Star Tribune names Pioneer Bank A 2023 Top Workplace
Our experience and commitment are unmatched, powered by our drive and dedication to finding you customized solutions and valuable tools to make life easier. We are invested in you and our communities and here to offer bright banking for the speed of life.
Bright Business Banking
to speed your success.
From start-ups and small businesses to corporations and agribusiness, Pioneer Bank is your partner for financial success. Our experience and commitment is unmatched, powered by our drive and dedication to finding you customized solutions and valuable tools to make your business operations efficient. We are invested in your business practices and our communities. We’re here to speed your success with bright banking.
Creating Success for All
Get to know Pioneer Bank.
At Pioneer, we are dedicated to being the leading financial institution for the communities we serve. We have a clear responsibility to our customers and to our communities to provide value-filled relationships and create success for all.
Bright Banking Expertise
Meet James Gordon
James has worked in the banking industry since 2006 in a variety of roles including consumer, commercial and ag lending. He offers expertise in areas including cash flow analysis, SBA loans, Rural Finance Authority and underwriting for commercial, consumer and ag.
In the News
Pioneer Bank’s Brekke named Greater Mankato Area United Way campaign chair
July 5, 2023 (Mankato, MN)—Alissa Brekke has been named the chair for the Greater Mankato Area United Way’s 2024 campaign. Announced at the Top Business & Community Awards Luncheon in May, Alissa stated her admiration for the United Way and its dedication to addressing the most critical issues and working tirelessly to create sustainable solutions.
Star Tribune names Pioneer Bank a 2023 Top 200 Workplace
June 20, 2023 (Mankato, MN)—Pioneer Bank has been named one of the Top 200 Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune. Pioneer Bank was ranked 52 on the small company list of 50-149 employees.
Jennifer Mathistad, Pioneer Bank, Graduates from the Minnesota Bankers Association Leadership Development Academy
June 13, 2023 (St. James, MN)—Pioneer Bank is pleased to announce the graduation of Jennifer Mathistad from the Minnesota Bankers Association (MBA) Leadership Development Academy on May 18, 2023. This year, a total of 25 bankers successfully graduated from this year-long program, which provides extensive skill-building to equip bankers for vital leadership roles within their banks.
Pioneer Bank Announces 2022 CEMOW Award Winner Jerica Denn
February 1, 2023 (Mankato, MN)—Pioneer Bank is pleased to announce the winner of the 2022 CEMOW Award, Jerica Denn. The CEMOW Award is presented each year to the Pioneer Bank staff member that best exemplifies the bank’s commitment to outstanding customer service. CEMOW stands for Customer Experience Moment of the Week.
Bruce Wenner Joins Pioneer Bank, Gary Miller Honored for His Career
December 7, 2022 (Mankato, MN)—Pioneer Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Ag Banker, Bruce Wenner, to their St. Peter location. “Bruce is well known in the agriculture community in the greater St. Peter area and has established strong relationships with our area’s farmers. We’re looking forward to the expertise and connection he brings to Pioneer Bank,” said David Krause, Pioneer Bank CEO.
Mankato Banker Appointed to National Council for Community Bank Leaders
November 22, 2022 (Mankato, MN)—American Bankers Association has selected David Krause, CEO, Pioneer Bank, to serve on ABA’s Community Bankers Council.
Krause attended the ABA Community Bankers Council meeting in Washington, November 14-16. Bankers had discussions on the impacts of mid-term elections results, legislative priorities for the new Congress, debit and credit card interchange, data aggregation, P2P payments liability, cannabis banking, ECORA, NSF fees, central bank digital currency and other deposit substitution threats, and bank ownership changes. Council members also had a chance to share ways rising rates and inflation have affected the business of banking, and exchange ideas on operational and business best practices.
Pioneer Bank Promotes Barrett, Eischen, Wiens, Lutterman and Mattes
November 16, 2022 (Mankato, MN)—Pioneer Bank has promoted five officers to new roles within their bank. “These individuals have proven what they’re capable of through their achievements. They are leaders in our organization and are deserving of promotion. They each bring unique skills and contributions to our success in serving our communities and our customers,” says David Krause, Pioneer Bank CEO.
