May_June 2023 Wisconsin Banker

Columbia Savings & Loan Association Positively Impacts Black Communities, Banking Industry

By Hannah Flanders

Wisconsin’s first Black-owned bank nears 100 years of service

In 2024, Columbia Savings & Loan Association, Wisconsin’s first — and currently, only — African American-owned bank, will reach 100 years of service. The institution primarily serves low- and moderate-income families of Milwaukee County. Since 1924, the institution, founded by Ardie and Wilbur Halyard, has prioritized providing access to capital to members of its community.

Since 1924, Columbia Savings & Loan has prioritized access to capital for members of its community.

Now led by Ernest Jones and Will Martin, Columbia Savings & Loan Association — the sixth oldest Black-owned bank in the U.S. and

oldest Black-owned bank in Wisconsin — continues to see its mission to ensure low- to moderateincome families have access to capital where others may see risk.

» Black-owned Banks in America

Like all banks, the history of Black-owned banks in America is storied and complex. The first Black-owned bank — True Reformers Bank — was founded in 1888 in Richmond, Virginia. While the bank didn’t open until April of the following year, narrowly following the opening of Capital Savings Bank in Washington D.C. in October 1888, True Reformers operated in 24 states and spearheaded the idea of closing the racial wealth gap. Although True Reformers Bank closed in 1910,

by 1934, the number of financial institutions owned by people of color numbered over 130.

According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, only nine Black-owned banks — including Columbia Savings & Loan Association — remained in business during the Great Depression. During and following the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, which encouraged Black individuals to empower themselves, Black-owned banks throughout the U.S. again experienced growth. In 1970, the Department of the Treasury began the Minority Bank Deposit Program, which would help strengthen and preserve minority-owned banks. One year later, in 1971,

North Milwaukee State Bank was chartered.

In addition to the pressure Columbia was facing as one of 50 Black-owned banks nationwide, the institution also was severely impacted by the savings and loan crisis of the 1980s. The disaster, caused by excessive lending and taxpayer bailout guarantees, claimed nearly 45 of Wisconsin’s savings and loan associations and 35 Black-owned banks across America. Although Columbia Savings & Loan endured, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago (FDIC) notes that losses caused by the crisis fell disproportionately on to the minority-owned sector.

At the turn of the 21st century, Milwaukee welcomed Legacy Bank as its third Black-owned bank. However, the Great Recession of 2007–2009 claimed both Legacy Bank and North Milwaukee State Bank, and only 23 Black-owned banks, including Columbia Savings & Loan, remained throughout the country.

While many Blackowned banks continue to recover from the obstacles of the last several decades, the need

for institutions willing to invest in low- to moderate-income communities is becoming even more critical.

» Ingrained Discrimination

When Columbia Savings & Loan Association began operations in January 1925, the beginnings of redlining were just emerging in Wisconsin. Published in the Milwaukee Journal just months before,

The Great Recession of 2007–2009 claimed both Legacy Bank and North Milwaukee State Bank, and only 23-Black-owned banks, including Columbia Savings & Loan, remained throughout the country.

members of Milwaukee’s Board of Realtors discussed the development of a City Negro District or “Black Belt,” restricting housing for Black residents to the west side of Milwaukee. Ultimately, the concept of racially based redlining was implemented, and thousands of Black families were forced to live within a concentrated space of fewer than 40 blocks. This discrimination in housing remained solidly in place until the

2020 West Fond du Lac Avenue Milwaukee, Wis. columbiasavingsandloans.com

Shaping the Association and Industry

By Daniel J. Peterson

When I first became Chair of the Wisconsin Bankers Association’s (WBA) Board of Directors in June of last year, I encouraged all members to consider deepening their engagement with the Association.

As my time as WBA Chair concludes on May 31, I look back on all the ways in which bankers across the state have found new ways to participate. Despite rising inflation, new regulatory proposals and rulings, and continued difficulties with talent recruitment, WBA members have stepped up this last year as advocates for the banking industry.

In just the last year, bankers helped raise over $270,000 to support pro-banking and pro-business candidates as well

Message from the Chair

Daniel J. Peterson

» See a few of the ways WBAmember banks engaged with the Association on p.7 and p.10

as help the team effectively lobby for key issues impacting the industry. Hundreds of bankers also joined WBA in its advocacy efforts by attending the Association’s annual Capitol Day, traveling to Washington D.C. during a summit, or casting their votes in various Wisconsin elections.

More than ever, 2022–2023 has emphasized the importance of speaking with our elected representatives and making our voices heard. These actions are critical to the continued success of our industry and help to educate the general public as well as shape their opinion.

Beyond this, partaking in activities as simple as sharing WBA’s consumer resources with your customers, calling the Legal team with questions, or volunteering for a committee, all greatly assist the WBA staff in understanding the needs of the membership and the communities we each serve. While educational opportunities and resources for bankers lie at the heart of the Association, our input and engagement keep these

materials relevant and highquality every year.

