Archive for category: News

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Executive Letter: Lend Your Talents and Shape Your Industry

Rose Oswald PoelsBy Rose Oswald Poels

A key component in the success of the Wisconsin Bankers Association’s (WBA) mission to educate, support, and advocate on behalf of banks throughout the state is the involvement of our membership. Each year, thousands of bankers enjoy various opportunities to develop their careers, access resources, and expand their professional networks. Many of these invaluable connections between WBA members are formed and fostered in our various committees and sections. I invite you and your staff to volunteer your talents and knowledge with the Association in the coming fiscal year by completing the form.

Bankers will find that joining a committee, section, or advisory group not only allows them to network among their peers, but also access growth and leadership opportunities as well as receive special discounts on select educational programs. These incredible benefits are in addition to providing a space in which bankers have the ability to explore their interests and expand their careers in a variety of specialties. From areas of focus ranging from mortgage lending, human resources, and combating financial crimes to fostering diversity, equity, & inclusion (DEI) — your bank’s seasoned professionals and emerging leaders are sure to find an opportunity that suits their interests.

Members of all WBA committees and sections play an incredibly active role in shaping the future of the Association and the industry. Between lending their knowledge, which has helped produce WBA’s Best Practices Library, to influencing the legislation WBA staff lobby for and what educational programs and events are most beneficial to the membership — our volunteer’s efforts in diversifying our knowledge and ideas assists WBA staff in providing the most valuable and relevant resources, information, and events.

With applications for the 2023–24 committees and sections now open through Monday, March 13, I encourage each of you to share this opportunity to engage with WBA widely among your staff. In addition to building long term connections with their peers, working alongside your Association to create tangible and meaningful change throughout the banking industry is an extremely rewarding experience!

Volunteer Now
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Wisconsin Bankers Association Welcomes Tyler Foti as Director- Government Relations

Tyler Foti

Tyler Foti

The Wisconsin Bankers Association is pleased to announce the hire of Tyler Foti as the Association’s director – government relations. Foti will report to Lorenzo Cruz, vice president – government relations. Previously, Foti served as a legislative aide for then State Senator Scott Fitzgerald and in various positions navigating the legislative process and public policy, most recently at Michael Best Strategies. Sitting currently as Waukesha County Board Supervisor and serving on the Finance Committee, Foti enjoys collaborating with local leaders and providing solutions that produce immediate impact. He looks forward to working with state government officials and their staff on behalf of Wisconsin’s banking industry.

“We are very glad to have Tyler on board at WBA,” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO. “His talent and experience will help drive our mission to advocate for a healthy economic environment for Wisconsin communities.”

Outside of work, Foti enjoys sports and cooking — a unique combination that led him to Food Network’s “NFL Tailgate Takedown.” In this evening’s series finale, Foti and his teammate don their Packer jerseys and face off against tailgaters representing the Buffalo Bills. The winning duo — which will be announced tonight at 8 p.m. — takes home the “Yum-bardi Trophy.”

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Leaders Wall 2021

Executive Letter: Join the Class of 2023

Rose Oswald PoelsBy Rose Oswald Poels

The history of Wisconsin’s banking industry is storied and expansive. Since 1892, the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) has stood witness to generations of banking leaders who have made significant strides in ensuring the economic wellbeing of our communities and helping shape our industry into what we know today.

In 2020, the Association inaugurated its tradition of honoring current and former bankers who have demonstrated excellence in community service, civic involvement, and Wisconsin’s banking industry. A total of 26 prominent banking leaders have so far been commended for their commitment to our industry with a permanent plaque on display in WBA’s headquarters in Madison. The Leaders in Banking Excellence Wall is centrally located in WBA’s Engagement Center where thousands of bankers from across the state visit annually as they attend a variety of meetings and training programs.

Now in its fourth year, WBA is excited to once again recognize bankers who not only denote excellence in their positions, but exemplify the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and enthusiastic service.

Nominations to join the WBA Leaders in Banking Excellence Class of 2023 are now being accepted through May 12. If you are interested in nominating a banking leader for this prestigious honor, please visit wisbank.com/excellence or contact me for more information on how to apply.

