ACH NOTICE: CSB will never reach out and ask for private account information. As a reminder, never give anyone your Secure Access Code and always verify you are logging in from CSB.bank (online) or using the CSB Simple Banking App (Business or Consumer). If you receive any suspicious calls please contact our banking team immediately (262) 878-3763.
csb continues success with sba-licensed Business Lending Partners
RACINE — Community State Bank SVP | Business Banking Barb Bakshis typically doesn’t spend a lot of time focusing on awards.
“When you’re busy doing the work, you don’t think about stuff like that,” Bakshis said.
With over 35 years of experience in community banking, Bakshis spends most of her energy on guiding local business customers and providing opportunity to watch her community grow.
Bakshis’ passion, dedication and success did not go unnoticed.
The longtime Burlington resident became a two-time award winner of the Racine County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC) Lender of the Year on Thursday (May 7) at Festival Hall in Racine.
Bakshis also won the award in 2024.
"I do love what I do," said Bakshis in her acceptance speech Thursday night. "I love helping business owners to grow the economy in the footprint where all of us live. It's a beautiful thing."
The annual event included multiple awards and a presentation from keynote speaker David Avrin, an acclaimed author and competitive advantage strategist. Microsoft won 2025 Business Development Project of the Year and Pamala Handrow was the Sam Johnson Volunteer of the Year recipient.
Community State Bank EVP | Chief Lending Officer Robert Pieroni, a RCEDC Loan Committee Chairman, was one of the night's presenters.
It was the fifth time in the last seven years a Community State Bank lender received the Lender of the Year Award. VP | Business Banking (Waterford) Jay Cashmore was honored in 2025 after EVP | Chief Lending Officer Robert Pieroni won it in back-to-back years in 2020 and 2021.
“That is much more amazing to me than just me winning the award,” Bakshis said. “To have that many lenders in the same organization, recognized for all this good work, is telling.”
Community State Bank works closely with Business Lending Partners — a private, nonprofit division of RCEDC — licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
The Wisconsin SBA 504 loan program is designed for small businesses, offering low-interest, long-term financing for real estate and equipment.
Pieroni said it's important for his lending team to utilize all resources possible to help local businesses succeed.
“Understanding the tools that are available for our customers is a key part of what we strive for here at Community State Bank,” Pieroni said. “Barb, and our entire team, has done an exceptional job with this.”
Bakshis joined the CSB Team in October 2025. She works out of the CSB Burlington office, located at 308 Bridge St., just a short drive from her 150-acre farm where she calls home.
“Living and working in the same community certainly has its advantages,” Bakshis said.
Bakshis serves the community in many ways, in multiple volunteer and leadership roles. She is on the Board of Directors at Experience Burlington, co-chairs the annual Burlington Christmas Parade and is a member of the Racine County Leadership Committee.
Bakshis is a trustee at her church, St. Charles Catholic Church in Burlington and formerly on the Racine County Leadership Committee.
“I think everyone wants to live in a community that’s thriving,” Bakshis said. “Being involved and helping others is a great way to make that happen.”
ABOUT COMMUNITY STATE BANK
Community State Bank has proudly served the communities of Southeast Wisconsin since 1898. It is a locally owned and operated community bank headquartered in Union Grove, Wisconsin. For more information, please visit CSB.bank.