As I prepare to help usher Donna Hoppenjan in as the 2023–2024 WBA Chair, I thank you, WBA members, for your continued efforts in assisting our Association in creating an environment where bankers grow, and communities thrive. While the task of bettering our industry is daunting when faced alone, our efforts, combined with those of Rose Oswald Poels and her dedicated staff, continue to prove effective in making the change we wish to see for the banking community, and beyond.

Peterson is president and CEO of The Stephenson National Bank & Trust, Marinette, and the 2022–2023 WBA Chair.

WBA C HAIRMAN’S M EMBER A PPRECIATION G OLF O UTING

2023–2024 WBA Leadership WBA Welcomes Its Newest Board Members

With the close of its fiscal year on May 31, WBA welcomes its newest members to the Board of Directors.

Paul Northway, president and CEO, American National Bank –Fox Cities, has been selected to become the 2023–2024 WBA Vice Chair by the WBA Nominating Committee. Northway is now in line to become WBA Chair in 2025–2026.

Also serving as officers on this year’s WBA Board of Directors are: Chair Donna Hoppenjan, president and CEO of Mound City Bank, Platteville; Chair-Elect Alvaro (Al) Araque, senior

vice president – director of consumer and private banking of Johnson Financial Group, Racine; and Past Chair Daniel Peterson, president and CEO of The Stephenson National Bank & Trust, Marinette.

The nominating committee, which is comprised of the current WBA officers and the four most recent past chairs, also selected the following four candidates to fill open seats

the 16-member

WBA Board of Directors, all of whom have been deemed elected by the membership: Kelly Heroux, Peshtigo National Bank; Shay Horton, Cumberland Federal Bank; Anthony (Tony) Nguyen, Wells Fargo; and Bill Sennholz, Forward Bank, Marshfield.

Continuing on the Board are: Paul Hoffmann, Lake Ridge Bank, Monona; Ryan Kamphuis, Bristol Morgan

Bank, Oakfield; Greg Lundberg, Fortifi Bank, Berlin; Jay Mack, Town Bank, N.A., Hartland; Tom Mews, First National Community Bank, New Richmond; Greg Ogren, Security Bank Shares, Inc., Iron River; Joe Peikert, Wolf River Community Bank, Hortonville; and Dan Ravenscroft, Royal Bank, Elroy.

WBA would also like to thank immediate Past Chair Ken Thompson, Capitol Bank, Madison; Jim Chatterton, National Exchange Bank & Trust, Fond du Lac; Jennifer (Jenny) Provancher, The Equitable Bank, S.S.B., Wauwatosa; and Teresa (Terry) Rosengarten, Unity Bank, Augusta, who are rotating off the Board this year, for their dedicated service to the Association and the industry.

» Above: The four newest members of the WBA Board of Directors will participate in their first Board meeting on June 7.

Heroux

Northway

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Reminder: Flood Insurance Force Placement Requirements

Toolkit available on the WBA website

By Scott Birrenkott

The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) has fielded a few flood questions this year, many on the topic of force placement. Rest assured, there have been no changes to the flood rules, but this article is designed as a refresher.

Force placement of flood insurance occurs if, at any time during the term of a designated loan, a building or mobile home (and any personal property) securing the loan is not covered by an appropriate amount of flood insurance. When such a situation occurs, the bank is required to send notice to the borrower and may be required to obtain flood insurance on the borrower’s behalf (“force place”).

The first component of force placement to highlight is that it occurs “at any time” during the term of a “designated loan” when flood insurance is inadequate. A designated loan means a loan secured by a building or mobile home that is located in a special flood hazard area

Compliance Column

Scott Birrenkott

in which flood insurance is available under the Act. This means that a bank might make, increase, extend, or renew a loan secured by property in a flood zone, for which a certain amount of flood insurance may or may not be required.

Subsequently, during the life of that loan, the amount of flood insurance required increases, the bank may be required to force place. In consideration of the “at any time” component — that depends on when the bank becomes aware that additional flood insurance is required. It is worth noting that nothing in the rule requires a bank to check the flood maps or otherwise regularly monitor the loan for this purpose, however, it may do so.

If, for any reason, the bank does become aware that existing flood insurance

for the loan is deficient, it must be prepared to initiate force placement procedures. Another situation to note is that if the borrower permits the flood insurance purchased at origination to lapse — which would result in an inadequate amount of flood insurance — force placement would be triggered here as well.

An “adequate” amount of flood insurance depends upon the minimum purchase requirements, which can be found in the rule and in WBA’s recently released Flood Insurance Toolkit. Upon determining that an inadequate amount of flood insurance exists, the lender must provide notice to the borrower to obtain flood insurance. If the borrower fails to purchase flood insurance in the appropriate amount within 45 days, the lender must purchase insurance on the borrower’s behalf.

When the lender force places, it is permitted to charge

WBA Comments on FDIC’s Official Sign and Advertising Requirements Proposal

Summary of a recent comment letter below

In April, the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) filed comments on the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (FDIC) proposed changes to its use of the official signage and insured depositor institutions advertising statements. FDIC has proposed these changes to clarify deposit insurance coverage and avoid misrepresentations, particularly in electronic channels such as services and advertising

through websites and mobile banking. The proposal noted increased customer confusion due to misrepresentations by non-bank entities.

