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Chair’s Column: Inspiring Resilience and Prosperity

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.

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Association Update: Unique Benefit Available for Wisconsin’s Banking Leaders

By Daryll Lund

As our industry continues to feel economic and regulatory strain, establishing and maintaining banker networks is one significant way in which the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) helps to inspire success throughout the industry for generations to come. Through membership in WBA’s CEOnly/ CFOnly Networks, Wisconsin CEOs and CFOs have the ability to gain relevant insights, best practices, and recommendations by forming connections with their peers from across the state.

The CEOnly/CFOnly Networks, which were founded on the benefits of knowledge and idea sharing, provide access to a confidential Q&A service and registration to three networking events throughout the year. Many members — including WBA’s 2023–2024 Board of Directors Chair Donna Hoppenjan — agree that by fostering a collaborative environment, bankers are better positioned to stay a step ahead of challenges faced both locally and throughout the industry.

For several years, hundreds of Wisconsin bank leaders have found their CEOnly/CFOnly Network membership, and the positive connections formed, to be of unequivocal value both personally and professionally. In just the last year, members shared over 100 questions and answers amongst the two networks.

Bankers looking to renew or begin their membership for the 2024 CEOnly/CFOnly Networks can expect the same excellent value — three annual networking meetings and the continued Q&A service — all for only $300 a year. Banks registering both their CEO and CFO will also receive the discounted price of $500.

As a reminder, WBA’s CEOnly/CFOnly Networks run on a calendar-year basis starting January 1, and with the 2024 calendar year right around the corner, membership renewal is quickly approaching. All CEOs and CFOs serving a Wisconsinchartered bank are encouraged join the exclusive network for the greatest opportunity to stay informed and connected.

Interested in joining the exclusive network or learning more about what the CEOnly and CFOnly programs can offer for your bank? Please visit wisbank.com/ceonly.

Learn More
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My Unconventional Journey into Banking

By Kelsey Hudson

In the heart of rural southwest Wisconsin, my journey into the world of banking began with humble origins. Unbeknownst to me at the time, this journey would take me through twists, turns, and unexpected opportunities that would ultimately shape my career into something I am immensely proud of. Today, I would like to share my story, my path from a small-town resident to a professional in the banking industry, and the role that the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA), specifically Building Our Leaders of Tomorrow (BOLT), played in this inspiring transformation.

About eight years ago, my journey had an uncertain beginning. I attended college for three years but found myself at a crossroads, unsure of what I would do with my degree. Fueled by the desire to chart my own path, I made a bold decision to drop out of college. It was a leap of faith, one that led me into the unknown, but little did I know that it would eventually bring me to the world of banking.

My first job in banking was as a humble teller. This role taught me the basics of finance, customer service, and the importance of trust in the industry. As I developed my skills, I began to explore different positions within the bank. I discovered that my passion for banking extended far beyond counting money. I started in lending as an agricultural lender, working in niche communities of Amish and Mennonites. I found that every role had its unique challenges and opportunities, each contributing to my growth and understanding of the industry.

As my career in banking evolved and life changes arose, I made the decision to relocate myself and my two young daughters to a larger market in pursuit of my dream career as a commercial banker. It was a bold move, as a single mom moving hours from my family and friends. However, one that I knew was essential to continue my personal and professional growth and give my daughters the life they deserved. This transition was one of the most difficult I have faced but the most rewarding. My new home introduced me to a broader spectrum of clients, challenges, and opportunities, reaffirming my passion for the field.

In my journey, one of the pivotal turning points was my involvement in the WBA’s program, BOLT (Building our Leaders of Tomorrow). This remarkable initiative not only introduced me to a network of like-minded professionals but also fostered leadership qualities within me. My network has helped me grow in many ways, but the most impactful was forming meaningful relationships with other bankers. Talking with someone in the same field and being able to have collaborative conversations is priceless to me. Fostering my leadership skills has pushed me to have a greater understanding of people and has inspired me to become a leader. BOLT was a catalyst for personal and professional growth, providing me with the tools and support to excel in my career.

