Chair's Column: Mid-Term Reflections: A Year of Engagement and Progress for Wisconsin’s Bankers

By Al Araque

As I reach the halfway point of my term as Chair of the Board of the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA), I reflect on the incredible progress we’ve made together in amplifying the impact of our Association. It has been a truly rewarding experience, and I have had the privilege of attending events and engaging with many of you, witnessing firsthand the power of our collective efforts.

Presiding over Board meetings, I have been struck by the dedication of WBA Board members, who along with volunteer committee, advisory board, and section leaders exemplify the vital role members play in advocating for the industry and driving meaningful change.

Speaking of advocacy, it has been energizing to witness the impact of member advocacy in action. From meeting with legislators to pushing for policies that benefit our communities, your voices are truly making a difference. A good example of the effectiveness of WBA members was the annual fall trip to Washington, D.C., where members met with senior officials from the Federal Reserve, FDIC, OCC, CFPB, and SBA. Topics covered included interchange/Reg II, brokered deposits, preemption, Basel III, FDIC signage rules, banking as a service, and Section 1071.

I had the chance to connect with many of you during our annual WBA Chair’s Member Appreciation Golf Outing in August. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet, or re-connect with fellow members, share ideas, and discuss the important work we’re doing in the banking industry.

Another highlight was attending the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation Gala in September, where I was joined by fellow bankers to raise funds for financial literacy initiatives. These efforts are critical in ensuring that we continue to serve our communities with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed. It was inspiring to see the generosity of WBA members, all committed to building a stronger financial future for the people of Wisconsin.

WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels recently shared some numbers that reflect the scope of member involvement.
Education:
• 500+ bankers are members of our free WBA Connect online peer groups
• 600 members belong to the Building Our Leaders of Tomorrow (BOLT) section
• Over 6,000 people have attended WBA-hosted events in 2024

Advocacy:
• In December, over 85% of our advocacy goal of $300,000 had been raised
• There were 49 BIGG Award recipients; 48 Gold Triangle members; 14 Leadership Circle members; and 91 Silver Triangle members
• 183 banks designated Advocacy Officers

Wisconsin Bankers Foundation:
• 400+ volunteers made a total of approximately 900 financial education presentations – reaching more than 30,000 community members
• 79 individuals and 21 banks recently received Excellence in Financial Education Awards

Volunteerism:
• Approximately 170 members serve on the WBA, FIPCO, and EBC boards of directors, WBA committees, and WBA section boards.

I hope your holiday season was festive and fulfilling and wish you all the best as the new year begins. In 2025, I encourage all of you to consider making a resolution to get more involved with the WBA. Check out one of the numerous educational and professional development opportunities from WBA’s Education team, volunteer for Teach Children to Save Day, register for WBA’s Capitol Day in Madison, or make donations to Wisbankpac or the Alliance for Bankers Conduit. There are countless ways to contribute (financially and through volunteerism) to make an impact. Together, we can continue to strengthen our association and build a brighter future for Wisconsin’s banking community. Let’s make 2025 a year of even greater engagement and impact!