May 13, 2013 — Whether it’s a short-term goal like a new bike or a long-term goal like a dependable high school car, it’s never too early to teach kids the power of saving their dollars, quarters and even their pennies. Guthrie County State Bank announces the launch of P A W S – Pennies Are Worth Saving – accounts. Specifically for customers up to age 18, P A W S accounts are savings accounts that earn interest and reward young savers for every deposit made to their account.

Young savers opening their P A W S account do not need to meet a minimum balance. They will receive a prize card and with each deposit made, the child receives one punch on their card. The third week of each month is double punch week for deposits. Every 12 punches earns a sweet treat (ice cream cone or cookie) and every $250 in savings earns a new prize. Other benefits of the P A W S account include:
• detailed account statements showing recent transactions and interest earned
• lower minimum balance ($500) to open a Certificate of Deposit for a higher rate of interest
• free use of the coin counters at both Guthrie County State Bank locations
• free ATM card (subject to credit approval)

P A W S savings accounts require a parent or legal guardian to be a joint account holder. Contact either Guthrie County State Bank location in Guthrie Center or Panora for more information. Guthrie County State Bank is Member FDIC and is an Equal Housing Lender.

With this in mind, GCSB Investment Center has launched a new website, investgcsb.com to introduce the company’s investment advisor services to potential clients. The site provides an overview of services, the company’s investment principles and an introduction to GCSB Investment Center’s financial advisor, Caleb Tilstra.

“As much as I believe in and work to develop the personal relationship with my clients, I also recognize selecting a financial advisor is a process. For those who want to research their options, we have built this simple, efficient website with the key information they will need before making contact with us,” said Tilstra.

GCSB Investment Center offers investment strategy and management for individual, retirement and corporate investment accounts. This includes providing investment advice and management of stocks, corporate and tax-free municipal bonds, CDs, closed and exchange traded funds, unit investment trusts and mutual funds. Tilstra holds Series 7 and 66 designations and is also licensed to sell and manage insurance products such as annuities, life and variable insurance and long-term care coverage.

For more information on the variety of investment products available from GCSB Investment Center, contact Tilstra at (641) 755-2799 or email him at ctilstra@ibasecurities.com

Securities offered through IBA Securities, a division of Broker Dealer Financial Services Corp. Member FINRA and SIPC. Advisory services through Investment Advisors Corp., an SEC registered investment adviser. Securities and Insurance offered are not FDIC insured, are not bank guaranteed, are not deposits of the bank, or guaranteed by any U.S. Government agency and principal may lose value.

GCSB Investment Center
Investgcsb.com
505 East Main St.
Panora, IA 50216
Office: (641) 755-2799
Cell: (641) 740-1361
ctilstra@ibasecurities.com
 

Lake Panorama Association Tree-Planting Project Completed - An effort started with the donation of one tree by Bus and Novie Martin to beautify the west entrance of Lake Panorama steamrolled into a $7,120 beautification project. With the generosity of numerous individuals and a key donation of $5,000 by Guthrie County State Bank, Lake Panorama Realty and GCSB Investment Center fueling the effort, more than 100 maple and oak trees will be planted in multiple locations in the month of October. Ron Eike of Wood Duck Tree Farm not only donated 25 trees himself; he also offered reduced pricing on the trees to maximize the effort.

“When we heard about the Martins’ idea and the resulting individual donations, we knew that we wanted to help bring this project to fruition,” said Mike Underwood, president of Guthrie County State Bank. “We felt this showed appreciation to the community from all three companies – the bank, Lake Panorama Realty and GCSB Investment Center – and it will remind people for generations about how an idea like Bus and Novie’s can inspire our communities to work together to make important projects a reality.”

The Martins were surprised and pleased at the number of people who contributed to the project. Trees will be planted not only at the west/guard shack entrance of the Lake Panorama association, but also at Sunset Beach, the lake entrance near the Lake Panorama West Par 3 golf course and water plant, and along the driving range of Lake Panorama National.

“We thought this was something we could do to give back and help future generations enjoy our beautiful community, especially since so many trees were lost to disease and storms over the years” said Bus and Novie Martin. “What started with one tree grew into this wonderful project where 100 trees will be planted. We planted the seed!”

Those contributing to this project included:

• Mike and Sharon Hatten      $150
• Norma and Paul Ahlers      $170
• John and Marietta Fiarkoski     $300    
• Bus and Novie Martin      $300
• Dr. Michael and Diane Versackas     $300
• Dave and Mary Butterwick      $300
• Dean and Sherrie Cretsinger     $300
• Bob Bucher         $300
• GCSB, GCSB Investment Center & Lake Panorama Realty $5,000
 

Only five people have served in this role starting with G.M. Barnett Sr. who chartered Guthrie County State Bank in 1931 and served as president. His son, G.M. Barnett Jr. assumed the role in 1959 and remained until 1983. Roger Underwood served as president from 1983 – 2003, when Barry Monaghan took over in that role.