Bankers have also been recognized posthumously. This honor wall does require a financial contribution of $10,000 payable to either WBA or its public charity, the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation (WBF). Once the Class of 2023 has been finalized, an in-person celebration will be held at the WBA Office in early September including speakers from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) and a member of Congress.

Wisconsin’s banking history is full of many great leaders, and for the past thirty years (and counting) I have been privileged to work alongside you. This honor wall is a meaningful tribute to the individual and collective contributions many have made to our industry. Thank you for considering this invitation to nominate yourself or another to join our Class of 2023 Leaders in Banking Excellence Wall.

Nominate a Banker
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Congratulations to the 2022 BIGG Award Winners

The Wisconsin Bankers Association is pleased to report that 35 institutions have been recognized with WBA’s BIGG (Bankers Involved in Grassroots and Government) for for their total involvement in advocacy in 2022. BIGG is the highest level of recognition for advocacy by our member banks.

To achieve BIGG status, institutions must meet at least five (5) of these seven criteria:

  • Have named an Advocacy Officer
  • Obtain Gold Triangle award
  • Contribute to WBA’s issue advocacy fund
  • Have at least one bank employee attend WBA Capitol Day
  • Have a member of the bank participate in a Federal delegation meeting or go on a D.C. regulatory trip
  • Have the bank hold a Take Your Legislator to Work Day
  • Other (e.g. testify on a bill, host a fundraiser, analyze legislation, etc.)

2022 BIGG Recipients

American National Bank Fox Cities, Associated Bank, Bank Five Nine, Bank of Brodhead, Bank of Sun Prairie, Bank of Wisconsin Dells, Bankers’ Bank, Bristol Morgan Bank, Capitol Bank, Charter Bank, Citizens First Bank, East Wisconsin Savings Bank, First Business Bank, Fortifi Bank, Greenwoods State Bank, Horicon Bank, Ladysmith Federal Savings and Loan Association, MidWest One Bank, Mound City Bank, National Exchange Bank & Trust, Nicolet National Bank, North Shore Bank, Oostburg State Bank, The Park Bank, The Peoples Community Bank, Premier Community Bank, Royal Bank, Security Financial Bank, State Bank of Cross Plains, The Equitable Bank, The Stephenson National Bank & Trust, Town Bank N.A., Unity Bank, Waldo State Bank, and Wolf River Community Bank.

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Banks Join in WBA Political Action Fundraising

We are happy to report that 46 institutions have now achieved Gold Triangle status for political fundraising in 2022. Gold Triangle is the highest level of fundraising recognition for banks and achieved through bank employee or director contributions to the Alliance of Bankers for Wisconsin (ABW) political conduit or Wisbankpac, or corporate contributions to WBA’s issue advocacy fund. ABW and Wisbankpac funds are utilized as part of our overall effort to support pro-banking candidates, regardless of whether they have an R or D next to their name. Issue advocacy dollars are used to in several capacities to shape public opinion on pro-banking, pro-business issues.

Demand on our political action funds is as high as it has ever been, and we are battling on numerous fronts in Madison. If you have not already done so, please consider contributing to WBA political action funds. You may contribute via credit card here.

2022 Gold Triangle Club Members

American National Bank Fox Cities, Associated Bank, Bank Five Nine, Bank of Brodhead, Bank of Sun Prairie, Bank of Wisconsin Dells, Bankers’ Bank, Bluff View Bank, Bristol Morgan Bank, Capitol Bank, Charter Bank, Citizens Bank, Citizens First Bank, Citizens State Bank of Loyal, East Wisconsin Savings Bank, The Equitable Bank, First Citizens State Bank, First National Community Bank, Fortifi Bank, Forward Bank, Greenwoods State Bank, Horicon Bank, Mound City Bank, National Bank of Commerce, National Exchange Bank & Trust, Nicolet National Bank, North Shore Bank, Northwestern Bank, Oak Bank, Old National Bank, Oostburg State Bank, Park Bank, The Peoples Community Bank, Peoples State Bank, Premier Community Bank, Security State Bank, Security Financial Bank, State Bank of Cross Plains, State Bank Financial, The Stephenson National Bank & Trust, Superior Savings Bank, Town Bank N.A., Unity Bank, Waldo State Bank, Wisconsin Bankers Association, and Wolf River Community Bank.

