11/20/2009

After serving for 37 years at National Bank of Commerce, Larry L. Kappes, President and Chief Executive Officer of the bank and NATCOM Bancshares, Inc., its parent company, announced his retirement earlier this year. He began his current leadership role in 2002. Kappes’ last day of serving in that capacity is December 31, 2009.

Succeeding Kappes is Joseph M. Konradt who has been hired as Chief Executive Officer of the bank and its parent company NATCOM Bancshares, Inc. He will start November 30, 2009.

“Larry has been an outstanding leader for our organization,” said Joseph J. Till III Chairman of the Board. “He has guided us through some historic banking events, bringing us to the strong, solid, successful community bank we are today.

“Larry’s retirement comes on the heels of the economic crisis, which the bank weathered with no interruption in services or products while maintaining its strong philosophy of helping the communities in which we are located,” added Till. “That is a testament to Larry’s expertise.”

Some of the numerous changes for National Bank of Commerce which occurred during Kappes’ years of service, include being the first bank in Superior with a drive-thru, acquiring the offices in Solon Springs and Poplar, expanding the bank into Minnesota with newly built offices in Duluth and Hermantown, acquiring Community Bank, adding digital banking with internet and cell phone technology, and growing the bank’s total assets to over $570 million.

“I know the next generation of officers will lead the bank in the same style that the bank has prided itself on over the years,” said Kappes. “I will leave knowing that National Bank of Commerce will continue to be the premier employer and lending institution in Northwest Wisconsin and Northeastern Minnesota.”

Joining the bank in 1972, Kappes rose quickly through the ranks, attaining the positions of Assistant Cashier in 1974, Assistant Vice President in 1977, and Vice President in 1980. He was named Senior Vice President/Senior Loan Officer in 1996 and Executive Vice President/Senior Loan Officer two years later.

Kappes was named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 2000 and Interim President in 2002.

He has been a member of the National CEO Network Group since 1999 and completed the Graduate School of Banking Program at the University of Wisconsin Madison in 1981. Since then he has participated in continuing education and leadership courses advancing his knowledge with the industry’s growth.

Kappes has held numerous leadership positions in civic organizations throughout the Twin Ports and Northwestern Wisconsin areas. Additionally, he holds an Associate of Business Degree from Dakota Business College.

Maintaining the small bank feel while growing with needed services and products as the country moves forward is important to the incoming CEO, Konradt. He said, “I have worked in banks ranging from $70 million to $3.25 billion, and I am happy to be joining an organization big enough to meet our customers’ every banking need, yet not too big to still know everyone with whom we work.”

Konradt joins National Bank of Commerce from Liberty Bank in West Des Moines, Iowa, where he served as Executive Vice President, Community Banking. In this role, he was responsible for commercial and retail banking for 34 retail branches, treasury management, merchant card, commercial loan administration, marketing, pricing and product development.

He also served as Executive Vice President, Retail Banking at Liberty Bank for two years prior. His responsibilities in that position included retail sales management for the 34 branches, mortgage banking, credit cards, marketing, product management, training and wealth management. He was also responsible for all backroom operations functions for deposit products, including retail and commercial, as well as IT.

Prior to joining Liberty Bank, Konradt was President, Retail Banking for Guaranty Bank, Milwaukee, with responsibility for over 60 branches in Wisconsin and Illinois.

His 20-plus years with First Federal Capital Bank (now Associated Bank) in La Crosse, Wis., culminated with the position of Executive Vice President, Community Banking Group.

Konradt earned an MBA from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science.

With offices in Superior, Duluth, Hermantown, Poplar and Solon Springs, National Bank of Commerce is the area’s largest, locally-owned bank. Its website is nbofc.com.

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