Members in the News

Green Bay, WI and Valhalla, NY (5/4/20) — ABRC is a multiline insurance agency and Midwest-based consulting firm with 400 employees. It is the 36th largest broker of U.S. business providing employee benefits, retirement plans, compliance, business insurance, risk management and individual insurance solutions. USI is one of the largest insurance brokerage and consulting firms in the world, delivering property and casualty, employee benefits, personal risk, program and retirement solutions to large risk management clients, middle market companies, smaller firms and individuals. Headquartered in Valhalla, New York, USI connects over 7,500 industry-leading professionals from approximately 200 offices to serve clients’ local, national and international needs. “This transaction allows us to monetize our investment in ABRC and further our strategic goals of enhancing shareholder value and being a source of strength for our customers, colleagues and communities,” said Philip B. Flynn, president and CEO of Associated. “The meaningful valuation difference between regional banks and insurance brokers is not reflected in Associated’s share price, and that difference will also make it difficult for ABRC to grow through acquisitions. In addition, the capital provided from this transaction will support loan growth, create an added buffer during these trying economic times, and support our dividend policy.” Michael J. Sicard, USI’s chairman and chief executive officer, added: “We look forward to welcoming the entire team of professionals from ABRC to the USI family. Their collective passion for delivering superior solutions and service to clients complements USI’s strong focus on building long-term client relationships and a differentiated experience through the USI ONE Advantage®, an interactive knowledge platform that integrates proprietary analytics, networked resources and enterprise planning to deliver truly customized solutions with material financial impact to clients.”

Subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close late in the second quarter or early in the third quarter of 2020. Under the terms of the Agreement, the purchase price is $265.755 million in cash subject to adjustment for, among other things, transaction expenses, and working capital changes. ABRC’s last twelve months pro forma revenues were approximately $89 million. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC served as financial advisor and Husch Blackwell LLP served as legal advisor to Associated in this transaction.

Milwaukee, WI (5/5/20) — West Bend Mutual Insurance Company (West Bend) has partnered with its independent insurance agencies to support local organizations that are helping those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 78 independent agents in 14 states committed to donating $500 each; West Bend then pledged an additional $2,000 to each organization. West Bend’s donations come from grants made through its Independent Agents’ Fund and are part of the company’s Spirit of the Silver Lining Awards. These awards and grants are presented annually to nonprofit organizations supported by the company’s independent insurance agents. “What’s more meaningful about this effort is our agencies are making contributions, as well,” said Kelly Tighe, senior vice president of Sales at West Bend. “This is a true partnership.” West Bend made the decision to support nonprofits that provide timely, essential services to people directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These include food pantries, blood centers, and free clinics, among many others.

BWO Insurance Group, LLC Johannesen Farrar, Inc. KVS Insurance Vizance, Inc. Couri Insurance Group HNI Risk Services, LLC David Insurance Agency, Inc. R & R Insurance Services, Inc. American Advantage - Lindow Insurance Inc. Starr Insurance Group Ansay & Associates

South Milwaukee Human Concerns The Tree House Child and Family Center Mukwonago Food Pantry Inspiration Ministries MACC Fund New Berlin Food Pantry Careers Industries, Inc. LindenGrove Foundation Waukesha Food Pantry Christian Hope Ministry Ronald McDonald House Charities Eastern WI

residents. In addition, the company is extending premium due dates for all policyholders impacted by the crisis and automatically providing coverage on personal vehicles used by employees of restaurants that now offer delivery services.

Associates: West Bend’s associates number more than 1,300, all of whom are committed to providing exceptional service to policyholders and agents. As a small gesture of support, West Bend gifted each associate with a $150

patronage of local businesses, both as a reward for their hard work in these trying times and as a way they can show support for businesses and organizations affected by the statewide Safer-At-Home orders.

Community: The West Bend Mutual Insurance Charitable Trust awarded grants to more than 20 nonprofit organizations, many of which provide direct support or relief for the COVID-19 crisis in the community. The two largest donations were awarded to Feeding America and the Red Cross of Southeast Wisconsin, which each received $50,000 to aid their noble pursuits to provide food, shelter, and blood to those in need during this very uncertain time.

Organizations such as the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, the Department of Insurance, and the Department of Commerce in each state have compiled resources that businesses and individuals in those states can refer to for information and/or help. Information is linked on our website COVID-19 Resources. West Bend strives to be a helpful resource to both agents and its policyholders and has compiled any updates regarding relief options on this page, West Bend Response.

Milwaukee, WI (5/27/20) — Robertson Ryan & Associates is excited to announce Joel Weis joined Robertson Ryan in April as an Agent Owner & Vice President. Joel was most recently the co-owner of May’s Insurance Agency in Burlington, WI. He started with May’s Insurance in 1992. Before his insurance career started Joel went through two tax seasons as an accounting intern in college realizing that he wanted to deal more with people and less with ledgers and tax forms. Now in the insurance industry for over 25 years, Joel enjoys the challenge of making sense of Commercial Insurance for business owners in Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. Weis shared, being part of Robertson Ryan will give my team and me access to over 50 commercial insurance carriers and will provide us the tools to do more for clients in terms of Loss Control and Risk Management. This all adds up to stronger insurance programs and more services for our clients.” The entire Weis team includes: Nicole Baumeister (Business Insurance), Sarah Boylen (Employee Benefits), Ashley Foat (Personal Insurance) and Jim Peterson (Agent). Their office is located at 204 East Chestnut Street, Burlington, WI.

We’re so pleased Joel Weis and his team selected RRA for their next chapter. Joel and his team share our customer-centric values and they will be a great addition to our agency, shared Allan Degner VP of Marketing at Robertson Ryan & Associates.