Wisconsin Banker November | December 2026
AI IN BANKING:
From Curiosity to Competitive Advantage By Emily Torgerson Artificial intelligence (AI) has moved well beyond the hype cycle. For Wisconsin banks, AI is increasingly becoming a practical business tool capable of improving efficiency, strengthening customer service, enhancing fraud detection, and supporting employee productivity. The question for community banks is no longer whether AI will impact their institution, but how to implement it thoughtfully, securely, and strategically. That message was front and center at the recent WBA Bank Technology & Security Summit on September 29–30, 2026, in Wisconsin Dells, where industry experts Brandon Oliver, principal, BankTech Ventures, and Joseph Ellis, consulting manager, CoNetrix Security, shared insights on how financial institutions can navigate the opportunities and risks associated with AI adoption. Their presentations highlighted an important reality for bankers: successful AI implementation requires both innovation and governance.
AI Is Already Here
Many bankers associate AI with futuristic technology, but the reality is that AI is already embedded in numerous banking processes and applications. From customer service chatbots and document summarization to fraud monitoring and cybersecurity tools, AI-powered solutions are becoming commonplace throughout the financial services industry. The challenge for community banks is determining where AI can provide measurable value while maintaining customer trust, regulatory compliance, and operational security. Rather than pursuing AI for its own sake, Continued on pg. 8
Founded 1892
THE COMMON CENTS ACT BRINGS CLARITY TO ROUNDING CASH TRANSACTIONS By Heather A. MacKinnon For nearly a year, financial institutions have sought clarity for customers after the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) unexpectedly announced that it would stop producing pennies as part of a broader effort to reduce unnecessary government spending. Penny orders from the Federal Reserve have gone unfilled, requiring banks to host penny drives or swap coin with other financial institutions to help meet the cash needs of business customers and maintain enough pennies to cash checks for exact amounts. Businesses have also had to decide how to handle cash transactions when exact change is not available. Congress moved in late September to bring clarity to handling cash transactions given the depleting availability of pennies in circulation through the passage of H.R. 10167, known as the Common Cents Act. The bill, headed to President Donald Trump for his signature this fall, creates a framework for handling cash totals when exact change is unavailable, protects employees from losing compensation through rounding, addresses the future composition of the nickel, and directs federal agencies to evaluate the transition’s effects on consumers and the coin-distribution system. The Common Cents Act provides that the Treasury is to cease production of pennies for general circulation. Continued on pg. 12
UMS
Wisconsin Bankers Association 4721 South Biltmore Lane Madison, WI 53718
PAID U.S. POSTAGE PRSRT STD
CHAIR’S MESSAGE
EDUCATION: OUR INDUSTRY’S BEST INVESTMENT By Joe Peikert
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 2026 Bankwork$ Graduates......................... pg. 5 2026 Wisconsin Bankers Foundation Gala............ pg. 10 2025–2026 Wisconsin Bankers Foundation Year in Review............... pg. 11 WBA Regulatory Trip to Washington, D.C........... pg. 14 Bulletin Board............... pg. 16 Advocacy Hits the Mark at Milford Hills.............. pg. 19 WBA Leaders in Banking Excellence....................... pg. 20 Graduate School of Banking...................... pg. 21 WBA Package Holders............................ pg. 27 15 Years Focused on Community Banks......... pg. 29 Community Advocate Spotlight......................... pg. 30
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Wisconsin Banker
As bankers, we spend a great deal of time thinking about return on investment. We carefully evaluate opportunities, assess risk, and make decisions designed to create long-term value. While those conversations often focus on financial outcomes, there is one investment that consistently delivers returns far beyond what can be measured on an income statement: investing in our people through education and professional development. Education has long been one of the WBA’s core pillars, and I believe its importance continues to grow as our industry evolves. Banking today looks much different than it did even a few years ago. New technologies are transforming how we serve customers. Fraud schemes are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Emerging financial products, digital assets, and changing regulations continue to reshape the landscape. The pace of change shows no signs of slowing. In this environment, standing still is not an option. To remain strong institutions and trusted financial partners, we must ensure our teams have the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to navigate whatever comes next. That starts with a commitment to developing staff at every level of our organizations. Too often, education is viewed only as a benefit for new employees or emerging leaders. In reality, learning should be a lifelong pursuit. Whether someone is in their first year of banking or their thirtieth, there are always opportunities to strengthen skills, expand expertise, and prepare for new challenges. One of the most important reasons to invest in education is leadership development. Every bank should be asking itself a simple question: Who will be ready to step up when the next opportunity arises? Succession planning is not something that happens overnight. Building the next generation of leaders requires intentional effort, mentoring, and ongoing November | December 2026
development. We need to identify individuals with potential and provide them with opportunities to grow before leadership positions become available. The strongest organizations are those that have exceptional bench strength, where capable and prepared employees are ready to assume new responsibilities when the time comes. I am reminded of a quote that is often shared when discussing employee development: “What if we train them and they leave?” The better question is: “What if we don’t train them and they stay?” The cost of education is visible and immediate. The cost of not educating our workforce is often hidden until a challenge emerges. When employees lack the skills needed to adapt, innovate, solve problems, or lead others, organizations can find themselves struggling to keep pace with change. The future of banking will increasingly reward critical thinking, problem solving, adaptability, and analytical skills. While technology will continue to transform our work, it will not replace the importance of knowledgeable professionals who can interpret information, build relationships, make sound decisions, and guide customers through complex financial situations. Those capabilities are developed through continuous learning. As we look ahead, I encourage every banker to view education not as an expense, but as a strategic investment. When we invest in our teams, we amplify our institutions. When we amplify our institutions, we better serve our customers and communities. And when we commit to developing the people who make banking possible, we are investing in the future success of our industry itself. Peikert is the CEO at Wolf River Community Bank, Hortonville, and the 2026–2027 WBA Chair.
Save The Date 2027 Bank Executives Conference Wisconsin Bankers Association
02.03.2027
02.05.27
WHO IS THE 2026 BANKER OF THE YEAR? YOU TELL US! Nominations due December 4, 2026 WBA is proud to be accepting nominations for the 2026 Banker of the Year Award. This award focuses on the role Wisconsin bankers play in the continued vitality of their communities. The aim of the award is to recognize a bank CEO or president (or an individual who has recently retired from these positions) who has made an outstanding effort in service to their bank over their career, to their community, and to the banking profession. Corey Chambas, who at the time of his reception was CEO of First Business Financial Services Inc., parent company of First Business Bank, Madison, was honored as the WBA 2025 Banker of the Year. With 32 years at First Business Bank, Chambas led the organization through principled growth. He is equally recognized for cultivating a people-first culture and his collaborative leadership style resulted in First Business Bank being named a National Top
Workplaces USA Award winner from 2022 through 2025. He was also 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 was the fortieth banker honored with this distinction. This year’s award will be presented at the WBA Bank Executives Conference on Thursday, February 4, 2027, in Wisconsin Dells. To nominate yourself or another banker for this prestigious award, please visit wisbank.com/banker-of-the-year-registration/ to complete the nomination form by December 4, 2026.
Questions about the award or the nomination and selection process may be directed to WBA’s Angie Swanson at aswanson@wisbank.com.
HONORING WISCONSIN BANKERS FOR A LIFETIME OF SERVICE WITH 50- AND 60-YEAR CLUB MEMBERSHIPS Nominations due December 4, 2026 Each year, WBA presents awards recognizing bankers for their long service to the banking industry and their community. The 50- and 60-Year Clubs recognize bankers who have served in the banking industry for 50 and 60 years, respectively. These awards are typically presented during a special luncheon in conjunction with the WBA Bank Executives Conference. The upcoming conference will be held February 3–5, 2027, at the Kalahari Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells. Awards will be presented during the lunch program on Thursday, February 4. Any Wisconsin banker who is an active or retired officer, director, or employee and has completed 50-59 or 60-plus years of service is eligible. (U.S. Military service counts in the 50-year/60-year span if the proposed recipient was in banking both before and after time spent in the military.)
Bankers enrolled in past WBA 50-Year Clubs are not eligible to be honored again in that specific award category but may make an application to be honored at 60 or 70 years of service to the financial services industry. Before nominating an individual, WBA strongly suggests that you check with the person or your institution’s records to confirm dates of service and to determine if they have received the honor in a previous year. To nominate yourself or another banker for this prestigious award, please visit wisbank.com/ServiceAwards/ to complete the nomination form by December 4, 2026.
If the individual is unable to attend the February 4, 2027 luncheon, WBA staff will work with you to plan an event at your bank. wisbank.com
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Committed to Your Growth and Success Partner with us for: • Loan participation purchases and sales* • Bank stock financing • Bank executive and employee financing *We do not reparticipate loans.
Callie Schlieman
SVP/Correspondent Banker
Member FDIC
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Wisconsin Banker
Based out of Fargo, N.D. Specializing in bank stock and Regulation O lending 701.433.7430 November | December 2026
CHANGE TO FEDERAL DEFINITION OF HEMP By Scott Birrenkott As of publication of this article, under current federal and state law, “hemp” is defined based upon a delta-9tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of up to 0.3 percent. A recent federal law change, which goes into effect on December 11, 2026, will revise this definition. Note that the definition of hemp is highly technical, and this article does not get into those technical details. Rather, it is designed to provide some perspective for the banking industry to understand what is changing and how to prepare accordingly. The current definition of hemp was enacted by the 2018 Farm Bill and in the 2019 Wisconsin Act 68 (Act 68), which WBA has written extensively on previously (see the September 2021 “WBA Compliance Journal” article for WBA’s most recent publication on the matter). Based on this definition, “hemp” is exempt from federal and state controlled substances laws and treated as a legal commodity. The purpose of the 2018 Farm Bill and Act 68 was to legalize hemp and support farmers looking to grow the plant for fiber, seed, and other agricultural uses.
