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    <title>News</title>
    <link>https://49604440.hs-sites.com/news</link>
    <description />
    <language>en</language>
    <pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:28:10 GMT</pubDate>
    <dc:date>2026-04-20T20:28:10Z</dc:date>
    <dc:language>en</dc:language>
    <item>
      <title>Deciding When to Retire - Bank First</title>
      <link>https://49604440.hs-sites.com/news/deciding-when-to-retire</link>
      <description>&lt;div class="hs-featured-image-wrapper"&gt; 
 &lt;a href="https://49604440.hs-sites.com/news/deciding-when-to-retire" title="" class="hs-featured-image-link"&gt; &lt;img src="https://49604440.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/blogwhentoretire1-2026-2.jpg" alt="Deciding When to Retire - Bank First" class="hs-featured-image" style="width:auto !important; max-width:50%; float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;"&gt; &lt;/a&gt; 
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Bank First is excited to announce its participation in Make a Difference Day. Make a Difference Day is the largest national day of community service and is a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. This year will mark Bank First’s fourth year of participation in this National holiday. While Make a Difference Day is officially observed on October 26, 2019, Bank First will be celebrating all month long by participating in service projects throughout the communities it serves.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;Bank First is excited to announce its participation in Make a Difference Day. Make a Difference Day is the largest national day of community service and is a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. This year will mark Bank First’s fourth year of participation in this National holiday. While Make a Difference Day is officially observed on October 26, 2019, Bank First will be celebrating all month long by participating in service projects throughout the communities it serves.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Benefiting organizations and events for which Bank First is volunteering include:&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;ul&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Taylor Folk Memorial Scholarship Fund&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Coats for Kids&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Adopt-a-Highway – Manitowoc County&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Wau-King Together for Dementia Awareness Walk&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;In Courage Domestic Violence Center&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Village of Mishicot&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Habitat for Humanity&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Chetek Senior Center&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Feed My Starving Children&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Parkview Health Center&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Green Isle Park&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Lakeshore Cerebral Palsy Center&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;The Crossing – Manitowoc&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Iola –Scandinavia School District&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Field of Dreams Nursing Home&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Mr. Bob’s Under the Bridge&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Clintonville Food Pantry&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;The Welcome Table&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;/ul&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;“It is a privilege to take part in this campaign and celebrate giving back to the community,” stated Mike Molepske, Chief Executive Officer of Bank First. “We believe by working together, we can transform lives and build stronger communities for our future generations. Giving back has allowed us to develop meaningful relationships with local families, businesses, and non-profit organizations, and we believe these relationships strengthen us and the communities we serve.”&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Bank First has created a culture focused on community involvement, and its employees are empowered to volunteer and give back in many ways. In 2018, Bank First contributed over $800,000 to more than 450 Wisconsin community events and organizations. Its employees donated over 11,600 hours of volunteering in the community as well.&lt;/p&gt;  
&lt;img src="https://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=49604440&amp;amp;k=14&amp;amp;r=https%3A%2F%2F49604440.hs-sites.com%2Fnews%2Fdeciding-when-to-retire&amp;amp;bu=https%253A%252F%252F49604440.hs-sites.com%252Fnews&amp;amp;bvt=rss" alt="" width="1" height="1" style="min-height:1px!important;width:1px!important;border-width:0!important;margin-top:0!important;margin-bottom:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-left:0!important;padding-top:0!important;padding-bottom:0!important;padding-right:0!important;padding-left:0!important; "&gt;</content:encoded>
      <category>Financial Tips</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://49604440.hs-sites.com/news/deciding-when-to-retire</guid>
      <dc:date>2026-01-27T06:00:00Z</dc:date>
      <dc:creator>Bank First</dc:creator>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Why Smart People Still Fall for Fraud - Bank First</title>
      <link>https://49604440.hs-sites.com/news/why-smart-people-still-fall-for-fraud</link>
      <description>&lt;div class="hs-featured-image-wrapper"&gt; 
 &lt;a href="https://49604440.hs-sites.com/news/why-smart-people-still-fall-for-fraud" title="" class="hs-featured-image-link"&gt; &lt;img src="https://49604440.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/blogsmartpeoplefraud-2.jpg" alt="Why Smart People Still Fall for Fraud - Bank First" class="hs-featured-image" style="width:auto !important; max-width:50%; float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;"&gt; &lt;/a&gt; 
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Planning your next big vacation or business trip? Whether you’re a once-a-year- vacationer, an adventure seeker, or a regular business traveler, it’s important to keep yourself – and your wallet – safe. Here are some ways to protect yourself while traveling.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;Planning your next big vacation or business trip? Whether you’re a once-a-year- vacationer, an adventure seeker, or a regular business traveler, it’s important to keep yourself – and your wallet – safe. Here are some ways to protect yourself while traveling.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;Be careful when using public Wi-Fi&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;The laws and regulations that govern cyber security in other countries are typically not going to be the same as those found in the US. Free Wi-Fi access can be very appealing for business or leisure travelers, but it is also particularly vulnerable to security issues. Avoid unencrypted Wi-Fi networks; ask your hotel about its security protocol before connecting to the Web. Be extra cautious using Internet cafes and free Wi-Fi hotspots; if you must use them, avoid accessing personal accounts or sensitive data while connected to that network.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;Disable Auto-Connect&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Most phones in the U.S. have a setting that allows a device to automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks as you pass through them on your day-to-day activities. While this is a nice feature when used at home, it’s not something you should allow while traveling abroad. Before you travel, change this setting so that your smartphone and laptop must be manually connected each time you wish to access the Web.