WBA commented that while the industry appreciates the desire for clarity, banks are not the ones making misrepresentations regarding deposit insurance. Customers are not confused about banks, and FDIC should focus on non-banks who are misrepresenting rather than hoisting further burdens upon banks. WBA

View this and previous comment letters filed by WBA at www. wisbank.com/CommentLetters.

provided comments and examples of how banks have already undertaken efforts to ensure customers are not confused or otherwise misled regarding FDIC insurance, be it in traditional or electronic channels.

For copies of this or other WBA comment letters, please contact the WBA Legal Department at 608-441-1200 or visit www. wisbank.com/CommentLetters

for insurance beginning on the date on which flood insurance coverage lapsed or did not provide a sufficient coverage amount. However, the bank must terminate force placed insurance within 30 days of receipt of confirmation of a borrower’s existing flood insurance coverage. Additionally, an institution must refund to the borrower all premiums and fees for force placed insurance paid by the borrower during any period of overlap between the borrower’s policy and the force placed policy.

While these are not new rules, it is helpful to those involved — both new to the process and experienced — to remind themselves of the force placement requirements. To summarize, if a bank becomes aware that a covered loan is not secured by an adequate amount of flood insurance at any time, for any reason, during the life of the loan, it must initiate force placement procedures. The bank should check its policies and procedures to understand whether it checks flood maps, receives reports from third-parties other sources, and what procedures are in place to ensure that force placement requirements are met. If the bank works with a servicer for flood insurance, it should ensure its servicer has procedures in place to meet force placement requirements. Compliance resources, including the Flood Insurance Toolkit, can be found on the WBA website at wisbank.com/ resources/compliance

Birrenkott is WBA director – legal. For legal questions, please email wbalegal@wisbank.com.

Note: The above information is not intended to provide legal advice; rather, it is intended to provide general information about banking issues. Consult your institution’s attorney for specific legal advice or assistance.

Visit the compliance section of the WBA website at wisbank. com/resources/compliance.

Make a Difference with WBA

It’s time to step up, speak up, and support the banking industry

By Lorenzo Cruz

The barrage of political advertisements ended in April after another record turnout of voters for the Spring Election in 2023. Liberals scored a major victory with Democratic-backed Judge Janet Protaseiwicz defeating Republican-backed former Supreme Court Justice Dan Kelly by a double-digit margin. In addition, this year’s State Supreme Court race shattered the previous $15 million campaign spending record in hitting over $45 million.

After 15 years of Conservatives controlling the State Supreme Court, the ideological power swings back to the Liberals with a narrow 4–3 majority. With Protaseiwicz taking office in August, the new majority could act to reverse court decisions on redistricting, voting rights, and other issues impacting the business community.

Despite the landslide victory in the State Supreme Court race for progressives, State Rep. Dan Knodl (R-Germantown) held on to defeat Democratic challenger Jodi Habush Sinykin in the 8th Senate seat by a 2-point margin. The GOP victory gives Republicans a supermajority,

Advocacy Update

Lorenzo Cruz

which provides them the ability to impeach civil officers.

The close State Senate race is another illustration of the changing trend in suburban areas where once leaning Republican strongholds are becoming more Democratic. If the Supreme Court redraws state and congressional maps, this seat and others will be in play for majority control of the Wisconsin Legislature and Congress in the fall 2024 general election.

Legislative Priorities

With April elections over, the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) is navigating through the budget and legislative process under Democratic Governor Tony Evers and a State Legislature controlled by the GOP. The Government Relations team has been meeting with key legislators and the Governor’s office since last summer to advocate for WBA’s public policy priorities.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day | June 15

Each year, thousands of elderly citizens across the country fall victim to fraud or abuse. The United Nations established World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in 2006 to help communities raise awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse, neglect, and/or fraud.

Bankers have a unique perspective to observe senior financial abuse. Bank employees should be trained to recognize elder fraud in order to offer any help they can legally provide.

To report suspected abuse or neglect of adults ages 60 and older, please call Wisconsin Elder Abuse Hotline (toll-free) at 1-833-586-0107 or Dane County Elder Abuse and Neglect Helpline at 608-261-9933.

Bank advocates from across the state supported WBA’s efforts and visited the state capitol in Madison at the end of April during WBA’s annual Capitol Day. Legislative leadership and the Governor’s administration shared their insights on the budget and legislative priorities during the morning program. In the afternoon session, bank advocates met with legislators and staff to discuss and lobby on a variety of topics including:

» Credit Union Expansion (WBA-opposed)

» Banking Modernization (WBA-supported)

» Interchange Fees (WBA-opposed)

» Environmental Social Governance (ESG) (WBA-opposed)

» Elder Financial Abuse (WBA-supported)

» Trust Code (WBA-supported)

Get Involved

As WBA’s GR team continues to work closely with bank advocates to educate and lobby legislators and staff on WBA’s budget and legislative priorities, we also encourage our members to become more engaged in advocacy efforts.

