, Annie’s Bistro, Surf Yogurt Shop, and Saint Croix Coffee Roasters. Down the road a few miles is The Bluebell Mercantile & Co. It features home decor, jewelry, stationary, and holiday items. Definitely worth the trip!

After you indulge in chocolates, stop at Rustic Roots Winery in Scandia, MN for lunch and a glass of wine! Garrick says, "The Views of the St. Croix Valley are stunning!"

On the weekend, The Grill cooks up sandwiches and burgers. The Rustic Bistro serves delicious flatbreads and salads. Plus, the kitchen prepares picnic packs featuring Charcuterie boards which are the perfect addition to any outdoor gathering. 

Bring a blanket and find a cozy spot to relax and enjoy the views or take a seat at one of the many tables and chairs scattered throughout the property. It's the perfect place to unwind and soak up some sunshine!

Summer Travel Tips from IT

Don't let cyber criminals ruin your travel adventures! Cybersecurity isn't just for home and work - it's essential on the go too. Protect your devices, data, and personal information with these simple tips to stay safe online while traveling.

Coulee in the Community

Coulee Bank is dedicated to excellence in the workplace while fostering growth and support in the neighborhoods we call home. We volunteer because we have the power to make a difference! 

We're excited to announce that we are hosting a back-to-school drive to support kids who may not have the resources to fill their backpacks. Join us in collecting backpacks, notebooks, pencils, and more to ensure every child has what they need for a successful school year. Bring donations to any of our locations from the La Crosse area to the Twin Cities. We are supporting Catholic Charities of the Diocese of La Crosse and their Back 2 School program, United Way, and Interfaith Action of Greater St. Paul. Help us make a difference! 📚🎒✏️

Shred It For Safety!

Big shoutout to our amazing employees in St. Paul for helping the community stay safe from fraud and identity theft by shredding important documents. The Shred Event was well-attended. Thank you to everyone who came out and helped us make a positive impact on the environment. Let's keep shredding and making a difference!

Doggy Day Out!

🐾 Who let the dogs out? Team Coulee Bank in La Crosse and the Coulee Region Humane Society, that's who! Our employees got to take some furry friends for a walk on Doggy Day Out and boy, did they have a blast! It's not just great for the pups, but for our staff too. Keep up the pawsome work, team La Crosse! 🐶

Grand Old Day!

What a day at Grand Old Day in St. Paul! During the parade, we were vibin’ with the Tin Cups, a steel drum band, spreading Caribbean vibes down Grand Avenue. We walked alongside the steel drum band tossing candy to the little ones. We also spent the day handing out water to attendees. It truly was a grand old day!

Employee Spotlight

Meet Joshua Herrmann, a creative and dedicated individual who pursued his passion for Theatre and Music at Concordia University in St. Paul, MN. He graduated in May of 2023.

Wanting a consistent schedule, ideally Monday to Friday, Joshua searched for jobs in the banking industry. Through his perseverance and proactive approach, Coulee Bank recognized his potential and promptly offered him a position.

Herrmann started at Coulee Bank as a Universal Teller in the same month he graduated from college. As a Universal Teller, his primary focus was on delivering top-notch customer service and adhering to strict regulations while handling transactions for Coulee Bank customers. He says, "My goal is to provide excellent customer service and follow standard regulations when processing transactions for guests. I am always willing to help resolve any problems or issues that arise."

Herrmann excelled in his position as Universal Teller, so much so that he recently received a promotion to Universal Banker. He says, "I still provide the same world class customer service to guests that come into the branch, but now I am better able to provide our customers with solutions to their financial needs." He can guide them through the process of opening new checking accounts, help them maximize their savings potential through Certificates of Deposits (CD’s), Savings Accounts, and address any inquiries they may have regarding these financial products.

Not only does Herrmann deliver his world class customer service to our clients, but he was also handpicked to help with the Coulee Bank podcast, Financially Free Gen-Z. "Being a co-host of Financially Free Gen-Z is a great way to talk about finances for all age groups," says Herrmann. He made some poor financial decisions fresh out of high school because he didn't receive financial education growing up. He truly appreciates being able to give back to others by talking about daunting financial topics that aren't easy to digest.

Herrmann recommends having a willingness to learn, follow procedures, and build professional relationships with customers to have a successful career in banking. He says, "There are lots of different options when it comes to careers in banking. What most people see are the frontline staff working with customers, but there are different departments including fraud and operations that work behind the scenes to make sure that the bank runs smoothly and safely."

We wish you continued success, Joshua!

We continue to support the child of one of our colleagues. Micah Gatz awaits a new heart, and he has been hospitalized for more than 100 days. We showed our support for this incredibly brave kiddo by wearing Mighty Micah t-shirts and creating signs of support. He misses his home and his bed, and we thought this was one way to bring a smile to him and his family.

