Tag Archive for: Retail Banking

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Graduating students throwing graduation caps into air in celebration
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Congratulations to the May BankWork$ Graduates!

In partnership with Employ Milwaukee, the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) is proud to bring the nationwide BankWork$ program to Wisconsin. BankWork$ is a free, eight-week training program to prepare participants — primarily individuals from under-resourced communities — for retail banking careers. Upon graduation, each class then takes part in a hiring event featuring BankWork$ employer partners.

In May, a class of seven students — including Melissa Trotter, Loren Gonzalez, Sandra Uscanga, Gabe Wheeler, Daniel Freman, Mary Castro, and Mariia “Masha” Korbin — graduated from the program. WBA’s Rose Oswald Poels attended the ceremony and congratulated the graduates on their achievement.

Over the course of the eight-week program, students learned the heard and soft skills necessary for entry-level retail and operations positions. Beginning in 2019, the program has now provided over 130 individuals in the Milwaukee area with the opportunity to begin a career in banking.

Pictured (from left to right): Oscar Delgado, BankWork$ Career Navigator; Melissa Trotter, Loren Gonzalez; Sandra Uscanga; Gabe Wheeler (back row), WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels; Adriene Wright, BankWork$ instructor (back row); Daniel Freman; Mary Castro, and Mariia “Masha” Korbin.

To learn more about the program, or how your bank can get involved, please visit employmilwaukee.org/BankWorks.htm.

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Graduating students throwing graduation caps into air in celebration
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Congratulations to the March BankWork$ Graduates!

In partnership with Employ Milwaukee, the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) is proud to bring the nationwide BankWork$ program to Wisconsin. BankWork$ is a free, eight-week training program to prepare participants — primarily individuals from under-resourced communities — for retail banking careers. Upon graduation, each class then takes part in a hiring event featuring BankWork$ employer partners.

In March, a class of six students — including Yazmin Franco Luna, Timesha Gray, Alesha Hodges, Shatyea Patterson, Mariana Simas, and Chapa Wijendra — graduated from the program. WBA’s Rose Oswald Poels attended the ceremony and congratulated the graduates on their achievement.

Pictured (left to right) are: Adriene Wright, BankWork$ instructor; Alesha Hodges; Timesha Gray; Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO; Yazmin Franco Luna; Mariana Simas; Chapa Wijendra; and Shatyea Patterson.

Over the course of the eight-week program, students learned the heard and soft skills necessary for entry-level retail and operations positions. Beginning in 2019, the program has now provided over 130 individuals in the Milwaukee area with the opportunity to begin a career in banking.

To learn more about the program, or how your bank can get involved, please visit employmilwaukee.org/BankWorks.htm.

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Graduating students throwing graduation caps into air in celebration
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Congratulations to the December BankWork$ Graduates!

In partnership with Employ Milwaukee, the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) is proud to bring the nationwide BankWork$ program to Wisconsin. BankWork$ is a free, eight-week training program to prepare participants — primarily individuals from under-resourced communities — for retail banking careers. Upon graduation, each class then takes part in a hiring event featuring BankWork$ employer partners.

In December, a class of 12 students — including Emilia Blackwell- Brewer, Joseph Bump, Jarell Bustos, Courtlyn Ellis, Tytiana Harris, Sravanthi Kakarla, Dennis Lara, Edwin Martinez Dolores, Elizabeth Miller, Umika Miller, LeAnn Shields, and Lily Smith — graduated from the program. WBA’s Rose Oswald Poels attended the ceremony and congratulated the graduates on their achievement.

Standing, back row (left to right) are: Oscar Delgado, Employ Milwaukee career navigator; Jarell Bustos; Emilia Blackwell-Brewer; and Dennis Lara. Standing, middle row (left to right) are: Adriene Wright, BankWork$ instructor; Sravanthi Kakarla; Umika Miller; Elizabeth Miller; Edwin Martinez Dolores; Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO; and Jovo Potkonjak, BankWork$ program manager. Seated, front row (left to right) are: Courtlyn Ellis; Lily Smith; Joseph Bump; Tytiana Harris; and LeAnn Shields.