However, because the current definition measures only delta-9 THC, it created an unintended loophole whereby products developed from intoxicating hemp products, such as tetrahydrocannabinolic acid from the hemp flower, delta-8, and THC edibles and beverages, were legal. To close this loophole, section 781 of Public Law 119-37 was signed into law on November 12, 2025, as part of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act (Section 781). Section 781 redefines the federal definition of “hemp” and becomes effective on December 11, 2026. This change will result in some products, which are currently on the market, becoming illegal as of December 11, 2026. From a state perspective, Wisconsin failed to pass language that would have mirrored this federal definition change. To that extent, generally speaking, Section 781’s change to the federal definition of “hemp” does not directly affect the legality of hemp under state law. A particular plant or product may be lawful
as “hemp” or as a “derivative, extract, or cannabinoid” of hemp under state law. However, as of December 11, 2026, it will not meet the federal definition of “hemp” and would therefore be unlawful under federal-controlled substances laws. As a general matter of preemption, legality under state law is not a defense to a violation of federal law. Because of this, banks that have hemp farmers or producers operating under the original intention of the 2018 Farm Bill and Act 68 should generally see no change to those lines of business as a result of Section 781. However, banks should consider their policies and lines of business given the fact that as of December 11, 2026, certain products will become illegal under federal law. Banks should consider identifying customers that manufacture, distribute, or sell hemp-derived cannabinoid products, discussing how those customers plan to respond, and reviewing BSA/AML policies, customer risk ratings, and monitoring procedures before December 11, 2026. Banks may also wish to consult legal counsel regarding specific relationships. For additional information, please contact WBA Legal at wbalegal@wisbank.com. Birrenkott is the WBA director – legal.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE AUGUST 2026 BANKWORK$ GRADUATES! Pictured left to right: Adriene Wright, BankWork$ instructor; Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO; Elaina Palacios; De’Ariah McKay-Miller; Darvin Maxwell Garner; Sharvani Manjarekar; Arania Jacobs; Shameika Black; and Jason Becker.
In partnership with Employ Milwaukee, 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. In August, a class of seven students, including Jason Becker, Shameika Black,
Arania Jacobs, Sharvani Manjarekar, Darvin Maxwell Garner, De’Ariah McKay-Miller, and Elaina Palacios, graduated from the program. WBA’s President & CEO Rose Oswald Poels attended the ceremony and congratulated the graduates on their achievement. Over the course of the eight-week program, students learned the hard and
soft skills necessary for entry-level retail and operations positions. BankWork$ was developed in 2019 to open a door for individuals to help them find and succeed in well-paying jobs that can lead to a lasting career in banking. To learn more about the program or how your bank can get involved, visit employmilwaukee.org/BankWorks. wisbank.com
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YOUR VOICE IN 2027 STARTS NOW By Chris Borgerding By the time you read this, Wisconsin has chosen a new governor and decided control of the Legislature. Whatever the outcome, the officials who write the 2027–29 budget and handle banking bills next session look very different from the ones we worked with this year. How Wisconsin bankers engage in the months ahead will shape how those new officeholders understand our industry.
What Changed
Much of the turnover was settled before a single vote was cast. For the first time since 2010, Wisconsin will have a new governor, a new Assembly speaker, and a new Senate majority leader all at once. The ranks are changing too. A third of the Senate Republican caucus chose to retire rather than seek reelection, and both chambers were competitive for the first time in more than a decade. Whichever party holds the gavel, many of the lawmakers who handle banking bills in 2027 will be new to the Legislature. Money poured into these races. In 2026, three Republican megadonors alone gave more than $73 million to GOP committees and candidates. Both parties reserved millions of dollars in TV time for individual Senate districts. None of that money was spent with Wisconsin banks in mind.
Thank you to every banker who contributed toward our 2026 goal of $315,000. Contributions of any size count, and broad participation matters as much as the total. Visit wisbank.com/advocacy to give or to learn more.
Advocacy in 2027
The election was only the beginning. The 2027 session opens in January with the biennial budget, and many new members will be learning about banking for the first time. Their first impression of our industry will come from the bankers in their district. In 2027, we will ask you to: • Host your legislator. An hour at your bank, a few staff, and a real example such as a farm loan, a small-business line of credit, or elder fraud caught at the teller line. Be the first bank they visit. • Answer action alerts. When a bill affecting your bank moves quickly, a call or email from a banker in the district carries more weight than any lobbyist. • Come to the Capitol. WBA’s Capitol Day on May 4, 2027, is a day of meetings with your own legislators, with WBA staff at your side. • Stay in touch. A note after a vote, or an invitation to a community event, turns one meeting into a relationship.
Wisbankpac and the Alliance Conduit
Wisbankpac and the Alliance of Bankers for Wisconsin Conduit make sure our industry is heard alongside that money. The two work differently, and both matter. Wisbankpac pools contributions from bankers across the state. It supports candidates of both parties who understand community banking. The conduit lets you send your own dollars to the specific candidates you choose. Those contributions are reported in your name, so the lawmaker knows the support came from a banker in their district. That support pays off now. In January, new legislators will face bills on topics they have never seen before and will decide whom to call. The bankers who supported them during the campaign are the ones who get that call. Giving does not end with the election, either. Every Assembly seat is on the ballot again in 2028.
As the new Legislature is sworn in, WBA’s Government Relations team is ready, and we will be more effective with you alongside us. Thank you for your continued support of WBA and our advocacy efforts. Borgerding is the WBA vice president – government relations.
Save the date:
CAPITOL DAY MAY 4, 2027 | WISCONSIN STATE CAPITOL
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Wisconsin Banker
November | December 2026
INVEST IN THE FUTURE PROSPERITY OF THE BANKING INDUSTRY As part of the WBA’s mission to support bankers in Wisconsin at both the state and federal level, advocacy plays an important role in the work the team does each day. In order to continue advocating for the strength and well-being of our industry, WBA membership is encouraged to help make political contributions to WBA’s political accounts: Wisbankpac, the Alliance of Bankers Conduit for Wisconsin (ABW), and the WBA issue advocacy fund. These donations play a vital role in supporting our elected officials who support banking and business initiatives. Through the association’s political action funds, individuals have the ability to pool their personal contributions with that from other bankers for even greater impact and visibility for the industry.
Individual Recognition Silver Triangle Club Silver Triangle is earned by individual bankers who make a minimum personal contribution of $1,000 to any combination of the ABW political conduit, Wisbankpac, or the WBA issue advocacy fund. Leadership Circle WBA’s Leadership Circle recognition requires individual bankers to make a minimum personal contribution of $3,000 to any combination of the ABW political conduit or Wisbankpac. Hall of Fame WBA’s Hall of Fame recognition requires individual bankers to contribute a minimum aggregate lifetime personal investment of $25,000 to any combination of the ABW political conduit or Wisbankpac.
Bank-Wide Recognition Gold Triangle Club Gold Triangle recognition is achieved by banks whose officers, directors, and employees aggregately contribute a minimum amount (based on bank asset size) to the ABW political conduit or Wisbankpac.
Not Sure Where to Start?
More information regarding the association’s yearly priorities and ways to get involved is available at wisbank.com/advocacy. WBA staff are also available to give virtual or in-person presentations to WBA-member bankers and/or a bank’s board of directors. These informative updates help illustrate the legislative environment we work in and detail the association’s priority issues.
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midwesternsecurities.com Member FINRA/SIPC
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AI IN BANKING Continued from pg. 1 institutions should focus on solving real business problems. Common use cases include improving operational efficiency, assisting with marketing content creation, streamlining research, enhancing customer communications, and supporting internal knowledge management. At the summit, Oliver’s presentation, “Not Just Buzzwords: How Banks Can Utilize AI, Stablecoins & Other Digital Trends,” encouraged bankers to look beyond headlines and evaluate emerging technologies through a practical business lens. The key takeaway was that successful adoption begins with understanding how these tools can support strategic objectives rather than simply following industry trends. Oliver recommends starting with a gradual rollout to executives and business line leaders before expanding organization-wide. “AI is here to stay,” he said. “Let employees explore bankapproved platforms at their own pace to slowly shift the culture of comfortability. Encourage adoption by asking how staff have used these tools to make the bank more efficient, then collect and share those best practices to help everyone advance.”
Governance Must Come First
While AI offers significant opportunities, it also presents risks that financial institutions must address proactively. Banks operate in one of the most highly regulated industries in the country. Any AI program must align with existing expectations related to risk management, privacy, information security, model governance, and consumer protection. As financial institutions evaluate AI solutions, questions regarding data handling, vendor oversight, explainability, and accountability become increasingly important. These concerns formed the foundation of Ellis’s summit presentation, “Real-Life AI Governance and Security for Community Banks.” His focus underscored a critical lesson for bankers: innovation and risk management must advance together. AI can only deliver long-term value when supported by clear policies, strong governance frameworks, and ongoing oversight. Ellis encouraged attendees, stating: “Our goal today is not 8
Wisconsin Banker
to say ‘no’ to AI. The goal is to say ‘yes,’ safely.” He added, “Start with discovery and inventorying how AI is already being used because you cannot govern what you have not identified. Test vendor claims, build on the programs you already have rather than creating a new one, and make the approved path to AI onboarding and use the preferred path.” For many institutions, governance starts with establishing internal guidelines around acceptable AI use. Employees should understand what information can and cannot be entered into AI platforms, how AI-generated content should be reviewed, and who is responsible for monitoring compliance and security expectations. Creating an AI policy today can help avoid costly mistakes tomorrow.