“I feel fortunate to be a part of a financial institution with a productive, stable history in Guthrie County,” said Mike Underwood. “Our focus will remain on continued managed growth within the bank, both as a business partner and employer in the communities we serve. We have a strong team of leaders and our customers can count on continuing to receive the excellent day-to-day service and support they have come to expect from us.”

Mike, who joined the bank in 2005, most recently served as chief financial officer and executive vice president. Previously, he was with Polk County Bank and Firstar Bank. Mike is a current board member of Community Banks of Iowa, president of the Guthrie Center Lions Club and past president of Midwest Partnership, a four-county economic development organization.

Mike earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Simpson College, a Master of Business Administration degree from Drake University and recently completed the Graduate School of Banking program in Colorado. He and his wife, Cara, reside in Guthrie Center with their three children.

Barry Monaghan steps down from nine years in the president position and 28 years with the bank. GCSB saw major accomplishments in that time including adding Lake Panorama Realty, GCSB Investment Center and Guthrie County Abstract under the holding company umbrella. The bank also quadrupled in size from $30 million in assets in 1984 to $120 million today.

“I am very proud of the work that we have done at the bank during my time here and the efforts that will continue as we move forward into the future,” said Monaghan. “Mike has all of the knowledge and experience to serve as president, and I have no doubt that he will be a tremendous leader for the organization moving forward.”

Monaghan will remain in the organization as chief executive officer of Guthrie County State Bank, as well as, president and board member of Guthrie County Bancshares, Inc. Roger Underwood will continue to hold the position of chairperson of the board of Guthrie County State Bank. The holding company also owns Lake Panorama Realty, Guthrie County Abstract and GCSB Investment Center.

About Guthrie County State Bank  
Guthrie County State Bank is a locally owned, independent community bank serving individuals, businesses and agricultural customers with a wide variety of products and services including online banking. Chartered in 1931, Guthrie County State Bank serves customers from locations in Guthrie Center and Panora, Iowa, and is a subsidiary of holding company Guthrie County Bancshares, Inc. Other companies within the holding company include Lake Panorama Realty, Guthrie County Abstract Company and GCSB Investment Center. For more information, visit gcsbank.com

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The Investment Center of Guthrie County State Bank is pleased to announce that Caleb Tilstra has joined the team as a financial advisor. He replaces Larry Bergemann who recently retired after 10 years with Guthrie County State Bank Investment Center and more than 50 years in the industry.

Caleb brings experience in investment strategy and management for individual, retirement and corporate investment accounts. His background includes providing investment advice and management of stocks, corporate and tax-free municipal bonds, CDs, closed and exchange traded funds, unit investment trusts and mutual funds. He holds Series 7 and 66 designations and also is licensed to sell and manage insurance products such as annuities, life and variable insurance and long-term care coverage.

“I am excited to become a part of and active in the Guthrie County community,” said Caleb. “There are many different types of investment strategies and dealing with financial issues is a very personal subject. I look forward to working with individuals, families and businesses to create personalized plans for their financial and investment goals.”

Originally from Northfield, MN, Caleb is a graduate of Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, where he was a member of the track and soccer teams. He and his wife, Nicole, who grew up in Adair, Iowa, and their 18-month-old daughter enjoy sporting events, outdoor activities and especially being on the water.

For more information on the variety of investment products available from Guthrie County State Bank Investment Center, Caleb can be reached by calling 641-755-2799 or emailing him at ctilstra@ibasecurities.com

Securities offered through IBA Securities, a division of Broker Dealer Financial Services Corp. Member FINRA and SIPC. Advisory services through Investment Advisors Corp., an SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm. Products offered are not FDIC insured, are not bank guaranteed, are not deposits of the bank, or guaranteed by any U.S. Government agency and principal may lose value.

GCSB Investment Center
505 East Main St.
Panora, IA 50216
Office: 641-755-2799
Cell: 641-740-1361
ctilstra@ibasecurities.com

“It’s a great market for lake home and condominiums,” said Moylan. “We’ve sold over 25 properties year-to-date valued at more than $15 million. That’s significant for our market.”

“Many potential buyers who were sidelined due to concerns about the economy are now moving back into the market,” he concluded.

As a result of this increased business, Lake Panorama Realty recently hired sales agent, Dave Wagler, to join the team. Wagler, who has resided just outside Panora for the past 10 years, has 25 years of experience with property development and construction of commercial properties with McAninch Construction.

Barry Monaghan, president, Guthrie County State Bank which owns Lake Panorama Realty, noted, “Dave’s construction experience gives him a unique perspective which will be very beneficial to our sales team and the customers.”

A Sigourney, IA, native, Wagler and his wife Shanell, originally from Audubon, have two children: Madellyn, who graduated from Panorama High School in 2012, and Mitchell, who is an eighth grader at Panorama Middle School.