September/October Wisconsin Banker by wisbank

Wisconsin Banker September | October 2026

MORE THAN A DAY JOB How the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation Fuels Banker Volunteerism and Generosity By Elizabeth Fenton I’ve written articles for Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) publications for a little over a year. In that time, I’ve had the unique privilege of connecting with bankers on a personal level to gather everything from subject matter expertise on fraud and regulatory issues, to the everyday anecdotes about customer relationships. We know, in the general sense, that Wisconsin banks strengthen their communities — they finance small businesses, help families purchase homes, support local organizations, and sponsor community development. However, I believe the broad statements hardly capture the deeply personal and out-of-the-box acts of generosity that bankers show to their neighbors. In past issues of the “Wisconsin Banker,” I’ve had the opportunity to share several of these stories. Chad Achenbach of Peoples State Bank described traveling deep into Amish horse-and-buggy country, where he’s signed loan documents around a family’s kitchen table. Jenna Raisbeck of Community First Bank shared how her team delivers lunches to farmers during harvest season so they can remain in the field during one of the busiest times of the year. Samantha Routheau of The Peshtigo National Bank told me how her bank purchased $600 in Chamber Bucks to give away to customers, encouraging support of businesses affected by road construction. These real, lived experiences — among dozens more I’ve collected over the past year — serve as a testament to the unmatched generosity of the industry. Bankers go above-and-beyond to form warm, personal connections with the people in Continued on pg. 8

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2026 MID-YEAR WISCONSIN BANK CEO ECONOMIC SURVEY REFLECTS GOOD ECONOMIC HEALTH SENTIMENT Ongoing WBA Advocacy Efforts Focus on Solutions to Concerns of Survey Respondents By Heather MacKinnon The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) recently released the results of its mid-year 2026 Bank CEO Economic Conditions Survey. The results of which are insightful to Wisconsin’s economy as bankers are often among the first to recognize changes in the economy because of how they work directly with families buying homes, farmers planning for the next season, entrepreneurs launching businesses, and employers making hiring decisions. Bankers have the unique ability to provide one of the clearest, boots-on-the-ground pictures of Wisconsin’s economy. The biannual survey includes a set of stagnate questions to collect year-over-year data regarding current and future product demand together with questions nuanced to top-of-mind concerns relative to the timing of the survey. The survey was conducted mid-June through mid-July. This year’s mid-year survey results indicated a steady economic outlook. Nearly 80% of respondents indicated the health of the state’s economy as “good” or “excellent,” and more than 60% expect conditions to Continued on pg. 9

UMS

Wisconsin Bankers Association 4721 South Biltmore Lane Madison, WI 53718

PAID U.S. POSTAGE PRSRT STD

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

AMPLIFYING OUR VOICE IN ADVOCACY By Joe Peikert

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Comment Letter Activity.............................. pg. 6 Governor’s Race.............. pg. 7 Bankers Tee Off............. pg. 10 Staff Announcements............ pg. 12 Back to School Programs........................ pg. 15 Bulletin Board................ pg. 16 WBA Marketing Excellence Award Submissions...... pg. 18 Upcoming Fraud Initiatives......................... pg. 22 Strategic Connections.................... pg. 25 WBA Package Holders............................ pg. 27 Association Update...... pg. 28 Community Advocate Spotlight......................... pg. 30

Wisconsin Banker

The dictionary defines amplify as “to make something more powerful.” As Wisconsin bankers, that is exactly what we must do with our advocacy efforts. Every day, decisions made in Madison and Washington, D.C. affect our ability to serve customers, strengthen communities, and support economic growth. To ensure those decisions are informed by the realities facing our industry, we must continue to amplify our voice. That work begins with people, which is why I am excited to welcome Chris Borgerding as WBA’s new vice president – government relations. With his valuable experience and strong commitment to advocacy, WBA’s relationships with policymakers will strengthen and ensure Wisconsin bankers have a strong and effective voice on the issues that matter most. Borgerding’s arrival comes at a critical time. The upcoming November elections, including races for state legislative offices, federal seats, and particularly Wisconsin’s gubernatorial race, will help shape the policy environment for years to come. These elections will influence decisions on regulation, taxation, housing, economic development, and many other issues that are important to our industry. As always, bankers should stay informed, engaged, and focused on supporting leaders who understand the vital role banks play in our communities. At the same time, lawmakers continue to consider federal proposals and regulatory changes that will significantly impact financial institutions. It is essential that policymakers hear directly from bankers who understand the real-world effects of these decisions on local businesses, farmers, families, and consumers. Effective advocacy requires more than good ideas. It requires resources and relationships.

September | October 2026

The banking industry has achieved important advocacy successes through the generous support of banks across Wisconsin. While those corporate contributions remain valuable and appreciated, our goal is to increase participation from individual bankers. When elected officials see engagement from banking professionals throughout the state, our message becomes even stronger. That is why I have established a goal of raising $315,000 in individual banker contributions to WBA’s political funds (our PAC and conduit). Reaching this goal will provide the resources needed to continue advancing the interests of Wisconsin’s banking industry. Equally important are the relationships we build with policymakers. Hearing directly from constituents often carries more weight than hearing from lobbyists alone. Programs like Take Your Legislator to Work Day provide excellent opportunities to show elected officials how banks serve their communities and contribute to local economic success. Advocacy is strongest when we combine resources, relationships, and personal engagement. Together, these efforts amplify our voice and make our message more powerful. As bankers, we have a compelling story to tell. By staying engaged, building relationships, and supporting WBA’s advocacy efforts, we can ensure that story is heard loud and clear. Together, let’s continue to amplify our voice and strengthen our impact. Peikert is the CEO at Wolf River Community Bank, Hortonville, and the 2026–2027 WBA Chair.

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Wisconsin Banker

September | October 2026

REMINDER: UCC REPOSSESSION NOTICE REQUIREMENTS By Scott Birrenkott In the July/August “Wisconsin Banker,” we discussed right to cure notice requirements under the Wisconsin Consumer Act (WCA). Where that article provided a reminder about right to cure requirements, this article is written as a follow-up and provides a reminder about Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) repossession notice requirements. While these UCC requirements are longstanding, recent litigation has illustrated the importance of ensuring that a bank’s UCC notices are “sufficient.” The UCC requires two types of notices when a secured creditor repossesses collateral: a pre-sale notice before disposition and a post-sale notice after. The pre-sale notice is designed to be an advance warning before collateral is sold and provides the debtor with an opportunity to act. The post-sale notice is designed to inform the debtor what happened once the collateral was sold (for example, how much the collateral sold for and how much might still be owed). The UCC provides for certain contents and form requirements for these notices to be “sufficient.” Recent litigation and challenges to the sufficiency of creditors’ notices serves as a good reminder of the importance of adhering to those statutory content requirements. Because it could ultimately fall to a court to decide whether a creditor’s notice

is “sufficient,” it is important to understand and adhere to the UCC’s form and content requirements. Additionally, the UCC provides a safe harbor form of pre-sale notification (including a general form and a separate form for consumer-goods transactions) which, when completed, is deemed to provide sufficient information. No equivalent form exists for the post-sale notice (due to its nature as an accounting calculation and sale explanation). Recent Wisconsin court decisions reflect the importance of language used within statutory notices because the decisions reaffirmed the legal sufficiency of the safe harbor language provided in the UCC. The decisions also demonstrate the importance that creditors ensure that their notices comply with the content requirements provided by the UCC. As such, banks should review the UCC, their notifications, and confirm that they are legally sufficient. While the UCC does permit some flexibility, banks that choose to deviate from the UCC’s standards should be prepared for potential challenges to the sufficiency of their notices. Birrenkott is the WBA director – legal.

APPLY NOW FOR THE WBF AGRICULTURAL BANKING SCHOLARSHIP The Wisconsin Bankers Foundation is accepting applications for the 2026 Agricultural Banking Scholarship. Two selected students will receive a scholarship of $1,500 each. Applicants must be currently enrolled at a Wisconsin public or private, non-profit college, university, or technical college and be pursuing a career in agricultural banking. The selection criteria include academic achievement, having a career goal related to ag banking/finance, relevant experience in agriculture, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. Bankers are encouraged to share the opportunity with interns, local students, and educators.