Building an AI-Ready Culture
Technology alone does not create competitive advantage. People do. One of the greatest opportunities for banks lies in helping employees understand how AI can enhance, rather than replace, their work. When used appropriately, AI can eliminate repetitive tasks and allow staff to focus on higher-value activities that require human expertise, relationship management, and strategic thinking. Creating an AI-ready culture means encouraging experimentation within defined guardrails. Employees should have access to training that explains both the benefits and limitations of AI tools. Leaders should foster an environment where staff can explore new technologies responsibly while maintaining appropriate controls. Importantly, bankers should remember that AI outputs still require human judgment. AI can assist decision-making, but it cannot replace the experience, regulatory knowledge, and community connections that distinguish Wisconsin’s banks.
How WBA Can Help
As AI continues to evolve, bankers do not have to navigate this journey alone. The WBA is committed to helping member banks understand emerging technologies and their implications through education, resources, and peer networking opportunities. The newly launched WBA Bank Technology & Security Summit in 2025, formerly known as the Secur-I.T. Conference, reflects WBA’s commitment to providing
November | December 2026
timely information on cybersecurity, technology, and AI-related developments affecting the banking industry. Through conferences, webinars, schools, forums, and industry updates, WBA connects bankers with experts who can help translate complex technological trends into actionable strategies. These programs offer opportunities to learn from peers, hear from subject matter experts, and gain practical guidance that can be applied at institutions of all sizes. WBA also serves as a valuable resource as regulators continue examining AI use within financial services. By monitoring industry developments and sharing relevant information, the association helps member banks stay informed and prepared. Perhaps most importantly, WBA creates opportunities for collaboration. Community banks often face similar questions regarding AI adoption, vendor management, cybersecurity, and governance. Through WBA events and networking opportunities, bankers can learn from one another’s experiences and identify vendors and best practices that support responsible innovation.
Looking Ahead
AI will undoubtedly continue reshaping the financial services landscape in the years ahead. The institutions that succeed will not necessarily be those that adopt every new tool first, but those that implement technology strategically, manage risk effectively, and remain focused on serving customers and communities. The insights shared by Oliver and Ellis at the WBA Bank Technology & Security Summit reinforced this balanced approach. AI presents tremendous opportunities, but realizing those benefits requires thoughtful governance, employee education, and a clear understanding of business objectives. For Wisconsin bankers, the path forward is clear: stay informed, stay engaged, and take advantage of the resources available through WBA. As AI continues to evolve, the association stands ready to help member banks turn uncertainty into opportunity while maintaining the trust and relationships that remain at the heart of community banking. Torgerson was the WBA writer/editor — her last day with WBA was October 6.
Wisconsin Banks Have Earned $64.5M+ with BHG Financial For more than two decades, Wisconsin financial institutions have partnered with BHG to purchase high-credit-quality loans and generate interest income.
WI by the numbers 66
$64.5M+
$521.5M
2002
partner banks
total purchase amount
total lifetime interest earned
partnerships began
Banks purchase loans directly, providing a straightforward ownership structure. Backed by rigorous underwriting and more than 20 years of purchasing activity from Wisconsin institutions, BHG’s loan purchase program continues to be a trusted source of earning assets for banks across the state.
Contact your representative Courtney Milana
Scan to learn more OR
315.430.3919 courtney@bhg-inc.com wisbank.com
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2026 WISCONSIN BANKERS FOUNDATION GALA RAISES $43,000 FOR FINANCIAL LITERACY The Wisconsin Bankers Foundation (WBF) hosted its fourth annual Gala on September 24 at the Goodman Community Center’s Brassworks Building, where a record number of bankers, non-profit leaders, and community members gathered for a celebratory evening of delicious food and drinks, silent and live auctions, and heartfelt remarks from several of this year’s grant recipients. Created in 2015, WBF is the charitable arm of the WBA, with the mission to promote financial literacy and capability to the public and broaden consumer empowerment in the financial services industry through education, scholarships, grants, and research. WBF accomplishes its mission through the popular Reading Raises Interest Kits distributed across Wisconsin in conjunction with National Teach Children to Save Day, higher education scholarships for students attending Wisconsin institutions, Banconomics
reports that provide key data to banks in the Midwest, and grants made to other non-profit organizations aligned with WBF’s mission. Representatives from five of the six non-profit organizations, which each received a $5,000 WBF grant, were present at the Gala to share information about their missions and how the grant will be used to further financial literacy and capability. The 2026 WBA grant recipients are: • Asset Builders • Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay • Community Action CoalitionSouth Central Wisconsin • EconomicsWisconsin • Literacy Network • River Valley Charities
WBF would like to thank the very generous attendees, bidders, sponsors, and donors who supported the WBF in multiple ways, including attending the Gala, event sponsorship, table sponsorships, donating silent and live auction items, and general auction bidding. Presenting Sponsor: FHLBank Chicago Paddle Raise Sponsor: Glia Table Sponsors: Bank of Sun Prairie Bell Bank Capitol Bank CBI Bank & Trust FIPCO® ShareFI Fortifi Bank Glia Johnson Financial Group North Shore Bank PremierBank In-Kind Donors: Ami Myrland Bankers’ Bank Bank Five Nine Bell Bank BOK Financial Capital Markets First Business Bank Green Bay Packers Foundation Kalahari Resort Milford Hills Rose Oswald Poels The American Club The Equitable Bank, S.S.B. The Pfister Hotel The Pineries Bank The Port Washington State Bank Town Bank Wisconsin Bankers Association Wilderness Resort Wolf River Community Bank
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Wisconsin Banker
November | December 2026
YEAR IN REVIEW
2025
2026
Wisconsin Bankers
FOUNDATION Our mission is to empower financial decisions through education, scholarships, grants, and research.
2,700+
BOOKS
Building knowledge and skills.
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GRANTS
Agricultural Banking Scholarship Two scholarships of $1,500 each were awarded to Wisconsin students pursuing careers in agricultural banking.
Spring Scholarship Four scholarships of $2,000 each were awarded to Wisconsin students who demonstrated excellent academic achievement, career preparation, and financial literacy.
600
Reading Raises Interest Kits In conjunction with Teach Children to Save Day in April, over 100 banks utilized the kits for lessons in classrooms around the state. This year’s kits featured the book “The Berenstain Bears’ Trouble With Money,” and over 2,700 books were donated to students, classrooms, and libraries.
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SCHOLARSHIPS
Encouraging financial planning for higher education and future careers.
600
Literacy Network: Was awarded $5,000 to develop and deliver financial literacy curriculum for adult Supporting the work of non-profits English language learners. River Valley Charities: The Financial Literacy providing financial education. Program was awarded $5,000. Asset Builders: The statewide high school Finance and Investment Challenge Bowl competition was awarded $5,000. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay: Financial Counseling and Housing Education project was awarded $5,000 to expand access to seven under-served rural counties across northeastern Wisconsin. Community Action Coalition-South Central Wisconsin: The Jefferson County Financial Empowerment Center was awarded $5,000. EconomicsWisconsin: The statewide middle and high schools Stock Market Game was awarded $5,000.
VOLUNTEERS
Empowering community members.
Excellence in Financial Education Awards Our dedicated volunteers engage with audiences of all ages and locations in Wisconsin. This year’s awards celebrated the efforts of over 600 bankers, who made over 2,300 financial education presentations reaching over 78,000 community members.
92 REPORTS
Providing free access to data. Quarterly banking reports on seven Midwest states, compiled by Navanta, were published on banconomics.com.
www.wisbankfoundation.org wisbank.com
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THE COMMON CENTS ACT Continued from pg. 1 The Treasury is authorized, however, to continue production and sell pennies as numismatic items, for collectable coin purposes. Regardless of the cease in production, pennies minted and issued on any date before the date of the enactment of the Act remain as legal tender for all debts, public charges, taxes, and dues. As pennies continue to become less available, the bill permits any person, including a financial institution, selling goods or services to round cash totals to the nearest five cents when exact change cannot be provided either when accepting payment in cash or in providing cash back. Congress specified the permissible rounding methods. In any cash transaction in which the covered amount ends with 1 cent, 2 cents, 6 cents, or 7 cents as the final digit, the amount of cents in the sum may be rounded down to the nearest amount divisible by 5 for any person seeking to make payment with cash. When the covered amount ends with 3 cents, 4 cents, 8 cents, or 9 cents as the final digit, the amount of cents in the sum may be rounded up to the nearest amount divisible by 5 for any person seeking to make payment with cash. It is also permissible that when the covered amount totals are $0.01 or $0.02, such amount may be rounded up to $.05 for any person seeking to make payment with cash. A cash transaction can also be rounded up or down to the nearest amount divisible by 5 so long as the rounding is in the favor of the customer. The rounding framework only applies to cash transactions. Payments by check, credit card, gift card, electronic funds transfer, money order, or similar instrument or method continue to be charged to the exact cent. The Common Cents Act also addresses employment cash payments. If an employer chooses to round a cash payment
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Wisconsin Banker
that is not divisible by 5 cents, the amount must be rounded upward. Employers may instead pay the exact cash amount. The term ‘‘covered amount’’ means (1) the total transaction amount, including taxes; or (2) in the case of a person selling goods or services in a cash transaction or entering into any other transaction that results in a payment or transfer of cash between the parties to the transaction, the amount of change due to the customer if the customer provides a cash payment that exceeds the total transaction amount, including taxes. A business or financial institution using a permitted rounding procedure does not violate federal, state, Tribal, or local law merely because they round a cash total. The protection is limited, however, in that no person is excused from compliance with minimum-wage, overtime, paid-leave, or similar employment requirements. The Common Cents Act also requires the Federal Reserve to develop and publicly report a strategic plan addressing penny deposits and orders, actions at commercial coin terminals, and the stability of the coin-distribution system. The Treasury is required to assess how penny-supply disruptions and rounding practices affect low-income communities, older consumers, and people who are unbanked or underbanked. The Treasury is also to provide Congress with recommendations for addressing adverse effects. In addition, the Treasury is prohibited from discontinuing another circulating coin without first providing relevant congressional committees 60 days’ advance notice, explaining the fiscal and operational reasons for the change, addressing effects on consumers and businesses, and presenting a phase-out plan. The Treasury is also to explore changes in nickel coin composition to reduce production costs while minimizing problems with coin-operated machines.
