Tag Archive for: Financial Education

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Executive Letter: Empowering Wisconsinites Through Financial Education

By Rose Oswald Poels

Bankers have long been known as advocates for the wellbeing and prosperity of their communities. As the chair of the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation (WBF), our Association’s non-profit arm, I am pleased to recognize bankers who continually go above and beyond in their dedication to financial education.

From sharing insight on topics ranging from budgeting to credit in classrooms, shelters, and community centers to taking part in programming such as Teach Children to Save Day, bankers work to ensure their neighbors feel empowered to make informed financial decisions and have the ability to utilize financial services with confidence.

During the Foundation’s 2022–2023 fiscal year, over 24,700 community members in Wisconsin participated in financial education initiatives led by bankers. This outstanding achievement not only leaves a lifelong impact on community members young and old, but also illustrates the ongoing commitment of bankers in our state to promoting financial capability.

This year, the Foundation held its annual breakfast program at FLEX Retail & Marketing Summit (formerly LEAD360) to honor and celebrate the achievements of many banker volunteers. Thank you to the following bankers who continue to devote their time and expertise to expanding the financial literacy and capability of Wisconsinites.

Jen Yager and Paige Hyer of Royal Bank received the Foundation’s most prestigious Excellence in Financial Education Awards. Throughout the year, Jen conducted a remarkable 50 financial education events and was named as the 2022–2023 Financial Literacy Banker of the Year. Paige, who conducted an impressive 36 events, earned the Financial Literacy Banker Award. The Financial Literacy Banker of the Year and Financial Literacy Banker Award are presented to the bankers who participate in the most and second-most financial education-focused events, respectively. It is especially notable that Jen and Paige were new to volunteering in financial education this past year and have already achieved this level of success.

In addition to these awards, Jen and Paige were also recognized with a Certificate of Excellence alongside Katlein Detloff, Ladysmith Federal Savings & Loan Association; Sarah Rogers, Mound City Bank; Jaclyn Rutkowski and Jodi Vande Kolk, National Exchange Bank & Trust; and Jenean Friedl and Ashley Tabbert, Royal Bank. This certificate is presented to individual bankers who report participation in at least 20 financial education-focused events.

The Foundation also recognized 18 banks with the Excellence in Financial Education (Bank) Award for the bank’s organization-wide commitment to financial education and 48 individual bankers with a Certificate of Recognition for participating in between five and 19 presentations during the fiscal year. To see the full list of recipients, please visit wisbankfoundation.org/award-recipients.

WBF is proud to recognize the work of so many individuals and banks each year, and I invite you to continue sharing your financial literacy efforts from June 1, 2023 onward with the Foundation by completing the submission forms available on the Foundation’s website at any time throughout the year.

Furthermore, if your bank — or current employee(s) — has demonstrated an outstanding effort to increase financial literacy, capability, and inclusion among Wisconsin residents, I would encourage you to apply for the 2023 Governor’s Financial Literacy Awards before the deadline of Friday, December 1. These awards, which recognize both individuals and organizations, emphasize innovative, inclusive, and measurable efforts. Many credit unions are recognized for the work they do in this space as they routinely submit applications, and it would be nice to see the good work you all do recognized as well.

Again, thank you to all of the banker volunteers who continue our industry’s long-standing commitment to improving financial literacy and capability; your efforts do not go unnoticed and have lasting impacts throughout our community.

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Students with backpacks walking together
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Executive Letter: Inspiring a Generation of Future Bankers

By Rose Oswald Poels

For many of us, the beginning of autumn marks back to school. While hundreds of bankers across the state prepare for new professional development opportunities, many of our future colleagues and leaders are as well.

As bankers are well aware, a shrinking talent pool threatens the long-term viability and competitiveness of our industry. Led by Chair Donna Hoppenjan, the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) is encouraging the membership to consider the ways in which we each can engage — or “inspire” — the next generation to consider a career in banking. It is vital that bankers today are proactive in ensuring our industry’s future success by connecting with students and demonstrating the opportunities available to them.

With talent recruitment at the top of mind for many banks, the Association will once again be hosting several “career night” presentations in the coming months. With the goal of closing the gap between students and banking professionals, these upcoming events are open to students interested in learning more about the industry, what careers are available to them, and why the banking industry might be a good fit for them. Starting this fall, and throughout the academic school year, career nights will take place at Marquette University, UW–Eau Claire, UW–Green Bay, UW–La Crosse, UW–Madison, and UW–Whitewater, with the possibility of more locations being added.

