Coulee Courier

Kick Off the New Year with

Smarter Business Decisions

Stay one step ahead of fraudsters with Positive Pay

While electronic (ACH) transactions are becoming the norm, fraud still exists. Fraudsters create counterfeit checks and other electronic (ACH) transactions that can clear the bank without you even realizing it. That’s why Positive Pay is one the most effective ways to ward off fraud and keep your hard-earned money safe. Think of Positive Pay as protection like an insurance policy.

What is Positive Pay?

Positive Pay refers to cash-management services Coulee Bank and other financial institutions use to deter fraud. Annie Bertram, Treasury Management Manager at Coulee Bank says, “It’s the number one product that gives customers the ability to protect their business account. Positive Pay essentially allows the customer to approve or deny payment of all checks and electronic (ACH) transactions.”

Positive Pay is so important because customers have limited time to dispute transactions. If fraudulent transactions aren’t disputed within those time frames, it is possible the money may not be recovered.

Discover How to Deter Check Fraud?

Positive Pay is a system used to match the date, check number, dollar amount, payee, and account number of each check or electronic (ACH) transaction. Additionally, it allows the customer to approve or restrict electronic (ACH) debits to their account.

Each day, an email alert is sent to the customer to notify them of any Positive Pay exceptions. Bertram recommends reviewing these exceptions first thing every morning. It’s possible to train your in-house bookkeeper, accountant or receptionist to monitor these transactions without them having access to your entire bank account.

Businesses sometimes feel the start-up process is intimidating, but the Coulee Bank Treasury Management team is available for ongoing assistance. Positive Pay is worth the extra time it takes to set up, and it eliminates the need to close any accounts if they are ever compromised.

Positive Pay is a Worthwhile Investment



Cost varies by institution, but Bertram says Coulee Bank’s rate is extremely competitive. Not only is the monthly fee inexpensive, but Bertram’s team provides one-to-one training, so you know exactly how to use the product effectively.

All told, Positive Pay helps to determine any suspicious transactions quickly. Start the year off right and protect the money you earn. Contact your Coulee Bank Treasury Management team to get started today.



Are You an Aspiring Entrepreneur?

Here are tips from a relationship banker for starting a business

Owning a business is not without risk. It’s best to pick an industry you are passionate about and one you have researched. Talk to other business owners about their experience to see if you have what it takes to turn your aspirations into achievements.

Passion Project

To get your business off the ground, you need to have passion and dedication to make it successful, it isn’t just about the business plan. When you are passionate, you are more motivated to find creative solutions and take risks that ultimately help the business grow.

Once you feel confident about your idea, Ben Trehey, VP, Business Banking Officer at Coulee Bank in Rochester recommends getting your thoughts on paper. Many times, your first stop should be your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The SBDC provides support to new businesses, offering free consultations to help them strategize and formulate a thorough business plan. They work closely with community banks and have an understanding of their expectations and requirements. By leveraging this resource, you will be equipped with the tools and insights you will need to confidently prepare for the meeting with your banker.

Support from Your Relationship Banker

Do your research before choosing a bank and a banker. You and your new business have unique needs, and you want someone who is committed to your success. Trehey says his philosophy is to not be transactional but would rather build long-lasting relationships with his clients by understanding them and providing insightful solutions.

Since Trehey builds relationships, he can also help you build and develop relationships that become vital to your business. “I consider myself a connector. My goal is to connect people within the community to build mutually beneficial partnerships,” says Trehey. It’s a team-building approach he uses for all his customers. Each person he connects with may have a different skill set to provide you with the appropriate support to manage your business.

Capital to Start Your Business

Once you have developed a viable team, now you can apply for a loan. Many times, the best option for a new business is a loan through the Small Business Administration (SBA). If the business is a start-up, it may not qualify for conventional financing due to a lack of capital or collateral. The SBA incentivizes banks to provide financing in these situations by guaranteeing loans provided by the bank to qualified applicants.



