Executive Letter: A Commitment to Investing in the Future Prosperity of Our Industry
By Rose Oswald Poels
Even though votes are still being counted in several uncalled U.S. House of Representatives races as of this morning, Republicans have now reached 218 seats in the House of Representatives so will have full control (with narrow margins) of the federal government with the trifecta of the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives.
Regardless of your party affiliation, without the non-stop barrage of election-related texts, calls, emails, and political ads, we can now move forward with clarity and a continued commitment to advocate for the industry with one voice to promote a healthy environment that allows your bank, customers, and your communities to prosper. WBA’s government relations team remains dedicated to continuing to work with legislators on both sides of the aisle.
This past biennium, WBA, working alongside many engaged bankers, achieved numerous positive bi-partisan legislative results for the industry. WBA will continue its impact in the new biennium, focusing on the legislative priorities established by our Government Relations Committee and Board of Directors.
The industry’s active political involvement is also critical to ensure our voice is heard. I want to thank many of you who have already personally contributed to WBA’s political action committee or conduit account this year; however, we still need more contributions to reach our goal.
So far, WBA has raised 80% of our $300,000 goal for 2024. With less than 50 days left in the year, we need your help now to achieve this critical investment in the industry’s advocacy future. I know that the economy remains challenging and that asking your management team and board for personal contributions for political purposes can be difficult; however, without meaningful political contributions, WBA is limited in our abilities to succeed on your behalf.
Every year, I personally contribute between $4,000 and $5,000 to WBA’s political accounts because it is crucial to me to support the industry that has given me so much opportunity during my career. I encourage you to consider giving at least $1,000 which qualifies you for the Silver Triangle Club, or $3,000 or more which qualifies you for the Leadership Circle.
Currently there are 13 Leadership Circle members, 89 Silver Triangle members, 36 Gold Triangle members, and 37 BIGG Award Recipients.
Thank you to so many of you who have engaged in our grassroots calls-to-action throughout this year, by contributing to our political funds, joining us in Madison for Capitol Day (save the date: May 6, 2025) or in Washington, D.C. during our annual advocacy trips. This year the inaugural Milford Hills Outing, a sporting clays event, was held in October and will likely grow in popularity and impact. Without your engagement, we truly are not as effective as we need to be to achieve our priorities. Direct involvement from bankers is critical to helping the WBA advocacy team achieve success for the banking industry. It is our goal to provide bankers like you with a seat at the table to positively shape and influence legislation and rules impacting the industry.
To learn more about WBA’s advocacy efforts and to contribute to one or both of our political accounts, please visit wisbank.com/advocacy. If you would like to schedule an advocacy presentation for your bank, please contact a member of our Government Relations team. If there is someone on your team who would be interested in an Advocacy Officer role, please encourage their participation.
