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Fidelity Bank & Trust opens in Prairie du Chien

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Jamie Stram

By Correne Martin

Fidelity Bank & Trust, a family-owned institution historically focused on small-town markets, has expanded into Prairie du Chien. The new loan office opened at 100 North Marquette Road, in the Rickleff building, April 20.

Jamie Stram, a Prairie du Chien professional who has been in banking for over 15 years, is Fidelity’s vice-president and branch manager. Stram has experience in lending, deposits, management and compliance. She has a degree from UW-Platteville in business administration/finance. She currently serves on the Prairie du Chien Jaycees Board as treasurer, is president-elect for the Prairie du Chien Rotary Club, and is a Prairie du Chien Area Chamber ambassador.

The local loan office is Fidelity’s 20th location, in 19 communities, across southwest Wisconsin and eastern Iowa. Other area locations include Decorah, Waukon, Postville, Guttenberg and Dubuque in Iowa as well as Platteville in Wisconsin. “They understand the rural markets and they want to be a part of those markets,” Stram said.

“We liked the way a lot of progressive activity was happening in Prairie du Chien and we felt it would be a good fit with our footprint,” added Dan Zitelman, president of Fidelity Bank and Trust.

A grand opening and Business After Five are expected in Prairie du Chien in late May/early June.

Services of the new branch will include commercial and agricultural lending, residential mortgages and consumer loans. Deposit accounts may be opened at a nearby branch and offer the added convenience of free online banking and mobile banking with check deposit functionality. Business customers can take advantage of online business banking with direct deposit, and ACH capabilities at no additional cost. The company’s vision for the loan office is to expand in the future with the opening of a full-service bank in Prairie du Chien.

Fidelity Bank & Trust, a subsidiary of Fidelity Company, was established in 1910. In 1980, Fidelity Company was purchased by James Kennedy. Today, the next generation of the family, James Kennedy Jr., serves as chairman of the board. With $600 million in assets, Fidelity prides itself on being a strong community bank that works with its customers and makes quick decisions for its small-town customers.

“Local decision making is important to the bank. That’s one of the things that appealed to me,” Stram explained. “I believe I am more of an asset to the community and can help more people because I’m empowered to make local decisions. We pride ourselves in customizing terms and rates specific to the individual and/or business needs.”

In addition, an Employee Stock Ownership Plan allows employees to be shareholders in the bank, meaning they are more engaged, care about decisions made and take pride in ownership. Also, Fidelity Bank strives to be a good corporate citizen and believes in giving back to its communities. “Employees are more than encouraged to give back. One of the first things I did was set up a scholarship at the high school, and we are investing in local advertising,” Stram said.

Zitelman said Fidelity is excited about this new opportunity in southwest Wisconsin. “Jamie is an excellent person to start our staff there,” he stated, noting that an assistant will be hired to join her soon. “We’re delighted to be in Prairie du Chien and we’re looking forward to growing at this office as Prairie du Chien grows.”

For more information, contact Jamie Stram at the local Fidelity office, (608) 380-1130 or jstram@bankfidelity.com.

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