Historical Look Back | Forte Bank
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A Historical Look Back

In 2017, Forte Bank celebrated its 110th anniversary as an independent, community bank. Only five percent of community banks have been in business for more than 100 years, and Forte Bank is one of them. We don't think our success and longevity is a coincidence. As a community bank, we have a mutually beneficial relationship with the community — one cannot thrive without the other. We feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a community that has supported us as much as we have supported it.

We asked some long-time employees and customers to share their stories about Forte Bank and the impact it's had on the community over the years. We hope you enjoy them.


Story 01 - The Three-Legged Stool

Dennis Carroll, former Forte Bank president and current chairman of the board, discusses the three-legged stool of an independent community bank.

Story 02 - The Big Move

Former vice president, Jim Semler, discusses Forte Bank's big move off of Main Street.

Story 03 - What a Difference 10 Cents Can Make

Jim Vogelsang, former vice president of Forte Bank, discusses how 10 cents changed his life.

Story 04 - Surviving the Great Depression

Current Forte Bank president, Tim Purman, discusses how the bank survived the Great Depression and has remained a community institution for 110 years.

Story 05 - Are You Robbing the Bank?

Long-time Forte Bank customer, Fred Pfeiffer, talks about coming to the bank when he was a small child.

Story 06 - When $20 Was Like Gold

Former teller, Jeanette Weber, discusses her first week at Forte Bank.

Story 07 - A Bank Without Money

Jim Vogelsang, former vice president of Forte Bank, discusses one time when the bank almost didn't have money.

Story 08 - Part-Time Teller

Iris Hulbert, former vice president and Slinger branch manager, discusses being the first female vice president at Forte Bank and why she thought she was being hired for a part-time teller position.

Story 10 - Hitting the Prime Time

Former teller, Jeanette Weber, describes how she was asked to start Forte Bank's Prime Time Club.

Story 11 - Some Customers' Kids … Never Leave

Long-time customer, Doug Schlotthauer of Douglas Jeweler, discusses how some customers' kids never leave the bank.

Story 12 - What Does a Spaghetti Warehouse Look Like?

Bob and Sue Stumpner, 40-year customers of Forte Bank, discuss what it was like when they applied for their first business loan.

Story 13 - How to Give Your Customer a Proper Send-Off

Iris Hulbert, former vice president and Slinger branch manager, discusses the extra lengths Forte Bank has gone to for its customers.

Story 14 - How Has Banking Changed, And What Has Remained the Same?

Current and former employees and long-time customers of Forte Bank discuss how banking has changed and what has remained the same.

Story 15 - Why Are Community Banks Important?

Current and former employees and long-time customers of Forte Bank discuss why community banks are important.

Story 16 - What Impact Has Forte Bank Had on the Community?

Current and former employees and long-time customers of Forte Bank discuss why community banks are important.

Story 17 - Why Has Forte Bank Been Around for 110 Years? 

Current and former employees and long-time customers of Forte Bank discuss why they think the bank has been in business for 110 years.

Story 18 - Here's to the Next 110!

Current and former employees and long-time customers of Forte Bank congratulate the bank on 110 years!