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.
