Question 1

What is Conservation First Bank?

Accepted Answer

Conservation First Bank is a community-focused commercial bank serving the tri-state area of southwestern Wisconsin and neighboring regions. With approximately $115.8 million in total assets and three full-service branches, the bank specializes in providing personalized banking services to individuals, families, businesses, and farmers.

The bank operates as a locally owned institution with a distinctive emphasis on conservation initiatives, habitat restoration, and support for outdoor enthusiasts. Conservation First Bank is a state-chartered commercial bank regulated by the FDIC and operates as an S-Corporation.

Question 2

When was Conservation First Bank founded?

Accepted Answer

Conservation First Bank was originally chartered as Benton State Bank on October 19, 1894, making it one of the oldest banks in southwestern Wisconsin with over 131 years of banking history. The bank was established to serve the farming and business communities in Lafayette County during a period of significant agricultural development in the region.

In October 2025, Benton State Bank underwent a strategic rebranding to become Conservation First Bank, reflecting an evolution in the bank's identity while maintaining its commitment to the local community and financial stewardship.

Question 3

Where is Conservation First Bank headquartered?

Accepted Answer

Conservation First Bank is headquartered at 42 West Main Street in Benton, Wisconsin. Benton is located in Lafayette County in the southwestern part of the state.

Question 4

Where does Conservation First Bank operate?

Accepted Answer

Conservation First Bank operates three full-service branch locations throughout southwestern Wisconsin:
• Benton: The main office and headquarters location in Lafayette County
• Potosi: A branch serving Grant County communities
• Shullsburg: A branch providing services to LaFayette County residents

The bank's service area extends throughout the tri-state region, focusing on rural communities and small towns in southwestern Wisconsin and neighboring areas of Illinois and Iowa.

Question 5

What services does Conservation First Bank offer?

Accepted Answer

Conservation First Bank provides a comprehensive range of community banking services, including:

Personal Banking: Checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), money market accounts, and consumer loans.

Business Banking: Commercial checking and savings accounts, business loans, lines of credit, and cash management services.

Agricultural Lending: Specialized financing solutions for farmers and agricultural operations, reflecting the bank's rural market focus.

Real Estate Financing: Residential mortgages, home equity loans, and commercial real estate lending. Real estate loans comprise approximately $80.3 million of the bank's loan portfolio.

Digital Services: Online banking platforms and mobile banking applications accessible through bentonbank.com (currently redirecting to conservationfirstbank.com).

Question 6

What makes Conservation First Bank unique?

Accepted Answer

Conservation First Bank distinguishes itself through several key characteristics:

Conservation Focus: The bank's rebranding in 2025 reflects a unique commitment to environmental stewardship, actively promoting and supporting habitat restoration, conservation organizations, and agricultural sustainability initiatives. This positions the bank to appeal specifically to outdoor enthusiasts and environmentally conscious customers.

Strong Financial Performance: The bank demonstrates solid profitability with a return on assets (ROA) of 1.91% and return on equity (ROE) of 15.22%, both exceeding typical community bank benchmarks.

Local Ownership: Conservation First Bank remains locally owned and operated, with management and board members deeply connected to the communities it serves. President & CEO Scott Freiburger leads the institution with a focus on maintaining personal relationships with customers.

Longevity and Stability: With over 130 years of continuous service, the bank has successfully navigated economic cycles including the Great Depression, demonstrating resilience and conservative banking practices.

Low Operating Overhead: With 19 employees serving three branches, the bank maintains efficient operations while providing personalized service.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is Conservation First Bank?

Accepted Answer

Conservation First Bank is a State-Chartered Commercial Bank regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions and insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

As a state commercial bank, it operates under Wisconsin state banking laws while maintaining federal deposit insurance. The bank specializes in commercial lending with a strong focus on serving businesses, agricultural operations, and retail customers in rural communities. Its structure as an S-Corporation allows for pass-through taxation benefits while maintaining its community bank charter and local ownership model.

Question 8

What is Conservation First Bank's relationship to BSB Community Bancorp?

Accepted Answer

Conservation First Bank operates as a subsidiary of BSB Community Bancorp Inc., a bank holding company registered with the Federal Reserve (RSSD ID: 2983246). In 2022, Thompson Kane & Co., a Madison-based investment firm, acquired the holding company, though the acquisition was structured to maintain local management and operations.

Despite the holding company ownership, Conservation First Bank continues to function as an independent community bank with all existing management remaining in place and local decision-making authority preserved.

Question 9

How has Conservation First Bank performed financially?

Accepted Answer

Conservation First Bank demonstrates strong financial health with consistent profitability. As of June 30, 2025, the bank reported:
• Total Assets: $109.8 million with steady growth trajectory
• Net Income: $1.026 million annually, representing solid profitability for a community bank of its size
• Total Deposits: $87.5 million, reflecting strong customer loyalty
• Net Loans: $96.7 million with minimal charge-offs
• Tier 1 Leverage Ratio: 13.65%, significantly exceeding regulatory requirements and indicating strong capital adequacy
• Loan Loss Allowance: $1.2 million, demonstrating prudent risk management

The bank's low probability of default (0.113%) and improving risk profile over recent years reflect conservative underwriting standards and sound lending practices.

Conservation First Bank

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About Conservation First Bank in the United States

Conser­vation First Bank