Kimm and Olsen Earn President Emeritus Designation, Gordon and Elg named Presidents
November 9, 2022 (Mankato, MN)—Marvin Kimm, President at Pioneer Bank Mapleton, and Dean Olsen, President at Pioneer Bank St. James, were recognized with special designations to honor their careers with Pioneer Bank. With their promotions, they will both continue with the bank in the role of Senior Ag Banker, President Emeritus.
Pioneer Bank’s David Gullixson Graduates from the Graduate School of Banking, UW Madison
August 12, 2022 (Mankato, MN)—David Gullixson was awarded a diploma on August 12, 2022, at commencement exercises during the 77th session of the prestigious Graduate School of Banking (GSB) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Gullixson also received a Certificate of Executive Leadership from the Wisconsin School of Business Center for Professional and Executive Development for completing the rigorous GSB leadership curriculum.
Star Tribune Names Pioneer Bank a 2022 Top Workplace
August 9, 2022 (Mankato, MN)—Pioneer Bank has been named one of the Top Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune. Produced by the same team that compiles the 31-year-old Star Tribune 100 report of the best-performing public companies in Minnesota, Top Workplaces recognizes the most progressive companies in Minnesota based on employee opinions measuring engagement, organizational health and satisfaction. The analysis included responses from over 79,000 employees at Minnesota public, private and nonprofit organizations.
Pioneer Bank's James Gordon Graduates from the Minnesota Bankers Association Leadership Development Academy
May 20, 2022 (Mapleton, MN)—James Gordon graduated from the Minnesota Bankers Association (MBA) Leadership Development Academy on May 19, 2022. This year-long program, which graduated a total of 23 bankers in 2022, provides in-depth skill-building for bankers preparing for critical leadership roles in their banks.
Pioneer Bank Welcomes Andrew Herr as Newest Board Member
May 4, 2022 (Mankato, MN)—Pioneer Bank is pleased to announce Andrew Herr, has recently been elected to the Pioneer Bank Board of Directors. Herr, along with eight other members make up the Board of Directors who safeguard the institution through lawful, informed, efficient and able administration.
Heather Eischen Named a Minnesota Housing Top Producing Loan Officer for Home Improvement Loans
April 22, 2022 (St. James, MN)—Heather Eischen, Assistant Vice President, Mortgage Banker at Pioneer Bank, was named a Minnesota Housing Top Producing Loan Officer by Minnesota Housing for her Fix Up home improvement loan production during 2021.
Community Icon, Pioneer Bank, Named a Top 3 Extraordinary Bank in Nation
April 21, 2022 (Naples, FL)—Pioneer Bank, a local Southern Minnesota icon, was just named among the top three extraordinary banks in the United States by The Institute for Extraordinary Banking™. This marks the fifth consecutive overall finalist award for Pioneer Bank.
Pioneer Bank CEO Selected As National Conference Panelist
September 29, 2021 (Mankato, MN)—Pioneer Bank CEO David Krause was named a presenting panelist for Community Banking in the 21st Century Research and Policy Conference held on September 28 and 29 co-sponsored by the Federal Reserve System, the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp (FDIC).
Pioneer Bank Celebrates Its Two Newest Locations, Sept 15 & 16
September 13, 2021 (Mankato, MN)—Open house events are planned for Pioneer Bank’s newest Mankato location, 1450 Adams Street, and its recently renovated St. Peter location. The Adams Street event will take place on Wednesday, September 15 from noon to 4:00 p.m. with a special ribbon cutting ceremony at 1:00 p.m. The St. Peter event will take place on Thursday, September 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a ribbon cutting at 10:00 a.m.
