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A panel session titled “AI in Action” captured the attention of bankers from across the state at our 2025 WBA Bank Executives Conference on February 6 in Milwaukee. The panel was facilitated by Eric Cook, Chief Digital Strategist with WSI Digital and faculty member of the GSB Digital Banking School and WBA School of Bank Management. Panelists included:
- Sheri Dick, Forward Bank
- Chris Nichols, SouthState Bank
- Kathy Strasser, IncredibleBank
- Cyrene Wilke, Horicon Bank
Cook used an AI note-taker tool to record the panel discussion, which provided the following recap details.
Overview
The panel discussion focused on the integration and impact of AI in the banking industry, highlighting the importance of AI champions, training programs, and overcoming fears of job replacement. Key takeaways include AI’s role in enhancing productivity, employee empowerment, and its implications for hiring and retention. The discussion also covered partnerships with technology providers, ethical considerations, and practical applications of AI in banking operations.
Introductions
- Eric Cook is the panel moderator, a former banker, and a speaker at WBA and GSB Digital Banking School. He is leading a panel discussion on AI in the banking industry.
- Kathy Strasser is from Incredible Bank, a $2 billion organization based in Wausau, Wisconsin. She is responsible for people, technology, operations, and marketing.
- Sheri Dick is the Chief Operating Officer at Forward Bank in Marshfield, Wisconsin, which has over $1 billion in assets.
- Cyrene Wilke is the Chief Information and Operations Officer at Horicon Bank, which has $1.6 billion in assets and 20 locations in south Wisconsin.
- Chris Nichols is from South State Bank, which has 375 locations and $65 billion in assets. He has been involved in the bank’s AI journey for about two and a half years.
- The panel discussion involves multiple speakers discussing the integration and impact of AI in banking. Key topics include the importance of having a champion for AI initiatives, training programs, overcoming fears of AI replacing jobs, and practical use cases of AI in banking operations. The discussion also covers the role of AI in enhancing productivity, employee empowerment, and its implications for hiring and retention.
- The panel discussion involves multiple speakers discussing the integration and impact of AI in banking, particularly focusing on partnerships with technology providers. Panelist highlight the use of AI in customer service chat tools, emphasizing the incorporation of their company’s culture into AI responses. The discussion also covers the use of AI for productivity, employee engagement, and regulatory considerations.
- The panel discussion focuses on the use of AI in business settings, particularly in banking and personal life. The speakers discuss the adoption of AI tools like Viva Insights and Copilot, ethical considerations, and practical applications. They share insights on how AI can enhance efficiency, strategic planning, and personal tasks.
Takeaways
- AI does not require technical expertise to use; it can be interacted with using natural language.
- AI policies can be integrated into existing acceptable use and information security policies, with governance through an IT steering committee.
- AI is not necessarily a threat to jobs but a tool that can lead to more hiring by increasing efficiency and creating new opportunities.
- The use of AI in banking is akin to the adoption of the internet and email; it is becoming an indispensable tool for daily operations.
- Integrating AI with a company’s cultural playbook can significantly enhance customer interactions by providing responses that align with the company’s values and communication style.
- AI adoption can lead to a culture multiplier effect, aligning employees during mergers and enhancing organizational cohesion.
- AI encourages organizations to reassess their processes, potentially leading to improvements that do not necessarily involve AI solutions.
- AI tools like Copilot can simplify tasks such as drafting letters, making them more efficient and less error-prone.
- Hackathons and collaborative projects can reveal innovative AI applications, even from non-technical employees.
- Disclosing AI usage in communications can transform what was once seen as embarrassing into a badge of honor, increasing AI adoption.
- Using AI for personal tasks can demonstrate its power and encourage experimentation without the fear of breaking rules.
Insights
- AI in banking involves traditional AI, generative AI, and engenic AI (the intelligent agents that are built on both gen AI and traditional AI), which are now being integrated for more effective use.
- Establishing a governance framework, including a steering committee, policy, and charter, is crucial for safely integrating AI in banking.
- Common misconceptions about AI include regulatory disapproval, irrelevance to current operations, and fear of job replacement.
- Having a champion for AI initiatives within the bank is crucial for successful implementation and adoption.
- AI can enhance customer service by integrating company culture into automated responses, improving both customer and employee experiences.
- Sharing AI success stories within teams can inspire others to explore AI solutions for their tasks.
