Executive Letter: Lend Your Talents and Shape Your Industry
By 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!
