Our banking relationship provides win for all.

Paul Modeen

Modeen remodeled the building at the corner of Highway 284 and County Road 36 in Cologne.

Our Citizens State Bank NYA story is truly that of a community story.

After years of disappointment with other banks big and small, we reached out to our peers in the industry and sought banking recommendations. In force, we received recommendations from several well-respected tradesmen in Carver County about their “small bank in Norwood.”

As a small business, the stuffy bank environment has always been tough to navigate. At Citizens, we have found our perfect fit. A professional, yet relaxed and friendly environment.

Community banks pride themselves in being focused on local. Citizens is exactly that. From the growth of our primary business to supporting our additional business startups, we have been supported from idea to execution.

Years ago, when we first visited, we were immediately impressed at the hometown feel. We were greeted by the president of the bank who personally guided us through the process on our financial needs.

Fast forward … There is a saying, “we should judge one's character, not when times are good, but when challenges present themselves.” Like many others, the COVID pandemic hit our business with many uncertainties. I saw firsthand the staff of Citizens rise to the occasion and stand by their customers in one of the most difficult times in recent history. We were fortunate to know we had a strong financial footing with the support of the entire team at the bank.

Present day … Citizens continues to support our appetite for growth and desire to support our community. As we grew, our need for a new larger headquarters was apparent. With strong westward expansion of the Twin Cities, the City of Cologne is located along what has been called the pathway to progress. As a business, we wanted to invest in a smaller, close-knit community because it felt like home and Cologne was our perfect fit. For years we had our eye on a neglected vacant building on the edge of downtown, the historic Cologne CO-OP. With so much history (from serving as a local convenience store and gas station, Mid County farmers COOP and Oliver tractor dealership to name a few), we knew it was a special gathering place in our community.

From the first step of navigating our acquisition of property, Citizens partnered with us to turn the building not only into our HQ but to serve as an anchor commercial building in town that supports multiple businesses.

One of our proudest results of this revitalization project has been the ability to partner with the local food shelf, Bountiful Basket, to bring an inviting customer facing resource to the community of Cologne and surrounding towns.

Through our partnership with Citizens, we wholeheartedly believe we have a relationship that is a win-win-win for the entire community! Thanks to the entire bank staff for all you do!

Paul and Carlie Modeen

PMR LLC