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Q2 2026 FDIC Numbers Confirm Strength in Wisconsin Banks

Wisconsin banks continue a strong performance midway through 2026 with total assets up 11.99% year over year from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2026. While concerns about the rising cost of living remain top of mind, total deposits were up 11.52% for the same period (up 3.23% quarter over quarter). Year over year lending strengthened with volumes increasing in commercial and industrial loans, residential real estate loans, and farm loans. The Q2 net interest margin improved (3.68%) from both the prior quarter (3.58%) and the prior year (3.40%). Wisconsin banks continue to be well capitalized with strong liquidity.

Notable indicators include: 

  • Residential real estate loan volume showed impressive quarter over quarter results (17.29%), after a decrease last quarter, and grew year over year (7.24%).
  • Farm lending increased quarter over quarter (17.01%) and year over year (12.96%) as farmers continued working through planting season.
  • Commercial lending increased both quarter over quarter (6.44%) and year over year (14.01%) as commercial customers adjust to global economic changes.
  • Assets in nonaccrual status saw a decrease quarter over quarter (-0.36%) but an increase year over year (19.77%) as borrowers adjust to economic pressures. Despite this annual increase, assets in nonaccrual status remain less than a half-percent of total assets held by Wisconsin banks.

Statement on the release of second-quarter 2026 Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) numbers from Rose Oswald Poels, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Bankers Association:

“Wisconsin banks remain a steady source of liquidity for customers through the mid-point of this year, despite ongoing economic challenges and geopolitical uncertainty. Capital levels at Wisconsin banks are also strong, positioning the industry well to protect against any potential losses. Strong deposit levels are encouraging as these resources allow Wisconsin banks to make loans back out in their communities to consumers and business owners. The industry continues to be a reliable source of trusted financial partnership and a safe place to deposit money.”

 

FDIC-Reported Wisconsin Numbers (Dollar Figures in Thousands)   

  6/30/2026 3/31/2026 QoQ Change 6/30/2025 YoY Change
Net loans and leases $132,498,572 $125,789,875 5.33% $118,240,283 12.06%
Total deposits $144,063,676 $139,554,168 3.23% $129,185,941 11.52%
Commercial and industrial loans $22,333,602 $20,982,991 6.44% $19,589,002 14.01%
Residential real estate loans $40,571,452 $34,589,905 17.29% $37,831,063 7.24%
Farm loans $5,872,319 $5,018,472 17.01% $5,198,432 12.96%
Total assets $182,591,921 $174,807,303 4.45% $163,045,364 11.99%
Assets in nonaccrual status $756,199 $758,922 -0.36% $631,375 19.77%
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Four Wisconsin Students Earn 2026 WBF Spring Scholarship

The Wisconsin Bankers Foundation (WBF), the charitable arm of the Wisconsin Bankers Association, is proud to award four Wisconsin students — Ryer Allen, Kathaleen Tapia, Jack Schowalter, and Ethyn Sebo — with the 2026 WBF Spring Scholarship.

The WBF Spring Scholarships of $2,000 each are open to graduating Wisconsin high school seniors and current college students pursuing higher education at an accredited Wisconsin college, university, or technical college. Recipients are chosen based on their academic achievements, community involvement, career goals, and financial literacy.

Pictured (left to right) are: Rose Oswald Poels, WBF chair, treasurer, and executive director, and Ryer Allen, WBF Spring Scholarship recipient.

Pictured (left to right) are: Rose Oswald Poels, WBF chair, treasurer, and executive director, and Ryer Allen, WBF Spring Scholarship recipient.

Ryer Allen graduated from Denmark High School and will attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison this fall. Allen helped revive his school’s FBLA chapter and grew membership to 50 students by his senior year. He currently works as an accounting intern and plans to pursue a degree in accounting and finance in college.