- AI can significantly increase productivity and efficiency in banking, potentially making banks 20% more productive in a few years.
- AI use in banking not only boosts productivity but also increases employee confidence and serves as a coaching tool.
- Using AI tools like Copilot can save time and increase efficiency, and disclosing AI usage can encourage adoption.
- Creating a prompt library and sharing AI agents can lead to a geometric increase in AI usage and efficiency.
- Running Monte Carlo simulations with AI can enhance strategic planning by providing a range of possible outcomes.
- AI is becoming a critical factor in hiring, as new employees expect access to AI tools and training.
- AI should not be seen as a universal solution; it is important to evaluate existing processes and determine if AI is the appropriate tool.
- AI can be used for personal tasks, such as planning vacations or creating recipes, which helps users understand its potential without compliance concerns.
- AI can save significant time and resources in marketing and business intelligence by automating content creation and demographic analysis.
- Employee engagement with AI can be fostered by setting goals for quick wins and encouraging staff to propose AI use cases.
- Microsoft’s Copilot is a powerful tool for enhancing productivity through features like intelligent meeting recaps and email prioritization.
- Introducing AI tools like Copilot can be done organically, encouraging employees to explore and innovate with the technology.
- Regulatory bodies are scrutinizing AI use in banking, emphasizing the need for risk assessments and board communication.
Kenneth Thompson; chairman of the board of Capitol Bank, Madison; honored by Wisconsin Bankers Association
Kenneth Thompson
The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) is pleased to announce that Kenneth D. Thompson, executive chairman of the board of Capitol Bank, Madison, has been named the 2024 Banker of the Year. The award was presented the evening of February 6, 2025, in Milwaukee at the largest banking industry event in the state, the WBA Bank Executives Conference.
“It is an honor to congratulate Ken on earning the title of ‘Banker of the Year,’” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO. “He is widely admired not only for his professionalism and expertise, but also for his genuine kindness and deep commitment to his family, colleagues, and community.”
Kenneth Thompson (center) accepts his award from WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels and WBA Chair Alvaro Araque
Thompson’s 29-year journey with Capitol Bank began in its early days as a de novo bank with under $10 million in assets. Since that time he has steered Capitol Bank to over $600 million. Under his guidance, Capitol Bank expanded its footprint, opening new branches and fueling loans to support the local economy.
Thompson’s influence extends far beyond his local community, shaping the banking industry at large. As a former chair and board member of the Wisconsin Bankers Association, he guided the organization through challenging times, including the pandemic years. His advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., service on the WBA Government Relations Committee, and his testimony to policy makers on critical issues such as the prevention of elder financial abuse have left a lasting impact on the industry. Thompson’s support of financial literacy through the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation further underscores his commitment to empowering individuals and strengthening the financial wellness of Wisconsinites.
Thompson and colleagues
In his professional capacity, Thompson has been a driving force behind economic growth and innovation. As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, he has championed initiatives that promote housing finance and community investment. Thompson’s commitment to economic development extends to partnerships with organizations such as Madison Development Corporation, where his leadership has supported critical local projects. Under Thompson’s leadership, Capitol Bank received the ICBA Community Service Award for providing financial services to 12 senior living facilities which reflects his vision for fostering financial stability and access for all.
Thompson and family
Thompson embodies the spirit of community service through his lifelong commitment to improving lives both inside and outside the banking world. His dedication shines brightly at Agrace, Wisconsin’s largest hospice care organization caring for over 1,000 patients per day, where he has been involved as a volunteer since 1997 and chaired their annual charity golf outing numerous years before joining the Agrace board in 2007 to the present as chair. His leadership earned him the prestigious Life Member Award. Additionally, Thompson has been a cornerstone of several local organizations, from his work on the Catholic Charities of Madison Board to his role as a founding member of the American Family Children’s Hospital Community Advisory Board. For nearly 40 years, Thompson has been an active member of the Breakfast Optimist Club of Madison, where he has served as president and provided valuable economic updates.
Thompson has also volunteered for a number of local non-profits during his tenure with the bank and has been a passionate leader who encourages others to get involved. During his time as president and CEO of Capitol Bank, he advocated for his team to give resources of time and expertise to local non-profits. Current team members proudly sit on over 60 boards and committees (with a team of less than 60 people). Ken is also a United Way Tocqueville Society Member, an esteemed level of donor recognition that United Way provides.