Wisconsin Bankers

FOUNDATION

Visit wisbankfoundation.org/scholarships to learn more and apply. Applications are due November 16, 2026. wisbank.com

WBA CONTINUES TO AMPLIFY WISCONSIN’S BANKING INDUSTRY VOICE THROUGH COMMENT LETTER ACTIVITY By Scott Birrenkott WBA’s comment letter pen has been busy since we last provided an update in April. Since then, WBA has filed 14 additional comment letters with more issues on the horizon. Comment letters are a crucial opportunity for the banking industry to inform the federal agencies about the impact of rulemaking. Through the public comment process, WBA aims to represent the best interests of the industry at the federal level, whether that means pointing out potentially onerous, unfair, or burdensome rules, suggesting tweaks or improvements, or expressing satisfaction when positive changes are being implemented. The goal is to advocate on behalf of members by conveying information in an impactful, yet concise manner. Given their importance in this process, WBA has long been actively engaged in drafting and filing comment letters on behalf of the membership, often creating drafts for use by banks themselves. The agencies have been busy with their regulatory agendas, implementing new law, and responding to various executive orders. The 14 letters filed since our last update span a wide range of regulatory priorities, but several notable topics stand out. One of the most prominent topics recently has been that of digital assets. The GENIUS Act was signed into law last summer, which directed the federal agencies to implement regulations for payment stablecoins. Since then, the agencies have been issuing their rules, and WBA has been commenting throughout this process. To that extent, multiple letters were filed on stablecoinrelated proposals from the Department of Treasury, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. As the agencies continue to move forward with their implementation, WBA will remain engaged and continue to comment throughout the rulemaking process. Of concern is to ensure the agencies are consistent in their rulemaking requirements, standards, and supervisory review of payment stablecoin applications and activity. WBA comments regarding payment stablecoins have also focused on helping ensure rigid Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering/Countering Terrorist Financing (BSA/AML/CTF) rules are implemented. With the anticipated movement of money and broadened services payments 6

Wisconsin Banker

stablecoin services will bring, consistency in the application and supervisor review standards of BSA/AML/CTF rules are paramount to protect the industry and customers. In terms of compliance matters, WBA commented on BSA-related topics including whistleblower incentives and reforms to AML/CTF requirements. Additionally, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is considering potential regulatory changes to consumer mortgage-related disclosure rules, including Regulation Z right of rescission rules and the TILA-RESPA integrated disclosures (TRID). As part of this process, it issued a request for information seeking comment about potential changes. This is an initial request, for which CFPB has begun gathering general information. WBA commented in response to this initial request seeking numerous changes to help reduce regulatory burden and costs associated with mortgage loan closings while also improving the overall mortgage loan process for consumers. WBA will remain engaged as CFPB issues its first proposal. WBA has also been actively engaged in the payments space. As discussed in previous “Wisconsin Banker” articles, WBA submitted comments in February regarding a Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) payment account prototype. Since then, WBA has commented on FRB’s request for information on the future of check services, and a request for comment on proposed special-purpose Reserve Bank accounts for clearing and settling certain payment activity. As FRB reviews the comments it has received in these areas, WBA will remain engaged with any forthcoming proposals on these matters. WBA and banks in Wisconsin certainly support innovation and access to evolving technology and payment processing efficiencies. However, new access and services should not come at the price of alienating those utilizing longstanding, reliable services nor bring undue risk to the trusted FRB payment system. WBA also commented on two Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rulemakings which are significant in the areas of spoofing and fraud. One letter discussed proposals addressing robocalls and another on Know Your Customer

September | October 2026

identification standards to help ensure more work is done by FCC to investigate, enforce, and sanction those who allow for bad actors to misuse telecommunications technologies to misrepresent others in efforts to steal and defraud people. Looking ahead, the pen will remain active. Not only will the payment stablecoin rulemakings continue to progress, but WBA anticipates CFPB will issue at least one proposal regarding revisions to mortgage disclosure rules in response to comments received to its initial request. WBA also anticipates rulemakings in response to several executive orders, including appraisal and evaluation improvements, and involving digital signatures and standardizing electronic mortgage closing. WBA also anticipates continued rulemaking efforts by FCC, where appropriate, to help fight against fraud and spoofing. Ongoing compliance priorities remain as well, such as advocating for exemption threshold increases under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act and to Regulation O insider lending limits. WBA will also be filing comments in response to proposed revisions to the Community Reinvestment Act. WBA remains committed to advocating for the banking industry through the comment process and we encourage all members to participate in the rulemaking process by submitting comments to federal and state agencies. It is imperative that agencies hear the impact their rules and regulations directly have on your institution and of your recommendations for improvements. If you have questions about a regulatory proposal or rule, be sure to email WBA Legal at wbalegal@wisbank.com. Additionally, reach out to share your thoughts or data about a particular proposal, as including such facts is more impactful. To assist in tracking agency regulatory actions, review the monthly “WBA Compliance Journal,” check in with your WBA Advocacy Officer, or reach out to WBA Legal. Birrenkott is the WBA director – legal. WBA comment letters may be found on the WBA website, at www.wisbank.com/advocacy.

AN OPEN GOVERNOR’S RACE, AND RARE OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEMOCRATS By Chris Borgerding

For the first time since 2010, Wisconsin has an open governor's race, and its three most powerful offices are turning over at once. Governor Tony Evers, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu are all stepping down. Therefore, the lawmakers WBA will work with in January will be substantially different.

The Governor's Race

The next governor holds the veto pen over the 2027–29 biennial budget, the most consequential race on the ballot for Wisconsin banks. Republicans are settled. U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany of Minocqua, carrying President Donald Trump’s endorsement, is the nominee. U.S. Rep. Tiffany spent nearly eight years in the State Senate, including service on the Joint Finance Committee, and has written a state budget from the inside. He is running on lower taxes and smaller government. But note: in 2023, U.S. Rep. Tiffany co-sponsored the House companion to the Credit Card Competition Act, interchange legislation WBA strongly opposes, despite direct appeals from Wisconsin bankers. A party label does not guarantee a friendly vote. The Democratic primary was arguably the most chaotic in recent memory. A field that once numbered eight shrank, reshuffled, and in one case reversed itself. Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, long a frontrunner, ended her bid July 17 after disclosing significant errors in her campaign’s financial reporting. The next day, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley reentered the race, weeks after dropping out to endorse Lt. Gov. Rodriguez, with Governor Tony Evers’ only endorsement. Absentee ballots were already in voters’ hands, with tens of thousands returned.

Insiders still give the nominee a slight edge. Midterms are referendums on the sitting president, and President Trump is polling at historic lows.

DAVID CROWLEY EMERGED ON AUGUST 11 WITH 39.8 PERCENT BY 0.4 POINTS. The Legislature

Republicans have held both chambers since 2011. Both are now in play. They hold the Senate 18-15, with seventeen seats up and Democrats needing a net two. Joint Finance Committee Co-Chair Howard Marklein is fighting for his political life in a district Democrats carried at the top of the ticket in 2024. Democratic control is not just possible; it is the presumed outcome. The Assembly is harder. Republicans hold it 54-45 and Democrats must net five, though the current maps leave the chamber near neutral. It is this author’s opinion that Republicans keep a small majority. Fifteen Republicans are not seeking reelection, several in competitive seats. With both chambers rated among only nine national toss-ups, outside money is coming in volume.

What WBA Is Doing

We are not waiting. In-district meetings with incoming legislators are underway, and we will engage new leadership in December, before gavels are assigned.

