Archive for category: Advocacy

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From the Fields: Recap From the 2023 ABA Agricultural Bankers Conference

By Chris Schneider

This November, about a dozen ag bankers from Wisconsin and I made the trek to Oklahoma City for the 71st annual American Bankers Association (ABA) Agricultural Bankers Conference. This year, the number one message was getting the ACRE Act through Congress to help the American farmer. This act, which would create a tax exemption on ag loans and rural home mortgages, will aid in saving approximately $1.15 billion in ag loan interest and will reach 17,000 local communities across the country.

In attendance at this year’s event was Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R–PA), who chairs the House Committee on Agriculture. During his opening session, GT offered updates on agricultural policies including the Farm Bill and shared what bankers need to know going into 2024. My impression of him was that he is committed to helping the American farmer and local communities.

Interest rate discussion was no surprise due to the past 12 months of increases. While many were questioning whether we will see it rise more, stay stable, or flatten out some, we will have to see if — as usual — the election year brings with it some softening of rates. I’m not sure if we will see the low rates of past years again in future.

Representatives from the ABA and Farmer Mac shared with attendees the results of the 2023 ABA/Farmer Mac Agricultural Bankers Survey. A few of the top and notable themes from this past year have been interest rate volatility, lender competition, credit quality, increased regulator burden, and weak loan demand.

In just the first day of the conference, attendees gained insight into food spending trends (a shocking 51% is spent on food outside of the house), student loan debt, legal cannabis, and more. Throughout the rest of the event, topics including new technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) and ESG trends and the sustainability especially the ag community. To me, the greatest take away from this year’s event was that in order to have successful farmers, ag bankers should be prepared to aid them in strengthening their ag IQ. By understanding the cost of production, strengthening their balance sheet, developing a marketing plan, and utilizing technology to set next level, we can help our clients do all the little things even better.

Schneider is vice president – senior ag banking officer at Nicolet National Bank in Manitowoc. Schneider also serves as Past Chair of the 2023–2024 WBA Agricultural Bankers Section Board of Directors.

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Taking the Lead on Advocacy

By Lorenzo Cruz

The Wisconsin Bankers Association’s (WBA) mission to support our members is rooted in advocacy. However, the advocacy we do on behalf of the banking industry is not successful without your active participation in partnership with WBA. In addition to responding to grassroots email alerts asking you to contact your state or federal elected officials, we need you to participate in our annual Capitol Day in Madison to directly share with legislators the positive impact banks have on Wisconsin’s economy. Since the state legislature only meets in the spring in an election year, WBA’s Capitol Day is just around the corner, scheduled for February 22, 2024.

What is Capitol Day?

The one-day event is held annually in Madison and features updates from WBA staff on key issues impacting banks in Wisconsin as well as a legislative panel and guest speaker. These morning sessions provide the perfect opportunity to gain insight into the political and policy landscape of the state, along with the specific legislation affecting the banking industry prior to heading to small group meetings with state legislators.

In the afternoon, WBA schedules meetings for each banker attending with their elected state legislators determined by Assembly and Senate district. Bankers from all areas of the bank are encouraged to participate in Capitol Day and make their voices heard. While it may seem daunting, our team works diligently to ensure each attendee is prepared with talking points and handouts to have impactful conversations with their legislators. The relationships formed between bankers and their representatives continue to be critical in reinforcing the impact legislative proposals will have on local banks and communities, as well as the industry.

Why Does it Matter?

In 2023, the membership shattered WBA’s Capitol Day attendance record with nearly 200 bankers in attendance for the annual event. Almost half of those present in 2023 were first-time attendees. It is vital that bankers not only continue to voice their opinion on policies impacting them, but also encourage others to provide new perspectives that augment the voices of our seasoned advocates.

By meeting with 75% of the legislators in our state, our presence at the State Capitol this past May unified the voice of Wisconsin’s banking community and resulted in the historic tax parity relief and personal property tax repeal wins we saw passed in the budget this summer. Legislators and staff sincerely value hearing directly from their local bankers (YOU!) on the issues impacting their district.

However, WBA isn’t the only business association to host a government day to educate and lobby legislators on the policy matters that impact their industry. In the past several years, credit union activists and realtors have shown up in larger numbers to represent and advocate for their industries. With many more legislative priorities that we wish to accomplish, including guarding against credit card swipe fees and pushing for financial institution modernization and elder fraud protection, it’s important that we do the same!

