A Week That Lasts a Year: WBA Power of Community Week Spotlights Bankers’ Year-Round Service

By Elizabeth Fenton, WBA communications coordinator

When major road construction disrupted local businesses in downtown Gillett this spring, The Peshtigo National Bank sprang into action. Bankers asked one important question: What does our community need most right now?

The answer led to a creative and unconventional project for Wisconsin Bankers Association’s (WBA’s) Power of Community Week. The bank purchased $600 worth of “Chamber Bucks” from the local chamber of commerce and distributed them to customers who shopped at businesses affected by the construction. The effort helped drive awareness and foot traffic into Gillett’s businesses that were experiencing a challenging season.

“Power of Community Week is all about giving back, and this year we approached it a little differently,” said Samantha Routheau, marketing communications specialist at The Peshtigo National Bank. “We focused on what our communities needed most and looked for simple ways to make a positive impact.”

This spirit of service was on display across the state in spring. Wisconsin bankers came together for the WBA Power of Community Week, a statewide campaign dedicated to showcasing the industry’s involvement in their own communities. During the ninth annual campaign, held April 20–25, 2026, WBA-member banks, Associate Members, and WBA staff participated in volunteer projects to support local businesses and charities. Banks from every corner of the state shared their efforts, ranging from donating money to non-profit organizations in their neighborhoods, to food drives, to crafting blankets for animal shelters, and more. The week also coincides with National Teach Children to Save Day, observed on Thursday, April 23, when bankers made dedicated visits to classrooms to teach the fundamentals of money management.

WBA created an interactive map online to showcase the breadth of participation from large and small communities across the state. The map illustrated a statewide network of service stretching from the shores of Lake Michigan to communities along the Mississippi River, with each bank responding to the unique needs of their own residents.

For The Peshtigo National Bank, WBA Power of Community Week involved a mix of projects across their six branches. Employees lent their time at animal shelters, cleaned and landscaped community facilities, donated money to youth organizations, assisted elderly residents with yardwork, and celebrated community volunteers whose efforts often go unnoticed.
“We really looked at where there was a need,” Routheau explained.

The Peshtigo National Bank — a well-known institution in their community — already had long-established ties with many charitable organizations and businesses in the area, and the bank habitually volunteers for the same initiatives year after year. Employees also recognize that community needs evolve over time. Routheau reached out to local mayors and community leaders months ahead of WBA Power of Community Week to identify projects and organizations that could benefit from additional support.

“We don’t want to assume we know what every community needs,” Routheau said. “We try to listen first, have conversations with local leaders, and find ways to support the people and organizations making a difference. Our goal is to be a community partner that shows up where we’re needed most.”

One of the projects that left a strong impression on volunteers involved assisting elderly residents with yardwork and house maintenance. Beyond labor, many of these residents enjoyed the conversation and company.

“One of the most meaningful parts was the opportunity to connect with people who may not have a strong support system nearby,” Routheau said. “A few hours of help can make a difference, but so can a conversation and a friendly face.”

The Peshtigo National Bank’s commitment to community extends beyond its own workforce. As part of WBA Power of Community Week, the bank recognized local volunteers who consistently give their time to community organizations, surprising them with gift cards and handwritten notes of appreciation.

“We wanted to let those volunteers of our community know that they are supported, and we do appreciate the work they do,” Routheau said. “They keep our communities thriving.”

However, for banks across Wisconsin, community involvement is not limited to a single week in April. Throughout the year, bankers serve on nonprofit boards, coach sports teams, volunteer at local events, and provide financial education to children and adults alike. Many banks, including The Peshtigo National Bank, encourage their employees to get involved in an initiative that is meaningful to them by providing paid volunteer time.

“We want our employees to be engaged in the communities they care about,” Kelly Heroux, president & CEO at The Peshtigo National Bank, said. “Their involvement helps us better understand local needs, and when the bank can help support those efforts. It’s a win for the entire community.”

Whether teaching second graders about wants versus needs, helping first-time homeowners understand the lending process, or spending an afternoon cleaning kennels at an animal shelter, Wisconsin bankers embody the spirit of civic leadership that inspired WBA Power of Community Week nearly a decade ago.

Routheau captured the ethos of Wisconsin banking best: “It doesn’t stop for us.”