Archive for category: Community

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Chair’s Column: Inspiring Resilience and Prosperity

Upcoming events empower bankers in their service to Wisconsin

By Donna Hoppenjan

As the last several years have demonstrated, the future is becoming increasingly difficult to predict. Yet, individuals, families, and businesses across Wisconsin look to their local bankers as experts and beacons of stability to lead them through uncertainty. Standing ready to assist its members in serving their communities, the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) remains committed not only to providing the resources and support necessary to navigate the challenging times, but also to illustrating the opportunities on the horizon.

The last several years have seen rising interest rates and ongoing recessionary fears, bringing the health of our economy to the forefront of our collective consciousness. For many, these challenges underscored the key role that bankers play in guiding their communities towards financial stability and growth. Looking ahead to the new year, our neighbors will turn to us for our interpretation of economic data and guidance on trends that we will likely see. Along the way, WBA will continue to empower bankers with resources and opportunities to inspire resilience.

One way in which the membership can be sure to remain abreast of our unique economic environment is by attending the Association’s Midwest Economic Forecast Forum. The Forum, which will be held on January 11, 2024, is presented in partnership with several other Midwestern banking associations and is focused specifically on providing an opportunity
for bankers across the Midwest to hear from nationally renowned experts on what opportunities and challenges are expected in the next 12 months.

The 2024 Forum will again be held virtually, and banks are encouraged to invite staff, business customers, directors, and any others interested. More information — including individual and group rates — will be available at wisbank.com/econ.

Additionally, Wisconsin’s largest gathering of bank leaders — the WBA Bank Executives Conference — is right around the corner, February 7–9, 2024. This premier event, which will once again be held at the Kalahari Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells, will feature several general and breakout sessions, banker-only peer groups and other networking opportunities, an extensive exhibit hall, and two award ceremonies.

The unifying theme of the 2024 event — “Inspire” — underscores the dedication and commitment of the over 30,000 bankers across the state to Wisconsinites. Serving as trusted financial advisors
and community builders, bankers in Wisconsin continually inspire progress and prosperity in the lives of those they serve. During this year’s event, I am excited to not only celebrate our achievements throughout the last year, but also to join my peers in harnessing the power of inspiration to navigate the evolving banking landscape, lead with resilience, and ignite positive change in our communities.

These annual events are not just an opportunity to gain knowledge and connections; they are a reminder to each of us of the profound impact banking has on the people and places we call home. I hope that you will join me at either — or both — of these upcoming events to enhance your team’s knowledge for the benefit of Wisconsin’s banking industry.

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Waukesha State Bank Promotes Zarling to Commercial Banker

Sam Zarling

Waukesha State Bank is proud to announce the promotion of Sam Zarling to commercial banker.

“Sam has consistently demonstrated ambition towards furthering his skillset. This promotion is well deserved and reflective of Sam’s contributions to our team and his business customers in southeastern Wisconsin,” stated Tony Laszewski, Waukesha State Bank senior vice president – commercial banking manager.

Zarling graduated with bachelor’s degree in finance from Concordia University and started his career with Waukesha State Bank in October of 2022 as a credit analyst/portfolio manager. He holds an active Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) designation and has obtained various licenses, including the Series 6 securities license, Series 63 uniformed securities agent designation, and life insurance licenses. Transitioning into his new position as a commercial banker, Zarling will be tasked with the responsibilities of prospecting, developing, and overseeing commercial loan portfolios.

Beyond his professional commitments, Zarling actively engages with the community, volunteering with Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in West Bend and coaching youth baseball.

 

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North Shore Bank Invests in its Communities with Engagement Program Training for Managers

Pictured (left to right) are: Michael Williams, Farrah Mason, Lacee Kalepp, Jonathan White.

North Shore Bank is celebrating the third year of success through the bank’s Community Engagement Managers (CEM) program that has yielded new community programming initiatives as well as developed staff skills and expertise in building a vibrant community where they serve.

Community Engagement Managers who completed this year’s programming include these managers throughout the bank’s communities:

  • Lacee Kalepp for Appleton and the Fox Valley
  • Michael Williams for North and West Milwaukee and Wauwatosa
  • Farrah Mason for Mequon, Fox Point, Grafton, and Cedarburg
  • Jonathan White for Burlington and Union Grove

Bank District Manager and VP Lauri Lunde assisted in the program as a mentor for the third cohort. The program, facilitated by NEWaukee, regularly brought together the hand-selected North Shore Bank leaders from across the bank’s eastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois footprint to collaborate on ways to expand the bank’s presence in the communities it serves. The initiative allowed North Shore Bank to grow deeper relationships in its markets, create more community partnerships, and invest and develop its team in the premise and value of community engagement.

“We are thrilled for our four graduates in this year’s CEM program. As a group, they have elevated our community programming and presence in the communities we serve, allowing us to develop deeper relationships and create more meaningful connections in the community,” said Craig Witz, vice president of retail banking at North Shore Bank.