If you, or someone from your bank, are interested in partnering with the Association to serve as a panelist at one of these upcoming events, please contact our team.

In addition to directly connecting with students during a career fair or panel presentation, bankers are also encouraged to share opportunities to further students’ experiences and engagement with the banking industry. Internships are a great example of this, and WBA members may post internship job ads at no cost in our Banker’s Marketplace.

Additionally, sharing the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation’s (WBF) fourth annual Agricultural Banking Scholarship opportunity widely among your networks is an easy way to invest in the students who are interested in a banking career and driving our agricultural sector. The application period is open through November 15, 2023, for students currently enrolled at an accredited Wisconsin college, university, or technical college who are pursuing a career related to agribusiness. Two scholarships of $1,500 each are available.

Like our members, WBA is dedicated to ensuring a bright future for the industry. With your help, we can demonstrate the diverse and rewarding career paths available within the banking sector, foster relationships with students eager to explore these opportunities, and provide the necessary support for them to thrive in our industry.

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Introducing FLEX: Retail and Marketing Summit

The newly rebranded event kicks off on November 15

In 2013, the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) brought together retail, sales, marketing, and financial literacy bankers in Wisconsin for its first annual LEAD360 Conference. The event — which focused specifically on education, networking, and idea sharing — has provided thousands of bankers with the opportunity to connect with their peers, learn from industry experts, and return to office with action items. As the event approaches its tenth year, and the banking industry continues to undergo significant development, LEAD360 has now been rebranded as the FLEX: Retail and Marketing Summit.

“In today’s fast paced retail and marketing world, it is only appropriate that the Association continues to provide resources and highlight the efforts of bankers who work diligently to assist their bank in remaining up-to-date and relevant,” stated Miranda Gustafson, WBA assistant director – education. “Although the name has changed, the Summit continues to connect attendees with opportunities to expand their networks, exchange ideas, and deepen their understanding of various industry trends and innovations.”

A familiar face at many WBA events, Lisa Lyon will be attending her eighth FLEX Summit in 2023. Having served in various retail and marketing-support positions since beginning her tenure at Pillar Bank, Baldwin in 2013, Lyon finds significant value in the connections she has had the opportunity to foster and new ideas she has been able to introduce to the bank.

“Every year, WBA’s FLEX Summit provides several general sessions focused on particular, big ideas related to retail and marketing,” highlights Lyon. “These sessions are often complemented by additional round table discussions and peer networking sessions in which attendees have an opportunity to discuss various topics in greater detail, or dive into other ideas. To me, this is the most valuable aspect of the annual event, and why I — and many of my colleagues — return year after year.”

Gustafson notes that attendees can expect over eight hours of presentations — including general and breakout sessions — as well as ample time to network with exhibitors and bankers from across the state during the two-day event. The Summit will kick off in Wisconsin Dells on the morning of November 15 and adjourn at noon the following day.

In addition to attending the annual event, Lyon — who now serves as vice president – treasury management director — is actively involved with the WBF Financial Literacy Advisory Board. The Advisory Board, representing bankers involved with promoting financial literacy and capability throughout their communities, is charged with aiding WBA staff in the planning and organization of the financial literacy track during the Summit.

“Financial literacy often falls to a bank’s retail and marketing team, so tying financial education-focused components into an event like FLEX ensures that bankers who wear many hats are able to make the most out of their time away from their desks,” says Lyon.

Sales, marketing, and retail-focused bankers will also benefit from tracks planned in conjunction with the WBA Retail and Marketing Committees.

In addition to more than a day’s worth of sessions, the FLEX Summit will also feature two award ceremonies during a breakfast program on November 16. The first, which is presented by the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation, will recognize the efforts of bankers involved with financial education in Wisconsin communities from June 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023.

The second award ceremony — a new addition to FLEX in 2023 — will recognize one member bank that demonstrated an innovative marketing campaign between August 1, 2022 and July 31, 2023. Submissions for the inaugural WBA Marketing Award are now being accepted at wisbank.com/MarketingExcellence through Saturday, September 30.

Lyon underscores that FLEX is the perfect opportunity for bankers of all levels to get involved. “So much good comes out of events like FLEX. From broadening your knowledge to fostering connections statewide, new and experienced bankers are sure to leave motivated and inspired for the year ahead.”

Learn More and Register Now
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Executive Letter: Leading Financial Awareness Across Wisconsin

By Rose Oswald Poels

Throughout the industry, bankers make a difference in every community they serve. Whether it is helping an individual open their first saving account, mortgaging a home, or volunteering for various initiatives — the significance of the banking industry is undeniable.

