Thanks to all of our customers and employees for helping to raise $1,000 in sponsorship of Adam Domino/Special Olympics! Adam once again braved the frigid temperatures for the Polar Plunge held at Sunnyvale Park. Way to go Adam! Together, we can make a difference!
The 2014 Polar Plunge – Supporting Special Olympics
Adam Domino is a Special Olympian who chooses to make a difference in our community by using his talents and tough skin! Adam has been plunging into our local Arctic waters for the past 13 years and, once again this year, Adam will be taking the plunge in Man Made Lake at Sunnyvale Park in Wausau. The plunge takes place on Saturday, February 22nd, 2014.
We are encouraging customers and local community members to stop in and donate at least $1.00 for a Polar Bear. All proceeds will go to Adam Domino and the Special Olympics Wisconsin-North Central Region. If you are unable to stop in at the bank, we are also accepting checks by mail, made payable to Special Olympics. Donations will be collected until February 20th, 2014.
Help us reach our goal of $1,000 because we’re Freezin’ for a Reason with Adam!
- The Polar Plunge is the largest fundraising event for Special Olympics Wisconsin-North Central Region.
- Raised funds benefit the programs, competitions and services that Special Olympics provides to more than 1,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in our community. Your business is making a difference in the lives of athletes right here in the Wausau area and Central Wisconsin.
- In 2013, 600 individuals took the Plunge, raising more than $115,000 for Special Olympics.
Online Shopping – Be Safe!
Most of us have shopped online without suffering negative consequences (other than maybe a larger-than-expected credit card bill!). With the holidays approaching, millions of us will be online, searching for and then buying those perfect gifts. That makes now a good time to talk about different ways that scammers try to take advantage of us, such as setting up fake websites or stealing our credit card information.
When selecting a website to purchase an item, be wary of online stores offering a price that is dramatically cheaper than anyone else. The reason they may be so cheap is because after you purchase your item, what you receive in the mail is a counterfeit or stolen item, or in some cases is simply never even shipped. Indicators of fraudulent websites include:
- There is no phone number to call for sales or support-related questions.
- The website domain name is different than the domain name it uses for email addresses or other contact information.
- The website uses poor grammar or spelling.
Click here to read more ways to be safe online.
Notice of minor fee increases effective January 2014
We are providing advance notice of fee increases on a small number of services. These changes will take effect January 2014, and reflect real cost increases since 2010. Click here for the new rate sheet information.
October is Cyber Security Awareness Month
EVERYDAY TIPS TO STAY SAFE ONLINE
Throughout National Cyber Security Awareness Month, we urge every American to help improve the nation’s cyber resilience and take the following simple steps to keep themselves, their identities, and their information safe online. For example:
- Set strong passwords, and don’t share them with anyone.
- Keep your operating system, browser, and other critical software optimized by installing updates.
- Maintain an open dialogue with your family, friends, and community about Internet safety.
- Limit the amount of personal information you post online, and use privacy settings to avoid sharing information widely.
- Be cautious about what you receive or read online – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Learn more about how you can do your part and what it takes to remain secure at www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect.
Home equity loan vs. home equity line of credit (HELOC)
What is the difference between the home equity loan and a home equity line of credit (HELOC)?
With a home equity loan, you will receive a lump sum up front, and then you will make regular monthly payments for a set period of time at a set interest rate, which provides a more structured loan.
With a HELOC, the rate is variable, and the monthly payment is based on the amount advanced on the line. As you repay funds borrowed against your line, they immediately become available again. You can use as much or as little as you want, which gives a HELOC more flexibility.
Basically both types of loans use your home’s equity as collateral for the loan. Both extend credit to a borrower up to a predetermined amount. Both can be used for home improvements, buying a car, consolidation of debt, college tuition, or unplanned expenses. What makes them different is how they are structured. With both types of loans, the interest you pay may be tax deductible. (Consult your tax advisor for specifics on tax deductions.)
As with any loan, there is risk involved. When using your home as collateral, there is a possibility of losing your home is you were to default on your loan. Please stop in or give us a call to learn more about home loans in Wausau, Weston, Schofield, Rothschild and surrounding areas.
Marathon County Humane Society’s Run For Their Lives 5K
The summer season is approaching again and Intercity State Bank is excited to get involved in some community events.
On June 1st, Intercity State Bank once again participated as a sponsor in the 3rd annual 5K Marathon County Humane Society Walk/Run. The competitive walk/run benefits the pets and programs of the Marathon County Humane Society. Some of our staff even participated in the run/walk!
