When it comes to selecting a financial professional, bank, attorney or insurance company, relationships matter. We’ve found some of the region’s top providers, who pride themselves on building trust.
Managing your personal finances is rarely fun, but it’s an essential part of life.
No matter your stage in life, there’s a good chance that you rely on our region’s professional services experts for many things. Maybe it’s a bank account that lets you save cash and pay bills, or maybe it’s an investment account (or two) for retirement savings and additional income.
If you’re looking to buy a house or make a big purchase, you’ll also turn to our financial professionals, who can provide mortgages or loans. If you’re establishing a will or protecting your legal interests, you, too, are consulting a professional services provider.
When you need help, it’s comforting to know that your institution has your back. For our region’s ample supply of community banks and locally based service providers, quality service and relationship building are inherent values.
We appreciate a financial institution that values customers and goes out of its way to help us achieve our financial goals. Why settle for a place that sees you only as an account number?
Inside this section, you’ll find a few of our region’s top picks for banks, credit unions, attorneys, insurance carriers, trust and investment services, and mortgage providers. And, you’ll discover why they stand out from the Very Big Institution.
As you’ll see, it begins with you, the consumer.
Alpine Bank
Alpine Bank is a locally owned financial institution serving Winnebago, Boone and DeKalb counties with a total of 15 locations in northern Illinois. Founded in 1908, Alpine Bank offers a variety of financial products and services for consumers, small businesses, agricultural businesses and commercial companies, and it provides investment and financial services through Alpine Trust & Investment Group. As a truly local organization, our investment is not only made here, but it stays here. We are committed to being a bank you can actually like.
“As we have grown over the past 108 years, there have been many changes, but our fundamental mission has remained the same: Maintaining a great customer service, loyal relationships and a strong commitment to the communities we serve.” ~Bill Roop, President & CEO
Founded: 1908 • Employees: 370 • Total Bank Assets: $1.2 billion
Locations: Rockford: 1700 Alpine Road • 6838 E. State St. • 2218 N. Mulford Road • 2642 Charles St. • 6410 E. State St. • Belvidere: 600 State St. • 1988 Gateway Center Dr. • 311 Logan Ave. • 1425 N. State St. • Loves Park: 1810 Harlem Road • Machesney Park: 613 Harlem Road • Roscoe: 5023 Rockrose Ct. • Kirkland: 306 W. Main St. Cherry Valley: 1972 Pawlisch Dr.
Associated Bank
The Associated Bank Rockford Community Market has one of the largest deposit bases of any financial institution in the greater Rockford area. Our colleagues, operating from seven branches in the region, provide a complete range of financial products and services. They include consumer banking, commercial and business lending, residential mortgage and home equity lending, private banking, trust, retirement plan services and asset management, as well as employee benefits, business insurance and human resource consulting. Our parent company, Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB), is one of the top 50 publicly traded U.S. bank holding companies. Associated is a leading Midwest banking franchise offering financial services in over 200 banking locations serving more than 100 communities in Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota, and commercial financial services in Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Texas.
Founded: 1861 • Employees: 4,300 • Total Bank Assets: $27 billion
Overall Deposits: $19 billion
Locations: Main Office: 612 N. Main Street, Rockford, IL
Rockford: 4400 Center Terrace • 3134A 11th St. • 3333 N. Rockton Ave. • 1870 N. Perryville Road Beloit: 602 Henry Ave. • Machesney Park: 622 Roosevelt Road
Byron Bank
Byron Bank is a family-owned business, with the third generation working at the bank. If we asked several people, “What is important to you, at your bank?” there would be many answers. Some people might say convenience, security, services, rates or fees. However, everyone would say that to be “known” by their bank is important. Banking is about people who are professional, knowledgeable and helpful in attaining your financial goals and listening to your concerns, ideas and dreams. We make banking comfortable for our clients, and we’re not a place you’re nervous to visit. Of course, we offer all of the services mentioned, but most of all, we listen to you. Stop by one of our locations and experience for yourself what banking should feel like.
Banking Services: Personal, Loans, Commercial, Financial
Founded: 1932 • Employees: 70 • Total Bank Assets: $227 million
Locations: Byron: 200 N. Walnut St. • 201 W. Blackhawk Dr.