Today, over seven years into my banking career, I’m grateful to work for One Community Bank whose values mirror mine. OCB’s mission is to serve clients, support colleagues and invest in communities. OCB is also all about “Feel Good Banking,” and I aim to deliver that experience with all the wonderful clients I work with. I couldn’t be happier or more proud of everything I have accomplished. From a college dropout unsure of her future to a versatile banking professional, I’ve come a long way. The journey wasn’t a straight line, but that’s what made it so remarkable. It’s a testament to the power of determination, adaptability, and seizing opportunities as they arise.

My unconventional journey into banking reflects the essence of growth and resilience. It’s a story which demonstrates that, regardless of where you start, with dedication, hard work, and the right support (BOLT), you can find your path to a successful career. My journey is far from over, and I’m excited to see what the future holds. In the ever-evolving world of banking, the opportunities are endless, and I’m ready to embrace them all.

Hudson is vice president –commercial banking officer at One Community Bank, Sun Prairie, and member of the 2023–2024 WBA BOLT Section

Member FDIC

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Executive Letter: Enhance Your Leadership and Grow Your Network

By Rose Oswald Poels

As first announced last year, the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) has partnered with several banking trade associations throughout the U.S. to present the Society of Bank Executives. Now wrapping up its inaugural year, the Society has already welcomed more than 125 bank leaders from 13 states — including Wisconsin — into its fold. With evolution touching every aspect of the banking industry, and strong leadership needed now more than ever before, I encourage all bank executive teams in the state to consider the invaluable opportunities offered by the Society of Bank Executives.

The Society, facilitated by Dr. Paul Godfrey of the Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business, aims to provide bank leaders with invaluable professional development opportunities. With two, four-month sessions held each spring and fall, the Society focuses on aiding bank leaders in honing critical leadership competencies and skills as well as connecting members with their peers in a non-competitive setting.

Unlike many other leadership seminars, the Society of Bank Executives is designed with bank leadership teams in mind. The experts leading the Society realize that bank management teams are uniquely positioned within their organization and as such ensure the programing is flexible and applicable to all leaders.

Prior to the start of each session, members are recommended a book to help establish key concepts and ideas for the events ahead. Throughout the four-month session, three 60–90-minute online seminars will aid bankers in building on these takeaways and consider elements related to shareholders, regulators, customers, and communities. These sessions are specifically designed to engage C-level bankers in study, analysis, and application of the “art” of leading a bank.

Additionally, new and returning members alike will benefit from self-paced elements and an expansive online library, which includes access to a number of past sessions and materials related to strategic risk management and trust & team building. Each bank member is also assigned to a peer group with bankers in other states. These peer groups determine additional dates/times to meet virtually to follow up on the facilitated sessions and further share in a banker-only group.

During the third month of each session, members take part in a two-day networking retreat. Last week, the Society hosted its fall 2023 Action Summit in Scottsdale, Arizona. Focused on connecting members with their banking peers from across the country, the Society’s Action Summits build time into the event for networking, facilitated sessions with Dr. Godfrey and other industry thought leaders, and table peer group discussions. Before returning to the bank, attendees also have the chance to develop an action plan.

Of course, networking is not only about building relationships. Again and again, I am reminded of how important it is that bankers of all levels invest in their professional growth and leverage the collective knowledge and opportunities within their network to advance their bank’s success. The Society does just that. I’ve heard from several Society members who have, in just one year, found the program to be beneficial in enhancing their soft skills to effectively lead in an evolving landscape and develop strong bonds with bankers from across the country. I encourage all bank leaders in Wisconsin to utilize this unique opportunity to guide new professional and organizational growth and foster non-competitive partnerships.

With new technology, regulatory updates, and shifting customer expectations emerging each day, the spring 2024 session will focus on change management. As this year’s sessions come to a close, now is the perfect opportunity for bank leaders in Wisconsin to sign on by January 2024 as individual members or as a team to enhance their organization’s ability to implement new strategies and drive the industry forward.