What You Can Do

None of that outside money will be spent with Wisconsin banks in mind. Wisbankpac and the Alliance of Bankers for Wisconsin Conduit are how our industry answers. The PAC pools contributions into one voice; the conduit lets you direct dollars to specific candidates and receive personal credit. Both back pro-banking candidates regardless of party. Any amount makes a difference; visit wisbank.com/advocacy to learn more. Next, host a lawmaker. The best window opens after the election, once they are sworn in and learning their district. A simple hour, a few people, no slide deck. Walk them through a lending decision, introduce your compliance staff, or show them a case where a teller caught elder financial exploitation before it cleared. Be the first bank they visit. Your WBA Government Relations team is happy to answer questions and assist however we can. Thank you for your continued support of WBA and our advocacy efforts. Borgerding is the WBA vice president – government relations.

wisbank.com

MORE THAN A DAY JOB Continued from pg. 1 their community. I believe the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation (WBF) serves as a vehicle for extending bankers’ generosity even further. Through the Foundation’s grants, scholarships, research, and resources, bankers can invest their time and financial support into education, community development, and mentoring the next generation of banking leaders. The success of WBF can be quantified in the thousands of hours bankers dedicate annually to volunteering in classrooms, teaching fraud seminars at local libraries, serving on advisory boards, mentoring students in financial education programs, and partnering with non-profits during WBA Power of Community Week. What’s more: many bankers I’ve interviewed reported serving the same schools, libraries, and community organizations year after year, often building decades-long relationships with these institutions. This year, WBF was proud to announce that $30,000 in grants were given to six organizations working to improve financial literacy in Wisconsin. The 2026 grant recipients include Asset Builders, EconomicsWisconsin, Catholic Charities, Literacy Network, River Valley Charities, and CAC-South Central Wisconsin. In the same spirit of providing multi-year support that bankers bring to their volunteer efforts, WBA is now in the third year of its commitment to both Asset Builders and EconomicsWisconsin. One of the Foundation’s longer partnerships has been with Asset Builders, whose Finance & Investment Challenge Bowl competition introduces 8

Wisconsin Banker

high school students to financial topics through a fast-paced trivia-style academic competition. Thanks in part to year-after-year WBF support, the program continued to expand in 2026 with new regional competitions in West Bend and Hayward. To help launch these new locations, WBA put out a call for volunteer bankers through multiple WBA publications — and bankers answered! Those events would not have been possible for those regional students without volunteer bankers to serve as judges and scorekeepers. I had the opportunity to volunteer at this year’s State Finance & Investment Challenge Bowl Championship in Madison, which easily became one of my favorite days of the year! Student teams from all corners of Wisconsin competed by answering questions on budgeting, credit, investing, taxes, insurance, and other personal finance issues with impressive ease and speed. I witnessed groups of teenagers explain trade deficits with unflappable confidence and perform mental math on home equity. The teams were emotionally invested, audibly celebrating their successes and bemoaning their misses, which served as palpable evidence of the value of making education interactive and exciting. Just a few hours of volunteer service from a couple dozen bankers made the championship come to life.

September | October 2026

Similarly, WBF is in its third year of partnering with EconomicsWisconsin and supporting their initiative, The Stock Market Game. The success of the program relied on banks both sponsoring and mentoring schools in their communities and helping students with lessons in investing, markets, and long-term financial planning. In Fall 2025, institutions including One Community Bank, Stephenson National Bank & Trust, and First Business Bank successfully partnered with local schools, while several additional institutions explored opportunities to participate in the future. From my time collecting stories from bankers, I’ve come away with a consistent truth: A banker’s generosity doesn’t end at 5:00 p.m. The same bankers who go above and beyond for their customers are often the first to volunteer in their communities after they leave the branch. The Foundation is a catalyst that allows bankers to combine their financial support and industry knowledge to create meaningful opportunities for their communities. Whether a banker treks through muddy farmland or serves as a Challenge Bowl judge to inspire the next generation, bankers continue to remind the public that banks function to uplift their communities.

Fenton was the WBA communications coordinator — her last day with the WBA was July 30.

2026 MID-YEAR WISCONSIN BANK CEO ECONOMIC SURVEY Continued from pg. 1 How Would You Rate the Current Health of the Wisconsin Economy?

Good

Excellent

68%

Fair

11% 21%

remain the same over the next six months. The same sense of stability was evident through the remaining survey, with most responding CEOs expecting little change in loan demand, deposits, staffing levels, and housing prices through the end of 2026. Encouraging signs were also noticed within the results as more CEOs rated demand for business and commercial real estate loans as “excellent” (23%) than in the previous survey at the end of last year (just 9%), which reveals an increased investment by Wisconsin businesses. When asked about talent availability and employee retention, nearly 60% of respondents shared that good talent is still hard to find and retain. Others reflected hiring is becoming less difficult, though some attributed improved talent availability to merger and acquisition activity. Local economic brights spots across Wisconsin include stable downtown areas with little vacancies, steady manufacturing, strong tourism markets, solid real estate markets, and a high entrepreneurial spirit. Stability does not suggest there is an absence of challenges ahead. CEO responses make clear that fraud remains a pressing concern for banks, followed by workforce recruitment and retention, and the growing influence of non-traditional financial institutions. Meanwhile, bank business customers around the state continue to grapple with

Top Business Customer Concerns for the Remainder of 2026 Trade, tariff, or geopolitical developments impact on business planning Changes in labor cost, engery, or supply-chain costs Government policies having impact on business conditions

rising labor, energy, and supply chain expenses. Other customers continue to express concerns about housing affordability and inflation. These findings reinforce many of the issues WBA prioritizes in front of legislators. In fact, WBA and bankers across the state help advocate for policies that expand housing opportunities for Wisconsin families while preserving banks’ ability to serve as the trusted lender. For example, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act was just recently enacted into law without the President’s signature after passing through Congress. This important legislation contains many provisions designed to remove barriers to housing construction and offer consumers greater affordability. For the banking community, the law includes several helpful regulatory relief provisions such as tailoring supervision, adjusting rules around brokered and reciprocal deposits, and appraisal reforms, among other changes. In the House, Wisconsin’s congressional delegation voted on a bipartisan basis in favor of passage of the bill, while in the Senate, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin voted in favor, but U.S. Senator Ron Johnson voted against passage of the Top Consumer Customer Concerns for the Remainder of 2026 Home affordability/costs Inflation Uncertainty caused by politicial policies 41% and geopolitical developments

16%

43%

bill. The advocacy of WBA members through grassroots communications and meetings in Washington, D.C. helped achieve such positive votes from Wisconsin’s delegation. The Main Street Capital Access Act is another important piece of legislation that passed the House by a wide margin of 270-155 in mid-July, with the Wisconsin delegation voting along party lines. This bill

What are Your Top Concerns for Your Bank for the Remainder of 2026? Impact of non-traditional financial institutions (e.g. crypto firms, stablecoins, and ILCs) Impact of emerging technology and competing products Uncertainty caused by government policies Maintaining a talented workforce Combating fraud

14% 23%

27% 34%

11%

22%

67%

is also intended to ease banking regulations, spur new community bank formations, and tailor supervisory burdens for smaller and regional lenders. The legislation is now over in the Senate, but timing of its consideration is uncertain. WBA continues advocacy with Wisconsin’s U.S. Senators on this bill and has asked for member grassroots support. Finally, the CLARITY Act continues to garner much attention, and the banking industry is in a real fight with the well-funded and outspoken crypto industry. While it is questionable whether this will even pass this session anymore, the banking industry’s grassroots advocacy with Wisconsin’s U.S. Senators continues. In late July, Stand With Crypto, a U.S.-based crypto advocacy organization, announced on X that “senators’ votes on the CLARITY Act will be recorded in its public scorecards on behalf of its 3 million U.S. advocates.” This threat from the crypto industry in addition to the millions of dollars they are putting into the upcoming elections puts significant pressure on Senators ahead of a potential vote. It is critical for the industry to remind our Senators that banks are already losing money to the crypto industry, and that real risk to banks’ ability to make loans at current levels will materialize if the narrow provision the banking industry wants changed in the law closing the loophole on the payment of interest/yield/rewards is not done. WBA is very proud of the grassroots advocacy by bankers across Wisconsin to help advance the industry’s position on all legislation, including the ones mentioned here. Work done on the advocacy front should help towards easing some concerns expressed in the survey. Thank you, again, to all the bank leaders who participated in the survey. Your perspective helps strengthen the banking industry’s voice with the public and legislators and provides important insight for communities across Wisconsin. To review the survey results, visit www.wisbank.com/wisconsin-bankceos-see-steady-economy-whilemonitoring-inflation-housing-costsand-fraud/.