With so much at stake, an even larger turnout is warranted for the 2024 event. Our team is hoping to see at least 300 bankers in Madison for WBA Capitol Day. Your voice unequivocally matters to our advocacy success so if you would like to help shape the issues affecting the success of the banking industry, I highly encourage you to mark your calendars for February 22. It is well worth your time and effort.

Taking the Next Step

Equally important to our grassroots initiatives are our political fundraising efforts from an advocacy standpoint. While it is never easy asking for monetary support, the political reality is that in order to maintain existing allies and garner future ones, we need to provide financial support to elected officials and candidates who will aid us in safeguarding the banking industry.

If we neglect this task, we run the risk of a competitor or adversary gaining the advantage to pass legislation or an administrative rule that harms our industry. Legislative issues WBA is defending against, including a change in lien priority, additional regulatory burden in the form of new privacy rules or ESG/fair access concerns, or losing revenue in the form of interchange fees, individually or in combination, would be detrimental to the success of the banking industry if enacted into law.

With the 2024 election season quickly approaching, and campaign spending expected to break even more records, WBA set a goal of raising $300,000 in personal contributions to either Wisbankpac or the Alliance for Bankers Conduit (ABW) in 2023. As of this writing, we are at nearly 75% of this goal. With your help, we can replenish our political fundraising campaign coffers and support the elected officials and candidates who support you!

Your contributions — both monetary and grassroots support — make a tremendous difference. To learn more about all the ways you can help be a strong advocate for your bank and the industry, please visit wisbank.com/advocacy.

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Committee Chair Spotlight: Candy Allard

Candy Allard

The following is a brief interview with Candy Allard, assistant vice president – human resources specialist at Badger Bank in Fort Atkinson. Allard is chair of the 2023–2024 Human Resources Committee.

How did you first get into the banking industry?

I was actually approached by the then CEO about a new position that was opening up. I knew him outside of the bank through other businesses associations. I’ve also banked here for 25+ years.

Why did you decide to join a WBA committee? Why should others consider lending their time and expertise to shaping Wisconsin’s banking industry?

I saw the opening to join this committee through the WBA Wisconsin Banker magazine. Since I was completely new to banking, I couldn’t think of a better place to learn the ins and outs of HR in the banking world. This was one of the best decisions I made. It’s great to be able to give my input (and be heard) along with others because of all of the different asset sizes and number of FTE’s.

How has WBA facilitated the growth you have seen in your career and as a leader?

I’ve become more confident in sharing my ideas with senior management. I’ve taken on a bigger role in some of the decisions regarding our employees. Being a part of the Human Resources Committee not only has given me confidence in myself, but has offered a whole new perspective on my ability to be a leader. With that being, said I’ve also become a part of the Association’s Advocacy efforts and have participated in Capitol Day for the last two years.

As a banker, and as a leader, what is the most important lesson that you have learned?

I’ve learned how to advocate for the employees while still protecting the bank.

Who (or what) motivates you to succeed?

Our employees are my biggest motivators. I feel a sense of satisfaction when I’ve helped someone get through a tough time whether it’s a personal matter or a work issue. Senior management have also helped me to succeed by listening and supporting some of my ideas and decisions that I have made.

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November/December 2023 Wisconsin Banker

Learn more about what ag bankers are expecting in the new year, upcoming WBA events, and how your bank can make an impact with WBA’s advocacy initiatives.

Featured inside are the chair’s column by Donna Hoppenjan, current WBA chair and president and CEO of Mound City Bank, Platteville; Loni Meiborg, senior vice president – organizational development at Fortifi Bank in Berlin; and the Community Advocate, Steve Ploetz, president of Bank of Prairie du Sac.

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Executive Letter: Regulatory Advocacy in Action

By Rose Oswald Poels

Last week, 12 bankers joined WBA’s Heather MacKinnon, VP – legal, and me in Washington, D.C. for our annual trip to meet with regulators. This trip is always a productive one, resulting in impactful advocacy and conversations given the smaller group size. In the span of only two half-days, our group was able to meet with senior officials from the Federal Reserve, FDIC, OCC, CFPB, FinCEN, and FHFA. The topics we covered in detail included representment fees, bank capital/liquidity, Section 1071, Section 1033, beneficial ownership, FHLB reform, cybersecurity, and other top examination concerns.