The Wisconsin Bankers Association’s Banker of the Year award is presented to one Wisconsin banker each year in recognition of outstanding service to their bank, to the continued vitality of their community, and to the banking profession. The Banker of the Year award began in 1986, and Thompson is the 39th banker honored with this distinction.
By Rose Oswald Poels
Each year, I’m awed by the work of bankers as leaders in our community. It is always an honor to celebrate their achievements and commend them on their service not only in their banks, but through their commitment to moving the banking industry in Wisconsin forward and encouraging growth and success in their own communities.
I am happy to announce that the Wisconsin Bankers Association is currently accepting nominations for the 2024 Banker of the Year Award. This annual award recognizes an individual who has made an outstanding effort in service to their bank, to their community, and to the banking profession.
To qualify, nominees must be an employee of a Wisconsin bank and a member of the WBA. Additionally, the individual should be a bank president/CEO or have held this role in the recent past. Nominations may be submitted by any person who is able to describe the banker’s civic and professional accomplishments. The award will be presented during the WBA Bank Executives Conference on February 6, 2025, in Milwaukee. The conference is the largest banking event in Wisconsin and will take place February 5–7, 2025, at the Pfister Hotel.
If you know a qualified individual, I encourage you to download a nomination form to recognize their efforts in their bank and communities. Each year we are fortunate to receive nominations for many qualified individuals. If you have nominated someone in the past who was not selected, please do not hesitate to re-submit your nomination. Please note that bankers are also encouraged to nominate themselves. The form must be submitted by December 6, 2024.
Last year’s Banker of the Year, Gerald Jacobson, president and CEO of Northwestern Bank, headquartered in Chippewa Falls, exemplifies the dedication of bankers across the state through his commitment to his bank, the industry, and various community initiatives. Jerry, a highly accomplished, yet humble individual, and the many committed bank leaders across the state who have received this recognition in the past all have remarkable and inspiring stories to share about their experiences and achievements.
The stories we hear about the notable work bankers are doing around our state motivate all of us in the industry. I look forward to learning more about the many ways the nominees are making an impact. It will be a privilege to recognize an outstanding individual at the Bank Executives Conference in February. This year’s Banker of the Year will be the 39th banker honored with this distinction.
Upcoming events empower bankers in their service to Wisconsin
By Donna Hoppenjan
As the last several years have demonstrated, the future is becoming increasingly difficult to predict. Yet, individuals, families, and businesses across Wisconsin look to their local bankers as experts and beacons of stability to lead them through uncertainty. Standing ready to assist its members in serving their communities, the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) remains committed not only to providing the resources and support necessary to navigate the challenging times, but also to illustrating the opportunities on the horizon.
The last several years have seen rising interest rates and ongoing recessionary fears, bringing the health of our economy to the forefront of our collective consciousness. For many, these challenges underscored the key role that bankers play in guiding their communities towards financial stability and growth. Looking ahead to the new year, our neighbors will turn to us for our interpretation of economic data and guidance on trends that we will likely see. Along the way, WBA will continue to empower bankers with resources and opportunities to inspire resilience.
One way in which the membership can be sure to remain abreast of our unique economic environment is by attending the Association’s Midwest Economic Forecast Forum. The Forum, which will be held on January 11, 2024, is presented in partnership with several other Midwestern banking associations and is focused specifically on providing an opportunity
for bankers across the Midwest to hear from nationally renowned experts on what opportunities and challenges are expected in the next 12 months.
The 2024 Forum will again be held virtually, and banks are encouraged to invite staff, business customers, directors, and any others interested. More information — including individual and group rates — will be available at wisbank.com/econ.
Additionally, Wisconsin’s largest gathering of bank leaders — the WBA Bank Executives Conference — is right around the corner, February 7–9, 2024. This premier event, which will once again be held at the Kalahari Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells, will feature several general and breakout sessions, banker-only peer groups and other networking opportunities, an extensive exhibit hall, and two award ceremonies.
The unifying theme of the 2024 event — “Inspire” — underscores the dedication and commitment of the over 30,000 bankers across the state to Wisconsinites. Serving as trusted financial advisors
and community builders, bankers in Wisconsin continually inspire progress and prosperity in the lives of those they serve. During this year’s event, I am excited to not only celebrate our achievements throughout the last year, but also to join my peers in harnessing the power of inspiration to navigate the evolving banking landscape, lead with resilience, and ignite positive change in our communities.
