Fortifi Bank Prepares for Berlin Branch Move
Fortifi Bank set an opening date for its Berlin branch move to 240 Broadway St. on Monday, April 12. This follows the bank’s announcement earlier this year of its lease of the vacant building, formerly occupied by Old National Bank and AnchorBank, with intentions to move lobby and drive-up operations to the new location in spring.
“This move is a reflection of our commitment to Berlin, the community we’ve called home for 145 years,” said Fortifi Bank President & CEO Greg Lundberg. “It affords more convenience for clients and the ability to expand our support offices downtown. It’s a win-win.”
The move will bring the Bank lobby and drive-up window under the same location, which offers ample off-street parking and is next to Kwik Trip. Currently the lobby resides at 140 W. Huron St., while the drive-thru is part of the Depot support building at the corner of Capron and Franklin Streets.
“While determining its growth plans, Fortifi Bank considered the importance of supporting a vibrant and active downtown,” said Berlin Mayor Richard Schramer. “The City helped Fortifi reach its decision to relocate its lobby and drive within another, previously vacant, downtown location. In turn, their existing lobby, drive-thru, and old radio station buildings will be used for operations staff of over 50 people. This will benefit Berlin’s downtown local economy, businesses, and restaurants.”
In a previous statement, Tim DeMaster, Fortifi Bank market president for the Berlin region, commented on the plans for the historic Huron St. building to house operational staff.
“Bringing these positions closer together on one campus will create greater efficiencies across our organization, allowing us to better serve the people and businesses throughout our community, while supporting downtown,” stated DeMaster.
Fortifi Bank has been headquartered in Berlin since September 1876. Over the years Fortifi acquired and remodeled surrounding properties to make room for its steady growth.
In July 2019, the Bank announced their acquisition of the property at 758 Broadway St. in Berlin. The 20,000 square foot building was once occupied by J & T’s Family Foods and Fortifi planned to move all operations out of downtown into one facility. That was, however, before COVID struck and the organization was forced to find efficiencies and deemed the importance of utilizing the three Huron Street properties already owned. The 758 property will be listed for sale this year.
A grand opening event will be planned at 240 Broadway St. later this year.
About Fortifi Bank
Fortifi Bank has been Growin’ Wisconsin for 145 years – one person, one business, one relationship at a time. Financial centers can be found in Berlin, Green Lake, Green Bay, Montello, Omro, Ripon, Waunakee, and Winneconne. Their full-service financial centers have been offering both personal and business clients with a portfolio of products and services that are designed with the client in mind. Local decision-making, community involvement, community ownership and a Board of Directors comprised of local citizens have been the driving successes of Fortifi Bank since inception. For more information, visit www.fortifibank.com or call 855-876-1500.