November | December 2026
Now that Congress has moved to put parameters around rounding practices of cash transactions, businesses and financial institutions can better plan for how to best negotiate a cash transaction. There is flexibility in either selecting the more structured round-up or round-down rules based upon the final digit or electing to round to the nearest 5 cents, so long as the rounding is in favor of the customer. Newly required agency reporting on future coin discontinuation will help with improving any implementation so that businesses and financial institutions can better adapt to changes that result from any future change. MacKinnon is the WBA executive vice president and general counsel.
Committed to the Industry. Committed to your Bank. • Mergers & Acquisitions • Strategic Planning • Ownership Succession • Securities Offerings • Vendor Contracts • Compensation Plans • Commercial Lending • Consumer Finance • Workouts & Bankruptcy • Privacy & Information Security • Fintech
As a WBA Gold Associate Member, we prioritize our commitment to the Wisconsin banking industry. More depth, more expertise, better results. “We trusted Godfrey & Kahn with the sale of our family’s most valuable asset...our bank. And we would do it again.” — $50 Million Community Bank “Godfrey & Kahn’s responsiveness, follow-up, teamwork and expertise exceed expectations.” — $1 Billion+ Community Bank
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COMMUNITY BANK VOICES AMPLIFIED THROUGH MEETINGS WITH REGULATOR LEADERSHIP Each fall, WBA hosts a regulatory trip to Washington, D.C. to meet with regulator leadership to discuss concerns and share recommendations about regulation, guidance, and other supervisory actions directly affecting Wisconsin banks. This year, 13 bankers joined WBA’s Rose Oswald Poels, president and CEO, and Heather MacKinnon, executive vice president and general counsel, in small group meetings with senior officials from the FDIC, Federal Reserve, OCC, CFPB, and SBA. The group discussed a wide range of issues, including CAMELS rating
reform, capital rule revisions, preemption, deposit insurance assessments, revised reciprocal deposit rules, CRA revisions, and payment stablecoins. The group also urged the agencies to provide more support to help fight fraud, including by investigating institutions who appear to have weak know-your-customer practices, creating more consumer education pieces around fraud and fraud protection, and supporting revisions to Regulation CC rules to allow for longer holds on deposits to investigate fraud.
WBA wishes to thank the following bankers for joining WBA this year: • Al Araque, Johnson Financial Group • Scott Cattanach, Peoples State Bank • Ami Dregne, Citizens First Bank • Kristen Gagliano, North Shore Bank • Laura Garcia, First Business Bank • Corey Hoze, Associated Bank • Ryan Kamphuis, Bristol Morgan Bank • Jimmy Kauffman, Bank of Sun Prairie • Gary Kuter, Bank of Sun Prairie • Jeff Langkamp, Bank Five Nine • Nate Parrish, First Citizens State Bank • Tim Siegel, Bank Five Nine • Lisa Weeks, Bristol Morgan Bank • Dave Feldhaus, FHLBank of Chicago
CONNECT, SHARE INSIGHTS, AND LEAD TOGETHER IN 2027 2027 Membership in WBA’s CEOnly/CFOnly Networks Begins in January By Heather A. MacKinnon As the banking industry continues to evolve, trusted peer connections are more valuable than ever for bank leaders. WBA makes those connections possible through its CEOnly/CFOnly Networks, designed exclusively for CEOs and CFOs of Wisconsin-chartered banks. Membership brings bank leaders together with colleagues across the state who understand the challenges and opportunities unique to leading a bank. Through the confidential email Q&A service, members can quickly reach a trusted group of peers for timely, candid perspectives on the issues they are navigating. Three in-person meetings each year create additional time and space to deepen those relationships, exchange best practices and experiences, and hear from guest speakers in a collaborative setting. (Breakfast and lunch are also included.)
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Wisconsin Banker
Over the past year, members exchanged more than 80 questions, offering one another practical insights and new approaches that helped their banks anticipate and respond to emerging issues. Many leaders find that these connections not only inform day-to-day decision-making but also strengthen long-term planning. With annual membership priced at $350 (or $600 for both the CEO and CFO from the same bank), the networks continue to provide a cost-effective and highly valuable way to build trusted peer relationships. The 2027 calendar year is fast approaching, so now is the time to renew or begin your membership in the CEOnly/CFOnly Networks. By engaging in this community, Wisconsin’s CEOs and CFOs can expand their circle of trusted colleagues, stay informed, connect with other leaders, and be better positioned for future success. Network members
November | December 2026
often say the Q&A service provides valuable perspectives and ready access to respected peers, making membership a worthwhile investment. If you would like to learn more or join the network, please contact me at hmackinnon@wisbank.com or visit wisbank.com/resources/ ceonlycfonly/
Save the Dates! Three CEOnly/CFOnly Network exclusive events will take place on: • March 19, 2027, in Wausau • June 11, 2027, in Wisconsin Dells • Fall 2027 in Madison MacKinnon is the WBA executive vice president and general counsel.
CONSISTENCY IS A CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE STRATEGY By Heather Calnin Community banks often describe personalized service as one of our greatest strengths. We know our customers, answer the phone, make local decisions, and build relationships that can span years. But personalized service should not mean unpredictable service. Customers should experience the personality and strengths of the employee helping them. What should not change dramatically is the quality of the experience depending on who answers the phone, opens the account, responds to an email, or receives a request. That is where consistency becomes more than an operational goal. It becomes a customer experience strategy. Inside a bank, we naturally think in departments: retail, commercial, mortgage, treasury management, operations, marketing, etc. Customers generally do not. To them, every interaction is part of one relationship with the bank. If one
employee communicates clearly and follows up quickly while another leaves the customer wondering what happens next, the customer does not necessarily see two different employee experiences. They experience one bank inconsistently. Consistency does not mean scripting every conversation or removing personality. It means creating shared expectations around the moments that matter most. How quickly do we respond? How do we explain next steps? Who owns the follow-up? How do we introduce another department? What does good service look like when something goes wrong? Those expectations become especially important when onboarding new employees. We often spend the first weeks teaching systems, policies, procedures, and job responsibilities. All of that matters. But onboarding is also one of the earliest opportunities to teach a new employee
what the customer experience is supposed to feel like. A new employee should understand not only what to do, but why it matters. A follow-up call is not simply another task on a checklist. It reassures the customer that they made the right decision and gives them another opportunity to ask questions. A warm introduction to another department is not just an internal referral. It helps the customer feel that the bank works together on their behalf. Our bank has been spending more time defining shared customer-experience expectations so employees have a clearer understanding of what consistent service should look like. The goal is not to make every interaction identical. It is to make sure the important parts of the experience do not depend on chance. Marketing has a role here, too. We spend significant time defining what our organizations promise externally through advertising, websites, social media, and customer communications. The actual customer experience has to reinforce that promise. Consistency builds confidence. Customers know what to expect. Employees understand what is expected of them. Departments trust one another to follow through. Community banks do not need to become less personal to become more consistent. We simply need to be more intentional about the experience we want customers to have and make sure employees understand it from day one. Because when great service becomes consistent, it becomes something customers remember, trust, and ultimately recommend. Calnin is the BLC Community Bank VP – marketing & business development and chair of the WBA Marketing Committee.
wisbank.com
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BULLETIN BOARD
News from Wisconsin Bankers Association Members Retirements
Community Involvement
Bank Five Nine • Annual School Supply Drive distributed school supplies to local schools and organizations, helping students throughout southeastern Wisconsin start the school year prepared for success.
Forward Bank • Donated $15,000 to Colby High School to help bring new technology to the school’s athletic program.
Security Financial Bank • Pledged an additional $35,500 to support the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire’s Play Your Part Capital Campaign, bringing the bank’s total commitment to $60,500.
The International Bank of Amherst • Provided a $100,000 sponsorship to Doors 2 Dreams, a new welcoming neighborhood in Stevens Point.
First Citizens State Bank • Staff helped build new Workforce Housing for the Whitewater community hand-in-hand with Habitat for Humanity.
North Shore Bank • Dining Week took place September 27– October 3, inviting residents and visitors to explore neighborhoods across the south side while enjoying limited-time menu specials, exclusive dishes, and special offers from participating restaurants. Prevail Bank • Announced the successful collection of 39,518 pounds (19.7 tons) of electronic waste through its free community E-cycling events held throughout its service area.
Wolf River Community Bank • Donated 88 backpacks filled with grade-specific school supplies for students in the Hortonville School District.
Farmers & Merchants State Bank • Announced the retirement of longtime senior vice president of commercial lending, David “Dave” Stronach.
Horicon Bank • Announced Chief People Officer Doreen Hartgerink will retire at the end of June 2027
Farmers & Merchants Union Bank • Celebrated Pat Frankenstein’s retirement and congratulated her on 48 years of service with both Farmers & Merchants Union Bank and American Bank, as it was formerly known.
Lake Ridge Bank • Chief Credit Officer Pete Graven announced his retirement.