Join the Society
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BOLT Winter Leadership Summit
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Developing Your Passions

By Landon Turner

Working in the banking industry brings me great joy because I get to wake up every day, knowing that I have a small part in helping businesses thrive in our community. Every business has different values and needs to continue expanding their mission into their community. It’s my job to figure out how we can partner together to live out that mission and continue reinvesting those dollars back into our community. It’s a beautiful cycle.

One of the best pieces of advice I received early on in my career was to get involved early.

As I look back over the last six years in banking, I am reminded how we have people who come into our lives at critical moments to support us in reaching our goals and believing in ourselves.

A critical moment in my life was taking a leap of faith switching majors halfway through my college career, from mechanical engineering to finance. To be honest, I felt like a failure for not finishing what I thought was my big dream, while wasting time and money. But with the help of my mentors, continuous prayer, and those closest to me, I realized something shocking — I was chasing a dream my dad had for my life, not my own.

This moment is when my faith and my community, helped create a path that was well beyond my own understanding.

Everything changed when I took that leap of faith into finance. It created a fire inside my heart to strive for excellence in the work I do, the relationships I build, and the unlimited opportunities I saw for myself.

However, when I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics, a career in banking was not in the forefront of my mind. While at Grand Canyon University in a Servant Leadership class, I met my wife. I was born and raised in Arizona; she was from a small town in Wisconsin. Their connections within their community are what helped me land my career in business banking at a community bank in Sheboygan.

Fast forward six years, I have been able to serve at some great organizations in Wisconsin, simply by showing up and getting involved early. Here is what getting involved early has done for my personal and professional development.

I just celebrated four years at Oostburg State Bank, currently serving as a business banking officer. Oostburg State Bank has been instrumental in my professional development through their support and recognition in our community. Our team has been recognized as the SBA Volume Lender of the Year for the past three years, based on our asset size.

My wife and I have been serving as Youth Group Leaders at our local church for the past four years. I have been blessed to see one of my first students now lead a new ministry at our church focused on young adults. I also currently serve as deacon treasurer, where my team and I track giving and forecast our annual budget for the year.

Another opportunity I have been given, is my involvement in BOLT (Building Our Leaders of Tomorrow). I currently serve as vice chair of the board of directors for the BOLT section. The Wisconsin Banking Association’s (WBA) BOLT Section is focused on education, advocacy, and networking for the next generation of bank leaders. Through my involvement in this organization, I have found leadership to be another passion of mine. Our world is in desperate need of strong leaders that are willing to stand firm in their beliefs and guide their team to success.

Everyone has a different definition of success, for some that could mean providing a comfortable lifestyle for their family, for others it could mean building a business from the ground up. For me, if I can see daily improvements in my life; if I am better today than I was yesterday, that is success for me. Success is never complete; it is a continuous process that I work on every day with the decisions I choose to make. BOLT stands to practice muscles for leadership. I compare it to working out in the gym; if you are not routinely in the gym and putting in the work, you will never reach the results you intended to see. If you are not consistently practicing your leadership or learning new skills, you will not become the leader you or your team needs.

I also currently serve as chair for the Young Professionals Committee at the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce. Our team helps plan and coordinate events throughout the year for the goal of professional development, volunteerism, and social engagement with the members and businesses of Sheboygan County. I cannot thank the Sheboygan Chamber enough for the opportunities they have presented me to serve others and help me grow in my own professional career.

I am grateful for my past experiences and the people who supported me to take that leap of faith that forever changed my life. Make sure you are developing and learning something you are passionate about, not what others think you should be passionate about.

Turner is business banking officer at Oostburg State Bank and vice chair of the 2023–2024 WBA BOLT Section.

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Executive Letter: Nominate an Outstanding Leader for the 2023 Banker of the Year

By Rose Oswald Poels

Bankers across Wisconsin go above and beyond as leaders in our communities. To celebrate these outstanding efforts, the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) is proud to honor one individual each year with the distinguished WBA Banker of the Year award.

This tradition, spanning 37 years, recognizes individuals who demonstrate remarkable service efforts over their career to both their bank and community. From promoting economic development, inclusion, and affordable housing, to providing financial education and protecting customers against fraud, there are many ways in which bankers stand out as exceptional leaders. Beyond their banks, they are known for their volunteerism and service to nonprofit organizations making an impact in their local areas. They are also known as advocates for their industry and the people they serve.