Gold Triangle Club Contribution Levels by Bank Asset Size

Bank Assets Total Banker Contributions
$0-100 Million $1,500
$100-250 M $2,000
$250-500 M $3,000
$500-750 M $4,000
$750 M – $1 Billion $5,000
$1 B+ $7,000

THANK YOU to all the banks, Gold Triangle or not, that have contributed to our advocacy efforts.

If you have questions or would like to make a contribution, please contact WBA’s Lorenzo Cruz, vice president – government relations.

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Executive Letter: Creating Safe and Meaningful Spaces

Rose Oswald PoelsBy Rose Oswald Poels

As part of WBA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) plan, I have been hosting monthly Employee Resource Group (ERG) calls allowing member bankers from historically underrepresented groups to have a forum to share ideas, issues, and advice in a safe, confidential environment. The meetings are never recorded to help ensure that conversations are kept private among those attending. Attendees from past ERG meetings — which began last June — are from all size banks across the state, including some that have their own ERG program.

Each meeting, I receive feedback on the structure, content, and timing of the meetings so that they evolve to be meaningful and relevant for the attendees. I leave each meeting feeling that we’ve provided value to the participants even when the conversations may have been difficult.

WBA’s monthly ERG meetings will continue in 2023 and, with the input from the participants, they will be a little more structured so they are meaningful, and bankers know in advance the topics that will primarily be discussed. I encourage you to share this opportunity with anyone in your bank who is in a historically underrepresented group as I know they will find value in the discussion.

For our January meeting, I am very excited to announce that Judge Derek Mosley, director of the Lubar Center for Public Policy Research and Civic Education at Marquette University Law School, will be joining us as our guest speaker. Judge Mosley recently spoke for WBA during a complimentary all-member webinar on Unconscious Bias and was very well-received. He will open the ERG meeting with a presentation on black history, focusing on the Things Your History Teacher Didn’t Tell You followed by time for open Q&A with forum participants.

The January ERG meeting will be held via Zoom on Friday, January 27 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. and there is no charge to participate. Please share the following link with your historically underrepresented staff and encourage them to sign up for the meeting: wisbank.com/community/dei/erg-signup/.

If the timing does not work for this meeting, WBA ERGs are held monthly and information regarding future meeting dates and topics is shared through our Wisconsin Banker Daily e-publication. I am incredibly proud of all the work WBA has been doing with guidance from our Board of Directors in the DEI space, and very excited about the mission of WBA’s ERG to date. With your encouragement to your staff to take advantage of this opportunity, I look forward to its continued growth and success this year!

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Community Advocate Spotlight: Tom Reil, Waldo State Bank

The following is a brief interview between WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels and Waldo State Bank President Tom Reil.

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

Tom: After graduating from University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 1983 with a degree in finance, I started my career in banking at First Wisconsin in Fond du Lac. It was a great starting point, but corporate banking was not for me. I then moved on to F&M Bancorp as a lender in their New London office for 12 years. Another great learning opportunity, but when the Bancorp was sold, it was time for a change.

An opportunity to move closer to home and run a true “community bank” became available at Waldo State Bank, and I have been here for past 22 years.

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

There are lots of things that I enjoy about working at the bank. For one, every day is different and the wide variety of things I get to be a part of is challenging — there is never a dull moment.

My favorite part is working with customers; helping them come up with an answer to their financial questions or putting a loan package together for them is incredibly rewarding.

I also love it when people ask, “Where’s Waldo?” I kindly smile and tell them, “It’s where you want to bank!” That line never gets old and will usually generate a smile, and that’s what I like to do.

I have also enjoyed being involved in the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) — it is the best way for bankers to be engaged in actively promoting community banking as well as building lifelong friendships with peers. I think it is a privilege to serve in any capacity that fits one’s career and personality — from serving on the WBA Board, to being on the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) House Finance committee, or just attending WBA events — the benefit of being active cannot be overstated. You can also have a heck of a lot of fun doing it!