MacKinnon is the WBA executive vice president and general counsel. wisbank.com

BANKERS TEE OFF

AT SUCCESSFUL WBA ANNUAL GOLF OUTING IN WISCONSIN DELLS

More than 230 bankers and event sponsors gathered at Trappers Turn Golf Club in Wisconsin Dells for WBA’s annual outing, making for another memorable day of networking and camaraderie. WBA extends its sincere thanks to all attendees and the 38 event sponsors whose generous support helped make this year’s outing a tremendous success. During brief remarks, WBA 2026–27 Chair Joe Peikert highlighted the importance of amplify as a mindset for today’s banking professionals. He emphasized the importance of banker engagement in advocacy efforts, encouraging members to support their Advocacy Officers, participate in Take Your Legislator to Work Days and Capitol Day, and contribute to WBA’s political action initiatives to help ensure the banking industry’s voice is heard. He also highlighted the power of bankers sharing their stories and working together through WBA to strengthen relationships with policymakers and amplify the positive impact banks have on Wisconsin communities. WBA also thanks State Representative Mark Born (R-37) for joining the event and providing attendees with an update on key issues and developments from the state capitol. 10

Wisconsin Banker

September | October 2026

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NEW FACES, FRESH IDEAS: MEET THE LATEST ADDITIONS TO THE WBA TEAM WBA is pleased to welcome three talented professionals to its staff. Bringing expertise in government relations, creative communications, and human resources, these new team members will help support WBA’s mission and continue delivering value to our members. Chris Borgerding Joins WBA Government Relations Team

Jamie Roche Strengthens Human Resources Operations

Kristen Koenig Brings Creative Vision to WBA

Chris Borgerding has joined WBA as vice president – government relations, bringing more than 12 years of advocacy and public policy experience to the association. Most recently, Borgerding served as senior director of government relations for the Association of Dental Support Organizations, a national trade group. His extensive background also includes serving as director of government relations for the Wisconsin Dental Association and spending more than six years in the Wisconsin State Legislature, where he worked primarily for Rep. John Nygren.

Joining the team as our graphic designer, Kristen Koenig, brings a strong background in graphic design, multimedia, and marketing. Koenig has developed a wide range of print and digital communications throughout her career, including work with Ideal Printing and the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her experience includes creating publications, social media content, marketing materials, and other visual communications that effectively engage audiences.

Jamie Roche joins WBA as human resources coordinator, bringing more than eight years of talent acquisition, employee relations, and human resources management experience. Throughout her career, Roche has held roles as a recruiter with Marshfield Medical Health System and an HR generalist at Madison Kipp Corporation. Most recently, she served as human resources manager with AMPI in Portage.

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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.

Denise Bunbury

SVP/Correspondent Banking Business Development Officer Based out of Eau Claire, Wis. Covers: Wisconsin and the U.P. of Michigan Member FDIC

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September | October 2026

SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS THIS FALL WITH WBA EDUCATION PROGRAMS As autumn settles in and students return to the classroom, Wisconsin bankers have an opportunity to continue their own professional development through WBA’s lineup of banking schools and boot camps. These specialized programs offer focused, in-depth training across key areas of banking, providing practical knowledge and valuable networking opportunities. Whether you’re new to the industry, looking to strengthen your leadership skills, or ready to advance your lending expertise, WBA has a program designed for you.

Visit wisbank.com/education for complete program details and registration information.

Consumer Lending Boot Camp

Supervisor Boot Camp

September 15–16 | Madison

October 7–8 | Madison

Ideal for individuals new to consumer lending or loan processing, this two-day boot camp delivers practical, hands-on training to build confidence and competence in consumer lending. Through instructor-led presentations, group discussions, case studies, and interactive exercises, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the consumer lending process from start to finish.

This engaging two-day workshop helps both new and seasoned supervisors strengthen their leadership and coaching abilities. Participants will explore practical management strategies, develop skills for leading teams effectively, and create a roadmap for supervisory success. The highly interactive format ensures takeaways that can be applied immediately in the workplace.

Principles of Banking School

Advanced Commercial Lending School

September 22–23 | Madison

October 13–14 | Madison

For more than four decades, this school has served as the premier introduction to the banking industry. Whether you’re just beginning your banking career or seeking a broader understanding of how financial institutions operate, this program covers essential banking concepts, risk management principles, customer service expectations, and the role employees play in a successful bank.

Experienced commercial lenders looking to refine their expertise will benefit from this intensive, hands-on program. Through advanced credit analysis, team-based case studies, and real-world lending scenarios, participants will strengthen their underwriting and decision-making skills. Interactive exercises and Excel-based tools provide practical experience that can be applied directly to complex lending situations.

Personal Banker School

Deposit Compliance School & Regulation E Workshop

September 30–October 1 | Wisconsin Dells

October 27–29 | Madison or Virtual

Designed specifically for personal bankers, this program focuses on developing the skills needed to confidently serve customers while identifying opportunities to sell, cross-sell, and refer financial products. Attendees will enhance their product knowledge and customer service abilities, returning to their institutions better prepared to meet client needs.

This three-day program provides a comprehensive overview of deposit regulations, current compliance trends, and key resources bankers need to navigate today’s regulatory environment. The school is beneficial for retail banking staff, branch personnel, compliance professionals, and auditors. Individuals interested specifically in Regulation E may also register for the standalone workshop on October 29.

Questions about WBA schools and boot camps can be directed to wbaeducation@wisbank.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your professional growth and finish the year stronger than ever.

wisbank.com

BULLETIN BOARD

News from Wisconsin Bankers Association Members

Celebrating a Lifetime of Service WBA is proud to recognize the individual bankers who dedicate their service to our 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. Additionally, WBA’s Lifetime Service Awards recognize bankers who have served in the industry for between 30 and 49 years. To recognize a banker for the esteemed honor, please visit wisbank.com/ServiceAwards.

Associated Bank Celebrated Thomas Bilot, assistant vice president, senior bank manager, being in the industry for 48 years by presenting him with a Lifetime Service Award.

Community First Bank Recognized Gary Rosholt, strategic officer and a member of its Board of Directors, for 65 years of service.

First Federal Bank of Wisconsin Honored Gary Wollenzein with a 50-Year Club presentation.

American National Bank Fox Cities • Lisa VanHaren, financial service specialist Recently honored six of its employees with Lifetime (35 years of service). Service Awards: • LuAnn Thiel, chief technology officer • Brent Walbrun, VP, business banking (36 years of service). (36 years of service). • Shelly Rohde, EVP, CFO, COO • Dave Blohm, retired, president/CEO/chairman of the (30 years of service). Board 2001–2020 (48 years of service). • Stephanie Preza, VP, deposit operations (33 years of service).

Alliance Bank Rose Wisneski was honored with a 43-year Lifetime Service Award.

Farmers State Bank of Waupaca Recognized Denise Abrahamson, assistant operations officer/bookkeeping supervisor, for 40 years of service to the Bank.

Good News

Promotions and New Hires

Conservation First Bank • Announced the opening of a new Loan Production Office in Denver under the name Conservation Bank. Lake Ridge Bank • Announced an expansion into Beloit after exceeding anticipated growth in Janesville and the surrounding area over the last year. Waukesha State Bank • Has acquired a new office building at W233N2080 Ridgeview Parkway, Waukesha, WI 53188 to support its expanding workforce and long-term operational needs.