Last year’s Banker of the Year, Greg Lundberg of Fortifi Bank in Berlin, exemplifies the dedication of bankers across the state through his commitment to his bank, the industry, and various community initiatives. Greg and the many committed bank leaders across the state who have received this recognition in the past all have remarkable stories to tell about their experiences and achievements. As such, the Association is excited to open nominations for the 2023 Banker of the Year award and to hear of the unique commitment other Wisconsin bankers have to their communities and the industry.

Bankers are encouraged to nominate themselves, or another qualified banker, for this prestigious honor now through Friday, December 8, 2023. The award, which recognizes a current (or recent past) president/CEO of a Wisconsin-based, WBA-member bank, will be presented during a ceremony at WBA’s annual Bank Executives Conference on Thursday, February 8, 2024.

While the Association recognizes only one banker per year, yet receives many qualified recommendations, those who have previously nominated a banker who has not yet been honored are encouraged to do so again this year. Without a doubt, bankers in Wisconsin are an inspiration to their communities and fellow bankers. It is humbling to recognize the Banker of the Year, and I look forward to sharing their story with our membership.

Nominate a Banker
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From the Fields: Leading to Prosperity

By Nicholas Felder

I’ve been reading Capitalism in America (2018) by former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan and Adrian Wooldridge and it actually surprised me about the size and scope of many of the economic growths our young country has had. It’s a good read if you have the time (nearly 600 pages), but long story short, nearly all of the periods of economic prosperity in the U.S. have been driven by businesses leaders looking to change their industries by taking a new or good idea and making it better. This initially causes chaos, but generally results in a rebirth of prosperity. All of these periods were generally led by a single person or a host of individuals whose expertise and knowledge were relied upon to lead the charge.

Opportunities that I’ve been asked to review over the last 12 months include vertical integrations, horizontal acquisitions, repair versus replace, and R&D to either create new business lines or add value to existing ones; creative destruction in its finest. Requests for liquidity have been minimal due to the profitability of most operations and the governmental assistance of others. These opportunities came from some of the most unlikely operators: some with little experience in the new ventures and some attempting to pivot back into old business lines to adjust to the new post-COVID economy. My job, like all of yours, isn’t to tell people if the opportunity will succeed or fail, but to be an advisor and assessor of risk and how that risk might be mitigated by our customer or prospect.

SBA, USDA, FSA loan and guaranty programs are all time-tested vehicles for reducing repayment risk. Energy efficiency grants through energy providers or the USDA’s REAP grant can be a ton of paperwork that may need professional grant writers or facility auditors to complete but may provide significant equity capital that may reduce collateral risk and reduce debt service requirements. Guarantors, individually or corporate, may reduce the performance risk through guarantee of payment or addition of collateral. But how many of us in our peer group adequately assess the operational or human risk? I know that I sometimes glaze over the need to ask: “Who’s the next person up if you can’t perform your duties tomorrow?” or “When you look to cash out and retire in 3–5 years, do you have an identified buyer or plan?” We assume the president or CEO will be there for the long haul.

Within that same 12 months, I’ve had a business owner be diagnosed with brain cancer; I’ve had a farmer look to encourage a more owner-like mentality by bringing a non-familial key employee into ownership through a stock bonus/gift (where there’s limited next-generation prospects); I’ve had a grain farmer look to add efficiencies and add value to the product he sells through expansion during the current near-recessionary period. All these high-level business owners exhibit an “executive mindset no matter the size of the operation” which is a key success factor of Dr. David Kohl of Virginia Tech. All of these owners are in the trenches every day turning wrenches, driving equipment, handling materials, handling the HR duties, and purchasing raw materials. However, they take time to step back to assess the long-term consequences of decisions that are or will be made on the long-term viability of the business. When they call to discuss an idea, it is often the 100th iteration they’ve assessed and the likelihood of success is very high (which makes my job a little easier).