In addition to participating in annual events such as Capitol Day or lobbying in D.C., WBA urges bankers to become an Advocacy Officer; a Leadership Circle or Silver Triangle member; to achieve Gold Triangle or BIGG (Bankers Involved in Grassroots and Government) recognition; or to contribute to the Wisbankpac, Alliance of Bankers Conduit, or the Association’s issue advocacy fund.

Thank you for supporting WBA’s grassroots and political fundraising efforts — your voice and active participation makes a difference!

Cruz is WBA vice president –government relations.

Wisconsin bankers attending the WBA/ABA Washington Summit in March visited the Wisconsin congressional delegation on Capitol Hill. See more photos and learn more about the legislative visit on p. 7

Wisconsin Bankers Visit D.C. for WBA/ABA Spring Summit

On March 20–22, 2023, bankers from across Wisconsin joined staff from the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) in Washington, D.C. to lobby on behalf of banks throughout the state.

As a fundamental aspect of WBA’s efforts to support the industry, grassroots advocacy is critical to the

success of the Association’s advocacy priorities. Each year, bankers are encouraged to attend a Washington, D.C. summit to share their stories and reinforce the impact legislative proposals have on Wisconsin banks and their communities.

This year’s attendees also had the opportunity to

 WBA/ABA Washington Summit Attendees | March 20–22

Bill Dyson, Ladysmith Federal Savings and Loan Association · Morgan Farmer, Park Bank, Holmen · Dave Feldhaus, FHLBank Chicago · Bradley Guse, BMO Harris Bank, N.A., Marshfield · Donna Hoppenjan, Mound City Bank, Platteville · Corey Hoze, Associated Bank, N.A., Milwaukee · Gary Kuter, Capitol Bank, Madison · Greg Lundberg, Fortifi Bank, Berlin · Jay McKenna, North Shore Bank, Brookfield · Loni Meiborg, Fortifi Bank, Berlin · Greg Ogren, Security Bank Shares, Inc., Iron River · Christine Ogren, Security State Bank, Iron River · Thomas Pamperin, Premier Community Bank, Marion · Dan Peterson, The Stephenson National Bank & Trust, Marinette · Jenny Provancher, The Equitable Bank, S.S.B, Wauwatosa · Meredith Strieff, Horicon Bank Julie Van Der Wilt, Bank of Wisconsin Dells · Theresa Wiese, First Business Financial Services, Madison · Rose Oswald Poels, Wisconsin Bankers Association, Madison · Daryll Lund, Wisconsin Bankers Association, Madison.

visit with every office in our congressional delegation

— including Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-District 6), Rep. Gwen Moore (D-District 4), Rep. Bryan Steil (R-District 1), and Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-District 3). Additionally, attendees had the opportunity to meet with Sen. Ron Johnson (R)

and representatives from the office of Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D).

Thank you to the attendees listed below (left) who joined WBA and ABA to advocate on behalf of the Wisconsin banking industry during this year’s WBA/ABA Spring Summit in Washington, D.C.

Summit attendees spoke with Sen. Ron Johnson

Banker attendees met with Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-District 6).

Attendees met with newly elected Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-District 3).

Wisconsin Banks Remain Safe, Sound, and Resilient WBA works to keep member banks informed, updated with latest news

By Cassandra Krause

In the wake of recent out-ofstate bank failures, the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) has worked on behalf of our membership to reassure the public that their money is safe in a Wisconsin bank.

How Silicon Valley Bank in California Differed From Wisconsin Banks

» Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) was heavily connected to the tech sector, which made it vulnerable to the booms and busts suggestion. Because Silicon Valley Bank was connected to the tech industry — both on the loan and deposit side — it was not well diversified. This is a stark difference from Wisconsin banks of all sizes, which are much more diversified across different business and personal sectors.

Advocacy Update

Cassandra Krause

deposits (largely from venture capitalists that deposited tech investment money in the bank). In contrast, Wisconsin banks have a far higher percentage of insured deposits.

» SVB grew incredibly fast, going from $56 billion in 2018 to over $209 billion in 2022. In the span of just one year, from December 31, 2020 to December 31, 2021, SVB nearly doubled in size. During this short period, the bank grew from $114 billion to $209 billion. No Wisconsin bank has ever grown like this.

WBA’s Proactive Response to Out-of-State Bank Failures

» WBA worked quickly to keep the membership and news media informed Over the weekend immediately following the March 10, 2023 failure of SVB, WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels issued a special edition Executive Letter to member-bank leaders, followed by a statement to the media on Monday morning, April 13, 2023. As the situation evolved, Oswald Poels issued a follow-up Executive Letter on Tuesday, April 14. To calm fears and provide information, WBA leadership gave numerous interviews to television, print, and radio news outlets and provided support to members who were working with their local media.

» WBA created resources for members to share with their customers

The Wisconsin Bankers Association and Wisconsin Bankers Foundation maintain a Consumer Resources Hub, available at wisbank.com/ consumer-resources. Here, bankers can find printable one-pagers on topics such as FDIC insurance as well as social media content, including graphics designed to bolster consumer confidence in Wisconsin banks.