Our conversation with Fed Governor Miki Bowman focused on the Fed’s recent compliance bulletin published last month noting that Fed member banks are now being cited with an unfairness UDAP violation if they are charging representment fees. This retroactive application of the Fed’s new expectation as it relates to these fees is creating results that are unjust and wrong. Furthermore, it is also wrong to be creating new rules for banks to follow through the mere issuance of a compliance publication rather than following the formal Administrative Procedures Act rulemaking process. Governor Bowman was surprised to hear of the retroactive nature of these exam findings and agreed to continue to talk with WBA and affected banks about the matter. If you are a Fed member bank and have received a similar finding in your recent exam reports, please let me know and we will include you in our follow-up conversations with the Fed.

Back in April of 2022 when the FDIC first published its new expectations regarding NSF and representment fees in a guidance document, many bankers and trade associations including WBA advocated against any retroactive application of their new interpretation, among other concerns. This resulted in the FDIC eventually adjusting its focus in exams to be prospective only in nature, and to our knowledge did not cite anyone for an unfairness UDAP violation. In our conversations last week with senior FDIC officials, it sounded as though the FDIC may now begin issuing unfair UDAP violations as well. FDIC Director Jonathan McKernan also shared his thoughts with our group around lessons learned from the bank failures earlier this year, encouraged bankers and WBA to comment on the impact the BASEL capital proposal could have on mortgage operations, and supported the role of community banks in fostering an innovative economy.

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Much of the focus of our conversation with OCC Acting Comptroller Michael Hsu was on safety and soundness matters, including the need for banks to stress test their liquidity contingency funding plans and analyze how “sticky” and stable banks’ deposits really are.

With senior officials from CFPB, among other topics, we stressed the industry’s frustration with the Agency’s and Administration’s continued use of “junk fees” to describe fees that are fully disclosed in transparent ways — often on bank websites — in advance to consumers. We discussed beneficial ownership operational concerns at length with FinCEN officials, and learned from the FHFA that their document on FHLB reform will be released “soon.” Overall, the conversations with all six agencies were very productive.

I would like to thank the following bankers for joining WBA this year: Adam Bellmer, Johnson Financial Group; Dave Feldhaus, Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago; Kristen Gagliano, North Shore Bank; Donna Hoppenjan, Mound City Bank; Corey Hoze, Associated Bank; Caryn Langolf, Bank First; Tom Mews, First National Community Bank; Ryan Kamphuis, Bristol Morgan Bank; Greg Ogren, Security Bank Shares; Dan Peterson, The Stephenson National Bank and Trust; John Udvare, The Equitable Bank; and Theresa Wiese, First Business Bank. If you are interested in joining WBA on this trip next October, please let me know!

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My Unconventional Journey into Banking

By Kelsey Hudson

In the heart of rural southwest Wisconsin, my journey into the world of banking began with humble origins. Unbeknownst to me at the time, this journey would take me through twists, turns, and unexpected opportunities that would ultimately shape my career into something I am immensely proud of. Today, I would like to share my story, my path from a small-town resident to a professional in the banking industry, and the role that the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA), specifically Building Our Leaders of Tomorrow (BOLT), played in this inspiring transformation.

About eight years ago, my journey had an uncertain beginning. I attended college for three years but found myself at a crossroads, unsure of what I would do with my degree. Fueled by the desire to chart my own path, I made a bold decision to drop out of college. It was a leap of faith, one that led me into the unknown, but little did I know that it would eventually bring me to the world of banking.

My first job in banking was as a humble teller. This role taught me the basics of finance, customer service, and the importance of trust in the industry. As I developed my skills, I began to explore different positions within the bank. I discovered that my passion for banking extended far beyond counting money. I started in lending as an agricultural lender, working in niche communities of Amish and Mennonites. I found that every role had its unique challenges and opportunities, each contributing to my growth and understanding of the industry.

As my career in banking evolved and life changes arose, I made the decision to relocate myself and my two young daughters to a larger market in pursuit of my dream career as a commercial banker. It was a bold move, as a single mom moving hours from my family and friends. However, one that I knew was essential to continue my personal and professional growth and give my daughters the life they deserved. This transition was one of the most difficult I have faced but the most rewarding. My new home introduced me to a broader spectrum of clients, challenges, and opportunities, reaffirming my passion for the field.

In my journey, one of the pivotal turning points was my involvement in the WBA’s program, BOLT (Building our Leaders of Tomorrow). This remarkable initiative not only introduced me to a network of like-minded professionals but also fostered leadership qualities within me. My network has helped me grow in many ways, but the most impactful was forming meaningful relationships with other bankers. Talking with someone in the same field and being able to have collaborative conversations is priceless to me. Fostering my leadership skills has pushed me to have a greater understanding of people and has inspired me to become a leader. BOLT was a catalyst for personal and professional growth, providing me with the tools and support to excel in my career.