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;Keep your computers and mobile devices up to date&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats. Turn on automatic updates so you receive the newest fixes as they become available.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;Be aware of shoulder surfers&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;The most basic form of information theft is observation. Be aware of your surroundings especially when typing in sensitive information. This is especially true in crowded places, such as an airport, hotel lobby, train station, or crowded city street.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;Use Two-Factor Authentication&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Two-factor authentication is one of the best ways to protect against remote attacks such as phishing, credential misuse, and other attempts to take over your accounts. It is an additional layer of security to any type of login account, requiring extra information or a physical device to log in, in addition to your password.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;At least one of the access controls in two-factor authentication should be a password of nine characters or longer. The second may be fingerprint, face, voice or pattern recognition, or verification through an authenticator app. Email is the most important service to secure because criminals can use email addresses to reset passwords on other sites. If your email account is compromised, it essentially gives attackers free rein to access all your other services — yet another reason to use two-factor authentication.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;Use a Reloadable Travel Card&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;A &lt;a href="https://49604440.hs-sites.com/giftcards"&gt;reloadable travel card&lt;/a&gt; is a safe, secure alternative to traveler’s checks and cash while on vacation. It’s a great way to secure your travel funds as it's not connected to any of your other accounts! Unlike cash, which could be easily lost or stolen, you can cancel or block your card so that it can’t be used by anyone else.&lt;/p&gt;  
&lt;p&gt;Source: &lt;a href="https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-mobile-8-cyber-security-tips-for-business-travelers.html" title="(This is an external link)"&gt;us.norton.com/internetsecurity-mobile-8-cyber-security-tips-for-business-travelers.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   
&lt;img src="https://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=49604440&amp;amp;k=14&amp;amp;r=https%3A%2F%2F49604440.hs-sites.com%2Fnews%2Fwhy-smart-people-still-fall-for-fraud&amp;amp;bu=https%253A%252F%252F49604440.hs-sites.com%252Fnews&amp;amp;bvt=rss" alt="" width="1" height="1" style="min-height:1px!important;width:1px!important;border-width:0!important;margin-top:0!important;margin-bottom:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-left:0!important;padding-top:0!important;padding-bottom:0!important;padding-right:0!important;padding-left:0!important; "&gt;</content:encoded>
      <category>Security</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://49604440.hs-sites.com/news/why-smart-people-still-fall-for-fraud</guid>
      <dc:date>2026-01-13T06:00:00Z</dc:date>
      <dc:creator>Bank First</dc:creator>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Sextortion Scams Are on the Rise - Here's How to Stay Safe - Bank First</title>
      <link>https://49604440.hs-sites.com/news/sextortion-scams-are-on-the-rise-heres-how-to-stay-safe</link>
      <description>&lt;div class="hs-featured-image-wrapper"&gt; 
 &lt;a href="https://49604440.hs-sites.com/news/sextortion-scams-are-on-the-rise-heres-how-to-stay-safe" title="" class="hs-featured-image-link"&gt; &lt;img src="https://49604440.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/fraudscreenredpersoniconistock-2158006790-2.jpg" alt="Sextortion Scams Are on the Rise - Here's How to Stay Safe - Bank First" class="hs-featured-image" style="width:auto !important; max-width:50%; float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;"&gt; &lt;/a&gt; 
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Fraud is on the rise, and scammers are always looking for creative ways to trick you, but with the right information, you can outsmart them. At Bank First, we believe being informed is the first step you can take to help protect your personal and financial information. Learn how to spot scams, protect yourself, and take action if you’re targeted.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;Fraud is on the rise, and scammers are always looking for creative ways to trick you, but with the right information, you can outsmart them. At Bank First, we believe being informed is the first step you can take to help protect your personal and financial information. Learn how to spot scams, protect yourself, and take action if you’re targeted.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;What to Watch For&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;ul&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Impersonators using scare tactics and claiming to be from trusted sources.&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Fake pop-ups, emails, or calls urging quick action.&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Requests for account access or software downloads.&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Unexpected checks in the mail with requests to send back part of the money.&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Requests from unverified parties for money to be sent through Venmo, Zelle, or similar apps.&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;/ul&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;How to Protect Yourself&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;ul&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Verify urgent requests by contacting the company directly through official channels.&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Never click links or download attachments from unexpected emails or texts - always confirm with the company directly.&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Enable two-factor authentication for added account security.&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Never share online banking credentials or allow others to access your accounts or deposit checks through mobile deposit on your behalf.&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Only deposit physical checks - do not use mobile deposit for emailed checks. Avoid depositing unexpected checks and contact your bank to verify their legitimacy.&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Use Venmo, Zelle®, or CashApp only with trusted contacts -&amp;nbsp;never send money to strangers. Transactions on these platforms are often irreversible.&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Regularly monitor your accounts and credit report for unfamiliar activity.&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;/ul&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;What to Do if You're Targeted&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;ol&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Don’t be embarrassed &lt;/strong&gt;- scams can happen to anyone!&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Contact Bank First immediately&lt;/strong&gt; if you have provided bank account information, passwords to your online banking accounts, or paid funds.