These annual events are not just an opportunity to gain knowledge and connections; they are a reminder to each of us of the profound impact banking has on the people and places we call home. I hope that you will join me at either — or both — of these upcoming events to enhance your team’s knowledge for the benefit of Wisconsin’s banking industry.
By Rose Oswald Poels
Since 1986, bankers across the state of Wisconsin have been recognized for their outstanding efforts as leaders in our communities. This tradition, now celebrated annually at the WBA Bank Executives Conference in February, is equally as exciting as it is inspiring and encouraging to each of us in the room and throughout the industry.
Last year’s Banker of the Year, Steve Burgess of National Bank of Commerce in Superior, exemplifies not only the commitment bankers demonstrate to the community, but an incredible dedication to the industry as a whole. His career, spanning nearly 40 years, has accounted for remarkable growth throughout Wisconsin’s banking industry and in every community he has served.
Steve, and all previous Bankers of the Year recipients, are just a few of the many devoted individuals throughout Wisconsin demonstrating an outstanding commitment to their banks, communities, and the profession. It is humbling to recognize these exceptional leaders each year.
As such, the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) will now be accepting nominations for the 2022 Banker of the Year through Friday, December 9, 2022. In addition to demonstrating remarkable service efforts over their career to both their bank and community, qualifying individuals must be an employee of a Wisconsin bank and WBA member as well as a current (or recent past) president/CEO.
Those nominating themselves or another qualified banker for the prestigious Banker of the Year recognition may submit the nomination form at any time before December 9, 2022. As our Association receives many qualified applications each year, those who have previously nominated a banker who was not selected are also encouraged to do so again this year.
Thank you for the continued work each of you do for Wisconsinites each and every day. I can say without a doubt that the devotion Wisconsin bankers show to our industry has left a lasting impression on many communities and fellow bankers. I look forward to hearing new stories about the outstanding service Wisconsin bankers do each day as well as celebrating these achievements in the new year.
By Rose Oswald Poels
Each year, bankers throughout Wisconsin go above and beyond in their mission to provide for their communities. As we near the end of Wisconsin Bankers Association’s (WBA) fiscal year on May 31, we want to be sure to recognize the efforts our member banks accomplish in pursuit of bettering the financial education and responsibility of their communities.
Alongside the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation (WBF) in its mission to empower financial decisions through education and research, I highly encourage all WBA-member bankers to track and submit their data to help WBA and WBF better understand the financial education-related activities Wisconsin banks and their bankers are involved with each year.
New this year, bankers are able to submit their presentation summaries online at wisbankfoundation.org/education/.
The two summary forms aim at highlighting the achievements of both individuals as well as the bank for their financial education presentations and activities from June 1, 2021 through May 31, 2022. These activities often include volunteer hours with Junior Achievement, Teach Children to Save presentations, and bank tours — events that many bankers take part in during the month of April as part of Power of Community Week.
The individual summary is intended to capture one event or presentation. Therefore, bankers who have or expect to engage in multiple financial education-related activities from June 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022 should expect to also submit multiple summaries. Because each summary reflects a single event, all co-presenters should be listed on the same form.
Exceptional individual efforts are recognized by WBF with either a Certificate of Recognition or Certificate of Excellence based on the number of presentations given. These awards, along with the top two banker awards, are presented each year at WBA’s LEAD360 Conference in the fall.
The bank summary form is intended to capture information related to the bank’s entire financial education initiatives. Based on the level of a bank’s total activity, member banks may earn the Excellence in Financial Education Award. This award is also presented each year to the winning banks at WBA’s LEAD360 Conference.
In addition to the Excellence in Financial Education Award, banks are strongly encouraged to apply for the prestigious Financial Education Innovation Award. This award is given to one bank each year that has financial education initiatives or programs that are very creative, reaching a wide audience. The 2021 Financial Education Innovation Award was presented to Bank Five Nine at WBA’s Bank Executives Conference in February for their efforts in creating an innovative approach to financial education. Banks may apply for this award by completing the final portion of the bank-wide presentation summary form application online.
You all do great work in the financial education space in your communities so take the time to get recognized for your outstanding work! Completing the forms this year is even easier now that they are online. You may submit forms at any time but the final deadline is July 31, 2022. I look forward to learning more about your efforts this past year and recognizing the incredible work Wisconsin bankers do each day. Please reach out to Hannah Flanders at hflanders@wisbank.com or me if you have questions regarding the completion of the two summary forms.
