First Natl Bank of Brookfield

Reply to Tim L. I maintain a class reunion account with this bank and have never had any problems. If such an account is inactive [no deposits or withdrawals] during the year, the bank sends a letter to the last know person who represented the account. It is not unlikely that with small civic-​type organizations the «treasurer» never updates info of changes to the bank. Each state has it’s own regulations for funds deposited in an inactive account. In Illinois the money is transferred from the bank to the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office. With «proof» of entitlement, the funds can be claimed by the organization or its successor. Due to the required paperwork (and the State treats all claims equal, be they for $ 5 or $ 500,000) many individuals find it an inconvenience to claim small amounts of funds. Interest on cash funds or revenues received from disposed-​of items (safety deposit boxes) goes to fund the State’s pension funds.
Believe me this bank does not have the funds belonging to the scouts.

What I really like about this bank is that your call is answered by a human being who either answers your question, or connects you to another human being. No punching in endless numbers. I was in recently to discuss a loan. [I had talked with this officer several years ago about another subject]. She said, apologetically, «I don’t remember your name.» [ I certainly didn’t expect her to.] Then, she said, «You live on (and named my street) and described the type of house I live in. She had remembered our discussion, just not my name. I was blown away. A year or so ago I got stuck when balancing my checkbook. I balance it every month, but this time I just couldn’t find my error. The always friendly receptionist directed me to an employee who found my error;. No charge — just a «glad to help.» By contrast, I walked into the big name bank I had my mortgage with. I had a question and asked to speak with someone. The receptionist told me, «You have to call St. Louis.» What! I was physically in the bank where I paid my mortgage, and I was directed to call to another state to get my question answered! That never would have happened at Brookfield National — a personal, home-​town bank.

They stole $ 7 from my Girl Scout troop. Closed our checking account without notice and refused to give up back our money when we reopened the account.

Everything you could want from a small town bank.
They are a single branch operation, with friendly, consistent customer service.
Their drive-​up hours are convenient, and I love to think that I am investing back into my community.
I’d also like to add that they gave me a HELOC a few years back, when my «mega-​bank» (that I had dealt with for 20+ years, and had all of my retirement funds) refused to.
That proved to me that they really are interested in serving the community, and as a result, I transfered numerous funds to them.
Long live Brookfield, and the First National Bank of Brookfield.