&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Update your security settings&lt;/strong&gt;, and consider reporting the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). &lt;a href="https://www.ftc.gov/"&gt;www.ftc.gov&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;/ol&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;If you have any questions or need assistance, we’re always here to help. Contact your &lt;a href="https://49604440.hs-sites.com/locations"&gt;local Bank First office&lt;/a&gt; today!&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h3&gt;FRAUD &amp;amp; SCAMS - STAY INFORMED&amp;nbsp;&lt;/h3&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Fraud and scams target individuals and businesses daily, and staying informed is your best defense. Our web page is a resource for recognizing common tactics. Stay one step ahead of scammers and safeguard your personal and financial information. Learn more today:&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href="https://49604440.hs-sites.com/fraud-education"&gt;bankfirst.com/fraud-education&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;  
&lt;img src="https://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=49604440&amp;amp;k=14&amp;amp;r=https%3A%2F%2F49604440.hs-sites.com%2Fnews%2Fsextortion-scams-are-on-the-rise-heres-how-to-stay-safe&amp;amp;bu=https%253A%252F%252F49604440.hs-sites.com%252Fnews&amp;amp;bvt=rss" alt="" width="1" height="1" style="min-height:1px!important;width:1px!important;border-width:0!important;margin-top:0!important;margin-bottom:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-left:0!important;padding-top:0!important;padding-bottom:0!important;padding-right:0!important;padding-left:0!important; "&gt;</content:encoded>
      <category>Security</category>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Sep 2025 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://49604440.hs-sites.com/news/sextortion-scams-are-on-the-rise-heres-how-to-stay-safe</guid>
      <dc:date>2025-09-22T05:00:00Z</dc:date>
      <dc:creator>Bank First</dc:creator>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Think Before You Share, Click, or Send - Bank First</title>
      <link>https://49604440.hs-sites.com/news/think-before-you-share-click-or-send</link>
      <description>&lt;div class="hs-featured-image-wrapper"&gt; 
 &lt;a href="https://49604440.hs-sites.com/news/think-before-you-share-click-or-send" title="" class="hs-featured-image-link"&gt; &lt;img src="https://49604440.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/fraudawarenessfeb2025-2.jpg" alt="Think Before You Share, Click, or Send - Bank First" class="hs-featured-image" style="width:auto !important; max-width:50%; float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;"&gt; &lt;/a&gt; 
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Whenever you move, change jobs, get a new phone number or a new email address, it seems as though there is an endless list of organizations to inform. Please do not forget about us!&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;Whenever you move, change jobs, get a new phone number or a new email address, it seems as though there is an endless list of organizations to inform. Please do not forget about us!&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;As your bank, it is vital that we have the most current information on file for you. This will help us alert you if we suspect fraudulent activity on your account and help prevent identity theft.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Please help us verify that the contact information we have for you is current by contacting your local office or by calling our Customer Care number at (920) 652-3100. You can also update your personal contact information through Online Banking by selecting “Update Info” once logged in.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Note&lt;/em&gt;: for security purposes, we will verify your identity when you call, but we will only use the information that we have on file for you.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;**Remember to never provide personal, confidential information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless you have initiated the contact or know who you are dealing with. If you have questions, or feel that you may be a victim of fraud, please do not hesitate to reach out to your local Bank First representative.**&lt;/p&gt;  
&lt;img src="https://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=49604440&amp;amp;k=14&amp;amp;r=https%3A%2F%2F49604440.hs-sites.com%2Fnews%2Fthink-before-you-share-click-or-send&amp;amp;bu=https%253A%252F%252F49604440.hs-sites.com%252Fnews&amp;amp;bvt=rss" alt="" width="1" height="1" style="min-height:1px!important;width:1px!important;border-width:0!important;margin-top:0!important;margin-bottom:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-left:0!important;padding-top:0!important;padding-bottom:0!important;padding-right:0!important;padding-left:0!important; "&gt;</content:encoded>
      <category>Security</category>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Feb 2025 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://49604440.hs-sites.com/news/think-before-you-share-click-or-send</guid>
      <dc:date>2025-02-20T06:00:00Z</dc:date>
      <dc:creator>Bank First</dc:creator>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Stay Alert Against Common Scam Attempts</title>
      <link>https://49604440.hs-sites.com/news/stay-alert-against-common-scam-attempts</link>
      <description>&lt;div class="hs-featured-image-wrapper"&gt; 
 &lt;a href="https://49604440.hs-sites.com/news/stay-alert-against-common-scam-attempts" title="" class="hs-featured-image-link"&gt; &lt;img src="https://49604440.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/blogcommonscamattempts-2.jpg" alt="Stay Alert Against Common Scam Attempts" class="hs-featured-image" style="width:auto !important; max-width:50%; float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;"&gt; &lt;/a&gt; 
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and this article features important password best practices and safety tips provided by our very own IT Specialist, Ian Schisel.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and this article features important password best practices and safety tips provided by our very own IT Specialist, Ian Schisel.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Everything from online banking, entertainment services, and online ordering requires a username and password. It is crucial to understand how to manage and secure your accounts. Follow along with these 6 password best practices:&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;ol&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Never use the same password twice.&lt;/strong&gt; Imagine that the key that unlocks your house also opens your car. It’s better to have different keys for different locks. If a hacker can use one password to get into your account, make it harder for them to get into another by having separate passwords.&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Keep your passwords complex.&lt;/strong&gt; Complexity doesn’t always have to mean difficult to remember; longer = stronger. The good idea is to keep passwords 12 or more characters in length. Keeping your passwords relevant to you makes them easier to remember. Using a favorite quote, part of a song, or a series of words that mean something to you can be just as safe as “ab234lj!*jki”. Tip: Try abbreviating a phrase to help build a secure, memorable password. ( Ex. I Love banking at Bank First! = ILobaatBaFi! )&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Keep passwords updated.