As your partners in ensuring the well-being and longevity of the industry, the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) is not only committed to your bank’s success, but also that of each of the communities you serve.

Of course, a major aspect of this mission is professional development. In addition to the countless schools, workshops, and conferences our team hosts annually, there are a number of resources and best practice tools that every member of the bank may take advantage of. By investing in the expertise of your team, bankers will have the ability to meet the needs of every customer.

Bankers have always been known in their communities as trusted advisors and confidants. To aid bankers in guiding their communities toward financial success and keep customers aware of critical information, topics of interest, and other safe-banking practices, the Association has created a consumer resources page on the WBA website.

The resources, which can be found at wisbank.com/consumercontent, are free and available to all members. Ranging from one-pagers discussing topics such as the risks of storing money in apps to elder abuse factsheets and Wisconsin Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (WUTMA) account information, WBA has a list of tools that not only feature relevant and timely information related to banking but are also easily customizable. Bankers are encouraged to utilize this page to share as handouts, social media reminders, or as topics of conversation with customers.

In addition, WBA’s non-profit arm, the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation, has a number of free, financial literacy-related resources. Available at wisbankfoundation.org/resources, all bankers are encouraged to utilize these resources as they connect with community members or in their recommendations to teachers and parents.

As always, WBA’s resource library is ever-expanding, and we want to make sure the topics highlighted are relevant and useful for your team and community. If you have any suggestions for what consumer resources our team should create next, please reach out to Jackie Lindquist, WBA marketing specialist.

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Executive Letter: Promoting Financial Literacy and Capability in Wisconsin

Rose Oswald PoelsBy Rose Oswald Poels

Across the state, bankers make remarkable efforts every day to assist their neighbors in building a solid financial future. Promoting financial capability is a long-standing tradition throughout the banking industry, and every year, hundreds of WBA members take part in various financial education-related events to bring awareness and useful resources to Wisconsinites of all ages. Although many bankers do not seek accolades for their achievements, there are important reasons for sharing your efforts with WBA.

The Wisconsin Bankers Foundation (WBF) annually collects two summary forms (individual and bank-wide) through which WBA-member banks share their efforts in improving financial literacy and capability throughout Wisconsin. The information gathered through the Foundation’s website is then utilized by WBA and WBF staff to inform our elected officials and members of our communities of the collective efforts put forth by banks in the state. Additionally, the Foundation staff utilizes these forms to recognize those who go above and beyond in their work during an award ceremony held at WBA’s FLEX: Retail & Marketing Summit (formerly known as the LEAD360 Conference) in the fall.

The 2022–2023 WBF Financial Education Summary Forms recognize the achievements of both banks and their individual team members for their financial education presentations and activities from June 1, 2022 through May 31, 2023. These activities often include volunteer hours with Junior Achievement, Teach Children to Save presentations, and seminars that assist community members in managing or understanding their personal finances.

Individual bankers who volunteer their time and expertise during a presentation, visit, or other financial literacy-focused event should complete the ‘Individual Summary Form.’ Submissions of this form are compiled to highlight the number of presenters and participants, as well as the financial literacy topics covered, each fiscal year. Based on the number of presentations, bankers may also be selected to receive the Financial Literacy Banker of the Year Award, Financial Literacy Banker Award, or a certificate of excellence or recognition.

The bank-wide form is intended to capture information related to the bank’s financial education initiatives. Based on the level of a bank’s total activity, member banks may earn the Excellence in Financial Education Award, presented at the award ceremony at the FLEX Summit.

The Foundation’s prestigious Financial Education Innovation Award is also awarded to one bank that demonstrates in the summary form a creative, far-reaching financial education initiative or program. A separate ceremony honoring the Financial Education Innovation Award is held during the WBA’s annual Bank Executives Conference in February.

By documenting your bank’s efforts in financial literacy, you are helping our team enhance the story and underscore the value of the banking industry by:

  • spotlighting the outstanding efforts of bankers in Wisconsin to increase the financial literacy and capability of their community members,
  • celebrating financial education and the achievements of hundreds of bankers, and
  • providing insight to Foundation staff on topics, tools, and demographics that can be incorporated into future resources.

Thank you to the bankers who continually commit hours of their time and efforts to improving the financial capability of individuals and communities throughout Wisconsin. The Foundation is pleased to recognize and celebrate the outstanding, and often creative, efforts of the WBA membership. I encourage all members — even those who do not seek recognition — to please submit the two forms located on the Foundation’s website by Monday, July 31.