Kathaleen Tapia graduated from Chippewa Falls Senior High School and will attend the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater this fall to

Pictured (left to right) are: Kathaleen Tapia, WBF Spring Scholarship recipient, and Rose Oswald Poels, WBF chair, treasurer, and executive director.

pursue a degree in business. Tapia was actively involved in FBLA, SkillsUSA, National Honor Society, Student Council, Senior Leadership, and athletics during high school. She also led a community service initiative that collected more than 2,500 pairs of shoes for under-resourced individuals through “Shoes for a Cause.”

Jack Schowalter graduated from Port Washington High School and will attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison where he plans to pursue a degree in accounting. Throughout high school, Schowalter maintained near-perfect grades, ranked among the top 5% of his class, participated in DECA,

Pictured (left to right) are: Rose Oswald Poels, WBF chair, treasurer, and executive director, and Jack Schowalter, WBF Spring Scholarship recipient.

and completed an accounting internship. He has long-term plans of pursuing a career in the finance department of a community bank.

Ethyn Sebo graduated from Reedsville High School and will attend the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater next semester to study finance and accounting. Sebo has worked as a teller at Collins State Bank for the past two years though a youth apprenticeship while maintaining high honors and participating in athletics and student organizations. He aims to build a career in the financial industry after graduation.

Pictured (left to right) are: Heather MacKinnon, WBA executive vice president and general counsel, and Ethyn Sebo, WBF Spring Scholarship recipient.

“The Wisconsin Bankers Foundation is honored to recognize Ryer, Kathaleen, Jack, and Ethyn with our Spring Scholarship,” said Foundation Chair, Treasurer, and Executive Director Rose Oswald Poels. “We are pleased to support their continued education and wish them success in their future careers.”

For more information on the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation and its annual scholarship, please visit wisbankfoundation.org.

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Q1 2026 FDIC Numbers Reflect Strength of Wisconsin’s Banks

Wisconsin banks started the new year strong with total assets up 8.69% year over year from March 31, 2025 to March 31, 2026. Banks continue to be a trusted place for consumers and businesses to invest their money as total deposits were up 7.57% for the same period (up 4.17% quarter over quarter). Strong deposit volume is critical for banks as they use those funds to make loans across their market areas. Despite concerns over ongoing inflation, year-over-year lending remained steady with volume increasing in commercial and industrial loans and farm loans. The Q1 net interest margin remained consistent (3.58%) with the prior quarter (3.51%) and increased from the prior year (3.33%). Wisconsin banks continue to be well capitalized with strong liquidity. 

Notable indicators include: 

  • Commercial lending increased both quarter over quarter (7.23%) and year over year (10.73%) as commercial customers manage through ongoing economic uncertainty.  
  • Residential real estate loan volume decreased quarter over quarter (-10.42%) due to housing availability and fluctuating interest rates, yet increased year over year (5.46%). 
  • Farm lending increased quarter over quarter (19.68%) and year over year (12.39%) as farmers began preparing for new growing season needs.  
  • Assets in nonaccrual status saw an increase both quarter over quarter (19.71%) and year over year (20.33%) as borrowers work through economic pressures.  

Statement on the release of first-quarter 2026 Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) numbers from Rose Oswald Poels, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Bankers Association:  

“The first quarter 2026 FDIC numbers highlight the strength of Wisconsin banks to remain the steady source during times of ongoing economic uncertainty for some markets. Bankers will continue to keep a close eye on the global supply chain, geopolitical issues, as well as the Fed’s interest rate decisions going into the rest of the year. Wisconsin consumers and business owners can continue to rely on Wisconsin banks as a consistent source of trusted financial partnership and a safe place to deposit their money.” 

