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Chair’s Column: Collective Strength, Shared Impact

By Al Araque

As my term as Chair of the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the past year and the profound impact our industry continues to have on the communities we serve. It has been a true honor to witness firsthand the dedication of Wisconsin bankers in strengthening our economy, supporting small businesses, promoting financial literacy, and helping individuals achieve their financial goals.

When I chose impact as the theme of my term, I knew it was a guiding principle that extended beyond the day-to-day transactions of banking. Every loan we approve, every financial education session we host, and every local business we help grow creates a ripple effect in our communities. Over the past year, I’ve been continually reminded that even the smallest actions — when done with purpose — can create powerful, lasting outcomes.

One of the most meaningful aspects of serving as Chair has been engaging with WBA members across the state. Whether in advocacy efforts, community service, or financial education initiatives, our members consistently demonstrate their commitment to making a difference. I’ve also been inspired by the collaboration between our bank members and associate members, who bring expertise, innovation, and services that strengthen our industry from the inside out. These partnerships elevate the level of service we provide to our clients and contribute to the strength and sustainability of our banking community.

Our impact extends well beyond state lines. I’ve seen how our engagement with national organizations like the American Bankers Association (ABA) and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) amplifies our voice and deepens our influence. Whether it’s advocating on Capitol Hill, shaping regulatory policy, or sharing insights across state boundaries, we are stronger when we stand together. The collective work we do — locally, statewide, and nationally — continues to shape the future of banking in meaningful ways.

Of course, this year has not been without its challenges. Fraud and cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, regulatory demands grow more complex, and economic uncertainty lingers. Yet, I remain optimistic. The strength, adaptability, and commitment of Wisconsin’s banking professionals are unmatched. Through the WBA, we have a powerful partner that offers tools, education, advocacy, and leadership to help our industry meet these challenges head-on.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels, the entire WBA staff, and my fellow Board members. Your support, dedication, and leadership ensure that our association remains a vital resource for bankers and communities alike.

Finally, I extend my best wishes to incoming Chair Paul Northway as he steps into this important role. Under his leadership, I’m confident that WBA will continue to grow its legacy of service, advocacy, and innovation.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Chair. It has been an experience I will always value, and I look forward to continuing to support WBA and our industry in the years ahead.

Araque is SVP, director of consumer, private, and business banking with Johnson Financial Group, Racine, and the 2024–2025 WBA Chair.

 

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Chair’s Column: Shaping Brighter Financial Futures in Wisconsin

By Al Araque

On September 12, I had the pleasure of gathering with colleagues, WBA members, and special guests at the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation’s second annual gala. The gala, held at the Wisconsin Historical Society, celebrated the WBF’s mission of empowering financial decisions through education, scholarships, and research. WBF is the non-profit arm of the Wisconsin Bankers Association and was granted public charity status in 2015.

A sincere thank you to the generous sponsors, donors, and attendees who helped WBF raise a net profit of $23,000! I departed with some excellent auction items and a good feeling having learned about the meaningful work being done by the four WBF grant
recipients: 6:8, Inc, Asset Builders, Eastbrook Academy, and Economics Wisconsin. I also got to hear an inspiring speech from Cole Hicken, a 2021 WBF Spring Scholarship recipient, who has already achieved success in the industry.

Each year WBF awards grants to support non-profit organizations whose work aligns with the foundation’s missions. If you work with a non-profit in your community that assists in providing the public with the resources and knowledge to make sound financial decisions, encourage them to apply. Applications for the 2025–2026 fiscal year are accepted February 2025–May 2025.

The foundation has two scholarship programs. The Agricultural Banking Scholarship (applications are open through November 15!) of $1,500 is given to two winners annually. The Spring Scholarship application opens in early 2025. Four winners of $2,000
scholarships are selected. Details about both scholarship programs can be found on the WBF website.

Here are just a few of the many positive impacts of financial literacy:
•   Financially literate individuals are more likely to engage in responsible financial behaviors, such as creating budgets, managing expenses, and prioritizing savings.
•   Studies show that people with higher financial literacy tend to have lower levels of high interest debt, such as credit card debt.
•   Financial literacy education has been linked to higher participation in retirement savings plans.