Today, over seven years into my banking career, I’m grateful to work for One Community Bank whose values mirror mine. OCB’s mission is to serve clients, support colleagues and invest in communities. OCB is also all about “Feel Good Banking,” and I aim to deliver that experience with all the wonderful clients I work with. I couldn’t be happier or more proud of everything I have accomplished. From a college dropout unsure of her future to a versatile banking professional, I’ve come a long way. The journey wasn’t a straight line, but that’s what made it so remarkable. It’s a testament to the power of determination, adaptability, and seizing opportunities as they arise.

My unconventional journey into banking reflects the essence of growth and resilience. It’s a story which demonstrates that, regardless of where you start, with dedication, hard work, and the right support (BOLT), you can find your path to a successful career. My journey is far from over, and I’m excited to see what the future holds. In the ever-evolving world of banking, the opportunities are endless, and I’m ready to embrace them all.

Hudson is vice president –commercial banking officer at One Community Bank, Sun Prairie, and member of the 2023–2024 WBA BOLT Section

Member FDIC

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October 2023 WBA Compliance Journal

The October 2023 WBA Compliance Journal is now available. In this edition, WBA Legal provides a reminder of FinCEN’s BOI Reporting Rule which becomes effective January 2024 and lists resources made available by FinCEN. Also, as disbursements from escrows will begin shortly, readers can review an FAQ to freshen-up on state and federal escrow requirements. The “Regulatory Spotlight” section once again provides a summary of rules, proposals, and notices issued by federal agencies, and the “Compliance Notes” section reports on other important compliance-related updates for bankers, including new CFPB opinions and FRB’s latest Consumer Compliance Outlook regarding representment fees.

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Ravenscroft Elected to ICBA Federal Delegate Board for 2024–2025

The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) has announced that Dan Ravenscroft, president and CEO of Royal Bank in Elroy was elected to the ICBA Federal Delegate Board. ICBA is the nation’s voice for community banks. Ravenscroft replaces Tom Reil of Waldo State Bank.

“It’s an honor to be elected to represent the community banking industry and shine a light on the invaluable work community banks across the nation do to strengthen and build more resilient communities,” Ravenscroft said. “I look forward to leveraging my experience as a local community banker to ensure advocacy in Washington reflects the needs of our local economy and community and engaging with my fellow community bankers from across the country to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish.”

In addition to helping shape and advocate ICBA’s national policy positions and programs, Ravenscroft’s duties include engaging in grassroots activities in Wisconsin and serving as a liaison between independent community bankers and ICBA staff and leadership in Washington, D.C. He will also work to recruit new members to ICBA.

ICBA is the only national organization dedicated exclusively to promoting the interests of locally operated community banks and savings institutions. With trusted financial expertise and high-quality customer service as their hallmarks, community banks offer the best financial services option for millions of consumers, small businesses and agricultural enterprises.

“Dan is a respected member of his community and a dedicated advocate for our industry,” said ICBA Chairman Derek B. Williams, president and CEO of Century Bank & Trust in Milledgeville, Ga. “We are fortunate to have Dan serve as a volunteer and contribute his valuable experience and unique perspective for the benefit of our industry, as well as the customers and communities we serve.”

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Community Advocate Spotlight: Craig Stuedemann, AbbyBank, Abbotsford

Craig Stuedemann

The following is a brief interview between WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels and AbbyBank, Abbotsford President and CEO Craig Stuedemann.

Rose: How did you first get into the banking industry?

Craig: I started my career in banking in 1990 at the Bank of Mauston as their credit card manager. Some of us may remember the old Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) Direct Visa Card program they offered community banks. Let’s just say it was a crash course in the art of collections. As often happens, a new position soon opened purchasing dealer paper from a couple local mobile home dealers meaning even more collection training.

In 1998, I moved to AbbyBank and became the first branch manager in a new Wausau location. Over the last 25 years, I have had the opportunity to start AbbyBank’s Freddie Mac mortgage program, move into commercial lending, become the senior lender, and now run the bank as president and CEO.

What is your favorite aspect of your role at your bank?

Every banker talks about how much they enjoy working with their customers. I do as well, but I particularly enjoy learning about the different ways entrepreneurs make money. It is fascinating to hear how people reclaim waste products or turn biproducts into something useable. Every industry seems to have a place for their cast offs and community bankers have helped develop many successful businesses that turn nothing into something.

What do you wish the general public understood about the banking industry?