FDIC-Reported Wisconsin Numbers (Dollar Figures in Thousands)   

  03/31/2026  12/31/2025  QoQ Change  03/31/2025  YoY Change 
Net loans and leases  $125,790,224  $119,490,245  5.27%  $115,784,161  8.64% 
Total deposits  $139,554,168  $133,963,964  4.17%  $129,733,193  7.57% 
Commercial and industrial loans  $20,980,215  $19,566,293  7.23%  $18,947,428  10.73% 
Residential real estate loans  $34,589,925  $38,612,530  -10.42%  $32,798,394  5.46% 
Farm loans  $5,018,472  $4,193,382  19.68%  $4,465,311  12.39% 
Total assets  $174,807,481  $167,045,236  4.65%  $160,833,420  8.69% 
Assets in nonaccrual status  $758,922  $633,992  19.71%  $630,718  20.33% 
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Three Bankers Named 2026 Wisconsin Woman of Impact Award Winners

The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) is pleased to announce that Sheri Dick, Rachael Gadbois, and Lindsay Monacelli are the 2026 recipients of the Wisconsin Woman of Impact Award. The awards were presented at the 20th annual WBA Women in Banking Conference on April 27 in Wisconsin Dells.   

 “We are thrilled to honor Sheri, Rachael, and Lindsay with this award to celebrate their extraordinary contributions to their colleagues, banks, and communities,” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO. “Each winner embodies the thoughtful leadership and character of what it means to be a woman of impact.” 

Sheri Dick

Sheri Dick, chief operating officer, Forward Bank, Marshfield 

Sheri Dick is a forward thinker who always envisions what’s next. She serves as the chair of Forward Bank’s AI Council and spearheaded formal AI governance at the bank. Dick drove measurable adoption of AI through pilot programs, dashboards, and ROI tracking. Beyond her AI initiatives, Dick helped launch the Lean Forward program whose mission is to develop and mentor emerging women leaders. The program is entering its third year and has successfully reached 20 promising employees. 

Dick’s influence extends well beyond the walls of her branch. She has appeared as a speaker at the Graduate School of Banking AI Innovation Series as well as WBA conferences. She strengthens the broader banking industry by educating peers on digital processes and enhancing the customer experience. 

Dick has served on the UW-Stevens Point School of Business & Economics Advisory Council since 2014, which helps prepare students for real-world careers after graduation. She has been a Marshfield Chamber Ambassador since 2013 and a Rotary Club member since 2009. Dick’s two decades of involvement reflect her selfless commitment to education, community service, and supporting the next generation of leaders.

Rachael Gadbois

Rachael Gadbois, co-president and CEO, The Pineries Bank, Stevens Point 

Rachael Gadbois has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout her nearly three-decade career at The Pineries Bank. She joined the bank in 1998 as one of the six original employees just one year after the bank opened. Over the years, Gadbois has served in virtually every operational role within the bank, including proof operator, teller, and loan officer. In 2005, the bank faced an unexpected vacancy in a loan officer position, and Gadbois stepped forward. To this day, she serves as one of the bank’s premier loan officers for both commercial and residential loans. 

Gadbois has played an instrumental role in advancing the bank’s operational integrity. She organized IT-related projects and served as the primary contact for coordinating regulatory audits, reflecting her deep institutional knowledge. She remains actively engaged in industry advocacy and participates in events including WBA’s Capitol Day and the ICBA Capital Summit. 

Gadbois regularly engages in community service. She currently serves as the vice chair of the Stevens Point Area YMCA and is leading a capital development campaign planned for this year. Her extensive history of service across nonprofit boards — including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Rotary Club of Portage County, Women’s Fund of Portage County, Portage County Business Council Foundation, and more — reflects a broader commitment to her community. Within her own organization, Gadbois empowers fellow women bankers toward success. She supports her employees to reach their full potential and consistently promotes a family-oriented workplace culture and flexibility, especially for working mothers.

Lindsay Monacelli

Lindsay Monacelli, AVP-retail loan fulfillment, Peoples State Bank, Wausau 

Lindsay Monacelli brings 19 years of experience to her role. Monacelli is known for her astute ability to observe a process once and recognize how to make it better. She has led the implementation of new business rules and improvements within her bank’s loan origination system, integrating about 600 Encompass LOS system enhancements and creating over 60 hours of training videos. She created new procedures, built document interfaces, and learned the core system first so she could train her team later. 