Pioneer Bank Proud to Sponsor EVERFI Financial Literacy Bee to Support Youth Financial Education, April 1-15
April 1, 2021 (Mankato, MN)—Pioneer Bank is pleased to announce that it is sponsoring the EVERFI Financial Literacy Bee, taking place April 1-15, 2021. The EVERFI Financial Literacy Bee is a nationwide financial literacy challenge and provides an opportunity for students to have some fun and learn critical financial concepts during Financial Literacy Month. Read Full Release
Pioneer Bank Featured in iSpace Environment's Project Portfolio
Mankato, MN (February 25, 2021)—Dan White, iSpace Environments Mankato Market Manger and Account Executive, looks back on his partnership with Pioneer Bank and the 2020 completion of their new headquarters in Mankato. “What lead to the success of this project was the early coordination of the project team,” shares White. “The Pioneer team chose to skip the RFP process (which often wastes time and money) and commit to strong partners from the start.” Read Full Article
Pioneer Bank Recently Purchased 2020 City Bond for St. Peter
November 4, 2020 (St. Peter, MN)—Pioneer Bank is pleased to announce the recent purchase of a city bond for the city of St. Peter with the approval of the Equipment Certificate, issued on August 1, 2020. This includes Police ($100,250), Streets ($248,000) and City Pool ($20,000) for a total of $368,250. In addition, the Broadway Generation Plant Upgrades of $345,000 was issued on October 1, 2020. Read Full Release
Pioneer Bank Promotes Svien, Krause, Scharbach, Beck and Lutterman
Mankato, MN (October 21, 2020)—Pioneer Bank has promoted five employees at their Mankato Adams Street, Mankato Stadium Road, Madelia and St. Peter locations. Read Full Release
Pioneer Bank Welcomes Blake Hermel and Chuck Wenner as Newest Board Members
Mankato, MN (October 19, 2020)—Pioneer Bank is pleased to announce AH Hermel Company President, Blake Hermel, and Owner/Operator of Wenner Underwood Farms, Chuck Wenner have recently been elected to the Pioneer Bank Board of Directors. Hermel and Wenner, along with nine other members make up the Board of Directors who safeguard the institution through lawful, informed, efficient and able administration. Read Full Release
Pioneer Bank Donates 5,000 Water Bottles to Local Students for the Upcoming School Year
MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC)—Pioneer Bank announced Tuesday it is making a donation of 5,000 water bottles to students at area schools for the start of the 2020-21 school year. View Story
Pioneer Bank Donates 5,000 Water Bottles to Local Students for the Upcoming School Year
Mankato, MN (September 15, 2020)—Pioneer Bank is pleased to donate 5,000 water bottles to students at area schools for the start of the 2020-2021 school year. Due to COVID-19, water fountains in public spaces, such as schools, are not in use, however students are able to carry water bottles with them throughout the school day. Read Full Release
Pioneer Bank named Industry Top Loan Producer
Mankato, MN (July 23, 2020)—Pioneer Bank has been recognized as an Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) top lender in the July issue of Independent Banker. ICBA— a national trade association exclusively dedicated to protecting the rights and serving the interests of community banks across the country and the number-one source for community banking news—bases its recognition on the strength of competitive banking services and operational efficiencies throughout 2019. Read Full Release
Star Tribune names Pioneer Bank a 2020 Top 150 Workplace
Mankato, MN (June 26, 2020)—Pioneer Bank has been named one of the Top 150 Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune. Pioneer Bank was ranked 33 on the small company list, 50-149 employees. Read Full Release
Pioneer Bank Provided Over $65 Million in PPP Loans for Local Businesses Impacted by COVID-19, 10,000 Local Jobs Saved
North Mankato, MN (June 1, 2020)—Pioneer Bank announced today that it has processed more than 700 loans totaling over $65 million under the Small business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help local small businesses support payroll and related costs, saving approximately 10,000 jobs in Southern Minnesota. The average loan size was $95,000 as of May 27th, 2020. As of today, funding is still available and Pioneer Bank continues to accept applications. No applicant for this program has been turned away from Pioneer Bank for lack of available funding. Read Full Release
Pioneer Bank Announces Participation in the EVERFI National Financial Bee to Support Youth Financial Education, April 20-30
North Mankato, MN (April 21, 2020)—Pioneer Bank today announced that it is sponsoring the EVERFI National Financial Bee—a first-of-its-kind nationwide financial literacy challenge. Students are invited to participate in this fun and interactive course to learn about earning, spending and growing your money. Read Full Release
Community Banks Put the “Community” in Banking
North Mankato, MN (April 7, 2020)—At a time of social distancing, Pioneer Bank wants consumers to know that community banks put the “community” into banking and are here to serve the needs of their customers and communities throughout the coronavirus pandemic and beyond. Read Full Release
Securian Advisors MidAmerica, Inc. Advisor, Chad Salzwedel, Working with Pioneer Bank
North Mankato, MN (November 1, 2019)—Pioneer Bank is pleased to announce that Financial Professional, Chad Salzwedel of Securian Advisors MidAmerica, Inc. will begin working in the St. Peter location on Third Street. Salzwedel brings more than 18 years of expertise to Securian and Pioneer Bank and will work with individuals, families and businesses to help them create strategies for financial success. Read Full Release
Pioneer Bank Named A Top Three Extraordinary Bank in U.S.A.