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

There is a significant difference between community banks and all other financial institutions — the communities we serve are the reason why we (community bankers) are here. We take the time to sit and listen to our customers and understand their needs, we consider their unique situation and offer products and services that fit their needs, and we have the ability to tailor our services to our customers — not fit them into a one-size-fits-all solution.

In addition, the majority of our business comes from existing customer referrals. I wish the general public understood how our existing customers felt and that everyone has the opportunity to develop a relationship with a bank that they can bank on.

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

There will always be challenges, and being able to adapt is what make community banks unique. I think changes in technology will the biggest challenges that community banks face. Keeping up with cybersecurity, changes in AI, and improvements in process are just a few that banks are considering.

Please describe your current role at your bank and share with us one of your more rewarding experiences (e.g., a time you had to go above and beyond to help a customer, a memorable customer interaction, stepping in to help the local community after a disaster, etc.).

As president of the bank, and with the experience I’ve had in the banking industry, I have been blessed with the opportunity to get to know a lot of extraordinary people. I enjoy being able to use those connections to bring people together to help one another. To see customers that you have helped over the years prosper is very gratifying.

When I took my first job at First Wisconsin, the president of the bank at the time told me not to get into banking for the money. If I would be satisfied with a job where I could provide for my family, be a respected member of my community, and make a difference — a career in banking would be for me. Those words of wisdom have guided me well and are advice that I continue to share with new leaders at the bank.

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Executive Letter: Opportunities to Advocate This Spring

Rose Oswald PoelsBy Rose Oswald Poels

With the transition into the new year, so too begins the 2023–24 legislative session. As the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) looks ahead to further engaging with our elected officials and acting on several key priorities including credit unions, regulatory modernization, and elder fraud in 2023, WBA members are also encouraged to make the most of the various opportunities offered by the Association to make their voices heard.

This spring, bankers from across the state are invited to join the WBA Government Relations team in Madison for the 2023 WBA Capitol Day as well as two WBA Washington Trips to meet with our congressional delegation — one in conjunction with the American Bankers Association (ABA) Washington Summit and the other in conjunction with the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) Capital Summit.

Our 2023 Capitol Day, which will be held on Thursday, May 11*, provides Wisconsin bankers with the invaluable opportunity to meet face-to-face with their representatives and demonstrate how public policy impacts a bank’s ability to aid in the economic growth and vitality of their community.

Annually, over 100 bankers and WBA Advocacy Officers are in attendance to receive updates from state Assembly and Senate leaders as well as assist the Association in conveying the role and value of our industry. Registration is open now, and more information will be provided for attendees as the event nears.

Additionally, the WBA will be in Washington, D.C. March 20–22 (bankers are encouraged to schedule late flights on the 22nd or stay until the 23rd given the House Republican schedule that week) for the WBA/ABA Washington Summit as well as May 14–17 for the WBA/ICBA Capital Summit. During these two trips, bankers can expect to hear from a variety of speakers as well as make trips to Capitol Hill to visit with those in our congressional delegation. Please note that during the WBA/ABA Washington Summit, Hill visits will likely occur both on March 21 and through mid-afternoon on Wednesday, March 22 given that the House Republicans will not be in office until Wednesday of that week.

All WBA members, regardless of their membership to either national trade group, are welcome and invited to join WBA’s Washington Trip on either date. Please let WBA know if you are interested in attending one of these two key summits at your earliest convenience. You may register now for the WBA/ABA Washington Summit.

Grassroots advocacy is a fundamental aspect of WBA’s efforts in supporting the industry, and your involvement is critical to the success of our advocacy priorities. Although very few legislators have experience in banking, bankers are looked upon as trusted members of the communities our elected officials represent and are essential in reinforcing the impact legislative proposals will have on your community, bank, and industry.

Thank you for your continued grassroots involvement for the betterment of the banking industry, and I hope to see you and/or other members of your team this spring either at the State Capitol in Madison or on the Hill in D.C.

*WBA’s 2023 Capitol Day is now scheduled for April 26.