Promotions and New Hires Bank First • Promoted Drew Olstead to assistant vice president – business banking. • Promoted Gwen Musche to vice president – deposit product management. • Promoted Steve Diehl to assistant vice president – business banking. • Promoted Vinny Stoll to business banking officer. • Welcomed Christopher Kalk as North Central Region president. • Welcomed Kevin Sonnemann as vice president – technology. • Welcomed Rich Hildebrandt as vice president – business banking. • Welcomed Sarah Larson as vice president – guest services. Citizens State Bank of Loyal • Board of Directors appointed Joshua Burgess to serve as president and chief executive officer of the Bank. Collins State Bank • Welcomed Brian Mangold as vice president – senior commercial lender. First Business Bank • Announced Jeremy Pfaff joined the company as vice president – private banker. • Promoted Elizabeth “Beth” Kmiec, JD, to senior vice president – director of wealth and fiduciary services within its Private Wealth team. • Welcomed Andrew Otto as vice president – treasury management. • Welcomed Jace DeGrange to its subsidiary, First Business Specialty Finance, LLC, as vice president – equipment finance.
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Wisconsin Banker
First Citizens State Bank • Christine Barwick joined as a loan compliance officer at the Whitewater Main Office. First Federal Bank of Wisconsin • Promoted Meena Granado from vice president, commercial banking to VP senior commercial banking relationship manager. First State Bank • Welcomed Lucas McMahon as vice president, business banker FVSBank • Promoted Troy Winkler to assistant vice president, mortgage, and consumer lending manager. Horicon Bank • Announced Renee Peterson, currently people and culture manager, will succeed Doreen Hartgerink as chief people officer, effective October 1, 2026, due to Hartgerink’s retirement in 2027. • Appointed Mia Acevedo as branch manager of its Wauwatosa location in The Mayfair Collection. • Promoted Aubrie Bobholz to branch manager of its Beaver Dam location. IncredibleBank • Announced Erin Jacobson as market manager of its Middleton location. • Added Adam Siewert as vice president, business banking officer. Lake Ridge Bank • Hired Brian Anderson as a senior vice president – business banking sales manager.
• Hired Dan Mowers as a vice president – business relationship manager. • Named its new chief credit officer, Casey McClyman, as part of a coordinated succession plan due to Pete Graven’s retirement. • Welcomed Mallory Nygren as a treasury management client relationship manager. • Welcomed Wendy Meyers as vice president, agriculture and business relationship manager. Mound City Bank • Announced Sara Jacobson joined the organization as vice president – chief financial officer. • Promoted Jaydon Bierman to agribusiness lending officer in Mineral Point. National Exchange Bank & Trust • Ryan Klein joined as a retail lender serving the bank’s Coloma, Montello, and Westfield offices. Prairie Trust® • Welcomed Megan Ziesmann as estate & trust settlement administrator – associate trust counsel and Katie Rieger as fiduciary tax manager. Prevail Bank • Announced Kari Schwingle has joined its team as branch manager. • Named Christie Gunderson its chief people officer. • Promoted Alycia Rehbein to vice president, retail operations. • Rachel Mielke has joined its Stevens Point team as a relationship banker.
November | December 2026
Security Financial Bank • Promoted Danielle Henderson to the lead teller. • Promoted Nicky Schmitt to human resources generalist and recruiter. The Bank of Kaukauna • Elevated Ashley Otto to technology operations lead. • Focused Tammy Selle’s role as commercial portfolio specialist. • Transitioned Sam Davis from loan coordinator to treasury management specialist. • Welcomed Elizabeth Jeske as a new universal banker I. The Bank of New Glarus • Promoted Scott Reese to senior vice president, ag/commercial lender. The Bay Bank • Board of Directors appointed Nathan King as executive vice president and chief operating officer, and Chris Coppens as senior vice president and chief loan officer. Waukesha State Bank • Promoted Angela Mierzwinski to vice president – treasury management specialist. • Promoted Jose Velez to assistant vice president – bank manager. • Promoted Stasia Kruesel to assistant vice president – bank manager. • Promoted Yer Yang to vice president – assistant credit officer. • Welcomed Matthew Hughes as vice president – commercial banking officer.
BULLETIN BOARD
News from Wisconsin Bankers Association Members
Celebrating a Lifetime of Service
In Memoriam
Farmers & Merchants Union Bank • Recognized several employees for their years of dedicated service during a special celebration on July 31, 2026: • Ann Auten – 42 years of service • Kathleen Heim – 35 years of service • Heidi Elgersma – 37 years of service and retirement • Tanya Sauer – 30 years of service • Melissa Haessly (not pictured) – 33 years of service
First Business Bank • Kim Preston, senior vice president – treasury management, was given a 40-Year Lifetime Service Award.
Mound City Bank • Linda Kress, senior customer service representative, was honored with a 30-Year Lifetime Service Award.
Port Washington State Bank • Vince Cameranesi, SVP of business banking, was honored with a 34-Year Lifetime Service Award.
Mound City Bank • Vicki Stuelke, senior deposit operations specialist, was honored with a 30-Year Lifetime Service Award.
National Exchange Bank & Trust • Patty Fritsche celebrated 30 years of service.
Remembering John A. Hennessy (1928–2026) The WBA’s thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of John Amel Hennessy, who passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of September 10, 2026. During his long and successful career in banking and community service, as well as being a husband and father, Hennessy graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, completed the Mortgage Lending School at The Ohio State University, and the Commercial Lending School at the University of Oklahoma. In June 1993, the doors of American National Bank Fox Cities opened, led by Hennessy, president and CEO. In 1996, as president/CEO, he received the Small Business Person of the Year Award (service category) from the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce. At age 68, he retired from the bank although remained active for a couple more years as chairman. He was active with the American Legion, Kiwanis Club, the WBA, and a Republican Party member. Remembering Charles “Chuck” Thieme (1945–2026) WBA extends our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Charles “Chuck” Thieme. Thieme enjoyed a distinguished career in banking that spanned more than four decades. He held leadership and lending positions with American Exchange Bank, First Wisconsin Bank, Monona Grove State Bank, where he helped establish the Leasing Department, Valley Bank, and M&I Bank. Later, he played a key role in the formation of Middleton Community Bank, serving as its president for many years. Throughout his career, Thieme was known for his leadership, integrity, and commitment to mentoring young bankers throughout the Madison area. He retired in 2017.
Good News Bank First Corporation • Received regulatory approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Reserve, and Peoples State Bank shareholder approval for merger with PSB Holdings inc.
Horicon Bank • Recognized as a finalist in the Employee Engagement category for the 2026 ABA Bank Marketing Conference, which recognizes campaigns that informed, inspired, and engaged employees while advancing organizational culture and business objectives. National Exchange Bank & Trust • Added two new eBankers, also known as interactive teller machines (ITMs), in Fond du Lac and Waupun. Port Washington State Bank • Announced it is serving as the primary lender for The Meridian, one of the most significant residential and commercial projects in the Village of Thiensville in recent years.
Bank Five Nine • Recognized for its commitment to exceptional customer service, employee development, workplace culture, and community involvement at the recent North Shore Chamber Awards Banquet. Capitol Bank • Named Best Bank and Best Mortgage/Lender in the Madison.com People’s Choice Awards.
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Wisconsin Banker
November | December 2026
ADVOCACY HITS THE MARK AT MILFORD HILLS A total of 74 shooters joined WBA on September 16, 2026, for the third Annual Milford Hills Sporting Clays Shoot in support of the Wisbankpac. Participants enjoyed a beautiful afternoon at Milford Hills, where the challenging 14-station sporting clays course provided plenty of friendly competition, networking, and camaraderie among Wisconsin bankers and industry supporters. During lunch, Senator John Jagler (R-Watertown) joined the group to provide an update on the upcoming elections and discuss key legislative issues impacting the banking industry. He also emphasized the importance of advocacy efforts and developing strong relationships with local legislators to ensure the industry’s voice is heard on important policy matters. Following lunch, attendees headed out to the course and spent the afternoon testing their skills at the various stations. Thanks to the generosity of participants and sponsors, the event raised more than $7,000 for the Wisbankpac, helping support the advocacy efforts on behalf of Wisconsin’s banking industry.
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this year’s event a great success. Dates for the 2027 Sporting Clays Shoot are pending and will be announced soon. We look forward to seeing everyone back on the course next year!
wisbank.com
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WBA LEADERS IN BANKING EXCELLENCE CEREMONY HONORS CLASS OF 2026 WBA recently hosted its seventh Leaders in Banking Excellence celebration to honor three individuals for their excellence in banking, community service, and civic involvement. A celebration was held on Friday, September 11, at the WBA headquarters in Madison, where a Leaders in Banking Excellence Wall installation displays a tribute to outstanding current and former bankers. The wall, established in 2020, now profiles 35 remarkable leaders. Congratulations to the Class of 2026 Leaders in Banking Excellence: William (Bill) Sennholz, Forward Bank, Marshfield; Russ Kuehn, Fortifi Bank, Berlin; and the late Travis Holt, Citizens State Bank of Loyal. Read more about the honorees and view event photos at wisbank.com/ community/excellence or visit the WBA office to view the Leaders in Banking Excellence Wall in person.