&lt;/strong&gt; Changing your passwords can keep hackers on their toes; however, it can also adversely affect you. Most notably, confusion. Try changing your password once or twice a year. February 1st each year is National Change Your Password Day!&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Keep on the lookout for data breaches.&lt;/strong&gt; More than ever, companies are releasing news of a data breach. Be on the lookout for companies with which you might have accounts. If you do business with one of these companies, make sure to change the password associated with the account immediately!&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)! &lt;/strong&gt;Enabling Multi-Factor or Two Factor Authentication can stop hackers dead in their tracks. Multifactor turns your login into not only something you know (Your password) but also something you have (your phone or a token).&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Secure your passwords.&lt;/strong&gt; Once you have your password created, it can be challenging to remember all of them. Writing passwords down can be difficult to keep track of and is highly unsecure. Sticky notes on the monitor or the bottom of your keyboard can be viewed by anyone sly enough to look. Do yourself a favor and use a password manager. A simple internet search will show you dozens of password manager options. Research and choose which one is right for you!&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;/ol&gt;  
&lt;img src="https://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=49604440&amp;amp;k=14&amp;amp;r=https%3A%2F%2F49604440.hs-sites.com%2Fnews%2Fstay-alert-against-common-scam-attempts&amp;amp;bu=https%253A%252F%252F49604440.hs-sites.com%252Fnews&amp;amp;bvt=rss" alt="" width="1" height="1" style="min-height:1px!important;width:1px!important;border-width:0!important;margin-top:0!important;margin-bottom:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-left:0!important;padding-top:0!important;padding-bottom:0!important;padding-right:0!important;padding-left:0!important; "&gt;</content:encoded>
      <category>Security</category>
      <category>Financial Tips</category>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Aug 2024 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://49604440.hs-sites.com/news/stay-alert-against-common-scam-attempts</guid>
      <dc:date>2024-08-07T05:00:00Z</dc:date>
      <dc:creator>Bank First</dc:creator>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Let's Dream Big Together - Bank First</title>
      <link>https://49604440.hs-sites.com/news/lets-dream-big-together</link>
      <description>&lt;div class="hs-featured-image-wrapper"&gt; 
 &lt;a href="https://49604440.hs-sites.com/news/lets-dream-big-together" title="" class="hs-featured-image-link"&gt; &lt;img src="https://49604440.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/blogletsdreambigtogether-2.jpg" alt="Let's Dream Big Together - Bank First" class="hs-featured-image" style="width:auto !important; max-width:50%; float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;"&gt; &lt;/a&gt; 
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Did you know that October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month? At Bank First, safeguarding your personal and financial information is a responsibility we take very seriously. However, it is also important that you remain vigilant against potential fraud and cyber threats. We invite you to check out these tips from our very own IT pro and Information Technology Officer, Matt Longmeyer, to help you safeguard your personal and financial information.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;Did you know that October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month? At Bank First, safeguarding your personal and financial information is a responsibility we take very seriously. However, it is also important that you remain vigilant against potential fraud and cyber threats. We invite you to check out these tips from our very own IT pro and Information Technology Officer, Matt Longmeyer, to help you safeguard your personal and financial information.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Be sure to like and follow Bank First’s Facebook page for additional cybersecurity tips.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;Email Safety&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Beware of Phishing attempts. Phishing emails (and even text messages) look like they are from a company that you know and trust. The messages look legitimate and often contain these features:&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;ul&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Sense of Urgency&lt;/strong&gt; - most cyber criminals want you to act NOW. The deal is ending soon, or includes an urgent warning.&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Too Good to be True&lt;/strong&gt; - if something seems very lucrative and too good to pass up, use caution. Remember, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is!&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Hyperlinks&lt;/strong&gt; - a link may not be all that it appears to be. Hovering over a link shows you the actual URL where you will be directed once you click on it. It could be very different or it could be a popular website with a misspelling, for instance: www.bankf1rstwi.banck - the “i” is actually a 1 and bank is spelled incorrectly. Be sure to look carefully.&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Attachments &lt;/strong&gt;- if you see an attachment in an email you were not expecting or it does not make sense, do not open it. These attachments often contain a path to ransomware or other viruses.&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Unusual sender&lt;/strong&gt; - whether the email looks like it’s from someone you don’t know or even someone you do know, if anything seems out of the ordinary, unexpected, out of character, or suspicious in general - don’t click on it! If you are uncertain if the email is real, reach out the individual by phone.&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;/ul&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;So what can you do if your email does get hacked?&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;ol&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Hackers won’t always change your account passwords once they have gained access. When you believe your email address has been compromised, the first thing you will want to do is change your password. To change your password, simply use the “Forgot Password” link at your login page. Do this for all your accounts across all your devices.&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Determine everywhere that you use the same username and password for all other sites and change those passwords right away. Hackers will try to go to major companies such as Netflix, Citibank, and Wells Fargo and try the same username and passwords. For example, when your Netflix account is hacked, it’s not because they want to watch movies - it’s because they want to get the username and password you used so they can try it on financial websites.&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Use DIFFERENT passwords for every product or service.&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Let your contacts know that you have been hacked after you have gained control of your email again. Sharing this information can help others avoid being compromised as well.&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;/ol&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;Bonus Tip ... Social Media Safety&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;The same principle you use to avoid suspicious phishing emails or the links and attachments found in them is the same principle that applies for social networks. Clicking on suspicious links or posts can ultimately lead to phishing pages or the download of malware. If the link directs you somewhere to win a prize - it’s usually malware or a phishing attempt. Use the “it’s too good to be true” thought process.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Be careful of personal information you share on Facebook and other social media platforms. Lockdown your privacy settings so only close friends can see the details of what you post.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;  