Minneapolis, MN (September 19, 2019)—Pioneer Bank, with eight locations in southern Minnesota, was just named among the top three extraordinary banks in the United States by The Institute for Extraordinary Banking™. Pioneer Bank was recognized with the Institute’s Overall Excellence Banky™ Award for exemplary performance in five areas of banking: philanthropy, customer service, thought leadership, workplace culture and financial literacy education. Read Full Release
Pioneer Bank Opens Eighth Location in St. Peter
St. Peter, MN (August 26, 2019)—Pioneer Bank is pleased to announce their eighth location is open in southern Minnesota—located in the former Nicollet County Bank building at 220 S Third Street in St. Peter, Minnesota. A merger with Nicollet County Bank was announced in February and the purchase was finalized on May 1, 2019. Read Full Release
David Krause Elected Chair of the Minnesota Bankers Association
Eden Prairie, MN (June 26, 2019)—The Minnesota Bankers Association (MBA) recently elected David Krause, CEO of Pioneer Bank, as the 2019-20 MBA Chair. Krause formerly served as the 2018-19 Vice Chair/Treasurer and as a member of the MBA Board of Directors representing District 2. Read Full Release
Pioneer Bank Begins Construction for Hilltop Mankato Location
North Mankato, MN (May 16, 2019)—Pioneer Bank is pleased to begin construction of their new Mankato location on the northwest quadrant of the Victory Drive and Adams Street intersection. There was a groundbreaking held earlier today at the site of the new location. Completion of the new location is slated for January 2020 and will feature a modern lobby with self-serve teller stations, offices and a community room on the second floor. This is Pioneer Bank’s ninth location in southern Minnesota, which includes Nicollet County Bank in St. Peter, Minnesota, which will merge with Pioneer Bank in August 2019. Read Full Release
Pioneer Bank Promotes Lance Jeppson as President for Mankato Location
North Mankato, MN (May 3, 2019)—Pioneer Bank has promoted Lance Jeppson to President at their Mankato location. Jeppson—formerly a Vice President—will continue in his role as a Business Banker at the Mankato location in addition to his new role as Market President. Read Full Release
Pioneer Bank Finalizes Purchase of Nicollet County Bank and Names Newhouse as President
North Mankato, MN (May 1, 2019)—Pioneer Bank is pleased to announce the purchase of Nicollet County Bank, located in St. Peter, Minnesota, has been finalized with approval from the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Citizens Bank Group, Inc., parent company of Pioneer Bank, is now operating Nicollet County Bank. In addition, Nicollet County Bank has named Nathan S. Newhouse as its new President. A merger of Nicollet County Bank and Pioneer Bank is planned for August 2019. Read Full Release
Minnesota Bankers Association Recognizes Pioneer Bank as a Community Champion
North Mankato, MN (January 29, 2019)—Pioneer Bank has been included in a list of 35 banks recognized as 2019 Community Champions by The Minnesota Bankers Association (MBA). The institutions listed on the Community Champions list have worked with hundreds of organizations in their communities, providing funding, volunteers, materials, supplies or food for their neighbors. Recipients of the recognition range in size from small community banks to large banks with multiple branches. Read Full Release
Pioneer Bank to merge with Nicollet County Bank
North Mankato, MN (January 28, 2019)—One of southern Minnesota’s leading community banking organizations has reached an agreement to acquire Nicollet County Bank, located in St. Peter, Minnesota. Citizens Bank Group, Inc., parent company of Pioneer Bank will begin operating the bank shortly after April 1, 2019. The transaction is subject to approval by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and the Minnesota Department of Commerce. A merger of the two banks is planned for August 2019. Pioneer Bank currently has offices in Mankato, North Mankato, St. James, Madelia, Mapleton, Lewisville and Lake Crystal. Read Full Release