Recessionary periods weed out the weakly capitalized, those with lean cashflow, and those who don’t take those steps back to see the whole picture before making those trajectory-altering decisions. The word “recession” seems to have only negative connotations within the general public, but so does “spring cleaning” in my own home. Both are a means of reset, renewal, and setting the stage for an anticipated revival. In banking, recessions often tighten credit standards and the need to dot all the I’s and cross all the T’s that often get glazed over during times of good fortune — including the assessment of human capital in business. I’m unsure that the current soft landing will establish these resets, but I encourage all the bankers in the industry to do a little spring cleaning of your processes and procedures and ask a few more hard or maybe uncomfortable questions to ourselves and our customers with the premise of better service and being a stronger advisor.

Have a great fall season!

Felder is vice president – commercial and agricultural banking at MidWestOne Bank in Lancaster. Felder also serves on the 2023–2024 WBA Agricultural Bankers Section Board of Directors.

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The Changing Face of Leadership

By Ned Pauley, executive consultant and director of Trellis™ at Haberfeld

Simply stated, a leader is someone others follow. Leadership is not a title. It’s not a reward for length of employment. It’s an act of service that inspires people toward a shared vision.

If you’ve been in bank leadership for a while, you know the role is changing. Perhaps more accurately, followership is changing. It’s not that people no longer want to be led. What’s changing is how and by whom they want to be led. The good news is that leaders who recognize and adapt to these changes will thrive. They will attract talent and give their banks a competitive advantage. Those who don’t will face increasing frustration in their role and decreasing returns in their results.

What type of leader does today’s workforce want to follow? Here are three qualities.

Empathic Leaders. To attain a leadership position requires the possession of skills and knowledge required for the role. No one will follow a leader who lacks core competencies. But increasingly what employees want is not just a leader who is competent. They want a leader who cares. Research conducted by McKinsey & Company and reported in The State of Organizations 2023 found that leaders believe employees quit when looking for better jobs, compensation, and work-life balance. However, employee surveys revealed that among their top reasons for leaving was not feeling valued. “The employers were focusing on transactional elements of the work experience while employees were asking for more emphasis on relational factors.” Empathic leaders create meaningful, professional connections with those they serve.

Investing Leaders. Employees in our current workforce plan on having multiple roles throughout their work career. They’re not likely to see working at your bank as an end point but rather as another stop on their vocational journey. Your most talented and growth-minded employees aren’t looking for a boss. They want a coach — someone who will help them develop. Top leaders invest time and energy in the growth of their people. They challenge, encourage, and empower. Investing leaders can promise, “Whether you work with us three months, three years, or thirty years, you will leave here better than when you arrived.” Ironically, preparing talented employees for future opportunities may be the very thing that keeps them in their current one.

Growing Leaders. As leaders we sometimes feel the need to present an image of having arrived. We have the skills. We have the answers. We think our faults are minor and mostly hidden. Our employees know better. When we are unwilling to acknowledge or seem unaware of our humanness, trust erodes, and connection is severed. It’s counterintuitive, but we’re seen as weak when we hide behind a façade of strength. Conversely, as Brene Brown has said, “Vulnerability is not weakness. It’s our most accurate measure of courage.” Even so, vulnerability in and of itself, isn’t enough for a leader. Having acknowledged our growth opportunities, we must then address them. Leaders others want to follow are aware of their limitations and courageously seek to grow beyond them. They read books, find training, and pursue counseling. They model a growth mindset.

Today’s workforce wants a different type of leader. Becoming more empathic, investing, and growing will make you the leader they desire.

Haberfeld is a WBA Associate Member.

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Association Update: Empower Your Team to Inspire

Membership opportunities for every banker

By Daryll Lund

With a new fiscal year underway, the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) has renewed its commitment to providing beginning and experienced bankers with expansive opportunities to spearhead their professional development and form connections throughout the industry. At the heart of WBA’s mission to support, educate, and advocate for bankers in Wisconsin is, of course, the over 30,000 bankers our organization represents. As a member-led association, WBA relies on the skills and knowledge of our membership to shape the Association and inspire the future of banking.

