Executive Letter: The Critical Impact of Fundraising
By Rose Oswald Poels
It is not hyperbole to say that advocacy is at the heart of the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA). The work WBA does to support pro-banking and pro-business officials and invest in the future success of banking industry is vital to our mission and is the pulse propelling us forward.
That work includes monitoring and introducing legislation, engaging with legislators, testifying on bills, organizing “Take Your Legislator to Work Days,” and hosting our annual Capital Day, and is done in support of banks and communities throughout our state. That work requires the dedicated participation of both WBA lobbyists and members and is fueled by essential fundraising.
In mid-June, more than 40 bankers participated in the 2024 Kohler Outing benefiting WBA’s issue advocacy program. Attendees had the choice of golfing at the Irish Course of Whistling Straights or shooting at the River Wildlife Tactical Pistol & Rifle Course. It was a pleasure to gather with bankers in beautiful Kohler, and I’m grateful that participants donated nearly $100,000 in corporate support of the Association’s issue advocacy efforts.
I am fortunate that in addition to the passionate and generous community of bankers and Associate Members, WBA staff is also committed to promoting a healthy environment for banks in Wisconsin.
Pictured (left to right): WBA VP Government Relations Lorenzo Cruz, American National Bank Board Chair Dennis Long, WBA Vice Chair and President & CEO American National Bank – Fox Cities Paul Northway, and Senior Vice President at BOK Financial, Josh Hunt.
Pictured (left to right): WBA Past Chair and President and CEO of Mound City Bank Donna Hoppenjan, WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels, Premier Community Bank SVP – Retail Operations Robin Christian, WBA Board Member and President/CEO of Fortifi Bank Greg Lundberg, and Emily Lundberg.
Last month WBA hosted its annual fundraiser in support of Wisbankpac and the Alliance of Bankers for Wisconsin (ABW). The event welcomed voluntary staff donations through specified personal contributions.
The “WBA Brewers Tailgate Summer Classic” fundraiser included a lunchtime cookout in the WBA parking lot with Lorenzo Cruz and Tyler Foti from the Government Relations team handling the grilling of brats, burgers, and hotdogs.
WBA staff collectively raised over $12,550 — far exceeding the Association’s goal of $7,000! This impressive result underscores the staff’s commitment to advocacy. I am proud to note that the combined donations from staff make WBA the top contributing organization at this time.
Scenes from the WBA Brewers Tailgate Summer Classic fundraiser.
As we are at the halfway point in this calendar year, I encourage WBA-member banks to continue (or begin) their own political fundraising initiatives in support of our industry. WBA has two programs for recognizing both the political contributions which are vital to the future of our industry and the impactful grassroots advocacy of members: WBA’s Gold Triangle or Bankers Involved in Grassroots and Government (BIGG) Award.
The Gold Triangle Club, the highest level of fundraising recognition for banks, is awarded annually through personal contributions to ABW political conduit, Wisbankpac, or corporate contributions to WBA’s issue advocacy fund. All contributions count toward Gold Triangle status, and the amount to qualify ranges from $500 to $4,500 based on the size of the bank. WBA’s BIGG Award expands beyond Gold Triangle fundraising to encompass grassroots advocacy engagement and serves as the Association’s highest level of recognition for overall advocacy. Check to make sure your bank is on track for this recognition.
Because today’s political climate has become increasingly polarized, it is key to emphasize that the funds raised are used to help support pro-banking political candidates that are not “D” or “R”, but rather “B” for the “Banking” Party.
I am confident that much like WBA staff exceeding the Association’s own fundraising goal for this year, our larger goal of raising $300,000 for the year will be surpassed because members like you recognize that keeping our Association’s political contributions on track is a team effort! If every bank collected just $3,000 in total personal contributions from their staff and board, we would far surpass our goal.
Thanks to all of you who continue to aid the Association in our work advocating for a healthy climate for banks in Wisconsin. If you are curious about the diverse ways your bank can get involved, please do not hesitate to reach out to me, Vice President – Government Relations Lorenzo Cruz, or Director – Government Relations Tyler Foti.