Community banking is still a highly desirable, rewarding place to build a career. Banking is such a unique business model and young people can be exposed to so many different career options — finance, credit, underwriting, customer service, IT, accounting, and marketing are just a few.

Like many of us, I also take so much pride in seeing our customers improve their financial lives — ranging from the consumer who buys their first home to our commercial and farm customers who want to improve their operations. People should know that main street bankers are the best at serving these customers fairly and efficiently.

This year especially, I think the message is bigger is not always better. We have to change public and media perception that your money is only safe in a super-regional or national bank. Community banks are well-diversified, well-run, and very stable.

Where do you believe the industry’s greatest challenges are in the next three to five years?

Our industry is under pressure on so many fronts. Digital disrupters, credit unions, insurance companies, fraudsters, and increasing regulations all seem to want a piece of community banks or our customers. Finding qualified staff is one of our biggest challenges — we need to continue to develop talent to professionally serve our customers. The baby boomer retirement trend is hitting our industry hard and replacing that talent and experience is a huge challenge. It’s up to us to bring the next generation along, teach them how to problem solve, and understand the complexities of the banking business.

Consolidation is another concern. I’ve heard it said that the U.S. has more banking institutions than any other developed country in the world. However, we have seen a huge reduction in the number of community banks over the last 10–15 years. Some want to nationalize banking or reduce our numbers to just a handful of massive institutions. Although regulation, efficiency, and succession often play a role in these decisions, I am concerned about the future for community banks. The consumer has less choices and often, rural communities are abandoned. Our country was built on free enterprise and independence — it’s up to us to keep community banking relevant.

Please describe your current role at your bank and share with us one of your more rewarding experiences.

As CEO, I enjoy both the compliments and the challenge to improve. As community bankers, sometimes we take for granted the impact we have on our customers. There is nothing more gratifying than helping someone recover money they lost to a fraudster or approving a debt consolidation loan that improves their payment situation. We sometime view that line of credit or small business loan as just another sale. But when I hear a customer thank us — often to the point of tears — for giving them their first start, I don’t think there’s a better feeling.

I was fortunate to have a father who was a community banker in Wausau for many years. When I moved back home to help AbbyBank, I often crossed paths with people who said, “your dad gave me my first home loan.” Seeing that pride in their face is something that I do not take for granted. That’s what continues to drive me and the message I send to our bankers. Take pride in what you do for your customers and your community — there is nothing else like it!

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Chair’s Column: Advance Our Industry by Investing in Your People

Donna Hoppenjan

By Donna Hoppenjan

One of the Association’s primary goals for the year ahead is to continue shaping a solid future for the banking industry. As our members are well aware, the industry has evolved a great deal in the last several years. In order to remain receptive to the development that is yet to come, it is vital that our current bank leaders prioritize their investment into the future success of the industry.

Through the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA), over 30,000 bankers across Wisconsin gain access to ongoing educational opportunities. These various schools, workshops, and conferences are designed specifically to aid bankers across the state in gaining leadership skills, expanding their expertise, and serving as advocates on behalf the industry they represent.

As we invest in our emerging leaders and bankers of the future, it is important to provide relevant, high-quality resources and connections. BOLT (Building Our Leaders of Tomorrow) and WBA Connect are just two of the programs WBA offers that combine personal and professional development opportunities with numerous chances to build networks, ask questions, and share ideas. Annually, hundreds of bankers benefit from cultivating relationships with their peers and becoming involved with the Association.

Additionally, bankers may choose to utilize WBA’s Legal Call Program to connect with seasoned attorneys that understand the industry, review best practices created by bankers in Wisconsin, or stay abreast of the latest industry news by subscribing to the Wisconsin Banker Daily e-newsletter or the Wisconsin Banker bimonthly publication.

Beyond developing our current teams, focusing on the future workforce is a priority for many. In order to drive our industry forward, it is critical that bankers commit themselves to promoting banking as a career. Taking part in volunteer work, hosting financial literacy presentations, and connecting with students are just a few meaningful and inspirational actions our membership can highlight when talking about the many rewarding aspects of a banking career. WBA provides resources to help members interact with future bankers including consumer-focused resources, financial education tools, and engagement opportunities at colleges across the state.

As your team considers new ways to invest in your employees and attract new talent, I encourage you to utilize the opportunities provided by WBA. No matter how your bank decides to make the most of WBA’s programs, it is gratifying to know that the success of our institutions and team members is the sole mission of the Association.

Hoppenjan is president and CEO of Mound City Bank, Platteville, and the 2023–2024 WBA Chair.

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