2023 WBA Capitol Day WBA/ABA Washington Summit WBA/ICBA Capital Summit (Opening Soon!)
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All In
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2023 WBA Bank Executives Conference

February 8–10, 2023 | Kalahari Resort & Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells

Bank Executives Conference Banner

By Hannah Flanders

The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) is excited to announce that the annual Bank Executives Conference will reconvene at the Kalahari Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells this February 8–10. As the largest gathering of bank leaders in the state, this year’s event will focus on bringing leaders “All In” for the benefit of their bank, community members, and industry.

Executive-Level Education

Each year, WBA’s Bank Executives Conference is regarded as the state’s premier gathering of banking professionals and national experts — the 2023 event
will be no different!

In combining programming tailored to the specific needs of banking leaders in Wisconsin with various trending topics sure to impact our industry, bankers will have the opportunity to arm themselves with the resources and knowledge to remain relevant and resilient for years to come.

Heyburn_Virginia

Virginia Heyburn

This year’s opening general session on February 9 will feature Virginia Heyburn, director of research, insights, and advocacy at Engage fi, LLC. As innovation and technology remain at the forefront of our industry’s efforts to engage individuals in the financial services, Heyburn will highlight the possibilities of FinTech partnerships as banks look to develop new revenue channels and reach customers in today’s world of rapidly changing competition.

After the general session, WBA will host its first FinTech Showcase. Bankers can expect to see eight FinTech products, ranging from solutions for digital banking and artificial intelligence (AI) to security, demonstrated live by various companies including Accrue, La Macchia Group, DocFox Inc., Kapitalwise, Inc., KlariVis, LemonadeLXP, Sequertek, and Zogo Finance. Following short presentations, bankers will have the opportunity to connect with these exhibitors, and more than 60 others, to learn more about their solutions and how FinTech will bring the bank into the future.

Brett King

Brett King

On Friday, February 10, four-time bestselling author and renowned futurist, Brett King will present the keynote session “The Big Shift: How Customer Behavior & Technology Will Change the Future of Retail Financial Service.” King, voted as American Banker’s Innovator of the Year in 2012 and a regular contributor to The Huffington Post, will highlight why customer behavior is so rapidly changing and why banks must reinvent themselves or face irrelevancy.

With over ten hours of general and breakout sessions spread across the three days — there will certainly be something of interest for every bank leader. For more details on programming and to view the full agenda, please visit wisbank.com/bec.

Networking

Attendees will also have various opportunities to connect with their banking peers, WBA Associate Members, and WBA staff throughout the conference.

In addition to kicking off the conference on Wednesday evening with a networking reception in the exhibitor Marketplace, bankers are invited to arrive early on February 8 for various “banker-only” peer group discussions. The optional peer groups, beginning at 2:30 p.m., are specifically targeted at CEOs, CFOs, credit and lending professionals, and those in operations.

Recognition

WBA looks forward to recognizing various bankers who have been “All In” for their communities and for their industry — despite the unpredictability of the last several years.
In selecting the unifying theme “All In” for this year’s conference, the Association recognizes that the unity and commitment leaders and bankers across the state have, and will continue to, demonstrate are critical to the prosperity of the industry and communities all WBA-member banks serve. In this, it is important that bankers not only reflect upon their successes of the past year but look ahead to what possibilities are in store.

The conference will feature a special luncheon on February 9 during which several bankers who have dedicated a lifetime of service to the industry will be inducted into WBA’s 50- and 60-Year Clubs. In addition, the Wisconsin Banker Foundation (WBF), the Association’s non-profit arm, will present its prestigious Financial Education Innovation Award to a WBA-member bank that, during the 2021–2022 fiscal year, demonstrated unique efforts to enhance the financial capability of consumers in their community.

That evening, WBA will recognize a bank CEO or president (or an individual who has recently retired from these positions) who has made an outstanding effort throughout their career in service to their bank, to their community, and to the banking profession as the 2022 Banker of the Year.

Registration

Banking leaders regularly prove their commitment to our industry by way of their active involvement, efforts to embrace evolution, and often tenure of service. WBA’s Bank Executive Conference builds upon these important steps by providing bankers with resources, connections, and ideas for action.

Registration for WBA’s annual conference is open now! Please visit wisbank.com/bec to learn more and register today. We look forward to seeing you Wednesday, February 8–Friday, February 10 at the Kalahari Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells!

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608-441-1200

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Madison, WI 53718

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