By Kenneth D. Thompson
As bankers, our unique position both in our economy and in our community shows us a widened perspective of our daily lives. Jack Uldrich, leading global futurist and author, shared with Wisconsin’s banking leaders during his keynote session at WBA’s annual Bank Executive Conference in Wisconsin Dells that today is the slowest rate of change that we will ever experience again.
Whether we realize it or not, the COVID-19 pandemic has launched us into the future. As our world continues to evolve and community banks lead efforts in digital and technological expansion, the next ten years are becoming increasingly difficult to predict. What once was an “unconventional” practice, is quickly becoming the new normal.
It is clear to me that community bankers are resilient no matter the circumstance. Wisconsin bankers are quite familiar with conducting business in the unfamiliar. Our ability to stay relevant has only strengthened among widespread technological advancement and bank mergers as well as our efforts in approaching PPP loans and growth in liquidity. We have quickly become a source of comfort for our communities during times of uncertainty — something I know each of us significantly values — and our ability to act fast in times of need is critical.
Uldrich advises that we continue to explore the unknown, take time to think further than today or tomorrow, and to always ask questions. Business as unusual means change, and I am thrilled to see how each of us rises to the occasion for the betterment of our communities time and time again.
National Bank of Commerce President and CEO Steve Burgess
The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) is pleased to announce the 2021 Banker of the Year award winner: Steve Burgess, president and CEO of National Bank of Commerce.
National Bank of Commerce is a community bank headquartered in Superior, Wis. with ten locations in Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin. Burgess has nearly 40 years of banking experience and has been president and CEO of National Bank of Commerce for almost 10 years.
“I would like to congratulate Steve on being selected as the 2021 Banker of the Year,” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO. “Steve is known for creating a strong bank culture through respect for others, integrity, and professional excellence.”
Burgess has made many contributions to the banking industry and the economy in Wisconsin and Minnesota. He served on the WBA Board and chaired the WBA Government Relations Committee. He has served as chairman of APEX, on the La Crosse Area Economic Development Committee, as president of the Neillsville Economic Development Association, president of the Neillsville Chamber of Commerce, and as chairman of the Marshfield Economic Development Association.
Burgess also serves on the College of St. Scholastica and Essentia Health Duluth Clinic Foundation boards. He is an active member of Duluth Rotary Club 25. His past service includes his roles as vice chairman of the St. Joseph Hospital (Marshfield, Wis.), Board member of the Washburn Academy (Neillsville, Wis.), and chair of Neillsville Assisted Living, Inc.
During Burgess’ nearly decade-long tenure at National Bank of Commerce, the bank has performed at the top of the performance metrics, achieving the top quartile for annual ROA and ROE for all but two of those years. Burgess has led the bank’s growth in assets from $400 million to $1.2 billion. He initiated a residential real estate origination department, including servicing. Under Burgess’ leadership, the bank converted software operating systems to new and more efficient processing. He instituted an enterprise risk management department and led a successful re-branding of the bank’s image.
Burgess’ professional experience includes serving as president and CEO of State Bank Financial (La Crosse, Wis.) for 11 years, president and CEO of M&I Central Bank and Trust (Marshfield, Wis.) for seven years, and president and CEO of the First National Bank of Neillsville for 12 years.
Burgess and his wife of 40 years, Kathy Burgess, reside at their “sugarhouse” in Duluth, Minn., where the family runs a syrup-producing business. The couple has five adult children.
The Wisconsin Bankers Association’s Banker of the Year award is presented to one Wisconsin banker each year. The recipient must be a Wisconsin bank CEO or president who has demonstrated outstanding service to their bank, to the continued vitality of their community, and to the banking profession. Burgess was honored at WBA’s Bank Executives Conference in Wisconsin Dells, the largest banking event in Wisconsin, on February 10, 2022.
Rose Oswald Poels, Wisconsin Bankers Association president and CEO, presents the 2021 Banker of the Year award to Steve Burgess, president and CEO of National Bank of Commerce, on February 10, 2022 at the WBA Bank Executives Conference in Wisconsin Dells.
This year’s event centers around the theme “Rise”
The Wisconsin Banker’s Association is thrilled to announce that the annual Bank Executives Conference will be back in person February 9–11, 2022 at the Kalahari Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells. This is the premiere event for bank leaders in the state. The theme of this year’s event will be “Rise.” Wisconsin bankers have risen to the occasion over the course of the pandemic, and this conference will address what it will take to be resilient and relevant in 2022.