Over the course of the eight-week program, students learned the heard and soft skills necessary for entry-level retail and operations positions. Beginning in 2019, the program has now provided over 130 individuals in the Milwaukee area with the opportunity to begin a career in banking.

To learn more about the program, or how your bank can get involved, please visit employmilwaukee.org/BankWorks.htm.

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Graduating students throwing graduation caps into air in celebration
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Congratulations to the August 2023 BankWork$ Graduates!

Seated, pictured (left to right) are: JaQuiondia Banks; Adriene Wright, BankWork$ instructor; Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO. Standing, pictured (left to right) are: Canaan Henry, Isha Underwood, Clarence Williams, Zantaisha Miller, Sharifah Warren, TeRina McKinzy, and Jovo Potkonjak, BankWork$ program manager.

The August BankWork$ class has now graduated! The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) is proud to partner with Employ Milwaukee to bring this nationwide program to Wisconsin. BankWork$ is a free, eight-week training program to prepare participants in primarily underserved neighborhoods for retail banking careers.

This graduating class of seven included JaQuiondia Banks, Canaan Henry, TeRina McKinzy, Zantaisha Miller, Isha Underwood, Sharifah Warren, and Clarence Williams. WBA’s Rose Oswald Poels attended the ceremony and congratulated the graduates on their achievement.

Over the eight weeks, these students learned the hard and soft skills necessary for entry-level retail and operations positions. The program began in 2019 and has so far provided more than over 100 graduates in the Milwaukee area the opportunity to begin a career in banking.

Thank you to the following banks for sponsoring this program:

  • Associated Bank, Green Bay
  • Bank Five Nine, Oconomowoc
  • BMO Harris
  • First Federal Bank of Wisconsin, Waukesha
  • Johnson Financial Group, Milwaukee
  • Old National Bank
  • Spring Bank, Brookfield
  • The Equitable Bank, Wauwatosa
  • Town Bank, N.A., Hartland
  • WaterStone Bank, Milwaukee
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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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Graduating students throwing graduation caps into air in celebration
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Congratulations to the June 2023 BankWork$ Graduates!

Front row, pictured (left to right) are: Jackie Day, Sash’a Brown, Darin Bowie, and Ariauna Blountt. Second row, pictured (left to right) are: Nyia Gordon, Che’Nae Gardiner, Amara Farmer, and Dianne Diaz-Perez. Third row, pictured (left to right) are: LaQuisha Meek, Jarnay Martin, Anna Jackson, and Danielle Griffin, Fourth row, pictured (left to right) are: Yevhen Stanishevskyi, Michelle Williams, and Denise Pinkey. Standing (left to right) are: WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels and CareerWork$ Program Manager Dion Willis.

The June BankWork$ class has now graduated! The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) is proud to partner with Employ Milwaukee to bring this nationwide program to Wisconsin. BankWork$ is a free, eight-week training program to prepare participants in primarily underserved neighborhoods for retail banking careers.

This graduating class of 15 included Ariauna Blountt, Darin Bowie, Sash’a Brown, Jackie Day, Dianne Diaz-Perez, Amara Farmer, Che’Nae Gardiner, Nyia Gordon, Danielle Griffin, Anna Jackson, Jarnay Martin, LaQuisha Meek, Denise Pinkey, Yevhen Stanishevskyi, and Michelle Williams. WBA’s Rose Oswald Poels attended the ceremony and congratulated the graduates on their achievement.

Over the eight weeks, these students learned the hard and soft skills necessary for entry-level retail and operations positions. The program began in 2019 and has so far provided more than over 100 graduates in the Milwaukee area the opportunity to begin a career in banking.