Coulee Bank is an SBA Preferred Lender and can help process these types of loans. If you are thinking about starting a business, talk to your local Coulee Bank Business Banker.



Like a Sinking Ship, Mortgages are Taking a Dive

Now is the perfect time to buy your dream home

Mortgage rates are finally taking a dip after doubling at the beginning of 2023. While the fluctuating rates may concern you about financing a home, when rates go down, the competition heats up. If you have your eye on a house, there’s no time like the present to make that purchase. Refinancing is an option in the future.

Investigate Buying a Home Now

Rates are higher than we have seen in the past 20 years making homeowners reluctant to sell. Ethan Jerue, Mortgage Loan Officer (NMLS#2522982) at Coulee Bank in Onalaska says, “The critical piece people need to understand is that inventory is low and there are a lot of potential buyers. When rates drop, you’ll end up competing with a lot more people.”

Because homes on the market aren’t getting the attention they deserve, Coulee Bank is offering a housewarming gift to sweeten the deal. If you buy now while the market is less competitive, you’ll receive $500 off closing costs through the end of February.*

Jerue says to think long-term because the housing market reacts quickly. Waiting for mortgage rates to decrease means housing prices will skyrocket. “You’ll likely be paying $20,000-$50,000 over the asking price! At that point, you have to ask yourself, should I overpay for a home or purchase one now with higher interest rates and refinance later.”

When Rates Drop, You Can Refinance

The Federal Reserve recently stated that it’s only a matter of time before the rates drop, so Jerue’s advice is to ‘date the rate and marry the house.’ Don’t become fixated on the fluctuating rates, they won’t be this way forever.

When you find your dream home, we have another sweet deal. Purchase a home with us before June 30, 2024, and not only do you get to own your dream home, but you also have the opportunity to refinance your home within three years of the closing date and receive up to $1,000 in lender credits.**

Lender credits cover those out-of-pocket expenses you are charged when you refinance. The charges can range from $150 to $1,000.



Connect with a Coulee Bank Mortgage Loan Officer for more options. We can open the door to a brand new home.

*Offer good on applications received through 2/29/2024. Value is limited to $500. Cannot be redeemed for cash. Offer subject to credit approval. Offer good on owner occupied purchase mortgage only. Other restrictions apply. Contact Coulee Bank for details.

**This is not an offer or a commitment to lend as defined by Section 12CFR 1026.2 Regulation Z. Interest rates and product are subject to change at any time without notice or may not be available at the time loan commitment or lock. All loans must satisfy bank underwriting guidelines.

Coulee in the Community

Our employees volunteer and support businesses and organizations in the communities where we live and work.

Toys for Tots

We are thrilled to report that all our Coulee Bank locations were official drop-off sites for the organization, Toys for Tots. We want to say thank you to our community members who stopped by one of our locations and donated toys. Our Twin Cities group made their way to one of the Toys for Tots warehouses to help organize toys by age group!

Coulee Bank didn’t stop at just collecting and sorting! We also made a monetary donation to this wonderful organization! We sincerely hope many children received the perfect gift this holiday season!

Salvation Army Bell Ringers

Because we believe every donation matters, big or small. We’re proud to announce that our employees supported the Salvation Army this year. Coulee Bank employees were seen in La Crosse, Minnetonka and Rochester this year standing next to the Red Kettle and joyfully ringing bells. We thank all community members who came out and donated.

La Crosse Public Education Foundation

Special shout-out to Angela Erdenberger, AVP, Senior Credit Analyst at Coulee Bank who is on the Board of Directors at the La Crosse Public Education Foundation. This organization awarded 14 Gold Star Grants and provided $34,000 in funding to La Crosse schools.

Grants helped fund Strider bike kits to help kids learn how to ride bikes, adaptive tricycles for physical education, visual support equipment for English learning students, new microscopes, CPR manikins, new spotlights for music education programs, audio-visual storybooks, soccer goal posts, multi-sensory box kits and so much more.

Customer Spotlight

One of Coulee Bank's customers discusses his experience working with Ben Trehey, VP Business Banking Officer.

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.