Monacelli serves as a valuable mentor to women beyond her own branch. She teaches at the WBA Residential Lending School and serves as a trusted voice on the WBA Women in Banking Advisory Board. She has been honored with the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation’s Excellence in Financial Literacy awards and graduated from the WBA Building Our Leaders of Tomorrow (BOLT) Leadership Academy.  

Monacellli is equally committed to her community. In 2025, she volunteered a total of 354 hours. Her service includes leadership roles with Holden Lutheran Church, where she has served as financial secretary, fellowship committee chair, historical committee chair, and audit director for the financial committee. She has also contributed as a 4-H Cloverbud and Exploring leader, youth baseball coach, and Junior Achievement financial literacy instructor. Additional involvement includes work on a mission trip, membership in the Waushara County Farm Bureau, service as treasurer for the Farm Bureau food stand, and participation in the Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association. Her extensive volunteerism reflects a deep commitment to education and serving her community. 

The WBA Woman of Impact Award was established in 2025 to celebrate WBA members who have made significant contributions and positive impacts in their organizations, communities, and the banking industry. 

Pictured (left to right): Shay Horton, president and CEO of Cumberland Federal Bank and incoming WBA Board of Directors vice chair; Lindsay Monacelli, AVP-retail loan fulfillment, Peoples State Bank, Wausau; Rachael Gadbois, co-president and CEO, The Pineries Bank, Stevens Point; Sheri Dick, chief operating officer, Forward Bank, Marshfield; and Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO.

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Wisconsin Bankers Association Announces $50,000 in Financial Literacy, Housing, and Economic Development Grants

The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) is pleased to announce that seven grants totaling $50,000 have been awarded to support housing, economic development, community investment, and financial, cyber, and housing literacy in Wisconsin.   

“Financial literacy and housing assistance give individuals and families in our state the foundation they need to succeed,” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO. “We are proud to provide this grant opportunity that allows banks and non-profit organizations to strengthen their programs. Together, we can empower Wisconsin’s citizens toward homeownership and brighter financial futures.” 

The selected projects include:  

  • AbbyBank, Abbotsford, Wis. — Awarded $5,000 
    • AbbyBank plans to expand their financial literacy, cybersecurity, and fraud education that targets low- to moderate-income individuals and communities. The program is designed to improve financial capability, promote safe banking practices, and empower individuals to better protect themselves from fraud and cyber threats. AbbyBank will develop a First-Time Homebuyer Guide and a Home Refinance Guide to compliment and expand upon the Small Farm and Small Business Start-Up Guides introduced in 2025. 
  • Bank Five Nine, Oconomowoc, Wis. — Awarded $10,000 
    • Bank Five Nine will provide home buyer seminars through Housing Resources Inc (HRI) and United Community Center (UCC). The seminars are dedicated to helping low- to moderate-income families buy a home, covering topics such as credit, mortgages, home shopping, and managing finances. HRI and UCC help families select insurance professionals, real estate brokers, and lenders. The program allows families to find a home that fits their budget and provides them with the tools to remain in their home long term. 
  • CBI Bank & Trust, Beloit, Wis. — Awarded $10,000 
    • CBI Bank & Trust will use the grant funds to support its Special Purpose Mortgage program by providing financial assistance for down payment and closing costs to qualified borrowers in Wisconsin. The program expands access to homeownership for individuals who may not qualify for conventional financing, particularly those from historically under-served groups. Any remaining funds will be used for financial literacy programs and promotion of the Special Purpose Mortgage program. 
  • The Equitable Bank, Wauwatosa, Wis. — Awarded $10,000 
    • The Equitable Bank will partner with Better Stewards, a Milwaukee-based nonprofit organization that serves under-resourced communities, to promote strategic housing stability and financial capability. Grant funds will expand Beyond the Keys, a structured post-purchase financial education and coaching initiative that supports first-time homeowners during the critical first 12–24 months after closing. The program hosts workshops on budgeting, escrow management, property taxes, and insurance. The initiative will scale to serve more people and further strengthen financial stability and reduce mortgage delinquency risk. 
  • Farmers & Merchants State Bank, Waterloo, Wis. — Awarded $5,000 
    • Farmers & Merchants State Bank plans to host a series of educational seminars and events throughout 2026 focused on financial literacy, housing education, and long-term economic well-being. The funding will also support the bank’s youth-focused initiatives throughout the year that will educate young people on topics like saving, bank services, and making sound financial decisions. 
  • Port Washington State Bank — Awarded $5,000 
    • Port Washington State Bank will partner with St. Vincent de Paul to launch a structured financial education program centered on the Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World workshop, a 16-session course designed to help individuals and families build financial stability. The program will guide participants through identifying barriers, developing financial tools, setting goals, and creating long-term plans for economic independence, while also providing small stipends to encourage participation. The initiative ultimately aims to move beyond short-term assistance and equip participants with the knowledge to achieve lasting financial stability. 
  • Waumandee State Bank — Awarded $5,000 
    • Waumandee State Bank will offer fraud prevention and financial literacy classes across the communities it serves. Grant funding will support the development and purchase of educational and supplementary materials to enhance outreach efforts. These resources will provide residents with accessible, practical tools to strengthen financial knowledge, improve housing preparedness, and increase awareness of fraud prevention strategies. 
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Taxpayers Lose Again as Large Credit Union Acquires a Community Bank 