The Community Engagement Managers program resulted in the enhancement and creation of signature community programming during the bank’s crucial centennial anniversary. The program also was a success with employee participants reporting increased confidence in their communication skills, improved collaboration skills, and a greater sense of belonging.

“I’m grateful I had the opportunity to go through this year’s community engagement program, as a cohort we were able to support community members and events in all the markets we serve,” said Jonathan White, a CEM participant who manages North Shore Bank’s Burlington office.

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Bank Five Nine Named as a Best Bank to Work For

Bank Five Nine has been named one of the 2023 Best Banks to Work For by American Banker. American Banker has partnered with Best Companies Group to identify banks that excel at creating positive and supportive workplaces for employees.

“Bank Five Nine is proud to announce we have once again been named one of America’s “Best Banks to Work For” by American Banker Magazine! This marks the 7th straight year we’ve earned this recognition. Bank Five Nine was one of only two banks in Wisconsin to be named to the list, and we are honored to be the highest rated,” said Tim Schneider, CEO and president of Bank Five Nine.

This year 90 banks earned a spot in the ranking of Best Banks to Work For, based on an anonymous employee survey and a thorough review of the benefits and perks offered. The full 2023 Best Banks to Work For list will be featured at americanbanker.com.

“The banks recognized on this list are trying hard to create workplaces that employees want to join,” said Chana R. Schoenberger, editor-in-chief of American Banker. “Especially during this moment when companies are experiencing a shift in how, where, and how much employees work, banks are paying attention to how they can best retain their people.”

Determining the Best Banks to Work For involved a two-step process. The first consisted of evaluating each participating bank’s workplace policies, practices, and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation. The second consisted of employee surveys aimed at assessing the experiences and attitudes of individual employees with respect to their workplace. This part of the process was worth approximately 75% of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the final ranking.

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Waukesha State Bank Expands Mortgage Lending Team

Waukesha State Bank is proud to announce the expansion of its mortgage lending team, reinforcing its dedication to meeting the evolving needs of homebuyers in southeastern Wisconsin. The bank welcomes Lee Turner as the new mortgage sales manager, alongside the additions of Doug Gray and Jim Larcheid as new construction mortgage consultants.

Leo Spanuello, senior vice president – mortgage lending manager at Waukesha State Bank, expressed enthusiasm about the expanded team, stating, “We are delighted to announce the growth of our mortgage team with the valuable additions of Lee, Doug, and Jim. Their extensive experience in mortgage lending, coupled with their dedication to customer service and leadership, positions them perfectly to uphold our ongoing commitment to supporting the needs and goals of local homebuyers.”

Lee Turner

Turner comes to Waukesha State Bank from Bell Bank Mortgage where he served as Wisconsin market manager. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of La Verne in La Verne, California and has over 20 years of residential lending experience, which includes managing and coaching mortgage loan officers, executing marketing and sales strategies, and originating loans. In his new role as mortgage sales manager, Turner will be responsible for promoting an effective mortgage sales environment, through regular sales training and coaching, to achieve bank production goals.

Turner is active with local mortgage industry organizations serving as a Wisconsin Mortgage Bankers Association past board member and member of their Education Committee in addition to serving on the Youth Foundation Committee for the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS. As a U.S. Navy Veteran, Turner also served as a board member for USO Wisconsin and is an Ambassador and Real Estate Committee Chair for the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce. He and his family currently reside in Waukesha.

As new construction mortgage consultants, Doug Gray and Jim Larcheid will be responsible for originating new construction mortgage loans, which includes meeting with prospects, taking mortgage applications, counseling borrowers, and developing relationships with Realtors, builders, financial service providers, and various community groups.

Doug Gray

Doug Gray joins Waukesha State Bank with 27 years of mortgage lending experience most recently serving as assistant vice president – residential lending for Associated Bank. He has an extensive background in new construction financing and has been specializing in this area for the last 25 years. Gray is active in the community participating in the Hunt for Heroes organization and was a licensed foster parent for Waukesha County for five years. He and his family currently reside in Sussex.

Jim Larcheid

Jim Larcheid has over 30 years of residential lending experience specializing in new construction financing. Most recently, he served as assistant vice president – senior mortgage loan officer at Associated Bank. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Marquette University and is active in the community serving with St. Dominic Catholic Church and with the Metropolitan Builders Association as past chairman of their advisory board. He and his family currently reside in Brookfield.

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Executive Letter: Building a Brighter, More Secure Future for Wisconsinites

By Rose Oswald Poels

Bankers are known for supporting their communities in a wide variety of ways — yet if there is one cause that is central to our industry, it is financial literacy. WBA-member bank leaders were recently sent a letter in the mail asking you to consider supporting the impactful financial education efforts of the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation (WBF), the non-profit arm of the Wisconsin Bankers Association. This Giving Tuesday, I am repeating this request for your generosity.