Thank you to the following banks for sponsoring this program:

  • Associated Bank, Green Bay
  • Bank Five Nine, Oconomowoc
  • BMO Harris
  • First Federal Bank of Wisconsin, Waukesha
  • Johnson Financial Group, Milwaukee
  • Old National Bank
  • Spring Bank, Brookfield
  • The Equitable Bank, Wauwatosa
  • Town Bank, N.A., Hartland
  • WaterStone Bank, Milwaukee
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Graduating students throwing graduation caps into air in celebration
,

Congratulations to the March BankWork$ Graduates!

Pictured (left to right) are: Deja Harris- Smith, Kaprisha Greer, Edgar Martinez Santiago, Destiny Echols, Azarea Glosson, Rose Oswald Poels, Elizabeth Medina, Diarelis Rodriguez, Soaad Abdallah, and Coey Brown.

The March BankWork$ class has now graduated! The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) is proud to partner with Employ Milwaukee to bring this nationwide program to Wisconsin. BankWork$ is a free, eight-week training program to prepare participants in primarily underserved neighborhoods for retail banking careers.

This graduating class of 9 included Soaad Abdallah, Coey Brown, Destiny Echols, Azarea Glosson, Kaprisha Greer, Deja Harris-Smith, Edgar Martinez Santiago, and Elizabeth Medina. WBA’s Rose Oswald Poels attended the ceremony and congratulated the graduates on their achievement.

Over the eight weeks, these students learned the hard and soft skills necessary for entry-level retail and operations positions. The program began in 2019 and has so far provided more than over 100 graduates in the Milwaukee area the opportunity to begin a career in banking.

Thank you to the following banks for sponsoring this program:

  • Associated Bank, Green Bay
  • Bank Five Nine, Oconomowoc
  • BMO Harris
  • First Federal Bank of Wisconsin, Waukesha
  • Johnson Financial Group, Milwaukee
  • Old National Bank
  • Spring Bank, Brookfield
  • The Equitable Bank, Wauwatosa
  • Town Bank, N.A., Hartland
  • WaterStone Bank, Milwaukee
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Fake Check Scams Posing as IRA Proceeds

By Dave Oldenburg

Financial institutions have reported incidents where a new or seasoned customer is instructed to open an IRA account, with a fake check, disguised as a rollover. Criminals who orchestrate these crimes hope that front lines staff will be fooled into believing that IRA accounts are not typically associated with fraud. Unfortunately, this type of fake check scam has gained traction and has the potential to inflict substantial losses when not detected early. Although some account holders are aware that they are negotiating a fake check, others do not realize that they are being manipulated as part of a relationship or similar fraud scheme.

How Does the Scam Work?

Similar to other fake check schemes, the purpose is to falsely inflate the balance of an account and withdraw funds as quickly as possible. Funds are often transferred internally, followed by outgoing wires, BillPay, or other electronic payment methods, before the check is returned unpaid.

How Do I Spot a Fake IRA Check Scheme?

It is important to note that criminals generally use accurate information from compromised accounts such as a bank’s ABA, account number, and approximate check range to create and distribute the checks. Some may go further and use convincing check stock, bearing a quality signature of an authorized signer to increase the likelihood that the check will be negotiated.

With that in mind, it’s important to recognize common red flag indicators associated with this type of fraud:

  • The check is made payable to an individual. As a rule of thumb, legitimate Traditional and Roth IRA rollover checks are generally made payable to the financial institution, for benefit of (FBO) the account holder
  • The check doesn’t appear to be drawn on a qualified retirement plan. Many fake checks are drawn on a law firm, cashier’s check or what appears to be a general business operating account.
  • The check is sent directly to the branch by an unknown third party with instructions to deposit the check into a new or existing IRA
  • A memo line with vague instructions to deposit the check into an IRA account
  • The customer seems concerned when funds will be made available
  • The account holder wants to disburse funds shortly after the account was opened

When in doubt, it’s best not to accept the check and follow your bank’s procedures on suspicious account activity.

Oldenburg is a fraud officer, Bank First, Manitowoc and member of the WBA Financial Crimes Committee.

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608-441-1200

4721 S Biltmore Ln.
Madison, WI 53718

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