A deal announced on Tuesday will result in multi-billion dollar Landmark Credit Union acquiring American National Bank Fox Cities. The transaction is the ninth credit union acquisition in Wisconsin’s history and represents a concerning national trend of taxpaying community banks being purchased by large, tax-exempt credit unions. The acquisition will bring Landmark Credit Union to over $8 billion in assets, making it the fourth largest headquartered financial institution in the state.

“Taxpayers should be urgently alarmed about this acquisition,” said Rose Oswald Poels, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Bankers Association. “Unlike banks, credit unions do not pay any state or federal income taxes. Consequently, all of us tax-paying individuals and businesses will bear an increased tax burden to support needed government services. This transaction alone will result in an estimated $850,000 in lost annual federal tax revenue.”

Large, asset-rich and fast-growing credit unions — like Landmark Credit Union — are a reminder that the playing field is not level.

“The transaction illustrates that the merger and acquisition process is clearly broken,” emphasized Oswald Poels. “Taxpayers and lawmakers alike should demand change.”

There is a statutory inequality in the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) process due to the significant tax advantages granted to credit unions that are endorsed by lawmakers.

“The merger table is no longer a free market process. Banks interested in purchasing another bank — such as American National Bank Fox Cities — submit reasonable, competitive bids that are laughed at,” said Oswald Poels. No tax-paying bank has a fair opportunity to keep a tax-paying bank on the tax rolls with large, multi-billion dollar credit unions at the merger table offering ridiculous multiples to secure a deal.”

With more credit union deals like this one expected to be announced this year, the Wisconsin Bankers Association urges all lawmakers — especially those at the federal level — to stop ignoring this improper use of a tax exemption and bring fairness back to the M&A process for the benefit of taxpayers and banks alike.

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Two Wisconsin Students Awarded the 2025 WBF Agricultural Banking Scholarship

The Wisconsin Bankers Foundation (WBF), the charitable arm of the Wisconsin Bankers Association, has recently awarded two Wisconsin students — Victoria Seif and Janelle Wolfe — with the 2025 WBF Agricultural Banking Scholarship. Students applied in late 2025, and the scholarships were presented on February 25, 2026, at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls University Center.

The WBF offers two $1,500 scholarships annually to current students pursuing a degree related to agricultural banking at an accredited Wisconsin college, university, or technical college. Recipients are chosen based on their academic achievements, community involvement, career goals, and financial literacy.

Pictured left to right: Wisconsin Bankers Foundation Chair, Treasurer, and Executive Director Rose Oswald Poels, 2025 WBF Agricultural Banking Scholarship Winner Victoria Seif, and WBA Ag Section Board Member Cathy Asher of Security Financial Bank.