Carissa Lutterman joins Pioneer Bank as Newest Mortgage Banker
North Mankato, MN (January 22, 2019)—Pioneer Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Mortgage Banker, Carissa Lutterman to their North Mankato location. Lutterman has been in the mortgage banking industry for 19 years. She began her career as a loan processor which gave her a strong advantage to create seamless transactions for customers. She also has experience in real estate closing, escrow servicing and construction loans. Read Full Release
Jennifer Svien joins Pioneer Bank as Newest Mortgage Banker
North Mankato, MN (December 21, 2018)—Pioneer Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Mortgage Banker, Jennifer Svien to their North Mankato location. She has been in the mortgage industry for over 12 years and prides herself on being passionate about helping her customers succeed. Read Full Release
Pioneer Bank Attends Extraordinary Banking™ Awards And Awarded The Extraordinary Bank of the Year Finalist Award
Pioneer Bank was recently named among the top five extraordinary banks in the United States by The Institute for Extraordinary Banking™. This is Pioneer Bank’s third consecutive year for receiving this award for exemplary performance in five areas of banking—philanthropy, customer service, thought leadership, workplace culture and financial literacy education.
Pioneer Bank Receives Extraordinary Bank of the Year Finalist Award for Three Consecutive Years
North Mankato, MN (October 5, 2018)—Pioneer Bank was recently named among the top five extraordinary banks in the United States by The Institute for Extraordinary Banking™. This is Pioneer Bank’s third consecutive year for receiving this award for exemplary performance in five areas of banking—philanthropy, customer service, thought leadership, workplace culture and financial literacy education. Watch Video / Read Full Release
Pioneer Bank to host Free Shred Event, August 11
North Mankato, MN (August 1, 2018)—Pioneer Bank will host a Free Shred Event on August 11 at their North Mankato location at 1735 Commerce Drive. Pioneer Bank is encouraging people to clean out personal files and dispose of confidential information safely to protect their identity and prevent identity theft. This event is open to the public. Learn More / Read Full Release
Star Tribune names Pioneer Bank a 2018 Top 150 Workplace
North Mankato, MN (June 25, 2018)—Pioneer Bank has been named one of the Top 150 Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune. Pioneer Bank was ranked seventh out of the 70 companies included in the small employers list, 59 – 149 employees. Read Full Release
David Krause Elected Vice Chair/Treasurer of the Minnesota Bankers Association
North Mankato, MN (June 19, 2018)—The Minnesota Bankers Association (MBA) recently elected David Krause, CEO of Pioneer Bank, as the 2018-19 MBA Vice Chair/Treasurer. Krause formerly served a four-year term on the MBA Board of Directors representing District 2.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome David as our vice chair/treasurer and look forward to his contributions in the coming years,” said Joe Witt, President/CEO of the Minnesota Bankers Association. Read Full Release
Hometown Business Connection: Pioneer Bank
North Mankato, MN (June 6, 2018)—One local bank continues to pride itself on forming and maintaining relationships in the community. In a partnership with Connect Business Magazine. Some say money makes happiness, but for Pioneer Bank deposits and withdrawals aren't the only focus they value. With origins dating back to 1903, the local company now serves customers in seven locations across southern Minnesota. With multiple communities to aid, creating a bond and connecting with customers remains a top priority.
Barrett, Jeppson and Neubauer join Pioneer Bank
Pioneer Bank Promotes Newhouse, Brekke, Beck, Eischen, Gullixson, Mathistad and Roloff
North Mankato, MN (May 15, 2018)—Pioneer Bank has promoted seven employees at their Mankato, North Mankato, St. James and Madelia locations.