Micah we are rooting for you! You can do this Mighty Micah! 💪❤️

Have you heard about the incredible 10-month LGR program through the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce? It's an immersive experience that explores economic development, the arts scene, workforce development, and more. Annie Peterson, Business Banking Assistant in the Rochester office, participated in this program. She recently finished her project where her team created communication stations. These are an alternative nonverbal way for children to communicate with friends, family, classmates, and teachers – breaking language and disability bearers.

Way to go, Annie!

We love a reason to celebrate with our colleagues!

🎉🎂 Happy Birthday to all our amazing Coulee Bank co-workers!

🎈🥳 Here's to another year of hard work, laughter, and teamwork. Wishing you all the best on your special day. Let's make it a celebration to remember!

🎉 Happy Work-i-versary to our amazing colleagues! 🎉 It's been an incredible journey with each and every one of you. Your hard work, dedication, and positive energy make our team unstoppable. Here's to many more years of success and growth together!

Customer Spotlight

Thank you to our AMAZING customers for choosing us for all your banking needs! We are grateful for your loyalty, support, and trust in our products and services. Here's to many more years of building a strong relationship together!

Benjamin Loehrer, Los Campeones

Meet Benjamin Loehrer, the inspiring President and CEO of Los Campeones gym. When Loehrer acquired the gym in 2010, the business was on the brink of collapse. The previous owners had neglected critical investments and failed to engage meaningfully with the customer base, leaving the gym in a precarious state. Determined to turn things around, Loehrer committed himself to revitalizing the gym, often working 16-hour days, seven days a week.

Over the past 13 years, Loehrer’s dedication and vision paid off. He reinvested in the business and fostered a strong sense of community among the gym's members. His approach wasn't just about physical improvements; he built a network of loyal customers and fitness enthusiasts who shared his passion for health and well-being. This community-focused strategy became the cornerstone of Los Campeones’ success, transforming it from a struggling business into a fitness powerhouse.

Currently, there are nine locations in the Metro as well as locations in Texas, Arizona, North and South Dakota, and Colorado. He says, “Even though Los Campeones has locations nationwide, it is still a local neighborhood gym where everyone is welcome regardless of their abilities.” This gym has something for everyone, it offers a world-class training facility focusing on great customer service and heavy-duty lifting equipment.

Loehrer is gifted with confidence and dogged determination. When faced with a challenge, he figured it out. He leaned in and asked questions of a professional team he surrounded himself with. Over the years, this team has included bankers, lawyers, real estate agents, and other business owners.

Loehrer relied on Coulee Bank’s SVP, Business Banking Officer, Ben Monnens. “Ben Monnens has been extremely helpful and great to work with. He always helps me with whatever I need!” Loehrer has come to enjoy everyone at Coulee Bank. He has recommended several people to Coulee Bank because he knows they will be well cared for.

Multiple Coulee Bank employees have wonderful things to say about Loehrer. Monnen says, “Benjamin with Los Campeones has been a great customer of Coulee Bank for many years. He first came to the bank in 2018 because his existing bank did not meet his expectations for financing a new project.” Monnen and Coulee Bank confidently financed one of his gyms and went on to provide financing for four more projects! It truly is a mutually beneficial relationship.

Mark Landy, Retail Banking Manager, states, “Benjamin Loehrer is awesome to have as a customer! He is kind and hardworking. It’s always a pleasure working with him.”



Loehrer’s story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with hard work, strategic investment, and a deep connection to the community. At Coulee Bank, we are proud to serve Loehrer and all his business needs.

Customer Testimonials

"I have a loan with Coulee and that went so well I decided to open an account with them. It was a good experience and I was very satisfied. Communication was terrific. They were very helpful and made the whole process quick and easy. I have no suggestions for ways the bank might improve service. What I like best about Coulee is the convenience. They are great to work with."

~Hannah

“I established personal accounts with Coulee years ago and wanted my non-profit to open an account with them because of the ease of their services. The bank I was at refused to be helpful with HSAs and Coulee streamlined the whole process and got us up and going very efficiently and quickly.

The day we went in to open the account they were in the midst of changing internet service, and still they were courteous, polite, helpful and got the job done quickly. They even brought documents over to the office so the other employees could have online access ASAP.

I can't say enough good about Coulee. They even let my husband bring our dog into the bank and greeted the dog pleasantly as well. I have worked with national banks before. They are very impersonal. But Coulee is a small town bank, they know their customers and make you feel valued.

They are also very efficient and quick with anything I need help with. When I called into the other bank, I was regularly routed to the corporate office instead of the branch I needed. With Coulee I can talk directly with someone at my branch whenever I have a question to be answered.”

~Christine

Financially Free Gen-Z Podcast

Join your hosts, Joshua Herrmann and Rachel Munger, as they discuss the financial questions and topics prevalent to Generation Z. This podcast is brought to you by Coulee Bank. Member FDIC.

Disclaimer - All content contained in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon to make any financial, accounting, tax, legal or other related decisions. Each person must consider his or her objectives, risk tolerances and level of comfort when making financial decisions and should consult a competent professional advisor prior to making any such decisions. Any opinions expressed through the content in this newsletter are the opinions of the particular author only.