Victoria Seif is a student at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls pursuing a major in agricultural business. She is an active participant in both campus and community organizations, serving as a member of the UW–River Falls Agricultural Education Society and the Agriculture Business and Management Society. Seif is a standout leader and also served in multiple officer roles with various organizations throughout high school.

In addition to academic and extracurricular leadership, Seif’s professional work experience spans customer service and marketing roles. She has worked as a customer service representative at Russell’s of Neillsville and Citizens State Bank of Loyal, as well as a marketing manager for Erica Lawton Realty. These roles serve as a testament to Seif’s commitment to supporting local communities.

“I am interested in a career in agricultural banking because it ties together my interests in agriculture, economics, and financial planning,” Seif said. “Growing up on a farm gave me an understanding of the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards that come with agriculture. I have learned the value of hard work, the importance of planning ahead, and the financial circumstances that come with any agricultural operation. These experiences opened my eyes to the reality of agriculture and fueled my passion for the agriculture industry.”

Janelle Wolfe is a UW–River Falls student studying agricultural business. Wolfe is an active member of the university’s Dairy Club, Collegiate Farm Bureau, Crops and Soils Club, and the Agricultural Business and Marketing Society.

Pictured left to right: Wisconsin Bankers Foundation Chair, Treasurer, and Executive Director Rose Oswald Poels, 2025 WBF Agricultural Banking Scholarship Winner Janelle Wolfe, and WBA Ag Section Board Member Cathy Asher of Security Financial Bank.

Wolfe gained extensive hands-on agriculture experience before beginning her college education. She worked as an agronomy crop scout intern with Ag Partners in Elgin, Minnesota and assisted agronomists by scouting crop fields, identifying weeds, diseases, and insects affecting crop development. She also worked as a farm hand at Wolfe Family Farms, assisting with calf care, herd management, and operating farm machinery. Additional work experience includes roles at Suncrest Gardens Pizza Farm, St. Boniface Child Center, and Independence State Bank.

“Agriculture has always been a huge part of my life,” Wolfe explained. “I understand the struggles farmers face and I want to be able to help farmers out. I am very passionate about agriculture and enjoy finances which are the two driving factors behind why I am so interested in a career within agricultural banking or finance.”

“Victoria and Janelle are exceptionally passionate students who have bright futures in agriculture,” said WBF Chair Rose Oswald Poels. “We are happy to support their continued education and strengthen the talent pipeline to serve Wisconsin’s rural communities.”

For more information on the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation and its annual scholarships, please visit wisbankfoundation.org.

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Corey Chambas Named 2025 Banker of the Year

Corey Chambas; CEO, First Business Financial Services, Inc., Madison; honored by Wisconsin Bankers Association

Corey Chambas

Corey Chambas

The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) is pleased to announce that Corey Chambas, CEO of First Business Financial Services Inc., parent company of First Business Bank, Madison, Wis., has been named the 2025 Banker of the Year. The award was presented the evening of February 5, 2026, in Wisconsin Dells at the largest banking industry event in the state, the WBA Bank Executives Conference.

“We are proud to recognize Corey as the 2025 Banker of the Year,” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO. “A forty-year industry veteran, he is an exceptional professional whose kindness, integrity, and commitment to his colleagues and community make him truly deserving of this honor.”

Oswald Poels, Chambas, Thompson

Corey Chambas (center) accepts his award from WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels and 2024 Banker of the Year Kenneth Thompson

With 32 years at First Business Bank, Chambas has led the organization through principled growth. Today, the organization is a $4 billion institution with five specialized lending divisions, private wealth services with $3.8 billion assets under management, and bank consulting services that help other financial institutions. Under his leadership, the organization has delivered extraordinary shareholder returns, strong profitability metrics, and consistent market leadership. This performance has earned First Business Financial Services industry recognition, including being named a five-time honoree of Piper Sandler’s Sm-All Stars, a distinction awarded to high-performing, publicly traded community banks.