» SVB had large, uninsured deposits. Less than 10% of SVB’s deposits were insured as they were very large

Through the Wisconsin Banker Daily e-newsletter, webinars, social media, and other channels, WBA worked to ensure that WBA members had the latest information and resources to navigate the situation at their banks and in their communities.

Wisconsin Bankers Foundation

» WBA worked efficiently with regulators, elected officials, and industry groups WBA staff closely monitored the situation and kept in close contact with Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) officials, federal and state legislators, and our banking trade group partners across the country to ensure that Wisconsin’s banking industry was well represented and stayed informed of the latest developments.

Wisconsin’s banking industry is in a solid position and the recent anomalous events at out-of-state banks do not change that. The banking system in Wisconsin and across the U.S. remains well capitalized and resilient. The regulators’ quick response, along with the proactive messaging approach from WBA and other banking industry leaders, were effective in containing the issue and reassuring the public. As always, WBA is committed to keeping our members informed on issues impacting the industry and providing timely resources to support your work at your bank and in your communities.

Krause is WBA communications manager

WBF Hosts Raffle at Ag Bankers Conference in April

The Wisconsin Bankers Foundation (WBF) — the nonprofit arm of WBA — hosted a raffle at the Agricultural Bankers Conference to support its mission of empowering financial decisions through education, research, and scholarships — such as the Agricultural Banking Scholarship offered by the Foundation each fall.

» www.wisbankfoundation.org

Thank you to the following raffle donors who helped raise $1,360 for WBF!

» Bell Bank, a WBA Silver Associate Member

» Citizens State Bank of Loyal

» FIPCO®, a WBA Gold Associate Member

» Greenwoods Equipment Finance, LLC

» Lake Ridge Bank, Madison

» Nicolet National Bank, Green Bay

» Security Financial Bank, Eau Claire

» WBA Insurance Services, a WBA Gold Associate Member

» Wisconsin Bankers Association

Also, thank you to the more than 50 raffle participants for their generosity!

See p. 20 to learn more about the 2023 WBA Agricultural Bankers Conference.

WBA Hosts Inaugural FinTech Showcase Bankers discover how FinTech solutions may impact their organization

On Monday, April 17, over 70 bankers from across Wisconsin attended the Wisconsin Bankers Association’s (WBA) first-ever FinTech Showcase. Inspired by the one-hour event held at the WBA Bank Executives Conference in February, this full-day showcase featured presentations by Rafael DeLeon of Ncontracts and Charles Potts of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), several live demos and vendors, and the opportunity to connect with others who are interested in strategically partnering with FinTech providers.

WBA remains committed to helping banks navigate FinTech partnerships and in discovering efficiencies through new bank operations technology.

In addition to several live FinTech demonstrations, attendees met with FinTech vendors and connected with their peers.

Thank You to Our FinTech Showcase Vendors:

» Abrigo

(A WBA Associate Member)

» Accrue

» Case Financial

(A WBA Associate Member)

» Denim Social

» ELEVATE Wisconsin

» FIPCO ®

(A WBA Gold Associate Member)

» ICBA Services Network

(A WBA Gold Associate Member)

» KlarVis

» LemonadeLXP

» Ncontracts

(A WBA Associate Member)

» PCBB

(A WBA Associate Member)

» Teslar Software

» True Digital Group

Banks Power Wisconsin During Power of Community Week

During WBA’s sixth annual Power of Community campaign, bankers from across the state of Wisconsin once again stepped up to provide service and support for their communities. Each year, Power of Community Week brings together WBA-member banks and Associate Members to celebrate their commitment, highlight their involvement, and show our collective impact on community projects throughout the state. From food drives and road-side clean-up efforts to volunteering in K–12 classrooms to educate students on the subject of financial literacy, below are a few of the many ways in which bankers participated this year.

River Falls State Bank

The

River Falls State Bank volunteered with Our Neighbors’ Place, Inc. to provide backpacks full of nutritious, kid-friendly groceries to students in the River Falls School District.

AbbyBank, Weston

The AbbyBank team shopped local and collected donation items for New Life Pet Adoption and Peyton’s Promise.

Dairy State Bank, Birchwood

Bank Five Nine, Oconomowc

#BanksPowerWI

» It’s not too late to tell us how your bank participated this year! Fill out the form on wisbank.com/BanksPowerWI to let WBA know how your bank got involved. Click on the interactive map to view which banks participated and gain some inspiration for next year.

Mound City Bank, Mount Horeb

Mound

Thank you to all the banks and bankers who participated. Be sure to join us again next year for Power of Community Week, April 15–20, 2024!

team from

The Bank of New Glarus

The Bank of New Glarus collected snacks for the New Glarus Middle School for State Testing this month.

Staff from Dairy State Bank recently helped with a food distribution day at the Birchwood Food Pantry.

City Bank staff helped clean a local bike trail.

Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) WBA staff, Madison (above, left) volunteered to prepare food and donated several wish list items to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison. Using the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation’s Reading Raises Interest kit, WBA staff (above, right) presented on topics of financial literacy to local students.

The team members at Bank Five Nine recently participated in the Oconomowoc High School Reality Check program.

Tips for Refreshing Your Website

By Ashley Clemons

Now more than ever consumers depend on the internet to have all the answers to their questions. This can be a good thing and a bad thing. Whatever the case, having your website easily findable, readable, and informative is crucial to providing potential and existing customers the information they are searching for.

Ease of Information

Consumers want answers, and they want them now. Ideally, they don’t want to read through a lengthy paragraph with filler material to get the information they’re looking for. Making sure your services and products are easily listed in a concise manner provides the quick service many consumers are looking for.

While keeping things simple is important, it’s also essential to keep the consumer’s interest. This can be done by adding interactive content to your website. Interactive content could be a Q&A section or a quick video explaining a product, service, or offering.

Make sure your website doesn’t require consumers to bounce between too many pages when searching for information. Once consumers have found what they’re looking for, they need to know what’s next. Having a

Did You Know?

Strategic Connections

Clemons

» While keeping things simple is important, it’s also essential to keep the consumers’ interest. This can be done by adding interactive content to your website.

call to action on each page is imperative to keeping consumers on their journey to finding you.

Self-service Options

With almost every product or service out there today, accessibility to that product or service is crucial. While some consumers still like to discuss in person or over the phone, many are moving away from this interaction if at all possible. Having self-service options such as online account opening, applications, or fillable forms is essential to providing the best website and online experience. Giving consumers the ability to choose which avenue they use to interact with your business is a sign of excellent customer service and shows your commitment to your customers.

Staying Up to Date

Keeping your website up to date does not have to be an overbearing idea. Check in with each department on a schedule that works for you to make sure all information is still current and what consumers are asking for.

Use Google to Your Advantage

The first place a consumer will go to find answers is Google. Being at or near the top of search results is vital to directing consumers to your website as many consumers will not look past the first four search results. Make sure your website is using key words in multiple places that consumers search for. This can be done ‘behind

the scenes’ by giving titles to your pictures that are uploaded and links to blogs or other helpful webpages.

Google is a great space to track how consumers are interacting with your website. Google Analytics will show which pages consumers are interacting with most and is a great starting point when deciding which of your webpages to focus on updating first or most often.

Clemons is vice president –marketing at The Peoples Community Bank, Mazomanie, and member of the 2022–2023 WBA Marketing Committee. Visit wisbank.com/committee to learn more about WBA’s Section Boards, Committees, and groups.

Wisconsin Banker occasionally prints informative articles submitted by Gold, Silver, and Bronze WBA Associate Members. Interested in sharing your expertise? Please contact WBA’s Nick Loppnow at 608-441-1259 or nloppnow@wisbank.com or email sales@wisbank.com for more information about purchasing Sponsored Content space in WBA’s electronic publications.

A website that’s easy to find, readable, and informative is key

Ashley

Bulletin Board

News about people working in Wisconsin’s financial institutions

Promotions and New Hires

Brookfield

North Shore Bank has announced that Jay McKenna (pictured) has been named president and CEO.

Grafton

Cornerstone Community Bank is pleased to announce the promotions of Rick Novotny (pictured) to senior vice president – chief credit officer, Chris Zirbes (pictured) to senior vice president – commercial lender, and Chad Zimborski (pictured) to vice president –commercial lender.

Greenfield

PyraMax Bank has announced that Steve Radulovich (pictured) has joined the team as a senior vice president –commercial lending officer.

Hortonville

Wolf River Community Bank has announced the promotions of Janelle Donaldson (pictured) to assistant vice president – deposit

operations manager, Amanda Hayden (pictured) to treasury management officer, Elise Lundt (pictured) to assistant vice president –accounting manager, and

Miranda Schultz (pictured) to senior vice president –chief financial officer.

Madison

Capitol Bank is pleased to announce that Tracy Brooks (pictured) has joined as the director of marketing.

Manitowoc

Bank First is pleased to announce the promotions of Shannon Klahn (pictured) to vice president – administration and Scott Tuma (pictured) to vice president –enterprise risk management.

Medford

Prevail Bank is pleased to announce that Brenda Knutson (pictured) has been promoted to vice president of marketing.

(continued on p. 15)

Bankers at Dairy State Bank Honored with Lifetime Service Awards

On February 1, WBA’s Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff Daryll Lund presented five WBA Lifetime Service Awards to employees at Dairy State Bank’s Rice Lake and Menomonie offices. Above, left (left to right, Menomonie office) are: WBA’s Daryll Lund; Darla Joncas, credit support associate (39 years); Stacy Medin, Dairy State Bank Menomonie market president; Kathy Brown, loan processor (47 years); and Clark Yolitz, Dairy State Bank CEO. Above, right (left to right, Rice Lake office) are: Lund; Margie Haines, financial accountant (40 years); Julie Demers, executive loan administrative assistant (38 years); Eric Thorson, vice president and lender (42 years); and Mike Britton, Dairy State Bank Rice Lake market president.

