Chair’s Column: Wisconsin Banks Give Back During WBA Power of Community Week

By Al Araque

I hope that 2025 is treating you well. As I write this, I am feeling energized, informed, and inspired after the 2025 Bank Executives Conference held at Milwaukee’s Pfister Hotel the first week of February. This year’s theme was IMPACT, which has also been my theme as WBA Chair. It was invigorating to gather with colleagues, honor industry leaders, learn about new products and services in the sold-out exhibit hall, and attend a wide variety of compelling general sessions and facilitated discussions.

After some particularly cold, snowy, and windy days, I am looking ahead to spring and am excited about the upcoming WBA Power of Community Week, which occurs during April’s Community Banking Month. This year, Power of Community Week will be held April 21–26.

National Teach Children to Save Day is Thursday, April 24, which overlaps with Power of Community Week! A great way to participate is giving financial literacy presentations in elementary school classrooms using the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation’s Reading Raises Interests Kits. This year’s book is “Rock, Brock, and the Savings Shock” by former FDIC Chair Sheila Bair. Visit wisbankfoundation.org/reading-raises-interest-kits by March 7 to place an order for your bank’s free kit, which includes 10 copies of the book and supporting materials.

Last year, over 375 individual bank branches representing more than 60 member banks participated in Power of Community Week. This annual campaign brings together member banks, Associate Member companies, and WBA staff to encourage engagement in one or more service activities. Taking action demonstrates the banking industry’s ongoing strong commitment to local communities across Wisconsin.

I shared in my first column as Chair that one of the reasons I was drawn to my current role with Johnson Financial Group in 2021 was because of founder Samuel C. Johnson’s commitment to our communities and always putting people first — associates and clients alike. The Johnson family has a long tradition of philanthropy and community involvement. This quote from Helen Johnson-Leipold, Chairman of Johnson Financial Group, sums things up perfectly, “Do what’s best for family, company, and community. We are here to make a difference in the world.”

Johnson Financial Group associates collectively volunteer tens of thousands of hours each year! Encouraging your employees to volunteer in the community through workplace programs like Power of Community Week doesn’t just positively impact your community, it contributes to a positive workplace culture. Research shows that workplace volunteerism significantly enhances employee engagement. According to Deloitte, workplace volunteer opportunities enhance employees’ sense of purpose, leading to higher job satisfaction and loyalty. In their 2024 survey, 91% of survey respondents said volunteer opportunities can have a positive impact on their overall work experience and connection to their employer.

If you’re looking for inspiration for Power of Community volunteer activities this year, check out some examples of fun and impactful projects by using the hashtag #BanksPowerWI on social media or visit wisbank.com/BanksPowerWI to find ways to get involved and additional details.

There are opportunities to make an impact everywhere!

Araque is SVP, director of consumer, private, and business banking with Johnson Financial Group, Racine, and the 2024–2025 WBA Chair.