The Association continues to be dedicated to delivering high-quality and relevant programs. In addition to the various virtual options bankers utilize, the team at WBA offers nearly 70 in-person conferences, schools, and events throughout the state. While a primary objective of WBA programming is professional development, WBA is also focused on connecting bankers with experts in various banking-related subjects and helping to foster relationships between peers.

As Donna Hoppenjan, president and CEO of Mound City Bank in Platteville, takes the helm of the Association’s Board of Directors for the year ahead, one of our greatest priorities is demonstrating the impact we each make when standing united, staying engaged, and making our voice heard. To be an inspiration, both in your bank and throughout your community, bankers of all levels are highly encouraged to engage with the Association’s various education and advocacy-related events, programs, and groups.

The Building Our Leaders of Tomorrow (BOLT) program is one of the many ways current and emerging leaders can get involved and make a difference. Launched 10 years ago, the program was created to ensure the ongoing success of community banks by focusing on talent development. Today, the program has impacted thousands of bankers from around Wisconsin and continues to provide bankers with the space to connect, learn, and advocate for their industry. Additionally, BOLT members have the opportunity to take part in the BOLT Mentorship program to help guide the next generation of banking leaders.

WBA Connect, the Association’s collection of peer networks, is another great resource for beginning and experienced bankers to utilize. The groups — which focus on topics ranging from enterprise risk management to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the banking industry — provide a non-competitive setting in which bankers can discuss the successes, challenges, ideas, and questions they have regarding their specific area of the institution.

In addition to learning and idea sharing with peers, bankers should consider volunteering within WBA’s Advocacy Officer program. Advocacy is a foundational component to the work the Association does to support our members. To effectively lead the change, both in our communities and in our legislature, bankers who serve as Advocacy Officers will connect with individuals locally, at the state level, and in D.C. These efforts are vital in telling the story of our industry and in ensuring bankers throughout Wisconsin have the resources needed for success.

Your active participation in the Association not only assists our staff in creating the most meaningful and up-to-date events, but also shapes the perception of our industry. Together, we can create the future we wish to see in our industry, our institutions, and in our communities.

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Chair’s Column: Be the Inspiration for the Future of Our Industry

By Donna J. Hoppenjan

Throughout my 46 years in banking, one thing has remained absolutely certain — the dedication of bankers in Wisconsin. For over 130 years, the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) has stood as the pillar for banking throughout the state. From educational and advocacy opportunities to resources for members to utilize, our Association remains top tier in its ability to provide bankers in Wisconsin with a wide variety of ways in which they can get involved and make a difference in their bank and throughout their community.

As I begin my term as chair of WBA’s Board of Directors — representing over 30,000 bankers throughout Wisconsin — I look forward to continuing the Association’s longstanding tradition of inspiring success within our industry and encouraging every member to consider their role in shaping the future.

The inspiration to expand your skillset, grow your connections, and engage with your community is around every corner. In partnership with WBA, member banks have the ability to take advantage of educational programs designed to assist all bank employees in their pursuit of knowledge and expertise. Our Association hosts a variety of in-person and virtual courses that are not only relevant to bankers in our state, but also facilitate connections with their peers.

At its core, the Association is rooted in engagement. Without the participation of over 150 volunteer Advocacy Officers, committee participants, and advisory board members, WBA would be nowhere near as relevant or impactful as it is today. However, just as the WBA membership plays a role in shaping our Association, each of us has the responsibility to prepare our next generation of banking leaders and shape the perception of our industry.

Through WBA, bankers can participate in events or any combination of peer groups, networks, and committees to enhance their leadership skills and be inspired by the efforts of their peers. WBA also spearheads initiatives such as Power of Community Week, Teach Children to Save Day, Capitol Day, and career nights at various schools that encourage bankers to step out of the office and into their communities. The events offer members opportunities to establish and foster relationships with students, business owners, nonprofit organizations, elected officials, and so many others.

This year, as your team considers the multitude of ways in which you can inspire your fellow bankers, encourage the next generation, and influence growth throughout the industry, I remind you to look to your Association and stand united. Together, we can continue to support the long-term growth of the banking industry and elevate our Association for years to come.

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

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