Chambas is equally recognized for cultivating a people-first culture. His collaborative leadership style has resulted in First Business Bank being named a National Top Workplaces USA Award winner from 2022 through 2025. In 2025, the organization also achieved a Net Promoter Score of 78, placing it among the top performers in the financial services industry.

Chambas and colleagues

Corey Chambas and colleagues

A respected industry voice, Chambas has shared insights on strategy, growth, and culture at leading forums including Second Curve Capital’s Financial Services CEO Retreat and Bank Director’s Acquire or Be Acquired Conference. Chambas was also recently recognized as BankBeat magazine’s Banker of the Year for 2026 and by BizTimes as one of Wisconsin’s 275 Most Influential Business Leaders statewide.

 

Chambas’ leadership extends into education, executive development, and civic engagement. He has presented to students at the Wisconsin School of Business as part of UW-Madison’s “Distinguished Entrepreneur” program, spoken to the FEI Madison Chapter on leadership and team dynamics, and facilitates Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce’s Executive Forum Milwaukee cohort, mentoring Wisconsin business leaders on strategy and executive leadership.

Corey Chambas accepting his 2025 Banker of the Year Award at the WBA Bank Executives Conference

Corey Chambas accepting his 2025 Banker of the Year Award at the WBA Bank Executives Conference

His community leadership includes board service with United Way of Dane County, Madison Breakfast Rotary, and the Foundation for Dane County Transition Schools. Recognizing Dane County’s critical affordable housing shortage, Chambas championed First Business Bank’s $2 million investment in the Dane Workforce Housing Fund, helping support the creation of more than 747 affordable housing units. Beyond formal roles, Chambas has also participated in numerous initiatives that strengthen local schools and families. This hands-on approach to community building has created lasting impact while inspiring others to follow his example of generous service.

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 Chambas is the 40th banker honored with this distinction.

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Wolf River Community Bank Named 2025 WBF Financial Education Innovation Award Winner

Wisconsin Bankers Foundation Recognizes Financial Education Initiative of Wolf River Community Bank

Spencer, the face of Wolf River Community Bank’s Spencer’s 2¢ financial education video series (holding award), along with colleagues from Wolf River Community Bank, accept the 2025 Wisconsin Bankers Foundation Financial Education Innovation Award from Rose Oswald Poels, WBF chair, treasurer, and executive director; and Paul Northway, WBA chair.

The Wisconsin Bankers Foundation (WBF) has named Wolf River Community Bank the recipient of the 2025 WBF Financial Education Innovation Award, recognizing the bank’s humorous and highly effective fraud education video series, Spencer’s 2¢. The award was presented February 5, 2026 during the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) Bank Executives Conference in Wisconsin Dells.

“Innovation in financial education is all about how well people remember and act on information,” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBF chair, treasurer, and executive director. “Wolf River Community Bank found a creative way to break through the noise by using humor and storytelling to help people recognize scams.”

At the center of the program is Spencer’s 2¢, a short-form video series led by a Wolf River Community Bank electronic banking specialist who delivers fraud prevention tips through deadpan humor, cartoon visuals, and quippy storytelling. Each episode focuses on a single scam — including phishing, spoofing, and catfishing — using playful props and imagery to simplify fraud tactics without minimizing the devastation they can cause. Spencer’s straight-faced delivery, practical tips, and signature line — “And that’s my two cents!” — resonate with fellow 20-somethings and senior customers alike.

The WBF Financial Education Innovation Award is a prestigious category of the WBF Excellence in Financial Education Awards. Submissions for the 2025 WBF Excellence in Financial Education Awards encompassed over 1,340 financial education presentations — including Teach Children to Save Day presentations, homeownership workshops, and elder financial abuse prevention seminars, among other initiatives — given by more than 450 Wisconsin bank employees, reaching approximately 40,000 Wisconsin community members.

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Madison, WI 53718

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