I hear from leaders at financial institutions around the state that financial literacy is top of mind. But not all banks have the resources to create collateral or design presentations for their communities about financial literacy. That is where WBF can help so much. I urge banks to consider WBF a clearinghouse for financial education resources and encourage you to leverage those resources. Lots of helpful information can be found on the WBF website, including links to resources from agencies like FDIC and CFPB and programs like BankOn. The resources provided by WBF include a range of free financial literacy lessons targeted at K–12 children, college students, business owners, older adults, and everyone in between.

If bankers are looking for ways to get involved, you’ll find information about volunteer opportunities with organizations like ABA, Junior Achievement, and local Finance & Investment Challenge Bowls.

WBF also partners with WBA to generate new consumer content on the current financial issues impacting your customers. These resources are meant to be distributed to clients and help start the conversation about check fraud, budgeting, and more. Check out the Consumer Content on the WBA website.

Because financial literacy is so crucial, WBF recognizes the banks and volunteers who generously donated their time and expertise each year to do presentations in their communities. Whether it is through the popular Read Raises Interest Kits distributed statewide for National Teach Children to Save Day, workshops for first-time homebuyers, or fraud prevention seminars. Staff is preparing for the Excellence in Financial Education awards which will be presented at the FLEX: Retail and Marketing Summit in November. These impressive stats were recently shared with me: over 400 volunteers did 900+ financial education presentations which reached more than 30,000 individuals in communities across Wisconsin (ranging from elementary school students to senior citizens).

WBA staff will be working with the Financial Literacy Advisory Board to select the 2025 Reading Raises Interest (RRI) book. Previous RRI books and related resources including lesson plans are available on the WBF website.

The Innovation Award winner will be announced at the annual WBA Bank Executives Conference in February. The award recognizes one bank that has taken a unique approach to empowering the financial decisions of its community members. It’s always inspiring to hear about the winning bank’s programs.

Let WBF support your bank’s commitment to helping customers and community members build a strong financial foundation.

Araque is SVP, director of consumer, private, and business banking with Johnson Financial Group, Racine, and the 2024–2025 WBA Chair.

 

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Chair’s Column: Amplifying the Impact of Advocacy

By Al Araque

I recently met with WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels, WBA Vice President – Government Relations (GR) Lorenzo Cruz and my fellow Officers to discuss legislative priorities for the Association and how Board members like me and senior management/leadership at member banks can get more engaged in advocacy. That critical need for engagement and participation extends beyond C-suite leaders to employees at every phase in their careers.

The more I see WBA’s Government Relations team, which also includes Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff Daryll Lund and Director – Government Relations Tyler Foti, in action it becomes clear that the staff/member dynamic is truly symbiotic in nature. As a member, I rely on the insights and expertise of WBA’s seasoned GR professionals as they represent banks in Wisconsin, but they in turn rely on the grassroots efforts, financial contributions, and valuable perspectives from WBA members. Without the engagement of members, there is only so much that our GR pros can do. Legislators need to hear from you and candidates need to know that WBA has the financial support of its members.

As I shared in my introductory column this summer, my focus is on amplifying the impact of WBA, and there are many ways that WBA’s advocacy work can be amplified.

Generosity in Sharing Stories from the Frontline to the Board Room
You have your finger on the pulse of what is happening in your community and can speak convincingly to legislators about the public policy issues impacting your customers, employees, and local economy. Providing testimony, whether it is in person at hearings or written, can help legislators get clarity on a complex industry-related issue.

Attending Capitol Day on May 6, 2025: Attendance at this annual event is incredibly important. If you have never been before, make 2025 the year that you connect directly with legislators and network with other bankers. Members are briefed on the issues and guided through the legislative visits. The larger the group, the more impactful the Association is. I’ve heard that Capitol Day can often be a tipping point for members who end up becoming really engaged and interested in advocacy after witnessing the combined impact of WBA members.

Having a WBA Advocacy Officer from your bank: This volunteer position coordinates regulatory, legislative, and community advocacy efforts for your bank by teaming up with WBA. Advocacy Officers often work with other banks, WBA staff, legislators, and community leaders. The time commitment
is low, especially when considering the impact officers make.

