Executive Letter: Thankful for the Impact of Engaged Members
By Rose Oswald Poels
As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your engagement and leadership within the Wisconsin banking community and the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) this past year.
Traditionally, as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, gratitude is often top of mind. In addition to being grateful to be entrusted with my role at WBA and being appreciative of the excellent work done by WBA staff, I am struck by how fortunate the association is to have active and involved members who are consistently engaged with WBA.
Your dedication to participating in our educational programs, advocacy efforts, volunteer committee work, and financial education strengthens not only the association but also the entire banking industry in Wisconsin. Whether you’ve contributed by attending educational events, serving on committees, engaging in grassroots advocacy, or supporting our financial education initiatives, your involvement makes a tangible difference.
To underscore the scope of that involvement, I thought I would share some impressive numbers from the year with you.
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:
• Over 80% of our advocacy goal of $300,000 has been raised so far
• 37 BIGG Award recipients
• 36 Gold Triangle members
• 13 Leadership Circle members
• 89 Silver Triangle members
• 183 banks designated Advocacy Officers
• 210 members attended WBA Capitol Day in Madison
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
• 78 banks utilized Reading Raises Interest Kits in conjunction with Teach Children to Save Day
• Generous attendees made the second annual Gala in September a success
Volunteerism:
• Approximately 170 members serve on the WBA board of directors, WBA committees, WBA section boards, and FIPCO and MBIS boards
Power of Community Week:
• 373 branches of 57 banks participated
Because of members like you, WBA is able to provide meaningful resources, create opportunities for professional development, and advocate effectively for policies that allow our banks, customers, and communities to thrive. Your commitment ensures that we continue to be a strong, unified voice in the industry, driving innovation and fostering economic growth throughout our state.
Thank you for all that you do to impact and advance the mission of WBA. It is a privilege to work alongside such passionate and dedicated leaders. As we reflect on this season of gratitude, please know how much your contributions are valued and appreciated.
Wishing you, your family, and your team a warm and joyful Thanksgiving.
