Executive Letter: The Value of Your Network - Wisconsin Bankers Association

By Rose Oswald Poels

The value of the network of other bankers whom you surround yourself with is priceless. We hear it time and time again from the membership: the need for time on conference agendas to allow for peer networking. As we turn the page to 2025, I wanted to share some information about powerful networking opportunities that are available to you and your teams through your WBA membership.

Wisconsin CEOnly and CFOnly Network

This annual membership network is open to all CEOs and CFOs currently employed at a Wisconsin-chartered bank. The group, which focuses on networking and idea sharing related to Wisconsin’s banking industry, provides bankers with the platform to anonymously ask questions and receive compiled responses via email as well as connect with peers at up to three in-person networking events. More than 100 Wisconsin bankers participate in this network and find great value in both the email services as well as getting together for the in-person meetings hosted in three different locations around the state each year.

Learn More About the Network

National Society of Bank Executives

Founded in 2022 by WBA and 15 other state bankers’ associations, the Society was formed to provide a space for c-level bankers to connect across state borders to learn together and build a network. Each year the Society selects one key focus area, with the 2025 topic being Leading Change. Members will be connected with other c-level bankers from across the country for virtual peer groups, participate in two webinars focused on Leading Change, and participate in the October 22–-24 in-person summit in Miami, bringing together members in person for networking, learning sessions, roundtable discussions, professional and personal development activities, and more!

Learn More About the Society of Bank Executives

As a way to spread awareness for the Society, the February 2025 virtual forums will be complimentary for all WBA members to experience! These virtual forums will be professionally facilitated, interactive online sessions that allow senior bank executives to connect with peers outside of their competitive market, learn new perspectives, gain insights from others, expand their knowledge base, and focus on topics important to them. Here’s the information and registration links for the first round of sessions scheduled for February 2025:

February 6, 2025 – Chief Human Resource Officer Peer Group, facilitated by Greg Beckwith, AI Mastery – Register here
February 13, 2025 – Chief Financial Officer Peer Group, facilitated by Dale Sheller, The Baker Group – Register here
February 20, 2025 – Chief Operations Officer Peer Group, facilitated by Tom McGill, Profit Resources, Inc. – Register here
February 27, 2025 – Chief Executive Officer Peer Group, facilitated by Sean Payant, Ph.D., Haberfeld – Register here

All virtual events will be held via Zoom at 12:30 p.m. CT. The Zoom link will be emailed to attendees prior to the event.

WBA Connect Peer Groups

The WBA Connect Peer Groups are an excellent way for your staff members to develop their networks as well!

WBA Connect is a collection of banker-only peer communities designed to keep bankers connected and help one another grow. Membership in each WBA Connect group comes with access to that group’s exclusive online peer-to-peer email, set up using Google Groups. Certain groups will also coordinate in-person networking meetings as desired by the group’s membership.

The following WBA Connect Peer Groups are available: