Thursday, September 19, 2024
MARINETTE COUNTY – As one of the oldest banks in Wisconsin, the Stephenson National Bank and Trust has been serving Marinette and communities across northeast Wisconsin and Michigan since 1874. As their 150 year anniversary quickly approaches, the bank will be focusing on celebrating their historical achievement with customers, employees and their community.
The Stephenson National Bank and Trust (SNBT) was established by Isaac Stephenson, J.W.P. Lombard, Samuel Stephenson, Robert Stephenson and Augustus Spies. The bank’s website explains that these men “pooled a total of $25,000 to form the capital base of the bank” to create the first such business in the area.
Over the years the company grew and survived the Great Depression, notably never closing their doors during the difficult time, and both World Wars. Despite circumstances that shut the doors to many banks, SNBT flourished.
Today, the bank and trust is managed by the 11th president in their 150 years, Greg A. Salmen. Self-described as a “South Dakota farm boy,” Salmen has been running the trust and investment department at SNBT for 22 years and has now stepped into the position of president/CEO. As of 2023, Salmen manages the bank’s $660 million in assets.
Reflecting on his decades with SNBT, Salmen said that “a true, independent community bank is a special kind of organization,” noting that here he has found his “right fit.”
Salmen says that he not only works hard to be a “great steward of the role while I have it,” he also upholds the bank’s values by focusing on community leadership during this historic year. “The root of it is we only succeed because our community supports us. That’s why we are here after 150 years.”
Their efforts to support and uplift the community have been a concerted effort both historical and recently. Staff members have pledged 144,732 hours since 2000 and recently SNBT has partnered with Worldfest to bring national and international artists to Marinette and Menominee. As Salmen put it, “the thread of impact of our employees has a huge impact on the community.”
“We’re really proud to support and help a large group of people” and make sure that people “see more and get more out of our local community” Vice President of Brand and Marketing Laura Rowe added.
As the bank gears up for their 150 year anniversary on Wednesday, Oct. 30, so too will their celebratory efforts to connect with the community.
Speaking on upcoming plans for the Stephenson National Bank and Trust, Salmen said “We literally have a full 12 months of celebratory events planned for all of our stakeholders, customers, employees and community members.” While exact details are under wraps for the moment, a celebration on October 30 will occur at all of the branches and even more exciting events are slated for Marinette.
As excitement for the event begins to grow, Rowe confirmed that SNBT will use this as an opportunity to enhance their values of community outreach and support, “we’re constantly thinking of new and fun things to get everyone involved.”
The Stephenson National Bank and Trust will be celebrating their historic achievement and exciting future with their branches in Crivitz, Oconto, Pembine, Wausaukee, Green Bay as well as Marquette and Menominee, Mich. To learn more about SNBT’s anniversary and celebrations, visit ‘Stephenson National Bank & Trust - SNBT’ on Facebook.