I realize not everyone is immediately comfortable with these kinds of grassroots activities. It may seem daunting initially, but I know that GR staff is always willing to share talking points, bring members up to speed on the issues, and facilitate communications with legislators. The goal of the GR staff is to make your grassroots involvement easy!

Generosity with Financial Contributions
Not everyone has a clear picture of how to support WBA’s political initiatives.

Wispankpac is the registered political action committee of the WBA and supports pro-banking candidates throughout Wisconsin by pooling individual banker contributions to maximize their overall impact in the political process.

Alliance of Bankers for Wisconsin (ABW) is the registered conduit of the WBA and allows an individual banker (like you) to direct contributions to the candidate(s) of your choosing and receive individual credit for your contribution.

Finally, WBA also works with other business coalition partners on issue advocacy initiatives. Corporate contributions to WBA for issue advocacy purposes are permitted under the law.

So, the amplification of WBA’s influence can come from individuals as well as banks. WBA also has several programs to acknowledge the generosity of individuals and banks.
•   Silver Triangle Club recognition is given to individuals who personally donate at least $1000 to ABW, Wisbankpac, and/or the WBA issue advocacy fund. For Leadership Circle recognition, individual bankers must contribute at least $3,000 to any combination of Wisbankpac or the ABW conduit.
•   Gold Triangle recognition is achieved by banks whose officers, directors, and employees aggregately contribute a minimum amount to the ABW political conduit or Wisbankpac. Banks may also make corporate contributions to WBA’s issue advocacy fund.
•   The BIGG (Bankers Involved with Grassroots and Government) Award is the Association’s highest level of recognition for advocacy by our member banks. To receive this award, banks must complete five out of seven criteria described in WBA’s Advocacy Toolkit.

As the November 5 election approaches and brings with it some polarizing viewpoints, I’m reminded of a quote from Rose that I think can be helpful when you talk to staff about the need for grassroots advocacy and contributions, “Funds raised by WBA are used to help support pro-banking political candidates who are not ‘D’ or ‘R’, but rather ‘B’ for the ‘Banking’ Party.” Speaking of the election, WBA has partnered with ABA for a Get out the Vote initiative, which has lots of useful information to share with staff.

Araque is SVP, director of consumer, private, and business banking with Johnson Financial Group, Racine, and the 2024–2025 WBA Chair.

 

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Chair’s Column: Inspiring Our Future

By Donna Hoppenjan

A year ago, when I assumed the role of Chair for the Wisconsin Bankers Association’s Board of Directors, my primary goal was to instill a spirit of inspiration among our members, motivating them to pave the way for future generations. As my term approaches its end on May 31, I take great pride in reflecting on the remarkable progress our membership has made in just twelve months.

For many bankers, the initial step towards ensuring the future prosperity of our industry begins with investing in their own professional growth. Over the past year, thousands of bankers from across Wisconsin have actively engaged with WBA’s array of programs. These offerings, which include educational workshops, seminars, peer groups, and committee involvement, have empowered our members to enhance their skill sets and inspire success among their peers.

Beyond supporting our current professionals, WBA, in partnership with bankers across the state, has spearheaded efforts to connect students with opportunities to explore a future career within the banking industry. Through career night presentations that attracted over 200 students and the Association’s newly created ‘Careers in Banking’ website landing page, bankers have had the ability to foster connections and demonstrate the rewarding career paths available throughout our industry. In these efforts, bankers have played a crucial role in sharing their expertise and passion for banking with the next generation.

Furthermore, Wisconsin’s historic tax parity for banks is certainly among the most significant of our many achievements this fiscal year. For decades, countless bankers have focused their efforts on sharing with policymakers the importance of leveling the playing field and promoting fairness within the banking industry. This outstanding accomplishment — put forth by the WBA membership — will shape the banking landscape and ensure banks in Wisconsin remain relevant and competitive for generations to come.

By standing united, staying educated, and remaining engaged, our membership has proven to be a powerful force for progress. Thank you for the honor of serving as your Chair, and here’s to the bright future that awaits us.

Hoppenjan is president and CEO of Mound City Bank, Platteville, and the 2023–2024 WBA Chair.

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Introducing New WBA Chair Donna Hoppenjan

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