A recent study by Edward Jones and Morning Consult showed that nearly half of respondents (44%) were 25 years or older when they gained the majority of their personal finance education, and only 20% of respondents reported learning about financial education in school. The need for financial education is clear, and the good news is that bankers have been coming together for years through the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation to make a meaningful impact. Please see the Year in Review for programming highlights from WBF.

We are proud to report a more than 120% year-over-year increase in the number of elementary school ‘Teach Children to Save’ presentations given with our Reading Raises Interest Kits, and a more than 130% year-over-year increase in the number of applicants for our Spring Scholarships. To keep this strong momentum going, we rely on the generosity of donors like you. Because of WBF’s public charity status, donations may be tax deductible. Our goal is to raise $70,000 for the 2023–2024 fiscal year, and there are three easy ways for you to contribute:

  • Send a check to the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation, 4721 South Biltmore Lane, Madison, WI 53718,
  • Donate online at wisbankfoundation.org/donate, and/or
  • Use the pledge form to donate an item for our silent auction, which will be held online as well as in person at the WBA Bank Executives Conference, February 7–9, 2024.

Your contribution will enable us to continue to:

  • Provide complimentary Reading Raises Interest Kits to teach the importance of saving money at a young age,
  • Award scholarships to current and upcoming college students with interests in the banking industry,
  • Provide comprehensive and comparative data on the banking industry through Banconomics.com,
  • Honor bankers and industry leaders for their engagement with financial literacy, and
  • Offer grants to support outstanding non-profit financial education programs across the state.

Thank you in advance for considering adding your name to the list of our supporters or renewing your commitment. Your contribution — of any size — is not just an investment in financial literacy; it is a commitment to empowering individuals, families, and Wisconsin communities with the knowledge and tools they need for a secure and prosperous future.

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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.

Learn More
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One Community Bank Celebrates Concession Stand Grand Opening at Middleton High School Stadium

One Community Bank is delighted to invest in our communities and support the Middleton Cross Plains Area School District (MCPASD) with their new High School Stadium. OCB was thrilled to donate $100,000 to the MCPASD Education Foundation for their High School Stadium Complex Improvement Project.

One Community Bank’s twenty-year commitment is recognized through signage inside and outside of the concession stand, a plaque on the donor wall in the Cardinal Fan Walkway, and a paver.

“At One Community Bank we believe in three things: serving our clients, supporting our colleagues, and investing in our communities. We are proud to invest in the good neighbor community of Middleton and contribute to the impact MCPASD is making on students,” said Steve Peotter, president and CEO.

“The stadium complex includes a ticket booth, restrooms, locker rooms, a concession stand, an excellence tunnel, storage, a donor wall, and more. The first story is completed, the second story has yet to be completed. Fundraising continues for the second story. The community has been incredibly supportive, and it’s been made possible because of amazing partners like One Community Bank,” said Dr. Dana Monogue.

The Middleton High School Stadium aims to be a stadium for all. It is a state-of-the-art stadium complex that continues to drive the MCPASD district mission of being inclusive, innovative, and inspiring for all students.

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Farmers & Merchants State Bank President Celebrates Lifetime of Service

Pictured (left to right) are: Pam Kelly and Bill Campbell.

On November 15, Pam Kelly, president of FIPCO — a subsidiary of the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA), presented Bill Campbell, president and CEO of Farmers & Merchants State Bank, Waterloo, with the Association’s Lifetime Service Award. The award, which was presenting during the bank’s board meeting, recognizes Campbell for 40 years of service to the banking industry.

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Wisconsin Bankers Foundation Awards Grant to St. Marcus School

The Wisconsin Bankers Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Wisconsin Bankers Association, is pleased to announce a $5,000 grant to St. Marcus School in Milwaukee. The grant will support the St. Marcus community engagement team’s financial education efforts during the 2023–2024 school year, including:

  • Virtual financial literacy classes hosted by St. Marcus and their community partner organizations.
  • In-person “Rising Star” meetings. These dinner meetings spotlight a parent who shares a testimonial about their recent successes with a group of other parents. The group also troubleshoots obstacles that other parents are facing and creates a resource for each other.
  • A recognition and celebration event called “RISE” (Resilient Individuals Seeking Excellence) that brings together school parents, staff, and community members who celebrate the successes of a group of 4–5 parents who are on their way to becoming homeowners, have become homeowners, or are accomplishing their financial goals in other ways.

St. Marcus Students

“The work St. Marcus School’s community engagement team is doing to empower the families of their students aligns wonderfully with our Foundation’s mission to promote financial literacy and capability,” said Rose Oswald Poels, chair and treasurer of the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation. “We are proud to support these initiatives and congratulate the St. Marcus staff and participants on the positive impact they are creating.”

St. Marcus School is one of two recipients of a 2023–2024 Wisconsin Bankers Foundation grant. The Foundation also awarded a $5,000 grant as part of a three-year commitment to Asset Builders to support its statewide Finance and Investment Challenge Bowl for high school students.

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608-441-1200

4721 S Biltmore Ln.
Madison, WI 53718

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