We believe, as a community bank, that involvement with a great cause like the Marathon County Humane Society is well worth our time and efforts. Stay tuned for our upcoming sponsorship events! bonusu veren siteler
Join us for the 2013 Annual Forrest Goetsch Run!
Forrest Goetsch Charities was established in memory of the Goetsch’s 14-year old son who died unexpectedly during warm-ups at cross-country practice on September 21, 2009. Because Forrest’s life here on earth had such a profound impact they wanted to celebrate his life and honor his memory in a permanent fashion. Forrest Goetsch Charities, an official 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to recognizing outstanding achievement in our communities by youth and or organizations who have helped others through difficult times or who have personally overcome challenges in their lives. bonusu veren siteler
Every June, they host the Forrest Goetsch Run and several Intercity State Bank employees join other runners at the starting line. Participants have the option to run/walk either 2 miles or 5 miles for the benefit. All the proceeds go toward to the Forrest Goetsch charities to award outstanding achievement in the community by youth or organizations. Please join the fun and give back to the community!
WHEN: Saturday, June 22, 2013 oypra.com
REGISTRATION: Register Friday, June 21, from 5-8 at Dales Weston Lanes (or raceday from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.)
FEES: $20 until May 19, $25 (on May 20-June 2), $30 (on June 3-race day)
RACE DAY SCHEDULE: 6:30-8:30 a.m. registration and packet pickup
8:45 a.m. pre-race instruction
9:00 a.m. race starts
For more information, please visit the official race website: http://www.forrestsrun.com/default.htm Hope to see you there!
What to choose: debit or credit?
Intercity State Bank MasterCard Debit Cards may be used as either debit or credit, depending on consumer and merchant needs. Intercity State Bank does not charge a fee for using your debit card as either debit or credit.
Traditionally, debit cards withdrew funds directly from the consumer’s bank account, and credit cards allowed consumers to make purchases using borrowed money. Although this distinction still exists, some bank issued debit cards, such as your Intercity State Bank Master Debit Card, allow consumers to choose either debit or credit.
Your Intercity State Bank Debit Card will withdraw funds directly from your account whenever you use it. It does not matter if you choose debit or credit; funds will come directly from your checking account. This is different from traditional credit cards, which draw on funds from a line of credit that the consumer repays with a monthly bill. This is the primary difference between and credit card, and a debit card run as credit. bonusu veren siteler
Some additional considerations include ease of use, fraud protection, and merchant fees. When you choose debit, you must enter your four digit pin number, whereas, when you choose credit, you simply sign for the purchase. Fraud protection is a primary aspect of Intercity State Bank’s mission statement to provide customers with excellent service. If you experience fraud on your Intercity State Bank MasterCard Debit Card, please call bookkeeping right away at 715-359-4231. champavo.com
Some ATMs charge a fee, but there is no charge for Intercity State Bank customers using Intercity State Bank’s ATMs.
Overall, Intercity State Bank customers should choose credit when making purchases or buying fuel at the pump. Choosing credit is easier, and safer to use because no PIN number is required. Debit should only be used at an ATM, or when additional cash back is needed from the transaction.
Please feel free to contact the bookkeeping department at 715.359.4231 with any questions or concerns regarding your Intercity State Bank MasterCard Debit Card.
What’s the SBA 504 Loan Program?
As a small business owner you may have heard about SBA Small Business Association) loans, but didn’t really know what they were or how they relate to your financing needs. There are many different kinds of SBA options. The SBA 504 loan program is one that can help small business owners purchase real estate, equipment, or expand their current facility with low down payment and at a fixed rate.
The SBA 504 program allows small business‘s to purchase fixed assets with a down payment of 10 to 15% (compared to a standard minimum of 20% using conventional bank financing). The program structures this type of loan the following way: The bank portion equals 50% of the project, the SBA portion equals 35-40%, and there is a 10-15% down payment required depending on the type of collateral and whether or not it is a start up business. bipape.com
In addition to the lower down payment requirements, this program also offers fixed rate financing of up to 20 years for the SBA portion of the loan. As of February 2013, the rate was 4.29%.
The closing costs for the SBA 504 program are higher than traditional bank financing, so it is not appropriate for all situations. We sit down with prospective borrowers before submitting the SBA loan application to see if it makes sense to pursue. Feel free to contact me, Patrick France (715.241.0400) or my colleague Sean Strahota (715.359.4231) with any questions regarding the SBA program. casinorulet.com