William (Bill) Sennholz has dedicated nearly 40 years to Wisconsin banking. He has built a distinguished career marked by institutional growth and strong leadership. His career has included leadership roles with Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, Clarke County State Bank, Peoples State Bank, M&I First American Bank, and finally Forward Bank, where he serves as chief executive officer and director. Sennholz’s dedication to improving his industry extends beyond his own institution. He served for a decade on the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago Board of Directors, including terms as both chairman and vice chairman. His industry knowledge has further strengthened banking in his own state through his service on the WBA Board of Directors from 2023–2026. Sennholz embodies visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to Wisconsin banking. He has built a legacy of growth, philanthropy, and service that continues to strengthen Forward Bank and its surrounding community. Russ Kuehn dedicated more than 55 years to community banking, building a career defined by exceptional leadership, integrity, and service to the communities he served. His banking journey began at the National Bank of Canby in Minnesota and continued through leadership roles at Deuel County National Bank, First National Bank in St. Croix Falls, Mid-Wisconsin Bank, First National Bank of Berlin, First Berlin Bancorp, and Fortifi Bank, where he served as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman. Kuehn’s influence extended well beyond his own institution through decades of service to Wisconsin’s banking industry. As a leader of Community Bankers of Wisconsin, serving as Vice Chairman, Chairman-Elect, Chairman, and Past Chairman, he was a passionate advocate for community banks and the vital role they play in helping local communities thrive. He represented Wisconsin bankers with distinction and championed policies that strengthened Main Street institutions across the state. Through the institutions he strengthened, the communities he served, and the countless individuals he mentored along the way, Kuehn leaves a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of Wisconsin bankers. Honored posthumously, Travis Holt began his career in the finance industry following graduation from UW-Madison with Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association, where he spent over nine years helping producers manage and finance their agricultural businesses. In 2002, he had the opportunity to join Citizens State Bank of Loyal as CFO, which began an impactful career as a community banker that would last for over 24 years. While working full time at Citizens State Bank of Loyal as CFO, Holt attended graduate school at Kansas State University, where he ultimately earned his Masters of Agribusiness degree. Holt is also a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at UW-Madison. As a result of his knowledge and experience, Holt was promoted to become Chairman/President and CEO in January 2010. As a trusted banker, Holt devoted his career to helping individuals, families, and agricultural businesses achieve their financial goals. His vast knowledge of banking, investments, tax strategies, and law were significant in the guidance he provided to clients and the strategy for the bank’s success. His genuine care for others and dedication to his community earned the respect and friendship of many.
Nominations for the Class of 2027 are welcome now through May 4, 2027, at www.wisbank.com/community/excellence/. 20
Wisconsin Banker
November | December 2026
Congratulations Graduates!
2026
Steele Anderson Alliance Bank Mondovi
Molli Hundt Citizens First Bank Viroqua
Ben Swanson Lake Ridge Bank Cross Plains
Al Araque Johnson Financial Group Racine
Tyler Kern Waukesha State Bank Waukesha
Sara Taylor Ladysmith Federal Savings and Loan Ladysmith
Bader Beheiri Capitol Bank Madison
Casey Koenig Bank of Prairie du Sac Prairie Du Sac
Tifanie Tremble The Stephenson National Bank and Trust Marinette
Dan Berg National Bank of Commerce Superior
David La Duke Oostburg State Bank Oostburg
Amy Yanke Bank of Prairie du Sac Prairie Du Sac
Sarah Brenden The Park Bank Madison
Maggie Langkamp Conservation First Bank Benton
Brad Nevers MidWestOne Bank Iowa City, IA
Jessica Brown Peoples State Bank Wausau
Gregg Mashack Farmers & Merchants State Bank Waterloo
Sean Harper Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago Chicago, IL
Diana Collins Lake Ridge Bank Cross Plains
Morgan Mielke Premier Community Bank Marion
Jimmy Holcombe Byline Bank Chicago, IL
Logan Coulter Peoples State Bank Prairie Du Chien
Alissa Peeters Tri City National Bank Oak Creek
Steve Sikora Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago Chicago, IL
Dan Franecki Tri City National Bank Oak Creek
Heather Pfalz Waukesha State Bank Waukesha
Natalie Walters Byline Bank Chicago, IL
Andrew Freter PACE Equity Milwaukee
Alison Prey First State Bank New London
Nick Hammond Frandsen Bank & Trust Lonsdale, MN
Kaleb Gregor Citizens State Bank of Loyal Loyal
Sarah Rogers Mound City Bank Platteville
Andrew Tylka The Huntington National Bank Columbus, OH
Dustin Gresen American National Bank - Fox Cities Appleton
Michael Stover Horicon Bank Horicon
Your legacy begins here.
gsb.org
Sponsored by:
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WBA STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT SUMMIT DRAWS MORE THAN 120 BANKING LEADERS More than 120 members came together on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, in Stevens Point for the WBA Strategic Management Summit. The event provided a full day of learning and peer connection, with educational sessions focused on the issues that matter most to bank leaders across operations, credit, and risk management. Just as importantly, the summit created plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow bankers and industry vendors, exchange ideas, and learn from one another’s experiences. We’re grateful to our attendees for making the day such a success, and to our outstanding summit sponsors for their generous support in making the event possible.
BANK TECHNOLOGY AND SECURITY EXPERTS GATHER FOR ANNUAL SUMMIT WBA’s annual Bank Technology & Security Summit ran from September 29–30, 2026, in Wisconsin Dells. The summit had more than 200 bankers, vendors, and sponsors in attendance. Attendees explored the latest trends and challenges shaping technology, cybersecurity, and risk in community banking. Sessions covered practical ways to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies, navigate AI governance and risk, strengthen cybersecurity and Microsoft 365 security, and prepare for what’s next in financial services. Thank you to Bankers’ Bank, FIPCO®, ForeGuard Advisory Group, ICBA, and Integris for their support as sponsors of the WBA Bank Technology & Security Summit! Your partnership helps make this event possible and supports opportunities for Wisconsin bankers to connect, learn, and explore the latest technology and security solutions. 22
Wisconsin Banker
November | December 2026
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LAS VEGAS MARCH 1-4, 2027 FONTAINEBLEAU LAS VEGAS JOIN THE WORLD’S LARGEST GATHERING OF COMMUNITY BANKERS. LIVE is more than a convention—it’s where ICBA membership comes to life. Through bold education, strategic insight, and authentic connection, community bankers gather to celebrate their impact, sharpen their vision, and shape the future of the industry.
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN ICBA.ORG/LIVE
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Wisconsin Banker
November | December 2026
UPDATE ON WBA COMMENT LETTER ACTIVITY By Scott Birrenkott Since our last update, WBA has filed nine additional letters with federal agencies, including comments on long-awaited updates to Regulation O and a letter calling for attention to widespread fraud targeting Wisconsin banks. As noted in our last article, updating Regulation O’s insider lending thresholds has been a longstanding priority for the industry. In August, the Federal Reserve Board (FRB) proposed to revise Regulation O and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) issued a parallel proposal. Together, the proposals would raise the prior-approval and public disclosure thresholds, raise the “other purpose” limit for executive officers, increase the credit card and overdraft exceptions, and index these thresholds going forward. WBA wrote in strong support of these increases. WBA also offered several recommendations. These included clarifying that routine or scheduled loan modifications are not new extensions of credit requiring fresh board approval, providing clarity and a safe harbor for spousal attribution given Wisconsin’s status as a marital property state, retaining the current treatment of inadvertent overdrafts, narrowing the definition of “correspondent account,” and retaining a modest dollar-based minimum threshold rather than eliminating the current $25,000 floor. WBA also urged FRB and FDIC to finalize their rules together, with identical thresholds and a common effective date. Additionally, WBA recently commented on FDIC’s proposal to update its rules governing the disclosure of confidential information, which have not been significantly revised in approximately 30 years. Currently, banks generally must obtain FDIC approval before sharing certain confidential information with almost any third party (for example, examination information). The proposal would allow disclosure without prior approval to affiliates, outside counsel, accountants and auditors, qualifying service providers, and certain potential merger counterparties. WBA supported these changes and asked FDIC to coordinate with the other agencies for alignment. Fraud remains a top concern for Wisconsin banks. In September, WBA wrote to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, and FDIC regarding widespread fraud impacting Wisconsin banks. Recent reports have made it clear that spoofed calls impersonating bank personnel, credential theft, and unauthorized ACH originations are prevalent statewide. WBA asked the agencies to provide
strong oversight of institutions that are repeatedly found to be receiving fraud proceeds and reiterated the need for supervisory attention to customer identification and know your customer requirements for non-bank entities. As stablecoin implementation continues, the agencies jointly proposed customer identification program (CIP) requirements for permitted payment stablecoin issuers. WBA supported applying CIP requirements to issuers consistent with those already applied to banks but raised concern that tying the obligation to a “formal relationship” could allow stablecoins to be purchased or redeemed without identifying the true customer, including through intermediaries. In addition, WBA wrote to the U.S. Department of the Treasury urging the Internal Revenue Service to restore an option allowing banks serving as trustee or personal representative to list the bank itself, rather than an individual employee’s name and Social Security number, as the “responsible party” when applying for an Employer Identification Number on behalf of trust and estate clients. On the supervisory front, WBA supported the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council’s proposal to refocus CAMELS ratings on material financial risk and urged clearer definitions of key terms such as “material financial risk” and “significant noncompliance.” WBA also supported FDIC’s proposal to raise the small-institution assessment threshold to $30 billion and reduce assessment rates but raised concerns with a proposed adjustment tied to resolution readiness for larger institutions. Finally, as anticipated, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued, and WBA responded, to its request for information on the TILA-RESPA integrated disclosure (TRID) rule and right of rescission. WBA urged CFPB to adopt materiality-based standards for revised Loan Estimates, adjust tolerances for transfer taxes and appraisal fees, address the roughly week-long delay when the TRID and rescission waiting periods overlap, and tailor requirements for smaller institutions. WBA comment letters may be found on the WBA website at www.wisbank.com/advocacy/comment-letter-library/. Birrenkott is the WBA director – legal.