Davis Junction: 5653 N. Junction Way • Poplar Grove: 11159 IL Hwy. 76
Rockford Bank & Trust
What makes community banks unique is that everything we do in some way impacts the community in which we operate. At Rockford Bank & Trust, we understand that the true value of a bank, or any business, is the quality of its relationship with clients. Establishing, cultivating and furthering sincere, deep relationships with our clients is what drives us every day.
Our ability to make our clients’ dreams come true occurs because of the banking environment we have developed over the past decade. Our success comes from creating a banking culture where we hire the best and brightest, and empower them to use their skills to make decisions. It’s a formula that has led to success for our clients, our community and our employees. We’re proud of the role we are playing in the economic vitality of our community and are confident that our progress over the past 11 years has positioned Rockford Bank & Trust as a valuable asset to the region.
Founded: 2005 • Employees: 49 • Total Bank Assets: $365 million
Locations: Rockford (East Side): 4571 Guilford Road • Rockford (Stewart Square, Downtown): 308 W. State St., Ste. 100
CoyleKiley Insurance Agency
CoyleKiley Insurance Agency is an independent agency specializing in business insurance, personal insurance, employee benefits and wealth management.
Licensed to conduct business throughout the United States, our agency works with more than 30 of the best insurance companies in the world. We are recognized for outstanding customer service, and have been for many years.
CoyleKiley has been built on quality service. We not only provide traditional insurance solutions; as your consultant, we also review your insurance and financial priorities to provide a customized plan that will assist you in taking advantage of changing times and new risk protection solutions. We believe strongly in maintaining a base of integrity, honesty and professionalism.
CoyleKiley Insurance Agency was formed on May 1, 2015, with the internal perpetuation of Coyle-Varland Insurance Agency, meaning that our firm is built on 60 years of industry knowledge, integrity, and expertise. Many of our employees have been in the insurance field for more than 30 years.
Founded: 2015 • Employees: 19
Locations: Rockford: 401 E. State St., Ste. 4, (815) 987-2170
MembersAlliance Credit Union
You Can Rely On Us
MembersAlliance is the area’s largest locally owned credit union. As a not-for-profit cooperative, we are member-owned and governed by a volunteer board of directors.
Overall, we do everything a bank does. We have a full line of affordable financial products and services, with better rates and lower fees than the big banks.
Focused on personal banking, our goal is to help members achieve better financial health. Education is an important part of our mission – we offer free seminars throughout the year on a variety of topics. We are also very active in supporting our community, by sponsoring, participating in, and donating to events and organizations that make Rockford a great place to live, work and play.
MembersAlliance is a community-chartered credit union, open to anyone living or working in Winnebago, Boone or Ogle counties. For details, visit MembersAlliance.org.
Financial Services:
Checking and Savings Accounts
Consumer Loans, Student Loans, Mortgages, Home Equity Loans
Visa Credit Card
Youth Accounts
Online & Mobile Access
Additional Member Benefits
Founded: 1938 • Employees: 60 • Asset Size: $174 million
Members: Over 18,000
Locations: Rockford: 2550 S. Alpine Road • 6951 Olde Creek Road • 3902 W. Riverside Blvd. 7219 Walton St. • Rockton: 4781 E. Rockton Road
Pumilia Law, Attorneys
Pumilia Law offers the experience and up-to-date legal knowledge to assist area small-business owners with all of their legal needs. Pumilia Law represents its business clients in organization, structure, and management as well as in business transactions, including the purchase or sale of a business and asset purchase agreements. Pumilia Law also represents clients in commercial litigation.
After leading the Winnebago County Public Defenders Office for nearly 20 years, Gary Pumilia was appointed as an associate judge in 2000. He served on the bench until his retirement in December 2013. He then founded Pumilia Law with his son Joseph.
Joseph previously worked at the Rockford office of Heyl Royster Voelker & Allen, where he focused on insurance defense as well as civil and commercial litigation. Joseph graduated Magna Cum Laude from the NIU College of Law. His research on the issue of Net Neutrality was published in the NIU Law Review.
In 2014, Gary’s son Michael joined the firm. He’s a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of Illinois Law School. At U of I, Michael earned the CALI Excellence Award in both Business Associations and Evidence. After graduation, Michael worked in Chicago for Lowis & Gellen LLP, where he handled commercial litigation and transactions for large banks, Fortune 500 companies and small businesses.
