Executive Letter: Opportunities to Advocate This Spring
By Rose Oswald Poels
With the transition into the new year, so too begins the 2023–24 legislative session. As the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) looks ahead to further engaging with our elected officials and acting on several key priorities including credit unions, regulatory modernization, and elder fraud in 2023, WBA members are also encouraged to make the most of the various opportunities offered by the Association to make their voices heard.
This spring, bankers from across the state are invited to join the WBA Government Relations team in Madison for the 2023 WBA Capitol Day as well as two WBA Washington Trips to meet with our congressional delegation — one in conjunction with the American Bankers Association (ABA) Washington Summit and the other in conjunction with the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) Capital Summit.
Our 2023 Capitol Day, which will be held on Thursday, May 11, provides Wisconsin bankers with the invaluable opportunity to meet face-to-face with their representatives and demonstrate how public policy impacts a bank’s ability to aid in the economic growth and vitality of their community.
Annually, over 100 bankers and WBA Advocacy Officers are in attendance to receive updates from state Assembly and Senate leaders as well as assist the Association in conveying the role and value of our industry. Registration is open now, and more information will be provided for attendees as the event nears.
Additionally, the WBA will be in Washington, D.C. March 20–22 (bankers are encouraged to schedule late flights on the 22nd or stay until the 23rd given the House Republican schedule that week) for the WBA/ABA Washington Summit as well as May 14–17 for the WBA/ICBA Capital Summit. During these two trips, bankers can expect to hear from a variety of speakers as well as make trips to Capitol Hill to visit with those in our congressional delegation. Please note that during the WBA/ABA Washington Summit, Hill visits will likely occur both on March 21 and through mid-afternoon on Wednesday, March 22 given that the House Republicans will not be in office until Wednesday of that week.
All WBA members, regardless of their membership to either national trade group, are welcome and invited to join WBA’s Washington Trip on either date. Please let WBA know if you are interested in attending one of these two key summits at your earliest convenience. You may register now for the WBA/ABA Washington Summit.
Grassroots advocacy is a fundamental aspect of WBA’s efforts in supporting the industry, and your involvement is critical to the success of our advocacy priorities. Although very few legislators have experience in banking, bankers are looked upon as trusted members of the communities our elected officials represent and are essential in reinforcing the impact legislative proposals will have on your community, bank, and industry.
Thank you for your continued grassroots involvement for the betterment of the banking industry, and I hope to see you and/or other members of your team this spring either at the State Capitol in Madison or on the Hill in D.C.