MIDWEST ECONOMIC FORECAST FORUM Januar y 13 , 2027 | V ir tua l | 10 a . m . –12p. m. C . T wisbank.com
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FIPCO® PROMOTES USER SUCCESS AT THE 2026 LOAN & MORTGAGE FORUM By Jennifer Kiefer FIPCO® recently hosted its annual Loan & Mortgage Forum in September. Software users from across the Midwest gathered in Wisconsin Dells for peer networking and training on Compliance Concierge™. The event commenced with an evening networking reception, providing attendees, vendors, and FIPCO® personnel with an opportunity to connect and collaborate in a professional, relaxed setting. This year, the Compliance Concierge™ demonstrations included operational insights from our training and support team. Key sessions focused on maximizing system efficiencies, including the use of the Optional Alternative Refinance disclosures, proper documentation of Change of Circumstances, and many other useful actionable tips. Our attendees also participated in sessions to help with their everyday responsibilities. WBA Legal experts, Heather MacKinnon, WBA EVP and general counsel, and Scott Birrenkott, WBA director – legal, gave a short hands-on workshop to help users understand the complex mortgage signatory requirements.
Additionally, Jeff Schmid, CRCM, FIPCO® SVP – compliance and risk management, returned to present key findings from ShareFI’s most identified lending violations observed over the past year. Extended guidance was covered during breaks. This year, Loan & Mortgage Forum attendees had the privilege of being part of a presentation brought by the vendors on-site delivering distinct market advantages. The highlight of the day was the Share, Compare, and Ask Questions roundtables. Attendees participated in deep discussions on the most prominent challenges submitted by their peers. Thank you to all the attendees, vendors, and staff who made this a great event. To purchase this year’s Loan & Mortgage Forum materials, please contact the FIPCO® Training Desk at fipcotraining@fipco.com.
Kiefer is the FIPCO® training and support specialist.
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• Julie Pearson, AVP/correspondent mortgage account executive from Merchants Bank, spoke on best practices when selling a mortgage. • Michael Hall, account manager from Arch Mortgage Insurance Company, talked to the room about the best practices and cost advantages for primary mortgage insurance. • Mike Erath, senior account executive from Locknet Managed IT Security Services, talked about cybersecurity, fraud awareness, and emerging AI threats. 26
Wisconsin Banker
November | December 2026
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Mortgage, Commercial, and Consumer Modules plus online deposit account opening fipcosales@fipco.com
800-722-3498
THANK YOU, PACKAGE HOLDERS
Please visit wisbank.com/associates for more information about these companies.
Thank you to the WBA Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Associate Member companies for their continued support of the banking industry and the association. These companies provide services, information, and products that help Wisconsin banks serve their customers and communities. Thank you.
PLATINUM
GOLD
Wisconsin Bankers Association EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CORPORATION, INC
SILVER
BRONZE
INSURANCE FOR BANKS.
From people who know banks.
Your Bank Deserves More Than an Insurance Quote. Get a no-charge, community-bank-specific insurance review before your next renewal.
Could a policy condition, exclusion or internal-control requirement leave your bank exposed? MBIS reviews your limits, policy language, and procedures to identify potential gaps before they become claim problems.
One Specialist. The Coverage Your Bank Relies On. PROFESSIONAL LINES
PROPERTY & CASUALTY LINES
• Financial Institution Bond • Directors & Officers Liability • Cyber Liability
• Property & General Liability • Business Auto & Umbrella • Workers’ Compensation
WHAT YOU GAIN WITH MBIS • • • • •
Advice from community bank specialists Multiple carrier options — not a one-market approach Stronger policy terms and competitive pricing Practical guidance tied to policy requirements Claims advocacy when your bank needs it most
LENDING-RELATED LINES • Mortgage Impairment • Force-Placed Insurance • Lenders-Placed Protection
YOUR NO-CHARGE REVIEW INCLUDES Coverage: Compare limits and protection to your bank’s exposures. Policy language: Find exclusions, conditions, and opportunities to improve terms. Controls: Check whether procedures align with coverage requirements.
PUT A COMMUNITY BANK INSURANCE SPECIALIST ON YOUR SIDE Jeff Otteson Vice President of Sales 608-217-5219 | jeffo@mbisllc.com | mbisllc.com
MIDWEST BANKERS Insurance Services
Owned and operated by the Wisconsin Bankers Association and Minnesota Bankers Association. Endorsed by the North Dakota Bankers Association.
REVIEW
Know where gaps may exist
COMPARE
See options from multiple carriers
IMPROVE
Strengthen coverage before renewal
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Doing Business in 20 States
WE WILL TRAVEL TO YOU! • Work Directly with the Owners • Receive Loan Approvals Within 2-3 Days • Avoid Annoying Covenants • Limited or No Origination Costs • Low Interest Rates
Call Rick Gerber or Ryan Gerber at 1.866.282.3501 or email rickg@chippewavalleybank.com | ryang@chippewavalleybank.com 28
Wisconsin Banker
November | December 2026
15 YEARS FOCUSED ON COMMUNITY BANKS Midwest Bankers Insurance Services celebrates 15 years of helping community banks understand, strengthen, and protect their insurance programs. By Jeff Otteson MBIS see how different insurance companies address the same exposure, where gaps commonly occur, and where stronger policy language may be available. That experience helps MBIS advocate for better protection while giving bank management and boards a clearer picture of what they are actually buying.
Otteson provided training to DFI examiners. His training helped DFI staff learn more about the various forms and types of insurance coverage offered to financial institutions, as well as detail about proper handling of claims.
In 2011, Midwest Bankers Insurance Services (MBIS) was created around a simple idea: community banks deserved an insurance resource that understood banking, understood the risks unique to financial institutions, and worked with the bank to make sure the coverage matched those risks.
Fifteen years later, that remains the focus of MBIS. MBIS is owned by the WBA and Minnesota Bankers Association and is endorsed by the North Dakota Bankers Association. Today, MBIS works with more than 225 banks, helping them evaluate and place FI Bond, Directors and Officers Liability, Entity Liability, Cyber Liability, Property and Casualty, Workers’ Comp, Umbrella Liability, Lender-related Coverages, and other insurances designed for financial institutions.
Policy language has changed with those exposures, and not always in the bank’s favor. One of the most important things MBIS does is review the actual coverage a bank is buying. MBIS compares policy forms, exclusions, endorsements, and coverage conditions to identify differences that may determine whether a loss is covered. MBIS also works with management to identify exposures, evaluate internal controls, benchmark coverage against other community banks, and recommend changes to policy language before a claim occurs, where appropriate.
15 YEARS • 225+ BANKS ONE INDUSTRY
Over the past 15 years, MBIS has worked alongside bankers through acquisitions, new technologies, emerging fraud schemes, cyber incidents, claims, difficult insurance markets, and countless renewals. Those relationships have shaped the company MBIS is today. As MBIS celebrates its fifteenth anniversary, we are grateful to the banker associations that created and support MBIS, the insurance company partners that work with us, and, most importantly, the community banks that have trusted us to help protect their organizations. The risks facing banks will continue to change. MBIS will remain the same: understanding the risks, understanding the policy language, and helping community banks make better-informed decisions about their insurance protection.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of the first 15 years of Midwest Bankers Insurance Services.
The work has never been just about obtaining an insurance quote. Bank insurance has become significantly more complicated over the past 15 years. Fraud schemes have changed. Cyber threats have changed. Banks rely on more technology providers and third parties. Electronic banking continues to expand. Social engineering, funds transfer fraud, business email compromise, and increasingly sophisticated attacks have created exposures that looked very different when MBIS began in 2011.
Just as important, community banking is not one practice area among dozens for MBIS. It is what we do.
Sometimes the biggest difference between two insurance programs is not the premium or the limit shown on the front page. It is a few words buried much deeper in the policy. Our role is to find those differences and explain what they mean to the bank. Working with hundreds of community banks also gives MBIS a perspective that an individual bank rarely has on its own.
To discuss your bank’s insurance program or request a complimentary review, contact Otteson at 608-217-5219 or jeffo@mbisllc.com. Otteson is the MBIS vice president of sales.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE Question
SPOTLIGHT
&
Wisconsin bankers are the definition of “community advocates” in all that they do every day to improve their local economy through bank products and services, as well as through generous philanthropy of time and money. The Community Advocate Spotlight shares and celebrates the diverse backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and innovation of some of the extraordinary bankers in the state. The following is a brief interview between WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels and Brennen Clark, president and CEO of Peoples State Bank Prairie du Chien. 1. How did you first get into the banking industry? I first got into banking through a Youth Apprenticeship program at Peoples State Bank (PSB) while I was in high school. After completing the program, I was fortunate to stay on as a teller throughout high school and into college. My positive experience with PSB and the banking industry ultimately led me to pursue a degree in finance. I recall a conversation with one of my professors early in my senior year about different career paths in business. He explained that careers in finance essentially come down to working with people or working with numbers. I enjoyed both, and community banking seemed to offer the perfect combination. Thankfully, I must not have made too bad of an impression during my earlier years at the bank, because PSB hired me back full-time after graduation. I’ve been here ever since. 2. What is your favorite aspect of your role at the bank? I am fascinated by how the right fundamentals and culture can produce great outcomes naturally. Just like in sports, two teams running the same plays with the same level of talent can experience totally different results. What sets great teams apart from the rest is often the collective discipline, attitude, and instincts of their players, shaped by a culture built over generations. I enjoy watching our team instinctively do things the right way. As the “head coach,” you like to think you control the game by calling the right plays, but I imagine that I have made my fair share of 30
Wisconsin Banker
below-average calls only to be bailed out by a great team and a great, long-standing culture. 3. What do you wish the general public understood about the banking industry? While many customers appreciate what their bank does for them, I don’t think the general public fully appreciates just how personally bankers take their customers’ circumstances and how much they genuinely want them to succeed. Most bankers I know seem to have been drawn to the profession by the satisfaction that comes from helping others. For many people, their experience with banking is limited to opening an account or perhaps getting a home loan, so they tend to view banks as primarily transactional. In reality, a community bank can be an incredible resource, with a wealth of financial knowledge and experience that extends well beyond traditional banking services. I wish more people understood that their banker doesn’t just want to help them with their next transaction — they want to be someone they can turn to when they need financial guidance. 4. Where do you believe the industry’s greatest challenges are in the next three to five years? One challenge I think about is how we will differentiate ourselves when excellence has become the industry standard. Years ago, a bank might have gained a new customer simply because another local bank wasn’t providing good service or the products they needed. Providing those things was often enough to stand out.