Specialties: Business • Personal Injury • Wills & Estates • Auto Accidents Criminal Defense • DUI Defense
Location: Main Office: 321 W. State St., Ste. 805, Rockford, IL
Alpine Trust & Investment Group
Alpine Trust & Investment Group is a team of trusted financial advisors focused on helping individuals, families and business owners to address their wealth management goals, guiding them toward financial solutions specific to their needs. Our commitment to our clients is defined by three core principles: Accessibility, Comprehensiveness and Experience. Being locally owned and operated means our clients get one-on-one attention and have access to the people who make decisions. Our proactive approach begins with listening and understanding our clients’ needs, uncovering what financial security means to them, and setting financial priorities. We are independent advisors who provide our clients unbiased recommendations and custom financial solutions to navigate through life’s transitions.
“We are credentialed professionals skilled at developing investment, trust and comprehensive wealth management strategies to serve our clients.” ~Julie O’Rourke, EVP, Senior Trust & Investment Officer
Founded: 1946 • Employees: 31
Rockford: 6838 E. State St. • Belvidere: 600 State St.
Associated Bank, Trust & Investments
Values-based estate planning acknowledges that most people desire to pass on more than just their wealth to future generations. They would like to transfer a sense of their traditions, values and priorities as a part of their legacy as well. Understanding your thoughts about money, what you value, and what you desire to pass on will help you to shape an estate plan that articulates and carries out your values as your wealth is managed into the future.
Trusts play a pivotal role in preserving and protecting family wealth and can last for multiple generations. Writing a mission statement and incorporating your values into your estate plan also provides guidance to the trustee as to how you intend the trust to be administered into the future. While the basics of an estate plan will seek to transfer your wealth, a values-based estate plan can incorporate a message to your children, grandchildren and beyond. Make your legacy more than just money in the bank.
Founded: 1861 • Employees: 4,300
Locations: Main Office: 612 N. Main St., Rockford, IL
Rockford: 4400 Center Terrace • 3134A 11th St. • 3333 N. Rockton Ave. • 1870 N. Perryville Road Beloit: 602 Henry Ave. • Machesney Park: 622 Roosevelt Road
Byron Bank, Mortgage Services
Back in 1984, Ben Barton, then-president of Byron Bank (now chairman of the board), had a vision for the bank to become a major servicer for mortgage loans. Byron was beginning to grow by leaps and bounds, and clients needed good rates and reasonable fees for their mortgages. Byron Bank was one of the very first banks in the area to become a preferred lender for Freddie Mac. What does this mean for you today? Because of our many years of experience and the large number of Freddie Mac loans we have closed, we can give you superior service to secure your home loan.
Benefits:
Conventional-regular mortgage with as low as 5 percent down
FHA, VA, USDA products available
Grants and down payment assistance now available
In-house portfolio products for unique situations
Lot and construction packages
Founded: 1932 • Employees: 70 • Mortgage Servicing: $295 million
Locations: Byron: 200 N. Walnut St. • 201 W. Blackhawk Dr.
Davis Junction: 5653 N. Junction Way • Poplar Grove: 11159 IL Hwy. 76
Rockford Bank & Trust, Wealth Management
At Rockford Bank & Trust, we know there is no one-size-fits-all solution to meeting long-term financial goals and objectives.
That’s why we start with you first, and not the product first. Understanding your goals and objectives helps us leverage our full suite of wealth management products and services to develop and implement a plan for a strong financial future.
For more than 10 years, we have gathered the area’s best and brightest financial experts to create a wealth management team that can develop customized solutions tailored to building, preserving and transitioning wealth through a proven step-by-step process. That process begins with evaluating your current position and ends with continuous communication, monitoring and rebalancing in line with the outcomes you seek to achieve.
We take the responsibility of helping you build your financial future very seriously, and when you work with Rockford Bank & Trust you get a team of experts who are the best at understanding your wealth management needs.