&lt;img src="https://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=49604440&amp;amp;k=14&amp;amp;r=https%3A%2F%2F49604440.hs-sites.com%2Fnews%2Flets-dream-big-together&amp;amp;bu=https%253A%252F%252F49604440.hs-sites.com%252Fnews&amp;amp;bvt=rss" alt="" width="1" height="1" style="min-height:1px!important;width:1px!important;border-width:0!important;margin-top:0!important;margin-bottom:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-left:0!important;padding-top:0!important;padding-bottom:0!important;padding-right:0!important;padding-left:0!important; "&gt;</content:encoded>
      <category>Financial Tips</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 04 Jun 2024 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://49604440.hs-sites.com/news/lets-dream-big-together</guid>
      <dc:date>2024-06-04T05:00:00Z</dc:date>
      <dc:creator>Bank First</dc:creator>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Setting Account Alerts - Bank First</title>
      <link>https://49604440.hs-sites.com/news/setting-account-alerts</link>
      <description>&lt;div class="hs-featured-image-wrapper"&gt; 
 &lt;a href="https://49604440.hs-sites.com/news/setting-account-alerts" title="" class="hs-featured-image-link"&gt; &lt;img src="https://49604440.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/blogsettingaccountalerts-2.jpg" alt="Setting Account Alerts - Bank First" class="hs-featured-image" style="width:auto !important; max-width:50%; float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;"&gt; &lt;/a&gt; 
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Federal holidays come around more often than you think. It may be easy to remember widely recognized dates like New Year's, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, but some holidays can sneak up on you and you may not realize it until you are wondering why a deposit or payment has not posted to your account.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;Federal holidays come around more often than you think. It may be easy to remember widely recognized dates like New Year's, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, but some holidays can sneak up on you and you may not realize it until you are wondering why a deposit or payment has not posted to your account.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Federal agencies such as NACHA (National Automated Clearing House Association) are closed on federal holidays. NACHA is responsible for the electronic funds transfer system that facilitates all payments in the U.S. Even though a financial institution may be open on a federal holiday, your transactions will not post to your account until the next business day. (A business day is every day except Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays.)&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;If you receive your paycheck via direct deposit and your payday falls on a federal holiday, you may want to confirm with your employer when you can expect your deposit. If your government direct deposit, such as a Social Security benefit, falls on a federal holiday, your funds will typically be received the business day before the holiday.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Business customers should also be alert as to when a federal holiday is approaching. You may need to adjust payroll processing dates, scheduling ACH transactions, and requesting wire transfers. Business customers who utilize the bank's Positive Pay will want to be available on the next business day for decision processing. The Treasury Management team or your Business Banking Relationship Manager is available to assist you should you have any questions regarding preparations.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Even though Bank First may be closed for &lt;a href="https://49604440.hs-sites.com/holiday_hours"&gt;federal holidays&lt;/a&gt;, please keep in mind you can check your balances and transfer funds using &lt;a href="https://49604440.hs-sites.com/online-banking"&gt;Online&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href="https://49604440.hs-sites.com/gobank-mobile-banking"&gt;Mobile&lt;/a&gt; Banking. While the transaction will not post until the next business day, you will be one step ahead and ready for what the following day may bring.&lt;/p&gt;  
&lt;img src="https://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=49604440&amp;amp;k=14&amp;amp;r=https%3A%2F%2F49604440.hs-sites.com%2Fnews%2Fsetting-account-alerts&amp;amp;bu=https%253A%252F%252F49604440.hs-sites.com%252Fnews&amp;amp;bvt=rss" alt="" width="1" height="1" style="min-height:1px!important;width:1px!important;border-width:0!important;margin-top:0!important;margin-bottom:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-left:0!important;padding-top:0!important;padding-bottom:0!important;padding-right:0!important;padding-left:0!important; "&gt;</content:encoded>
      <category>Security</category>
      <category>Financial Tips</category>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Apr 2024 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://49604440.hs-sites.com/news/setting-account-alerts</guid>
      <dc:date>2024-04-10T05:00:00Z</dc:date>
      <dc:creator>Bank First</dc:creator>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Tax Time Tips - Bank First</title>
      <link>https://49604440.hs-sites.com/news/tax-time-tips</link>
      <description>&lt;div class="hs-featured-image-wrapper"&gt; 
 &lt;a href="https://49604440.hs-sites.com/news/tax-time-tips" title="" class="hs-featured-image-link"&gt; &lt;img src="https://49604440.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/blogtaxtimetips-2.jpg" alt="Tax Time Tips - Bank First" class="hs-featured-image" style="width:auto !important; max-width:50%; float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;"&gt; &lt;/a&gt; 
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;It is hard to believe we are wrapping up 2021! The year has continued to be anything but normal which may have thrown a wrench in many of our plans, including where we had hoped to be financially. So where do we go from here?&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;It is hard to believe we are wrapping up 2021! The year has continued to be anything but normal which may have thrown a wrench in many of our plans, including where we had hoped to be financially. So where do we go from here?&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;ul&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Did you blow your budget... repeatedly? Know that it’s never too late to start again. Take another look at your budget, see where it needs to be reworked, and try again. Budgeting helps you set long-term goals and create a savings plan to reach those goals. Don’t give up!