Networking
Being back in person opens the door for the kind of networking opportunities that bank leaders have been craving for nearly two years. The conference will kick off with a networking reception on Wednesday evening, but bankers are invited and encouraged to arrive earlier for optional afternoon “banker-only” peer group discussions starting at 2:30 p.m. Peer group discussions are geared toward the roles of CEOs, CFOs, credit and lending, operations, and organizational development. Opportunities to connect with fellow bankers, WBA Associate Members, and WBA staff will be plentiful throughout the conference, with an exhibitor Marketplace providing a dedicated space for making connections.
Executive-Level Education
The WBA Bank Executives Conference brings national experts to Wisconsin, while providing tailored programming specific to the needs of banking leaders in our state. Among the trending topics that will be covered at the conference are:
- Changes that emerged during the pandemic that are now here to stay
- Talent recruitment and retention
- Technology, fintech, and digital transformation
- Cryptocurrency
- And more!
New Hybrid Option for 2022 A livestream will allow attendees at the bank to view the keynote sessions on February 10 and 11.
The opening keynote session is titled, “Business as Unusual: How to Future-Proof Your Business in Transformational Times.” In this engaging, provocative, and insightful keynote session, acclaimed global futurist and best-selling author Jack Uldrich will not only discuss how the Coronavirus is transforming the world of tomorrow, he will explain why it is accelerating many of the trends that were already at work prior to the epidemic. History reminds us that great crises produce great change — as well as great opportunities. To take advantage of these extraordinary opportunities, businesses must position themselves now to operate in a world where “business as unusual” is the new “usual.” This session will help leaders at every level of an organization leverage ten “unconventional” techniques to succeed in today’s — and tomorrow’s — transformational times.
Dr. Chris Kuehl, managing director of Armada Corporate Intelligence, will present a keynote session, “2022 – The Real Recovery Year?” That honor was supposed to go to 2021, but we all know what happened over the last several months — inflation, labor shortage, supply chain breakdowns, and the repeated resurgence of the virus. Now we have these lingering issues along with the reactions — higher interest rates, efforts to restore, continued engagement by the government. The bankers have been placed squarely in the middle of all this and expected to do most of the heavy lifting. Does that continue and what can we really expect as far as growth and recovery?
For more details on programming and to view the full agenda, please visit www.wisbank.com/bec.
Banking leaders are eager to rise to the challenges ahead of them, and the conference will provide actionable tools and knowledge attendees can bring back to their banks and communities.
Recognition
The 2021 Banker of the Year will be announced at the conference, recognizing a bank CEO or president (or an individual who has recently retired from these positions) who has made an outstanding effort throughout their career in service to their bank, to their community, and to the banking profession.
The Wisconsin Bankers Foundation Financial Education Innovation Award will be presented at a special luncheon on February 10. This prestigious award recognizes a bank’s unique efforts to enhance the financial capability of consumers in their community, whether it’s a new kind of educational game for students, curriculum developed for adult seminars, or some other new or innovative approach to financial education.
The 50- and 60-Year Clubs recognize bankers who have served in the banking industry for 50 and 60 years, respectively. These awards will be presented during the special luncheon at the conference to honor professionals who have dedicated their careers to the banking industry.
Entertainment
Ope! Charlie Berens, best known to Wisconsinites for his viral video series, “The Manitowoc Minute,” will perform at the Chairman’s Dinner Program on Thursday, February 10.
Comedian, Emmy award-winning journalist, and Wisconsin native Charlie Berens — who rose to fame from his video series, “The Manitowoc Minute” — will provide the entertainment for the Chairman’s Dinner Program on February 10. Attendees can expect lots of laughs from the author of the recently released book, “The Midwest Survival Guide: How We Talk, Love, Work, Drink, and Eat. . . Everything With Ranch.” Berens has been featured on Fox, CBS, Funny or Die, TBS Digital, Variety, MTV News, and more. In 2013, he won an Emmy for “The Cost of Water” while reporting for Texas news station KDAF. “The Manitowoc Minute” series has garnered millions of views and paved the way for a sold-out standup comedy tour. Geez, Louise, this is sure to be a hilarious show you won’t want to miss!
Register
To register for the conference, please visit www.wisbank.com/bec. We look forward to seeing you Wednesday, February 9–Friday, February 11 at the Kalahari Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells!