AbbyBank Horicon Bank • Welcomed Matt Simons as chief • Promoted Andrea Kaehny to mortgage operating officer. & consumer credit officer. Bank First • Welcomed Eric Waite to the Business • Promoted Caryn Langolf to senior vice Banking team as vice president. president – BSA/compliance. • Welcomed Jacob Ulrich to its growing • Promoted Jessica Hernandez to senior business development team. vice president – treasury management. • Welcomed Matt Pierce to the Mortgage • Promoted Kerri Morrison to credit officer. Lending team as vice president. • Welcomed Jeff Boudreau as vice IncredibleBank president – retail branch operations. • Announced the addition of Erik • Welcomed Jeff Janza as vice president – Rajek as executive vice president, business banking. chief credit officer. Capitol Bank Lake Ridge Bank • Welcomed Beth Vander Meulen as its • Added a new position to its Executive new marketing director. Team, elevating Jordon Geiger First Citizens State Bank from senior vice president & senior • Darcy Rallo has been promoted to the trust officer to chief wealth chief human resources officer at the management officer. Whitewater Main Office. National Exchange Bank & Trust • Promoted Jessica Islas to assistant AML/ • Ellie Berg joined as a personal banking CTF/OFAC officer at the Whitewater manager at the bank’s Waukesha office. Main Office. • Jennifer Cummins joined as operations Farmers & Merchants State Bank manager, supporting the bank’s Kingston • Welcomed Erin Lynd as a mortgage and Dalton locations. loan assistant. • Nichole Frank promoted to operations • Welcomed Heather Johnson as its new manager for Princeton and vice president – branch market manager Montello offices. First Business Bank One Community Bank • Welcomed Joe Friedling to its • Promoted Amie Edgington to AVP subsidiary, First Business Specialty – bank manager II. Finance, LLC, as vice president – • Promoted Kari Zeinert to vice equipment finance. president – integration and • Welcomed Marcos Vega, MBA, CTP, organizational alignment. as senior vice president – director of • Welcomed Paul Brooks as AVP specialty deposits. – mortgage loan officer. Forward Bank • Welcomed Wesley Spitzer as a • Promoted Breann Eitrem to regional commercial loan officer. retail manager.

Retirements Bank of Luxemburg • Announced Mary Kay Bennett is retiring from her role as retail market manager. • Announced the retirement of Patti Rollin, vice president of loan operations, after 42 years of dedicated service, and Jeff Mulloy, chief credit officer, after 17 years of service. National Exchange Bank & Trust • Carol Knoener retired after 24 years of employment. Horicon Bank • Announced the retirement of Dale Hans, senior vice president, mortgage & consumer credit officer. Prevail Bank • Announced Jenny Ebert, mortgage loan originator, retired after more than three decades in the mortgage lending industry. Peshtigo National Bank • Rick Braatz retired after 21 years.

Wisconsin Banker

September | October 2026

Paper City Savings Bank Honored former President and CEO Fred Siemers with a 36-year lifetime service award. Port Washington State Bank • Promoted John Schumacher to senior vice president/credit. PremierBank • Announced Joe Clary, CPA joined the bank as vice president and chief financial officer. • Announced Kyler Kabat has joined the bank as first vice president, director of retail and mortgage lending. • Announced the promotion of Peggy Stebbins, CPA, to president. Prevail Bank • Announced Cathy Asher joined as its vice president; commercial banking officer in Eau Claire. • Announced Jazmin Maki joined as its vice president; commercial lending officer in Wausau. • Welcomed Samuel Golbach as enterprise transformation officer. • Named Jeffrey Saxton its chief retail officer. • Welcomed Bryan Renton as vice president, business development/treasury management officer in Eau Claire. Security Financial Bank • Announced Alex Bliven has been promoted to commercial portfolio manager and will join the Business Banking Team. WaterStone Bank • Appointed Jonathan Reznack as business development officer. Waukesha State Bank • Hired Steve Heberer as controller. • Promoted Elizabeth McDowell to retail loan administration officer.

BULLETIN BOARD

News from Wisconsin Bankers Association Members

Community Involvement Associated Bank Forward Bank • Announced it will once again serve as • Announced a $15,000 donation to the title sponsor of Audaxity, returning the Greenwood School District to for the second annual fundraising bicycle support the development of a new ride in 2026 after supporting the event's pickleball court. inaugural year. • Announced a $25,000 donation to the Bank Five Nine Westboro Fire Department to support the • Was the presenting sponsor of the purchase of a new fire truck. Mequon-Thiensville community and • Supported youth baseball in Rib contributed $10,000 to this year’s Family Lake with an $8,000 donation to the Fun Before the Fourth celebration on Rib Lake High School and Taylor June 27. County Legion Baseball programs, in Citizens State Bank of Loyal turn, helping to complete the Herb • Recently welcomed Wisconsin Scheithauer Batting Cage Facility at Department of Financial Institutions Tannery Creek Park. Secretary, Wendy Baumann and Deputy • Announced a $100,000 commitment Secretary, Catherine Haberland for to Hope Hospice & Palliative Care’s a visit focused on the current state of “40 Years of Hope — Building the Next community banking and the economic Chapter” capital campaign, supporting conditions impacting Central Wisconsin the construction of a new facility in communities. Medford designed to meet the growing Farmers & Merchants State Bank needs of patients and families throughout • The bank partnered with a local vendor northcentral Wisconsin. to surprise more than 11 schools and Lake Ridge Bank hundreds of teachers and support • Announced a five-year commitment as staff with special treats and caffeine the lead sponsor for Madison’s Art Fair throughout their communities. on the Square. Forte Bank North Shore Bank • On June 19, employees sorted • Donated more than $2,700 to the donations for families in need, cleaned Pewaukee Area Historical Society, animal care spaces, pulled weeds, located at the Clark House Museum in maintained trails, and helped local the Village of Pewaukee. nonprofits tackle various projects. One Community Bank Fortifi Bank • Announced a donation of $40,800 to • Joined Exceptional Equestrians, Just One International. These funds will community leaders, donors, volunteers, support their Brighter Future Campaign and supporters on June 1 to celebrate the and scholarships for two students. groundbreaking of a new indoor riding Prevail Bank arena and therapy center in De Pere. • 110 employees volunteered at 18

locations statewide during Prevail’s Juneteenth Day of Service on June 19. • Donated a total of $32,420 to the following organizations • The Uplift Foundation of Portage County • The Children’s Imaginarium STEM field trip fund • Junior Achievement of Wisconsin – North Central District • The Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra • The Salvation Army of Marshfield • Chippewa Valley Habitat for Humanity • United Way of South Wood and Adams County • Feed my People • Invited the public to safely dispose of their obsolete electronics during its free community e-cycling days. Security Financial Bank • Pledged $40,000 over the next three years to the Durand-Arkansaw School District in support of the Panther Cub Academy, a new community early learning center that will serve the youngest learners in the Durand area. Spring Bank • Hosted a donation drive supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities, helping provide comfort, stability, and a home away from home for families with children receiving medical care. The Bank of New Glarus • Representatives personally delivered $500 donations to nine community libraries in support of their Summer Reading Initiative.

The State Bank of Reeseville • Supported the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office with a Safety Equipment Donation check for $11,200. Wolf River Community Bank • Announced the recipients of its 2026 scholarship program, awarding three $1,500 scholarships to graduating seniors from Hortonville, New London, and Shiocton High Schools. This year’s scholarship recipients are:

Alexis Brazil, Hortonville High School

Emma Marish, New London High School

Hannah Widmann, Shiocton High School

In Memoriam It is with profound sadness that the Citizens State Bank of Loyal Board of Directors announces the passing of their President and CEO, Travis Holt. Travis joined Citizens State Bank of Loyal in 2002 as an investment officer and ag business planner. His role was to help farms write business plans and to expand the Bank’s retail investment program. Under the direction of former President, Gary Weirauch, Travis grew quickly within the bank, ultimately being promoted to president and CEO in 2010. Travis served the Bank with exceptional vision, integrity, and unwavering commitment. His leadership was marked by a genuine concern for the Bank and its customers. Travis had a steadfast belief in community banking and provided constant mentorship for the employees who had the privilege of working alongside him.

WBA extends our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Charles “Chuck” Thieme. Chuck 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, Chuck was known for his leadership, integrity, and commitment to mentoring young bankers throughout the Madison area. He retired in 2017.

Accolades

Anniversaries

Cinnaire Vibrancy Unlocked • Jennifer Everhart, chief impact officer for • WBA Bronze Associate Member, Cinnaire, a WBA Silver Associate Member, announced that Kim Rider, ACC, was honored with the 2026 Terrence R. Leadership & Executive Assistant Coach, Duvernay Award during the Building earned the Associate Certified Coach Michigan Communities Conference. credential from the International Coaching North Shore Bank Federation. • Was recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best-In-State Banks for 2026, marking the seventh time the community bank has received this distinction in Wisconsin.

Bank of Prairie du Sac • Celebrated their 110th anniversary. The Portage County Bank • Celebrated 125 years of serving their community.