&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Plan for the holidays - they will be here before you know it! From dinner plans to gifts for family and friends, be sure to make a list to help you stay organized. Stick to your budget to keep from overspending and keep your eyes open for deals over the next several weeks. Inventory&amp;nbsp;and&amp;nbsp;extended shipping&amp;nbsp;times&amp;nbsp;continue&amp;nbsp;to&amp;nbsp;be&amp;nbsp;a&amp;nbsp;challenge,&amp;nbsp;and&amp;nbsp;to&amp;nbsp;combat&amp;nbsp;this&amp;nbsp;your&amp;nbsp;favorite&amp;nbsp;stores&amp;nbsp;may&amp;nbsp;be&amp;nbsp;offering earlier&amp;nbsp;than&amp;nbsp;normal&amp;nbsp;specials&amp;nbsp;to&amp;nbsp;encourage&amp;nbsp;advance&amp;nbsp;purchases.&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;If money is tight this year, talk about gift-giving alternatives with your family and friends. You may find that you aren’t the only one with limited funds. Together, you may come up with more creative ways to celebrate the season.&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Find the positives. The Thanksgiving holiday gives us an opportunity to develop one of the healthiest habits of all - being grateful. Studies show that having an attitude of gratitude can improve your overall outlook on life and even your health. It may sound cliché, but if you are having a hard time finding something to be thankful for, a simple online search can provide you with 10, 300, or 1,000 things to be thankful for in life, even when times are difficult.&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;As the year comes to end, it’s a great time to take a peek over the last year and determine where you want to be in the coming year and beyond. Setting measurable personal, financial, or work-related goals gives you something to strive for, helping you to actively take control of your life and see results.&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;/ul&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;We are here to help you reach your next goal - whether it’s to buy your dream home, start a new business, or save for your next big purchase. Connect with a representative at your local Bank First office when creating your plan of action.&lt;/p&gt;  
&lt;img src="https://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=49604440&amp;amp;k=14&amp;amp;r=https%3A%2F%2F49604440.hs-sites.com%2Fnews%2Ftax-time-tips&amp;amp;bu=https%253A%252F%252F49604440.hs-sites.com%252Fnews&amp;amp;bvt=rss" alt="" width="1" height="1" style="min-height:1px!important;width:1px!important;border-width:0!important;margin-top:0!important;margin-bottom:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-left:0!important;padding-top:0!important;padding-bottom:0!important;padding-right:0!important;padding-left:0!important; "&gt;</content:encoded>
      <category>Financial Tips</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Feb 2024 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://49604440.hs-sites.com/news/tax-time-tips</guid>
      <dc:date>2024-02-06T06:00:00Z</dc:date>
      <dc:creator>Bank First</dc:creator>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Guard Yourself Against Fraud - Bank First</title>
      <link>https://49604440.hs-sites.com/news/guard-yourself-against-fraud</link>
      <description>&lt;div class="hs-featured-image-wrapper"&gt; 
 &lt;a href="https://49604440.hs-sites.com/news/guard-yourself-against-fraud" title="" class="hs-featured-image-link"&gt; &lt;img src="https://49604440.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/blogguardyourselfeagainstfraud-2.jpg" alt="Guard Yourself Against Fraud - Bank First" class="hs-featured-image" style="width:auto !important; max-width:50%; float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;"&gt; &lt;/a&gt; 
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Company Release – 7/26/2022&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;Company Release – 7/26/2022&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Bank First Corporation Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire Hometown Bancorp, Ltd&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;Highlights of the Announced Transaction&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;ul&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Both companies share a relationship-based philosophy focused on providing personalized products and services to the communities they serve.&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Strengthens Bank First’s franchise through a larger branch network and greater market share in central Wisconsin.&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;The combined organization’s scale will increase lending capacity to Hometown customers, allowing its team of bankers to service larger relationships at the local level.&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Leverages the operational strengths of both institutions, increasing shareholder value.&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Tim McFarlane, President &amp;amp; CEO of Hometown, to join Bank First as President and will join the Board of Directors of Bank First, N.A. He will also be nominated to the Bank First Corporation Board of Directors.&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;/ul&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;MANITOWOC, Wis. and FOND DU LAC, Wis., July 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Bank First Corporation (Nasdaq: BFC) (“Bank First” or “the Company”), the holding company of Bank First, N.A., announced today the signing of an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Hometown Bancorp, Ltd. (“Hometown”), parent company of Hometown Bank, a Wisconsin state-chartered bank, under which Bank First has agreed to acquire 100% of the common stock of Hometown in a combined stock-and-cash transaction.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Under the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, each Hometown shareholder will have the option to receive either $29.16 in cash or 0.3962 of a share of Bank First’s common stock in exchange for each share of Hometown common stock, subject to customary proration and allocation procedures, such that no less than 70% of Hometown shares will receive stock consideration and no greater than 30% will receive cash consideration. The aggregate consideration is valued at approximately $124 million, based on the closing price of Bank First common stock as of July 22, 2022 of $75.23 per share.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Bank First’s focus on providing innovative products and services will allow the customers of Hometown to benefit from a wide array of retail banking products and loan programs tailored to the unique needs of each individual or family.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Hometown shareholders and customers will also benefit from Bank First’s 49.8% ownership of UFS, LLC, a bank technology outfitter, which provides digital, core, cybersecurity, managed IT, and cloud services to banks in the Midwest. Bank First’s relationship with UFS creates opportunities to access the latest advancements in banking technology at a faster rate than its peers.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Mike Molepske, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bank First stated, “We are excited to welcome Tim McFarlane and the relationship focused team of bankers at Hometown to Bank First. I've had the pleasure of knowing Tim throughout my banking career and working with him as well.&amp;nbsp; I am looking forward to collaborating with Tim and his team as we combine our organizations. Together, we will provide exceptional value to our employees, customers, and shareholders.”