Novotny

Lundt

Knutson

Zirbes

Donaldson

Klahn

Radulovich McKenna

Hayden Tuma

Zimborski

Schultz

Bachhuber

Brooks Bailey

Bulletin Board

News about people working in Wisconsin’s financial institutions

Promotions and New Hires

(continued from p. 14)

Oregon

One Community Bank is excited to announce the recent promotions of Liz Bachhuber (pictured) to vice president –commercial banking officer, Amy Bailey (pictured) to vice president – director of treasury management, Kay Gashette (pictured) to vice president –business banking officer, Brian O’Handley (pictured) to senior vice president – head of mortgage and consumer lending, Jonathan Schalow (pictured) to vice president –director of client experience, Mike Tallman (pictured) to senior vice president – director of technical solutions, and Joseph Zaffino (pictured) to market president – Adams.

Reeseville

State Bank of Reeseville is proud to announce that Danielle D. Steinhorst has been promoted to operations assistant. Additionally, Dana Tews (pictured) has joined as vice president – bank operations.

River Falls

First National Bank of River Falls has promoted Kim Nesbitt (pictured) to vice president – bank operations.

Union Grove

Community State Bank has announced the promotions of Katie Stolp (pictured) to chief operations officer and Robert Pieroni (pictured) to vice president – Kenosha County market president.

In Memorium: W.J. Morrissey

William (Bill) Morrissey, 95, of Elkhorn, Williams Bay, and Naples, Fla., died Saturday, April 8, 2023 at Williams Bay Care Center.

Morrissey began his banking career as a bookkeeper at the First National Bank of Elkhorn and worked through the ranks eventually becoming president of the bank. From there, he created a Bank Holding Company called Independence Bank Group.

He was an avid golfer, a lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church of Elkhorn, 50-year member and past commander of the Elkhorn VFW Post # 6375, and served as president of the Wisconsin Bankers Association from 1983–1984.

Memorials may be made in Morrissey’s name to the American Red Cross. Sign the online guestbook at haaselockwoodfhs.com

WBA Lifetime Service Awards

WBA Lifetime Service Awards are awarded to bankers who have served the banking industry for 30 and 40 years. Honorees are recognized throughout the year or at a special ceremony during the WBA Management Conference in September.

Visit wisbank.com/serviceawards to have an individual from your bank recognized.

Waterloo

Farmers & Merchants State Bank is pleased to announce the promotions of Kyler Kabat (pictured) to vice president –commercial loan officer, Brad Chadwick (pictured) to vice president – branch manager, mortgage loan officer, Malinda Weisensel (pictured) to vice president – operations, and Nicki Kelly (pictured) to assistant vice president and director of marketing.

Wausau

Peoples State Bank has announced Brandon Karaba (pictured) as vice president –commercial banker.

Wauwatosa

WaterStone Bank has announced Megan Weigand as its new assistant vice president regional manager.

Wisconsin Dells

Bank of Wisconsin Dells is pleased to announce the hiring of Ethan Giebel (pictured) as vice president and commercial loan officer.

Retirement Waukesha

Congratulations to Receptionist

Irma Mesura (pictured), who retired after 46 years of service with Waukesha State Bank.

Visit

community involvement.

Ladysmith Federal Makes Donation to Flambeau Schools

Ladysmith Federal Savings and Loan recently donated $8,000 to the School District of Flambeau for the purchase of three new HUDL Cameras. The HUDL cameras will be located in the two gymnasiums and outside on the football field.

Pictured (left to right) are: Erica Schley, district administrator for the School District of Flambeau; Bill Dyson, Ladysmith Federal Savings and Loan CEO; and Todd Roehl, athletic director and teacher for the School District of Flambeau.

Schalow

Stolp Kelly

Zaffino

Pieroni Karaba

Kabat Giebel

Gashette

Nesbitt

Weisensel

Tallman

O’Handley

Tews

Chadwick

Mesura

WBA A SSOCIATE M EMBER D IRECTORY

BMO Harris Bank — Correspondent Banking

Peter Caligiuri, Managing Director & Head – Correspondent Banking, peter.caligiuri@bmo.com | www.bmo.com

BMO has more than 50 years of correspondent banking experience and a dedicated team of correspondent banking specialists. They will work with you to understand your unique goals and offer a full range of treasury management solutions that can help you run your community bank with greater efficiency, so you can help your clients be more efficient with their money.

BOK Financial Capital Markets

Josh Hunt, Vice President, jhunt@bokf.com www.bokfinancial.com/institutions

The Milwaukee-based team of experienced bankers at BOK Financial Capital Markets have served Wisconsin community banks for more than 25 years. They help banks identify interest rate, liquidity earnings, and capital risks while developing customized strategies to enhance earnings and mitigate these risks.

Bankers’ Bank

Troy Ruegsegger, First Vice President –Correspondent Banking, truegsegger@ bankersbank.com | www.bankersbank.com

For more than 40 years, Bankers’ Bank has created an elite product suite customized to meet your needs, keeping your bank competitive and thriving in your community; allowing you to focus on what matters most, building meaningful relationships and growing your community. As the leading provider of financial products and services for over 600 community banks, their only focus is on helping you succeed.