National Exchange Bank & Trust • Jennifer Riedeman celebrated 25 years of service. • Ryan Gebhart recently celebrated 25 years of service.

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PREPARE TO STRETCH YOUR SKILLSET AT THE ANNUAL WBA FLEX RETAIL AND MARKETING SUMMIT WBA is excited to welcome bankers back to Wisconsin Dells for the WBA FLEX Retail and Marketing Summit (FLEX) in November. Designed for bankers involved in marketing, sales, retail, and financial literacy, this summit will equip attendees with actionable items to bring back to their bank. FLEX is the ideal event to send your teams to for the greatest impact. Glacier Canyon Lodge at the Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells offers the space for bank colleagues to brainstorm and learn successes and pitfalls from peers in the industry.

After a full day of sessions and breakouts on Wednesday, November 18, summit attendees will also celebrate Excellence in Financial Education at a special morning ceremony on Thursday, November 19. The event then concludes with closing keynote speaker David Belman.

For more information, visit wisbank.com/FLEX.

SUBMISSIONS ACCEPTED FOR THE WBA MARKETING EXCELLENCE AWARD

2026 For more information, visit wisbank.com/marketingexcellence-award.

Wisconsin Banker

The fourth annual WBA Marketing Excellence Award will be presented at FLEX on Thursday, November 19, following a presentation recognizing bankers who excelled in financial literacy efforts. Submissions for this honor are accepted now through Wednesday, September 30, 2026. The submissions should reflect a marketing campaign or initiative that was completed between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026. The winning project will have mastered research, strategy, execution, and evaluation. Celebrate your marketing team’s creative efforts by completing the submission form today. Past submissions have included brand redesigns, branch openings, community events, new product marketing, and more.

September | October 2026

Leverage AI With Conﬁdence As financial institutions increasingly integrate Artificial Intelligence into everyday operations, they must navigate complex legal, regulatory, and risk-management challenges to deploy it safely and effectively. Our cross-disciplinary team of AI-focused attorneys helps clients adopt AI tools with clarity, control, and confidence—maximizing value while reducing exposure. We support financial institutions by: •

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Banking and Finance 414 414.298.8706 mlanska@reinhartlaw.com

414.298.1000 · reinhartlaw.com

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TK TK

Is your community bank thriving? Meet Sean. Sean works hand-in-hand with community banks in the Midwest to find ICBA member benefits that help them achieve their bank’s goals. Sean is a proud cheesehead and Green Bay Packers shareholder, cheering on the team to the Super Bowl each year when he’s not on the road representing ICBA. For community banks in the Midwest, he’s your biggest champion helping you partner with ICBA for success.

Learn more at icba.org/membership

Wisconsin Banker

September | October 2026

NEW WBA MEMBER PORTAL HOLDS RESOURCES TAILORED FOR YOU The new WBA member portal launched in March, which provides resources tailored just for you, including information about your upcoming registered WBA events and allows direct access to the WBA Best Practices Library without having to navigate through our website. The portal also allows members to update their contact information and sign up to receive the “Wisconsin Banker Daily” e-newsletter. For bank CEOs, the portal includes a CEO Dashboard which provides a snapshot of banker information and bank activity associated with WBA. As more resources move into the member portal, logging in now will help ensure members have uninterrupted access to

WBA information and community group participation. The member portal may be accessed from the main WBA webpage, and all members are encouraged to log in and create a password as information currently on the WBA website will be migrated to the new member portal to protect member-specific content. Members will also need to use the portal for registering for upcoming WBA events. In addition, WBA members who are part of a WBA Google Group, such as the WBA Compliance Forum Google Group, need to log in to the new WBA member portal as the Google Group will be moved to the member portal shortly as a WBA community group.

Members received an email from WBA back in late March inviting you to set up a user account on the WBA website for your new WBA member portal. If you did not receive the email or have not yet set up your WBA member portal account, please email requests@wisbank.com.

Have you let the fox into the hen house? Some broker-dealers operating inside local banks also offer traditional banking products to capture more wallet share and potentially pull from your deposits. Work with a partner who helps your Wealth Management division bring assets into the bank and not the other way around. Contact us for a free program assessment and uncover what could be lurking in your contract.

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LOCK OUT FRAUD: New WBA Resources Help Consumers Stay One Step Ahead Fraudsters are constantly changing their tactics, finding new ways to target consumers through phone calls, text messages, social media, cryptocurrency schemes, and other increasingly sophisticated scams. As these threats continue to evolve, education remains one of the strongest tools available to protect both consumers and the financial institutions they trust. To help address this growing challenge, WBA has launched its new Lock Out Fraud resource page at wisbank.com/lockout-fraud. The initiative provides easy-to-understand, one-page educational resources designed to help consumers recognize common scams, understand warning signs, and take steps to protect themselves from fraud. The growing library currently features resources on topics such as spoofing scams and Bitcoin ATM fraud, two schemes that continue to impact consumers across Wisconsin and the country. Each resource is presented in a concise, reader-friendly format that can be quickly shared with customers, family members, employees, and community members. Importantly, WBA-member banks may customize these materials by adding their own logo and distributing them directly to customers through branches, newsletters, websites, social media channels, and community outreach efforts. This allows banks to reinforce fraud awareness while providing valuable educational content from a trusted source. The Lock Out Fraud initiative reflects WBA’s ongoing commitment to supporting the well-being of both member banks and the customers they serve. By providing timely information on emerging fraud trends and prevention strategies, WBA aims

Wisconsin Banker

September | October 2026

to empower consumers with the knowledge they need to remain vigilant and avoid becoming victims. “Fraud prevention begins with education,” said Scott Birrenkott, WBA director – legal. “Criminals are constantly adapting their schemes, which means our industry must continually adapt our educational efforts as well. Our Lock Out Fraud resources give member banks practical tools they can easily share with customers, helping communities recognize fraud attempts before financial losses occur.” While only a handful of topics are available today, WBA plans to significantly expand the resource library over the coming months. By 2027, the Lock Out Fraud page will feature a comprehensive collection of fraud education materials covering a wide range of scams and consumer protection topics. As fraud threats continue to evolve, one thing remains constant: informed consumers are better protected consumers. Whether you are looking to learn more about a specific scam or seeking resources to share with family and friends, WBA encourages everyone to explore the growing collection of materials available through the Lock Out Fraud initiative.

Visit wisbank.com/lock-out-fraud today to access the latest resources and learn how to lock out fraud before it reaches your doorstep.

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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.

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MIDWEST BANKERS Insurance Services

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September | October 2026

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COMMUNITY BANKS’ COMPETITIVE EDGE: SITTING ON A GOLD MINE OF STORIES By Maggie Langkamp Community banks compete every day against institutions with larger budgets, broader markets, and louder advertising. But our strongest competitive advantage is not found in a campaign calendar or rate sheet. It is found in the stories our employees help create every day — stories of relationships, responsiveness, trust, and community impact that larger institutions often struggle to replicate. The challenge is that marketing in banking can easily become productdriven. We promote a loan special, the next big deposit account, a new digital tool, or a seasonal CD special — all important messages, but not always the ones that create connection. Products may get attention, but these experiences build trust. Trust is built when customers can see themselves in the work we do. A story about a small business owner who found the right financing, a family purchasing their first home, or a community project coming to life does more than promote a product — it shows the bank’s purpose in action. These events help customers understand that their community bank is not simply offering accounts or loans; it is listening, advising, problem-solving, and investing in the people and places it serves. When told thoughtfully, stories

create credibility because they make our values visible. Community banks do not need to look far for meaningful narratives. They are found in the small business that expands with the help of local financing, the family purchasing its first home, the farmer planning for the next generation, the employee who helps a customer through a difficult situation, or the nonprofit whose mission is strengthened through community support. They are also found in quieter moments — a thoughtful conversation, a problem solved, a customer educated, or a relationship built over time. These everyday examples remind customers that community banking is not simply transactional; it is personal, local, and rooted in purpose. Those of us working inside community banks know these moments happen every day, often quietly and without fanfare. The best place to start is by listening more intentionally within the organization. Lenders, tellers, branch managers, and operations teams often hear the stories before marketing ever does. A customer comment, a solved problem, a local nonprofit sponsorship, or an employee going the extra mile can become meaningful content when captured

thoughtfully and shared with permission. Building a culture of storytelling does not require a complicated campaign; it requires curiosity, consistency, and a willingness to recognize everyday moments as examples of the bank’s mission in action. For community banks, the opportunity is not to manufacture a story, but to recognize the ones already happening all around us. Every loan closed, account opened, challenge solved, and relationship strengthened can reflect who we are and why our work matters. When we tell those stories with intention, we move beyond promoting products and begin communicating purpose. That is where community banks can differentiate themselves — not by trying to be louder than larger competitors, but by being more authentic, more personal, and more deeply connected to the communities we serve. The moments are already there. The opportunity is to notice them, honor them, and tell them well. Langkamp is the vice president, lending and marketing & community relations coordinator at Conservation First Bank and a member of the WBA Marketing Committee.