Founded: 2005 • Employees: 49 • Total Bank Assets: $365 million
Locations: Rockford (East Side): 4571 Guilford Road • Rockford (Stewart Square, Downtown): 308 W. State St., Ste. 100
Klaas Financial
Klaas Financial has been in business since 1976 and has offices in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. We specialize in retirement planning, which means that we help individuals, families and businesses to plan and invest for retirement. We strive to provide answers to all of our client’s retirement questions in one place. We work as a team to help you achieve your retirement planning goals. We are an independent hybrid advisory firm. Let us get to know you. Here are our three divisions where we can be of help: Klaas Investment Portfolios, Klaas 360, Klaas 401(k).
Securities by licensed individuals offered through Investacorp, Inc. A registered Broker/Dealer – Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services Offered Through Klaas Financial Asset Advisors, LLC – an SEC Registered Investment Advisory Firm. Klaas Financial Asset Advisors, LLC is not affiliated with Investacorp, Inc.
Founded: 1976 • Employees: 12
Locations: Rockford/Loves Park: 4707 Perry Ridge Lane, (815) 877-8440 Madison, Wis.: 5951 McKee Road, Ste. 200, (608) 442-5637
MembersAlliance Credit Union Mortgage Services
Mortgages to fit your lifestyle, right where you live
Buying a home is one of the most important decisions, and likely the largest investment, you will make in your lifetime. MembersAlliance is a smart choice for home financing. This area’s largest locally owned credit union, MembersAlliance carries a full line of affordable mortgage products designed to fit today’s lifestyles.
With more than 30 combined years of mortgage lending experience, our skilled team of local loan representatives strives to fit our members’ needs, determine how much house they can afford, and fit them with the right mortgage product, quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or downsizing for your retirement years, your loan representative always has your best interests in mind. With competitive market interest rates and flexible terms, plus lower fees and closing costs, our mortgage specialists will be with you from application to closing. People helping people, that’s the credit union difference.
Apply for your home loan online or stop in for an information packet. We’ll answer your questions, work with your realtor or builder, and make the process smooth for you.
Financing Options:
Fixed Rate & ARMs
Construction and End Loans
FHA
YourTerm (8 to 30 years)
HARP Refinancing
Home Equities & Lines of credit
Bridge Loans
Founded: 1938 • Employees: 60 • Asset Size: $174 million
Members: Over 18,000
Locations: Rockford: 2550 S. Alpine Road • 6951 Olde Creek Road • 3902 W. Riverside Blvd. 7219 Walton St. • Rockton: 4781 E. Rockton Road
Regal Investment Advisors
More than a financial planning firm, we are truly committed to being a “trusted advisor” and a valuable partner in your financial plans. We help you develop a financial program that is custom-tailored to your financial goals, needs and situation. If you find yourself at one of life’s crossroads – facing retirement, a career change, the sale of a business, recently widowed or divorced – we can help you sort through your options to choose the appropriate strategy for your needs and situation.
Working with you, we can help to design your investment and retirement portfolios to reflect your personal values, morals and beliefs. We also specialize in assisting nonprofit organizations, such as churches and other charitable organizations, to meet their financial needs and future goals.
We seek to understand your wants and goals and will work to provide financial solutions based on your core values. In essence, we enable you to put your money where your heart is, as you invest intelligently to meet your goals.
Securities offered through Regulus Advisors, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through Regal Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Regulus Advisors and Regal Investment Advisors are affiliated entities.
Founded: 2000 • Advisors: 145
Locations: Rockford: 124 N. Water St., Ste. 306, (815) 877-4787
Savant Capital Management
Savant is a nationally recognized, independent, fee-only wealth management firm serving clients since 1986. Savant does not sell products, and thus is able to deliver objective fiduciary advice and fully transparent service to its clients. Savant offers integrative investment management and financial planning solutions to individuals, families, foundations, trust funds, retirement plans and nonprofit organizations. Using a time-tested and evidence-based approach, Savant provides investors access to a diversified portfolio option and customized planning advice, all while considering the tax implications over a lifetime.
Savant Capital Management is a Registered Investment Advisor. Please see savantcapital.com for important disclosures.
Founded: 1986 • Advisors: 41
Locations: Rockford: 190 Buckley Dr. • Freeport: 1011 Loras Dr., Ste. B • Sterling: 110 E. Lynn Blvd., Ste. B
Additional offices in Chicago, Geneva, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, Peoria, Wilmette, Ill.; Madison and Park Falls, Wis.; and McLean, Va.