“We are extremely fortunate to have such a driven and dedicated staff that continue to grow with our organization,” said David Krause, CEO of Pioneer Bank. “We very much appreciate their talents and expertise they provide in their respective areas and their commitment to customers and our communities.” Read Full Release
Pioneer Bank Announces Rebrand With a Fresh, Bright Approach
North Mankato, MN (May 1, 2018)—Pioneer Bank has revealed a fresh new look including their logo to modernize and evolve the company’s image to match the drive and dedication to their customer’s financial success and well-being.
“We are not changing our approach or the product and services we provide to our customers,” said David Krause, CEO of Pioneer Bank. “We made the decision to rebrand to match our innovative, responsive nature. For over 100 years, we have put our commitment to our customers and the vitality of our communities first. This is still the foundation of our company and its future. We are excited to transition into our new look over the coming months.” Read Full Release
Pioneer Bank to host Gold Medalist, John Landsteiner, April 2-4
Mapleton, MN (March 27, 2018)—Pioneer Bank will host 2018 Gold Medalist, John Landsteiner, who played lead for the U.S. Men’s Team Curling Event at the 2018 Olympics, held in South Korea this past February. There will be an open house and meet and greet on Tuesday, April 3 at Pioneer Bank in Mapleton from 10 am – 2 pm. This event is open to the public and free to attend. Read Full Release
Pioneer Bank Promotes Winkelman, Paul, Mathistad
Mankato, MN (November 6, 2017)—David Krause, CEO of Pioneer Bank, recently announced the promotion of three employees. “We are very fortunate to have access to the caliber of talent that these employees provide,” said Krause. “The gifts and experience they provide in their respective areas and their connection to the community are very important to us”. Read Full Release
Community Icon, Pioneer Bank, Named Among Top 4 Extraordinary Banks in U.S.A.
Mankato, MN (September 19, 2017)—Pioneer Bank, a local southern Minnesota icon, was just named one of the top four extraordinary banks in the United States by The Institute for Extraordinary Banking™. Pioneer Bank was recognized with the Institute’s Overall Excellence Banky™ Award for exemplary performance in five areas of banking - philanthropy, customer service, thought leadership, workplace culture and financial literacy education. Pioneer Bank was also named a finalist for the 2017 Extraordinary Banking™ Award—the top banking honor in the nation. Read Full Release
Newhouse, Bottin join Pioneer Bank, Gullixson named Business Banker
Mankato, MN (June 1, 2017)—Pioneer Bank, Extraordinary Bank of the Year national finalist for 2016, announced the addition of two key bankers to their team. “I’m proud to announce that Nate Newhouse has joined us in Mankato as a Business banker, Heather Bottin has joined us in St. James as a Mortgage and Personal Banker and David Gullixson has been named a Business Banker,” said bank CEO David Krause. Read Full Release
Pioneer Bank Honored for Community Involvement
Eden Prairie, MN (February 1, 2017)—The Minnesota Bankers Association (MBA) recently recognized twenty-four Minnesota banks for their community involvement. Banks play an important and vital role in their communities, and to honor and recognize their involvement, the MBA created the Community Champion recognition program. Read Full Release
Cooling Named President at Pioneer Bank
North Mankato, MN (December 15, 2016)—One of southern Minnesota’s strongest community banks announced changes to leadership roles in their Central Market branches of Madelia and Lewisville. David Krause, CEO of Pioneer Bank introduced the new roles this week. “I’m proud to announce that Steve Cooling has been named President of our Central Market that includes our Madelia and Lewisville branches,” said Krause. Read Full Release
Latest Insights
Financial Health
For most people, attaining financial health is a journey — one that lasts a lifetime. Understand where you are in your journey so you know what steps to take next.
Retirement Planning: A 5-Step Guide for 2023
Planning for retirement is a way to help you maintain the same quality of life in the future. Learn how to build and manage your retirement money in five short steps.
How to Save Money: 22 Proven Ways
You've been meaning to save more money. It's been on your mind for a while. But now — right now — feels like the time to get serious. To save a big chunk of cash before you really need it. When it comes to saving money, small changes can add up quickly. Here are some of the best ways to save money right away.