wisbank.com

WAKING UP TO AI: SEPARATING BREAKTHROUGHS FROM HYPE By Rob Foxx Have you ever gone to sleep, woken up the next day, and realized that technology seemed to have changed the world overnight? The story of “Rip Van Winkle,” written in the early 1800s, tells of a man who sleeps for twenty years and misses the American Revolution. Its roots can be traced to several older cultural legends, including Japan’s “Urashima Tarō,” the Greek legend of the “Seven Sleepers,” and the German folktale “Peter Klaus,” which is widely believed to have inspired “Rip Van Winkle.” The same concept has been retold in modern popular culture through characters such as “Captain America” and in television shows like “Futurama.” If advances in technology — and AI in particular — make you feel this way, you’re not alone. Perhaps the most notable example is Anthropic’s Mythos, a technology that has reportedly been considered significant enough for the U.S. government to state that it should be kept out of the hands of foreign adversaries.i Reports claim that the AI can independently identify and launch cyberattacks with minimal human intervention.ii If those claims are accurate, the implications for the digital infrastructure the world has built over the past 30 years could be substantial. However, many experts who have evaluated the technology, including researchers at the AI Security Institute (AISI)iii through Project Glass Wing, have argued that Mythos primarily lowers the barrier to entry rather than introducing entirely new capabilities. In their assessment, it poses a meaningful threat mainly to poorly secured systems, a conclusion that appears to contradict some of the public hype surrounding the technology. There has been considerable speculation about why Anthropic has presented the technology in these terms. In my opinion, a likely explanation is that emphasizing technology’s capabilities helps establish Anthropic as a household name while increasing demand for its products. Ironically, the U.S. government’s efforts to restrict access to the technology by foreign entities may have amplified public attention rather than reduced it. Based on publicly available testing, Mythos appears to perform similarly to other AI systems already used to support penetration testing and red-team operations. Its primary advantage seems to be lowering the level of expertise required to perform those tasks rather than introducing capabilities that did not previously exist according to AISI. As of July 22, the Associated Press reported that ChatGPT creator OpenAI had developed an AI agent that allegedly hacked the open-source AI platform Hugging Face without direct human involvement.iv The report implied that the system

acted autonomously. In response to concerns like these, the U.S. government has established a framework for evaluating the national security risks posed by advanced AI systems before their public release. The key questions, however, remain unanswered. Was the reported attack on Hugging Face truly autonomous, or was it directed by human operators? Did the incident occur as reported, or has it been exaggerated? As AI capabilities continue to advance, separating genuine breakthroughs from marketing hype may become just as important as understanding the technology itself. Foxx is the FIPCO director of InfoSec and IT audit services.

Compliance Concierge™ Software Loan & Mortgage Forum September 17, 2026 – Wisconsin Dells SESSIONS INCLUDE: • What’s New in Compliance Concierge™ • Compliance Concierge™ Tips, Tricks, and FAQs • A presentation by WBA Legal • Lessons Learned from the Field • Presented by ShareFI’s Jeff Schmid • Share, Compare, and Ask Questions • Led by FIPCO® User Committee Members • Best Practices When Selling a Mortgage • Presented by Julie Pearson of Merchants Bank • More sessions coming soon! Register at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/WKbzQtrng3 Email fipcotraining@fipco.com for more information.

https://www.anthropic.com/news/fable-mythos-access https://industrialcyber.co/threat-landscape/anthropics-mythos-signals-new-era-of-autonomous-cyber-threats-raising-stakes-for-ai-governance-and-cyber-resilience/ iii https://www.aisi.gov.uk/blog/our-evaluation-of-claude-mythos-previews-cyber-capabilities iv https://apnews.com/article/openai-gpt56-sol-hugging-face-63ab84fed5612af04d8a160d60f6def3 i

Wisconsin Banker

September | October 2026

THANK YOU, PACKAGE HOLDERS 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.

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CONNECT WITH OTHER WBA MEMBERS AND GROW YOUR NETWORK By Heather MacKinnon WBA events are well known for their programming, but don’t overlook the opportunity to meet the member sitting right next to you or visiting an exhibit booth. This is one of the biggest benefits of attending WBA events and conferences — to connect with other WBA members, including associate members. I’m old enough to remember the days of adding business cards to a Rolodex. I still have one tucked away in my desk drawer as I try to adjust to today’s modern tools of adding contacts in my phone, making connections on professional networking sites, and following speakers via a QR code posted at the end of a presentation. Elsewhere in this publication, you will find a list of upcoming schools, conferences, and other events hosted by WBA, all of which offer the opportunity for attendees to connect with other members. I encourage everyone to take advantage of networking breaks and receptions strategically planned by the WBA Education staff and banker planning committees. Introduce yourself, swap stories, and make a connection with a fellow WBA member. Whatever form your “Rolodex” takes, make it a goal this autumn to add a few new names while attending a WBA event. Be an active participant and engage with a fellow Wisconsin banker and associate member. Let WBA help expand your network. MacKinnon is the WBA executive vice president and general counsel.

Wisconsin Banker

September | October 2026

WBA-EBC PARTNERSHIPS BRING SAVINGS THROUGH EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM By Daryll J. Lund It’s no secret the cost of today’s health care benefits is on the minds of both employers and employees. Both look for ways to reduce costs while still being able to offer and have access to a strong benefits package. One solution where WBA’s subsidiary, the Wisconsin Bankers Association Employee Benefits Corporation (WBA-EBC) can help is through employee wellness programs such as the one in partnership with UnitedHealthcare (UHC). With UnitedHealthcare Rewards (UHC Rewards), employees and their spouse can each earn up to $1,000 by completing a variety of actions, including things employees may already be doing. These activities can help employees maintain or develop healthy habits which in turn could help banks with less claims and perhaps a better renewal rate. The UHC Rewards program is flexible as participants choose the reward activities to complete and how earnings are redeemed. Employees may earn rewards through tracker activities, preventative care, and additional activities such as taking a health survey or completing a 24/7 virtual visit. Rewards may be redeemed as a digital gift card, HSA or HRA deposit, put toward the purchase of a tracker, or a One Pass Select® membership — a fitness membership and healthy lifestyle program.

The UHC Rewards are accessible through the homepage in the UHC app. Employees can earn $40 just for activating UHC Rewards, which includes the full list of rewardable activities that participants can choose to complete. The app also allows employees to connect to care providers. WBA-EBC partnered with UHC to offer even more ways to win through its Summer UHC Rewards Competition. All WBA banks with UHC Rewards were competing to see who could achieve the highest average reward per participating member. To encourage participation, many used Bingo cards with activities identified in each square to mark off once completed. The competition runs from June through the end of August, when the winning bank receives a catered lunch and participants at the bank are entered into a drawing for raffle prizes. This fun competition is just another way employers can offer cost-savings options to staff while also demonstrating care towards their overall health. To learn more about employee wellness programs, reach out to Jeff Wagner, vice president of WBA-EBC, at jwagner@wisbank.com or 608-279-8148. Lund is the WBA-EBC president.

Discover the value of WBA-EBC’s partnership with Lincoln Financial! Enhanced Benefits: • Pooled rating with over 10,000 members • Typically 20% OFF current pricing • Life insurance guarantee • Issue levels to $500,000 • Long-term disability • $10,000 monthly benefits Max

Value Adds: • Employee Assistance Program (LTD) • Travel Assistance (Life) • Life Keys (Life)

Our misson... to improve the health and wellbeing of our members.