Submit Now
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Executive Letter: Banks Power Wisconsin

Rose Oswald PoelsBy Rose Oswald Poels

Six years ago, the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) brought forth the Power of Community Week campaign to encourage bankers to share their activities during April — which also aligns with Financial Literacy and Capability Month, Community Banking Month, and Volunteer Month. As participation in the campaign only continues to increase, I wish to remind all WBA members of the value in highlighting their community-focused efforts.

As we all are well aware, embracing a community-focused mindset is deeply ingrained into the day-to-day functions of a career in banking; community service is a foundational component to the work bankers do each day. While CRA requirements are an aspect bankers must consider, many go far beyond what is expected — both in and out of the office — simply because they are committed to fostering growth in the communities in which they live, work, and play.

As I have stated previously, the credit union industry continues to be extremely vocal regarding their community-focused activities and, unfortunately, many of these profit-driven organizations are under the guise of a mission-focused institution. It is critical, for the continued prosperity of our industry and of our communities, that bankers remain proactive in informing our elected officials and the public of the work our teams do to serve our neighbors.

In order for WBA to spotlight the activities bankers take part in to give back to their communities, underscore the value of community banking, and work through the legislative process this session, I ask that you please take the time this month to share with us how your bank is involved by completing the 2023 Power of Community Week participation form (if you haven’t already) and sharing your event photos with us by using the hashtag #BanksPowerWI on social media.

Of course, the efforts demonstrated in serving and supporting Wisconsin communities is not just an annual event for banks. Throughout the year, these bankers across the state take part in volunteer activities, make donations, and support the families, business owners, farmers, and non-profit organizations around them. Participating in WBA’s Power of Community campaign helps our Association amplify the message that banks are devoted to serving Wisconsin.

Additionally, if your team will be venturing into local schools for Teach Children to Save Day on or around April 27, or are planning to host any financial education-related presentations by May 31, 2023 (of which all “count” for Power of Community Week participation), I encourage you to share these details with the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation to be recognized with an Excellence in Financial Education Award at the WBA FLEX: Retail and Marketing Summit this fall for your outstanding efforts to improve the financial capability of all Wisconsinites.

On behalf of all of those who have been or will be impacted by the work you and your team do this April, thank you for going above and beyond to demonstrate your commitment to your communities and Wisconsin’s banking industry. Your extensive efforts have not gone unnoticed.

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Daniel Peterson, Lisa Hower, and Rose Oswald Poels with Financial Education Innovation Award
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Wisconsin Bankers Foundation Financial Education Innovation Award Presented to The Stephenson National Bank & Trust

WBF Financial Education Innovation AwardThe Stephenson National Bank & Trust, headquartered in Marinette, Wis., has been selected as the winner of the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation’s prestigious 2022 Financial Education Innovation Award. The award was presented at a special luncheon on February 9, 2023 during the Wisconsin Bankers Association’s Bank Executives Conference in Wisconsin Dells, the largest banking event in Wisconsin. 

“We congratulate the team at The Stephenson National Bank & Trust for finding a creative way to continue their financial education efforts when they couldn’t visit classrooms in person due to the pandemic,” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBF Board chair and WBA president and CEO. “Their resources continue to be utilized by teachers and parents and will be accessible for years to come.”   

(Left to right) Daniel Peterson, Lisa Hower, Rose Oswald Poels

The WBF Financial Education Innovation Award recognizes a bank that has taken a unique approach to promoting financial literacy and has exhibited exemplary dedication to expanding financial education in its community. Daniel Peterson, SNBT president and CEO, and Lisa Hower, SNBT financial literacy coordinator and BSA compliance specialist II, accepted the award on behalf of the bank and its financial literacy team. 

The 2022 award recognized an effort to turn an activity that bankers had done in the classroom before the pandemic (for example, in conjunction with the annual Teach Children to Save Day in April) into a game show, “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is.” The kid contestants — who were the children of banker volunteers — had a chance to taste both the generic and name brand options, and the host, Penny Saver, showed them just how much they could save in their piggy banks by choosing the lower cost option. The concept for the game show was created by the bank’s financial literacy team and executed by employees in various areas of the bank. The reach of the project extended far beyond the traditional classroom presentations thanks to the creation of web-based resources, outreach to teachers in multiple districts, distribution by employees to their friends and families, and a successful social media campaign.

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