&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;“Our organizations’ shared values make this partnership a natural fit,” stated Tim McFarlane, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hometown. “By joining with Bank First, we found an opportunity to align with a partner that shares our passion for providing personalized customer service and shows a genuine concern for the well-being of our employees, customers, and communities. We see a great opportunity to complement Bank First’s strengths while leveraging their capabilities to add value to our customers in the form of leading-edge technology and a large breadth of retail and business offerings.”&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Upon completion of the merger, Tim McFarlane will assume the role of President and will join the Board of Directors of Bank First, N.A. He will also be nominated to the Bank First Corporation Board of Directors. Mike Molepske will continue serving as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Boards of Directors of Bank First Corporation and Bank First, N.A.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;The Boards of Directors of Bank First and Hometown have approved the Agreement and Plan of Merger. The closing of the transaction is expected to be in the fourth quarter of 2022, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval, approval by Hometown’s shareholders, and obtaining a conversion date from UFS and Fiserv.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;As of June 30, 2022, Hometown had approximately $627.6 million in consolidated assets, $421.2 million in gross loans, $538.7 million in deposits and $65.5 million in consolidated stockholders’ equity. Based on the financial results as of June 30, 2022, the combined company, inclusive of projected balances to be acquired from the proposed acquisition of Denmark Bancshares, Inc., will have total assets of approximately $4.3 billion, loans of approximately $3.3 billion and deposits of approximately $3.7 billion.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Piper Sandler &amp;amp; Co. served as financial advisor to Bank First and Alston &amp;amp; Bird LLP served as legal counsel. Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren, s.c. served as legal counsel to Hometown.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h3&gt;Bank First Corporation&lt;/h3&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Bank First Corporation is a bank holding company headquartered in Manitowoc, Wisconsin with total assets of approximately $2.9 billion. Its principal activity is the ownership and operation of Bank First, a nationally-chartered community bank that operates 21 banking centers serving Wisconsin. The bank’s history dates back to 1894 when it was founded as the Bank of Manitowoc. For more information on Bank First, please visit bankfirst.com.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h3&gt;Hometown Bancorp, Ltd&lt;/h3&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Hometown Bancorp, Ltd is a bank holding company headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin with total assets of approximately $627.6 million. Its principal activities are the ownership and management of its wholly owned subsidiary, Hometown Bank. The bank generates commercial, mortgage and consumer loans and offers various deposits and savings plans to customers located primarily within central and northeastern Wisconsin. For more information on Hometown, please visit htbwi.com.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h3&gt;Forward-Looking Statements&lt;/h3&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;This news release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In general, forward-looking statements usually use words such as “may,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “estimate,” “predict,” “continue” and “potential” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, including statements related to the expected timing of the closing of the merger, the expected returns and other benefits of the merger to shareholders, expected improvement in operating efficiency resulting from the merger, estimated expense reductions resulting from the transactions and the timing of achievement of such reductions, the impact on and timing of the recovery of the impact on tangible book value, and the effect of the merger on Bank First’s capital ratios. Forward-looking statements represent management’s beliefs, based upon information available at the time the statements are made, with regard to the matters addressed; they are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties that change over time and could cause actual results or financial condition to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to (1)&amp;nbsp;the risk that the cost savings and any revenue synergies from the merger may not be realized or take longer than anticipated to be realized, (2)&amp;nbsp;disruption from the merger with customers, suppliers, employee or other business partners, (3)&amp;nbsp;the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement, (4)&amp;nbsp;the risk of successful integration of Hometown’s business into Bank First, (5)&amp;nbsp;the failure to obtain the necessary approval by the shareholders of Hometown, (6)&amp;nbsp;the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and charges related to the merger, (7)&amp;nbsp;the ability by Bank First to obtain required regulatory approvals of the merger, (8)&amp;nbsp;reputational risk and the reaction of each of the companies’ customers, suppliers, employees or other business partners to the merger, (9)&amp;nbsp;the failure of the closing conditions in the merger agreement to be satisfied, or any unexpected delay in closing of the merger, (10)&amp;nbsp;the risk that the integration of Hometown’s operations into the operations of Bank First will be materially delayed or will be more costly or difficult than expected, (11)&amp;nbsp;the possibility that the merger may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events, (12)&amp;nbsp;the dilution caused by Bank First’s issuance of additional shares of its common stock in the merger transaction, and (13)&amp;nbsp;the successful and timely closing of the pending acquisition of Denmark Bancshares, Inc., and (14) general competitive, economic, political and market conditions. Other relevant risk factors may be detailed from time to time in Bank First’s press releases and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Neither Bank First nor Hometown undertakes any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For any forward-looking statements made in this news release or any related documents, Bank First and Hometown claim protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h3&gt;Additional Information about the Merger and Where to Find It&lt;/h3&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval with respect to the proposed transaction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and no offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy shall be made in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation would be unlawful. In connection with the proposed merger, Bank First will file with the SEC a registration statement on Form&amp;nbsp;S-4&amp;nbsp;that will include a proxy statement of Hometown, and a prospectus of Bank First, as well as other relevant documents concerning the proposed transaction. WE URGE INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM&amp;nbsp;S-4,&amp;nbsp;THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS INCLUDED WITHIN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM&amp;nbsp;S-4&amp;nbsp;AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED MERGER BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BANK FIRST, HOMETOWN AND THE PROPOSED MERGER. The proxy statement/prospectus will be sent to the shareholders of Hometown seeking the required shareholder approval. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the registration statement on Form&amp;nbsp;S-4&amp;nbsp;and the related proxy statement/prospectus, when filed, as well as other documents filed with the SEC by Bank First through the web site maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Documents filed with the SEC by Bank First will also be available free of charge on the Investor Relations page of Bank First’s website at https://ir.bankfirst.com/financial-information/regulatory-filings/default.aspx, or by directing a written request to Bank First Corporation, P.O. Box 10, Manitowoc, Wisconsin 54221-0010, Attn: Kelly Dvorak. Bank First’s telephone number is (920) 652-3100.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h3&gt;Participants in the Transaction&lt;/h3&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Bank First, Hometown and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of Hometown in connection with the proposed transaction. Certain information regarding the interests of these participants and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be included in the proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed transaction when it becomes available. Additional information about Bank First and its directors and officers may be found on Bank First’s Investor Relations page at https://ir.bankfirst.com/corporate-profile/officers-directors/default.aspx.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h4&gt;Contacts&lt;/h4&gt; 
&lt;ul&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Bank First: &amp;nbsp;Mike Molepske, Chairman, President &amp;amp; CEO, at &lt;a href="mailto:mmolepske@bankfirst.com"&gt;mmolepske@bankfirst.com&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a href="tel:+1-920-652-3202"&gt;(920) 652-3202&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Hometown: &amp;nbsp;Tim McFarlane, Chairman, President &amp;amp; CEO, at &lt;a href="mailto:tmcfarlane@htbwi.com"&gt;tmcfarlane@htbwi.com&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a href="tel:+1-920-907-0862"&gt;(920) 907-0862&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;/ul&gt;  
&lt;img src="https://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=49604440&amp;amp;k=14&amp;amp;r=https%3A%2F%2F49604440.hs-sites.com%2Fnews%2Fguard-yourself-against-fraud&amp;amp;bu=https%253A%252F%252F49604440.hs-sites.com%252Fnews&amp;amp;bvt=rss" alt="" width="1" height="1" style="min-height:1px!important;width:1px!important;border-width:0!important;margin-top:0!important;margin-bottom:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-left:0!important;padding-top:0!important;padding-bottom:0!important;padding-right:0!important;padding-left:0!important; "&gt;</content:encoded>
      <category>Security</category>
      <category>Financial Tips</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Jan 2024 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://49604440.hs-sites.com/news/guard-yourself-against-fraud</guid>
      <dc:date>2024-01-09T06:00:00Z</dc:date>
      <dc:creator>Bank First</dc:creator>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>12 Financial Tips to Kickstart 2024 - Bank First</title>
      <link>https://49604440.hs-sites.com/news/12-financial-tips-to-kickstart-2024</link>
      <description>&lt;div class="hs-featured-image-wrapper"&gt; 
 &lt;a href="https://49604440.hs-sites.com/news/12-financial-tips-to-kickstart-2024" title="" class="hs-featured-image-link"&gt; &lt;img src="https://49604440.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/blog12financialtipstokickstart2024-2.jpg" alt="12 Financial Tips to Kickstart 2024 - Bank First" class="hs-featured-image" style="width:auto !important; max-width:50%; float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;"&gt; &lt;/a&gt; 
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Whatever your financial needs, we’re dedicated to finding the perfect solution for you. Our Relationship Managers are here to help make your dreams a reality, offering personalized guidance and one-on-one support from a team of bankers who are just as invested in your dreams as you are. We ensure a straightforward and reliable loan process, partnering with you every step of the way to turn your big dreams into reality.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;Whatever your financial needs, we’re dedicated to finding the perfect solution for you. Our Relationship Managers are here to help make your dreams a reality, offering personalized guidance and one-on-one support from a team of bankers who are just as invested in your dreams as you are. We ensure a straightforward and reliable loan process, partnering with you every step of the way to turn your big dreams into reality.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Ready to begin? It’s as simple as 1-2-3 whether you start your loan application online or at your local Bank First branch.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;ol&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Gather Your Documents:&lt;/strong&gt; Have your ID, proof of income, and any other necessary documents ready, whether you are applying online or in person at your nearest branch.&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Submit Your Application:&lt;/strong&gt; Fill out the loan application and be prepared to provide your documents.&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Review and Approval:&lt;/strong&gt; Monitor your email for updates or get immediate feedback. Our team will review your application and inform you about the next steps, whether you’re applying online or in person.  &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;/ol&gt; 
&lt;div class="row"&gt; 
 &lt;div class="flexible-column col-xs-12 col-sm-4"&gt; 
  &lt;p&gt;&lt;a class="btn btn-secondary btn-custom" href="https://49604440.hs-sites.com/retail-relationship-managers"&gt;Mortgage Loans&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
  &lt;p&gt;Connect with your local Relationship Manager for all your mortgage needs.&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;/div&gt; 
 &lt;div class="flexible-column col-xs-12 col-sm-4"&gt; 
  &lt;p&gt;&lt;a class="btn btn-secondary btn-custom" href="https://49604440.hs-sites.com/auto-and-consumer-loans"&gt;PERSONAL LOANS&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
  &lt;p&gt;Need an auto or personal loan? It's easy to apply online.&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;/div&gt; 
 &lt;div class="flexible-column col-xs-12 col-sm-4"&gt; 
  &lt;p&gt;&lt;a class="btn btn-secondary btn-custom" href="https://49604440.hs-sites.com/schedule-a-meeting"&gt;Schedule a meeting&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
  &lt;p&gt;A nice option if you're short on time and would like to meet with a banker.&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;/div&gt;  
&lt;img src="https://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=49604440&amp;amp;k=14&amp;amp;r=https%3A%2F%2F49604440.hs-sites.com%2Fnews%2F12-financial-tips-to-kickstart-2024&amp;amp;bu=https%253A%252F%252F49604440.hs-sites.com%252Fnews&amp;amp;bvt=rss" alt="" width="1" height="1" style="min-height:1px!important;width:1px!important;border-width:0!important;margin-top:0!important;margin-bottom:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-left:0!important;padding-top:0!important;padding-bottom:0!important;padding-right:0!important;padding-left:0!important; "&gt;</content:encoded>
      <category>Financial Tips</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 05 Dec 2023 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://49604440.hs-sites.com/news/12-financial-tips-to-kickstart-2024</guid>
      <dc:date>2023-12-05T06:00:00Z</dc:date>
      <dc:creator>Bank First</dc:creator>
    </item>
  </channel>
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