Jeff Wagner

jwagner@wisbank.com

608-441-1211

www.wisbankins.com wisbank.com

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE

SPOTLIGHT

Question

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 Tom Sattler, president and CEO of The Equitable Bank.

1. How did you first get into the banking industry? I truly am the “accidental banker.” After college, I hopped on an Amtrak train and headed west to Colorado looking for adventure. I ended up in Aspen and took a job as a teller at a small community bank. I did not have a grand plan to build a career in banking, but I quickly learned that community banking brought together many things I cared about including building relationships, helping people reach important goals, and making a real difference in the community. What started as an entry-level job became a career spanning four decades. 2. What is your favorite aspect of your role at the bank? Without question, my favorite part of banking is the people. Community banking has allowed me to work alongside dedicated coworkers and serve customers during some of the most important moments in their lives. In 1927, the founding purpose of The Equitable Bank was to help people save money to buy homes. That remains central to who we are. Over time, that purpose has grown to include helping small business owners build their companies, hire employees, and strengthening the communities we serve. What I enjoy most is seeing people succeed. Whether it is helping a family buy a home, watching a boutique marketing firm grow its business and hire employees, or seeing one of our own employees develop into a larger role, those are the moments that define community banking for me. 30

Wisconsin Banker

3. What do you wish the general public understood about the banking industry? I wish more people understood that community banks make a real difference, and that banks our size need to survive and thrive. Community banks are under constant pressure from digital banks and credit unions. I wholeheartedly believe community banks are better! We know our customers, we understand local markets, and we are often willing to take the time to understand the story behind the numbers. In fact, Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data over the past year shows higher percentages of denials by both credit unions and independent mortgage banks than banks for both purchases and refinances of homes. I have seen many examples where an individual, a family, or a business did not fit perfectly into a standard model but have high character and make a compelling case. We can ask more questions, listen more closely, and help find a path forward. 4. Where do you believe the industry’s greatest challenges are in the next three to five years? One of the greatest challenges will be balancing technology with the personal service customers still value. Customers want digital convenience, but they also want trusted advisors who know them, understand their goals that lead to decisions. Another challenge will be attracting and developing the next generation of banking professionals.

September | October 2026

Answer

We need people who understand technology, but also understand service, judgment, accountability, and community commitment. I also believe advocacy will be more important than ever. Wisconsin community bankers are fortunate to have WBA representing us. Oswald Poels and her team understand the values we hold as community bankers; they help make sure our voices are heard, and they work every day to protect the ability of banks like ours to serve our customers and communities. 5. Please describe your current role at your bank and share with us one of your more rewarding experiences. As president and CEO of The Equitable Bank, my role is to help set the strategic direction of the organization while supporting our employees, customers, and communities. At its core, my job is about helping people succeed. I have been fortunate to have mentors and predecessors here at the Bank who taught me that values matter. They reinforced our mission to help our employees, customers, families, businesses, and the broader community thrive. That belief has shaped how I view leadership and how I believe a community bank should operate. One of the most rewarding parts of this work is seeing the long-term impact we can have. Behind every loan, deposit account, or financial conversation is a person, a family, or a business working toward something important. Being a small part of those journeys is what makes this profession, and this bank, so meaningful to me.

NOW HIRING First Community Bank

Business & Ag Banker Full-time | Milton The business & ag banker develops, manages, and grows relationships with small- to mid-sized business and agricultural clients. Serving as a trusted advisor, this role supports client growth while achieving the bank’s sales, profitability, and community engagement objectives.

Key Responsibilities: •

Build and maintain strong client relationships, serving as the primary contact for business and ag banking customers.

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Conduct client meetings, provide financial guidance, and deliver exceptional service.

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Generate new business through networking, referrals, prospecting, and community involvement.

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Identify cross-selling opportunities and maintain a pipeline of prospective clients.

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Evaluate financing needs, analyze financial statements and credit information, prepare loan packages, and monitor portfolio quality.

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Advise clients on treasury services, cash management solutions, and banking technology enhancements.

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Ensure compliance with banking regulations, policies, and risk management requirements.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, agri-business, accounting, economics, or a related field preferred. Three to 10 years of banking, commercial lending, ag banking, or financial services experience preferred. Strong business development, relationship management, sales, analytical, and communication skills required.

Success Measures: Growth in loans, deposits, and client relationships; portfolio quality; client satisfaction and retention; referrals; and achievement of annual sales and revenue goals. Position includes local travel, and offers a base salary plus incentive compensation based on experience and performance.

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?

Payments Network | Processing Solutions | Core Banking | Digital Banking | Security & Compliance

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:

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. Emily Torgerson, Writer/Editor 608-441-1237; etorgerson@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. 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.

wisbank.com

EDUCATION CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 2026 Principles of Banking

OCTOBER 2026 continued Bank Trainers Conference

9–10 Fond du Lac • $550/attendee 22–23 Madison • $550/attendee

2026 2027

27–29 Nashville, TN

Strategic Management Summit

Deposit Compliance School

9 Stevens Point • $275/attendee

*Includes Regulation E Workshop 27–29 Madison or Virtual • $895/attendee

NEW! Digital Innovation Development Program

Online Workshop: Wowing the Client

9/10–11/6 Six-part virtual series • $1,000/attendee

Consumer Lending Boot Camp 15–16 Madison • $550/attendee

28 Virtual half-day • $300/attendee

Regulation E Workshop

29 Madison or Virtual • $275/attendee

Milford Hills Outing

Branch Manager Boot Camp: Session II

16 Johnson Creek

29 Four-part virtual half-day series • $900/attendee

Credit Analyst Development Program 9/17–11/6 Six-part virtual series • $2,750/attendee

Wisconsin Bankers Foundation Gala

Hot Topics in Commercial & Agricultural Lending Webinar Series TBD Multi-part webinar series

Branch Manager Boot Camp: Session I

NOVEMBER 2026 BOLT Winter Leadership Summit

24 Four-part virtual half-day series • $900/attendee

4 Wisconsin Dells • $200/attendee

Innovation Showcase

Compliance Forum: Session II

24 Madison • $150/ticket or $1000/table of 8

28 Wisconsin Dells • multiple registration options

17 Wisconsin Dells • annual membership/pricing varies

Bank Technology & Security Summit

FLEX Retail & Marketing Summit

29–30 Wisconsin Dells • multiple registration options

18–19 Wisconsin Dells • multiple registration options

Personal Banker School

Branch Manager Boot Camp: Session III

Fraud On-Demand Video Series

DECEMBER 2026 Online Workshop: CRE Lending in Today’s Environment

9/30–10/1 Wisconsin Dells • $550/attendee

Ongoing Four-part video series • $795/bank

OCTOBER 2026 Supervisor Boot Camp

2 Virtual full-day • $275/attendee

Branch Manager Boot Camp: Session IV

7–8 Madison • $550/attendee

Advanced Commercial Lending Boot Camp 13–14 Madison • $550/attendee

Online Workshop: C&I Lending in Today’s Competitive Environmentt FDIC Bank Directors Summit 15 Madison • $275/attendee

Community Bankers for Compliance – Session IV 20 Virtual half-day • annual membership/pricing varies

IRA Essentials Workshop 20 Madison or Virtual • $275/attendee

JANUARY 2027 Understanding Bank Performance Virtual Series 7–29 Eight-part webinar series • $1,000/attendee

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

Advanced IRA Workshop

Midwest Economic Forecast Forum

21 Madison or Virtual • $275/attendee

TBD Virtual • multiple registration options available

BSA/AML Workshop

KEY

22 Madison or Virtual • $275/attendee

Understanding Bank Performance Virtual Series 10/22–11/13 Eight-part webinar series • $1,000/attendee

Wisconsin Banker

20 Four-part virtual half-day series • $900/attendee

Branch Manager Boot Camp: Session I

14 Virtual full-day • $275/attendee

19 Four-part virtual half-day series • $900/attendee

Conferences/Summits One or more days, based on hot topics, industry news and best practices, scheduled time for peer networking.

September | October 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 six days.

Workshops/Seminars One-day programs focused on a specific topic or area of banking. WBA-Hosted Webinars Other Events