Wisconsin Bankers Association

On Tuesday, the WBA hosted over 60 Wisconsin bankers for Badger Banker Night, in partnership with Midwestern Securities, Bankers' Bank, FHLBank Chicago, and FIPCO Services, to launch the 2024 two-week session of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin - Madison (GSB)! Congratulations to these bankers on making this exciting step in their careers!

Only 15 more days to place an order for your bank's 2025 Scenes of Wisconsin calendars! Don't miss out on the opportunity to engage with your customers and share the gift of the beautiful scenery in our state. Order now on the WBA website: https://lnkd.in/gufX7ngR Cover photo taken by Tom Mortenson, a Marathon Savings Bank customer

Check out this new consumer resource for WBA-member banks to share with their customers! So many consumers have embraced the convenience of mobile banking, but there are security risks that come with banking in public places or using public Wi-Fi networks. The resource outlines those risks and provides helpful tips to help customers protect their financial and personal information: https://lnkd.in/eUUw6DTS

WBA is excited to announce our newest Community Advocate Spotlight: Steve Peotter, president and CEO at One Community Bank! Steve shares more about his banking career and his passion for helping others in his interview with WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels on our website: https://lnkd.in/gsVibMfH Congratulations, Steve!

WBA would like to congratulate Becky Kendziora, CFO at Farmers & Merchants Union Bank, on her retirement after 11 years at the bank. To honor Becky's service, WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels presented Becky with a Commendation plaque.

It's Christmas in July at the grand opening of the new Mound City Bank branch in Cuba City! Mound City Bank President and CEO Donna Hoppenjan invited WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels to the celebration last week. Donna and Rose discussed Mound City Bank's decision to expand in Cuba City and how the bank has impacted the local community.

WBA's latest consumer resource defines "spaving" (a blend of the words spending and saving) which occurs when people purchase items during a limited-time deal or in bulk to save money. What may have seemed like savvy shopping at the time can ultimately derail financial goals by provoking impulse buying and overspending. The PDF outlines drawbacks to spaving and offers ways to avoid the temptation: https://lnkd.in/eUUw6DTS

The WBA Management Conference will be hosted in Green Bay this September! The annual event brings community banking leaders together for networking and education through keynote presentations and tailored breakout sessions. C-suite bankers and other members of the bank's management group are encouraged to attend as a team. Register and find more information on the event page: https://lnkd.in/gU2i7yRj

WBA Group One held its annual golf outing on Monday at the Eau Claire Golf & Country Club where 97 registered golfers enjoyed a day of networking, good food, and, of course, golf. During dinner, the president's gavel was passed from Heidi Chell, National Bank of Commerce (WI/MN), to Bryan Gerlach, Security Financial Bank, who will remain in that officer position for the next few years. Congratulations Bryan and thank you, Heidi, along with the other officers for your work and dedication to WBA’s Group One! Joining Heidi and Bryan as WBA Group One Officers are Lance Hauser, Park Bank, as vice president, and Joe Kinnear, Dairy State Bank, as secretary/treasurer.

Congratulations to Kelly, Rick, Tim, and Jeff on their WBA Inc. work anniversary! We are so grateful for all you do for our team and our members! Kelly Hageman – 2 years of service (start date: July 19, 2022) Rick Blasing – 7 years of service (start date: July 24, 2017) Tim Hinz – 10 years of service (start date: July 1, 2014) Jeff Schmid – 5 years of service (start date: July 15, 2019)