November | December 2026
Answer
Today, in an increasingly consolidated industry, most banks do these things pretty well, or they probably wouldn’t still be around. We have to recognize that being excellent in many areas is no longer necessarily a competitive advantage; it’s the expectation. So how do we truly impress our customers, particularly when the regulated nature of our industry limits how creative we can be with our products and services? I suspect the answer is some version of “all of the above.” Rather than finding one area where we can improve from 0% to 100%, the opportunity may be in finding several areas where we can improve from 90% to 95%. Individually, those improvements might seem insignificant, but collectively, they may be what separates the best banks from the rest. 5. Please describe your current role at your bank and share with us one of your more rewarding experiences. As president and CEO of Peoples State Bank, I am ultimately responsible for our bank’s direction, performance, culture, and overall success. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is watching our employees succeed, knowing that their success translates into success for our customers and the future of our bank. I particularly enjoy seeing a young customer, just getting started in their career or business, come in to visit with one of our team members. Every success story starts somewhere, and I often wonder which of these young entrepreneurs might one day help shape the economic landscape of our communities through a business they’ve built and grown.
MAKE IT ONE-STOP FOR EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Flexible. Cost-Effective. Member-Focused.
At WBA-EBC, our mission is simple: to improve the health and well-being of our members by providing flexible, cost-effective benefit solutions designed to meet diverse needs. Through strategic partnerships with leading providers, we deliver reliable protection while keeping value and accessibility at the forefront.
More Value. Greater Buying Power.
By consolidating member banks into a purchasing pool and spreading risk, WBA-EBC can offer competitive pricing and help make quality coverage more affordable for your employees.
Give Your Employees the Coverage They Deserve At a Price That Works for You. Jeff Wagner
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jwagner@wisbank.com
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608-279-8148
|
www.wbaebc.com
Wisconsin Banker WBA Mission We actively advocate for, educate, and support our members to help Statement them positively impact the Wisconsin communities they serve. Association Officers:
Your strengths are unique. Your growth strategy should be, too. The most successful banks don’t follow someone else’s playbook. They build on what sets them apart.
We’re here to help you do exactly that.
Ready to get started?
Joe Peikert (Chair), CEO, Wolf River Community Bank, Hortonville Greg Lundberg (Chair-Elect), President and CEO, Fortifi Bank, Berlin Shay Horton (Vice Chair), President and CEO, Cumberland Federal Bank Alvaro (Al) Araque (Past Chair), Senior Vice President, Director of Consumer and Private Banking, Johnson Financial Group, Racine Rose Oswald Poels, President and CEO, Wisconsin Bankers Association, Madison
Association Board of Directors: Scott Cattanach, President and CEO Peoples State Bank, Wausau Tina DeGustino, Regional President Wisconsin Region, BMO US, Milwaukee Jim Hartlieb, President and CEO First Business Bank, Madison Shane Ilstrup, President Citizens First Bank, Trempealeau Jimmy Kauffman, President and CEO Bank of Sun Prairie Todd Nagel, President and CEO IncredibleBank, Wausau
Mark Oldenberg, President and CEO Security Financial Bank, Eau Claire Nathaniel (Nate) Parrish, President and CEO First Citizens State Bank, Whitewater Kevin Ravenscroft, President and CEO The Peoples Community Bank, Mazomanie Timothy (Tim) Schneider, President and CEO Bank Five Nine, Oconomowoc Lindsay Spitzer, President and CEO Bluff View Bank, Galesville Eric Witczak, Executive Vice President and COO, Nicolet National Bank, Green Bay
The “Wisconsin Banker” is published by the Wisconsin Bankers Association, 4721 South Biltmore Lane, Madison, WI 53718; Telephone: 608-441-1200; wisbank.com. Heather Mackinnon, EVP and General Counsel 608-441-1263; hmackinnon@wisbank.com
Advertising: sales@wisbank.com
To report a change of address, please email us at requests@wisbank.com. The publication of advertisements does not necessarily represent endorsement of those products or services by the Wisconsin Bankers Association. The editor reserves the right ot reject any advertising or editorial copy deemed unsuitable for publication for any reason. Copy deadline is eight business days before publication date.
Payments Network | Processing Solutions | Core Banking | Digital Banking | Security & Compliance
Disclaimer: With the exception of official announcements, the Wisconsin Bankers Association disclaims all responsibility for opinions expressed and statements made in printed articles and advertisements in the “Wisconsin Banker.” This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is distributed with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. If legal or accounting advice or expert assistance is required, the services of a qualified professional should be sought.
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EDUCATION CALENDAR NOVEMBER 2026 Free Member Webinar: The Bank Investment Portfolio: Purpose, Performance, and Positioning 10
Virtual
Hot Topics in Commercial & Ag Lending Webinar Series 12
Five-part series • pricing by bank asset size
FLEX Retail & Marketing Summit 18–19
Wisconsin Dells • multiple registration options available
Compliance Forum: Session II 17
Wisconsin Dells • annual membership/pricing varies
2026 2027
MARCH 2027 continued Credit Analysis Boot Camp 10–11
Madison • $550/attendee
Wisconsin Economic Forecast Luncheon 16
Madison
Principles of Banking 17–18
Brookfield • $550/attendee
Supervisor Boot Camp 17–18
Wausau • $550/attendee
DECEMBER 2026 Online Workshop: CRE Lending in Today’s Environment
Online Workshop: Fundamentals of Comm. Lending 201: Analyzing Repayment Sources
JANUARY 2027 Understanding Bank Performance Virtual Series
Personal Banker School
2
7–29
Virtual full-day • $275/attendee
Eight-part webinar series • $1,000/attendee
Midwest Economic Forecast Forum 13
Virtual • multiple registration options available
Branch Manager Boot Camp: Session I 13
Four-part virtual half-day series • $900/attendee
Community Bankers for Compliance (CBC): Session I 19
Virtual half-day • annual membership/pricing varies
Online Workshop: Accounting Basics/ Refresher for Bankers 27
Virtual full-day • $275/attendee
FEBRUARY 2027 Bank Executives Conference 3–5
Virtual full-day • $275/attendee
Wausau • $550/attendee
Security Officer Workshop 25
Wisconsin Dells • $275/attendee
Residential Mortgage Lending School 29–4/1
Madison • $1,095/attendee
NEW! Sales Excellence Boot Camp 30–31
Madison • $550/attendee
Loan Compliance School TBD
Location TBD
APRIL 2027 Introduction to Commercial Lending Boot Camp Madison • $550/attendee
Branch Manager Boot Camp: Session IV
Wisconsin Dells
7
Four-part virtual half-day series • $900/attendee
Four-part virtual half-day series • $900/attendee
NEW! Troubled Credit Workshop 8
Madison • $275/attendee
Understanding Bank Performance Virtual Series
Principles of Banking 17–18
24–25
6–7
Branch Manager Boot Camp: Session II 10
24
8–30
Wausau • $550/attendee
Eight-part webinar series • $1,000/attendee
Compliance Forum: Session III
School of Bank Management
Online Workshop: Fundamentals of Comm. Lending 101
Agricultural Bankers Conference
23
24
Wisconsin Dells • annual membership/pricing varies
Virtual full-day • $275/attendee
Online Workshop: Wowing the Client! 24
Virtual half-day • $300/attendee
Online Workshop: Credit Analysis Basics 25
Virtual full-day • $275/attendee
Information Security Officer Workshop 25
Wisconsin Dells • $275/attendee
MARCH 2027 Advanced IRA Workshop 3
12–16 15–16
20
22 19–24 27
Madison or Virtual • $275/attendee Madison or Virtual • $275/attendee Washington, D.C.
Branch Manager Boot Camp: Session III Four-part virtual half-day series • $900/attendee
Wisconsin Banker
www.wisbank.com/BanksPowerWI
Women in Banking Conference
Wisconsin Dells • team pricing available
ICBA/WBA Capital Summit
TBD
32
Virtual full-day • $275/attendee
10th Annual Power of Community Week
ABA/WBA Washington Summit
10
Virtual half-day • annual membership/pricing varies
Online Workshop: Introduction to Consumer Lending
26–29
8–10
Wisconsin Dells • $350/attendee • $300/attendee for individual members of WBA Ag Bankers Section
Community Bankers for Compliance (CBC): Session II
Health Savings Accounts (HSA) Workshop 4
Madison • $1,395/attendee
Washington, D.C.
Real Estate Compliance School Location TBD
KEY Conferences/Summits One or more days, based on hot topics, industry news and best practices, scheduled time for peer networking.
November | December 2026
Schools/Boot Camps Focused on a particular area of banking, allowing for a deep dive into that focused area over the course of two to five days.
Workshops/Seminars One-day programs focused on a specific topic or area of banking. WBA-Hosted Webinars Other Events