In Eau Claire, that commitment to relationship banking continues through a team of professionals who live in the same community they serve. Merchants Bank believes there is tremendous value in having a trusted advisor who knows your story, answers the phone when you call, and remains a resource long after a transaction is complete.

Whether customers are purchasing a home, financing a business expansion, planning for retirement, or managing family finances, Merchants Bank offers a full range of financial services to help meet their goals — all backed by local expertise and personal service.

That combination of community commitment and financial strength has helped drive Merchants’ success for well over a century.

Helping Homebuyers Turn Possibility Into Reality

Mortgage Lender Megan Barone has been helping locals achieve one of the most important financial milestones of their lives — home ownership — for over a decade.

Since 2015, Barone has navigated that process with potential homeowners by offering education and solutions tailored to their unique circumstances.

In working with people side-by-side, Barone has found many locals are surprised to learn that homeownership may be more attainable than they initially thought.

One of the most common misconceptions she encounters is the belief that buyers must have a 20% down payment for a home purchase. In reality, many qualified buyers can purchase a home with significantly less money down, opening the door to opportunities they may have thought were out of reach.

That’s one of the greatest advantages of working with a community bank, Barone says — the ability to look beyond a one-size-fits-all approach.

“Every buyer’s story is different,” she noted. “Our role is to help customers understand their options, prepare for the future, and find the path that makes the most sense for them.”

A personalized approach like that gives customers access to a trusted resource throughout the entire home-buying journey, from early planning conversations to closing day and beyond.

Investing in Community & Affordable Housing

Market President Melissa Peterson has firsthand experience seeing strong communities built through collaboration, local partnerships, and access to housing opportunities for individuals and families.

For Peterson, being truly ingrained in the community they serve is an essential part of Merchants Bank’s mission. Beyond providing financial services, the bank works alongside organizations, local leaders, and community partners to support initiatives that strengthen neighborhoods and create opportunities throughout the Chippewa Valley.

One area of particular focus for Merchants Bank is affordable housing.

As communities across the region face housing challenges, Peterson says partnerships between lenders, builders, nonprofits, and community organizations are becoming increasingly important. By working together, these groups can identify resources, connect individuals with available programs, and help make homeownership more accessible.

Merchants Bank supports these efforts by providing local expertise, specialized financing options, and guidance to help community members understand the opportunities available to them.

The bank also remains actively involved with organizations that shape the future of housing and economic development throughout the area, including the Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association.

“When we are involved in our communities, we gain a better understanding of the challenges people face,” Peterson says. “That helps us identify solutions earlier, connect people with resources, and create positive outcomes for individuals, families, and the community as a whole.”

For both Barone and Peterson, Merchants Bank’s mortgage lending and full array of financial services isn’t an abstract means to an end. Through its relationship banking, mortgage expertise, and community engagement, they continue to help customers achieve their financial goals while contributing to the longterm vitality of the region.

Merchants Bank is a Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. Loans are subject to credit approval.