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We’ve been here all along
Helping our neighbors and local businesses reach their financial goals is core to what we do as your long-time community bank. We are dedicated at all levels to the communities we serve.
While banking has evolved since our founding in 1900, Bank of Wisconsin’s core values haven’t wavered. When you choose us, you’ll enjoy personal attention only a bank with local Wisconsin roots can offer.
We take pride in providing personal, business, ag and wealth management services designed to help you thrive in all aspects of your life. You’ll find the wide array of products you’d expect from a community bank and a digital banking suite that rivals the big banks.
We invite you to experience the Bank of Wisconsin difference and learn what we mean by “Where Communities Move Forward.” We really mean it. Our personal touch, flexibility and local decision making make us even more tuned in to your specific needs.
We’ll make it easy for you to switch to your local community bank and start your banking relationship with us, your neighbors and friends.
Our Customer Promise
Our rich tradition of building successful relationships has instilled confidence in our local customers, business owners, municipalities, school districts, nonprofits and agribusinesses for more than 125 years. At Bank of Wisconsin, we promise to:
- Provide prompt, professional and knowledgeable service
- Recommend financial solutions designed to meet your needs and deliver the best possible value
- Make all loan and deposit decisions locally only after taking the time to understand your unique situation
We have earned our reputation as one of the most highly respected banks in the communities we serve, where our customers appreciate our big-bank capabilities delivered by a local community bank and people you know and trust.
Our History
In November 1900 the Bank of Birnamwood was founded as a family owned, private bank by J.H. Van Doren along with his son Dee. The original bank was comprised of a 16x56 ft. space with a basement, alongside a 32x80 ft. space for a store in a new building built by Mr. Van Doren in this same year, and to serve these purposes. Capital at this time was $5,000.00.
- In May 1903. The Bank of Birnamwood was formally chartered as a State Bank by the State of Wisconsin. At this time the Bank’s staff consisted of J.H. Van Doren, President; Dee Van Doren, Cashier and Ella Kimball, Bookkeeper.
- In April 1932 following a fire which destroyed the original bank building and grocery store, construction of a new building was begun on Main Street in Birnamwood. Construction of this building was completed in December 1933 wherein the building was occupied.
- In January 1934 The Bank became a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
- In November 1945 the Bank expanded by adding a branch office in Hatley Wisconsin.
- In June 1984 following a determination to construct a new office building due to size constraints, an open house was held in the new main office building located at 416 Main Street in Birnamwood. The former office building which was located across the street from the new building was subsequently sold and presently houses a dental clinic.
- In December 1988 the Bank determined to change its name to Banner Banks in order to better identify its offices within the communities it serves, and chose for its logo three banners in the primary colors of red, blue and yellow in order to demonstrate our commitment to being our customer’s primary financial institution.
- In October 1990 an additional branch office was opened in Antigo, Wisconsin. This office was originally located in a renovated mobile home purchased for that purpose, with construction of a permanent, brick and motor office building on the same site having been completed in December 1994.
- In 1995 the Bank’s locations were again expanded with the opening of its 3rd branch office in Wittenberg, WI. The original office building was located in a renovated residential property, with a new, permanent brick and mortar building having been constructed on a lot adjoining this property in April 2005. This same building was designed to also house an additional business with the space presently occupied by Gwidt Pharmacy Inc.
- In 2026 we joined the BOSP Bancshares, Inc. family to become Bank of Wisconsin, a branch of Bank of Sun Prairie.
Meet the CEO
Philosophy
Our CEO’s approach reflects that of a hands-on, dedicated professional. In fact, customers have grown accustomed to his presence, especially on the business banking front. “I enjoy going out to meet and learn about all of the businesses that have entrusted us as their partner,” Kauffman says. “It helps us understand what we can do to improve their experience.”
Kauffman believes in doing right by customers by employing motivated people and providing a great environment in which to grow. His customer service model boils down to empowering people with passion to enrich the lives of customers and clients by improving their own skillsets. This type of service model provides limitless potential to build long-lasting relationships.
Personal bio
Jimmy, his wife, Mary, and their five children have lived in Wisconsin for well over a decade. Jimmy is active in the community and serves on the following committees and boards: United Way of Dane County - Campaign Cabinet, City of Sun Prairie - Community Development Authority, Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce - Workforce Housing, UFS Technology LLC – Board Member, Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin - Advisory Committee, and Wisconsin Bankers Association - Board Member and Government Relations Committee. In addition, he co-chaired the Sun Prairie disaster relief effort with the mayor of Sun Prairie. He has also formerly served on the board for the Sun Prairie Historical Library and Museum as well as the Sun Prairie Business and Education Partnership, and is a former board president of Community Coordinated Child Care (4-C).
Jimmy holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Upper Iowa University. In addition, he is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking and the Executive Leadership Program, both at the University of Wisconsin. He graduated with a major in accounting from Commonwealth Business College.
Jimmy received the Sun Prairie Rotary Service Above Self award in 2019 and was named the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce Community Business Leader of the year in 2018. He was instrumental in helping to develop the agreement with Sun Prairie Area School District designating Bank of Sun Prairie as the district's Official Financial Institution and financial education partner.