Cinnaire

Pamela Hetz, Senior Vice President –Business Funding, phetz@cinnaire.com www.cinnaire.com

Cinnaire is a nonprofit financial company that supports community and economic revitalization initiatives through creative investments, loans, and development services. Since 1993, Cinnaire has invested $4.9B to develop 863 housing communities in 10 states, providing 53,000 affordable apartment homes for more than 110,000 individuals and families.

FHLBank of Chicago

Steve Sikora, Senior Associate Director, ssikora@fhlbc.com | www.fhlbc.com

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago) provides diverse funding and asset liability management solutions plus a secondary mortgage market program to enhance homeownership and economic development throughout Wisconsin and Illinois.

FIPCO®

Jesse Voit, Senior Vice President Business Development, jvoit@fipco.com www.fipco.com

FIPCO is a subsidiary of the Wisconsin Bankers Association. FIPCO provides quality products, services, and unparalleled customer service to the financial industry. These products include loan, mortgage, and account opening software; integrations to core accounting and third-party vendor systems; compliance services; a complete preprinted and electronic forms library; and IT audit and security services.

Godfrey & Kahn S.C.

Peter Wilder, Attorney, pwilder@gklaw.com | www.gklaw.com

Godfrey & Kahn, S.C. is one of Wisconsin’s leading law firms offering comprehensive legal services to the Wisconsin business community The firm’s banking team offers an established tradition of full-service, practical, and innovative counsel to banks, banking trade groups, and other industryrelated companies, and has the depth and stability to handle the most complex corporate and regulatory matters.

ICBA Services Network

Sean Murphy, Vice President – Member Relations, sean.murphy@icba.org www.icba.org

Whether considering a new product line, or seeking a community bank-focused provider, the ICBA Services Network has solutions for your community bank through its financial services companies: ICBA Bancard®/TCM Bank®, ICBA Mortgage® , ICBA Securities®, ICBA Strategic Technology Solutions®

WBA Insurance Services

Brian Siegenthaler, Vice President, EBC, bsiegenthaler@wisbank.com

Jeff Otteson, Vice President Sales, MBIS, jeffo@mbisllc.com www.wisbankins.com | www.mbisllc.com

WBA Insurance Services provides insurance products for financial institutions through its WBA subsidiaries — WBA Employee Benefits Corporation (EBC) and Midwest Bankers Insurance Corporations (MBIS). Together we protect what matters most to you.

WBA GOLD ASSOCIATE MEMBERS:

WBA ASSOCIATE MEMBER | DIRECTORY

WBA extends its gratitude to all of our Associate Member companies for continuing to stand by and support the banking industry and the Association. These companies provide services, information, and products that assist Wisconsin banks in serving their customers and communities. Thank you.

WBA SILVER ASSOCIATE MEMBERS:

Bell Bank

Denise Bunbury, Senior Vice President, dbunbury@bell.bank, www.bell.bank

Bell Bank works closely as a correspondent banking partner to community banks in Wisconsin and the region, providing flexible underwriting, competitive lending terms and prices, fast decisionmaking, and consistent communication as they help you expand your lending capacity.

Locknet — An EO Johnson Company

Jordan Shanks, Director of Sales, jshanks@eojohnson.com, www.locknetmanagedit.com

Whether you are a smaller business that needs a dedicated Managed Services Provider (MSP), or a larger business who wants to augment your existing IT department or manage a project, they are committed to being a valuable extension of your team and raising the bar with world-class excellence in everything we do.

UFS, LLC

Chris Soyke, VP Bank Engagement, chriss@ufstech.com, www.ufstech.com

UFS, owned by 20 community banks, is the bank-exclusive technology outfitter that empowers and enables community banks to deploy their own unique technology strategies with freedom and flexibility so they can focus on being great bankers.

Wipfli, LLP

Anna Kooi, Partner, anna.kooi@wipfli.com www.wipfli.com

Wipfli has dedicated financial institution professionals who are committed to serving our clients with their regulatory compliance, cybersecurity/IT, risk management, HR, audit, and tax needs.

WBA BRONZE ASSOCIATE MEMBERS:

Arctic Wolf Networks

Tanner Londo, tanner.londo@ arcticwolf.com, www.arcticwolf.com

Information Technology/Cybersecurity, Software Systems

BHG Financial Meaghan Kincaid, mkincaid@bhg-inc.com, www.bhgfinancial.com

Investment Services, Lending Services

The Baker Group

Ken Judd, kjudd@gobaker.com, www.gobaker.com

Investment Services

Bank Compensation Consulting John Anderson, john.anderson@ bcc-usa.com, www.bcc-usa.com

Insurance/Benefits

Boardman & Clark LLP

Kirsten Spira, kspira@boardmanclark.com, www.boardmanclark.com

Legal Services

Delta Dental of Wisconsin Steve LeRoy, steve.leroy@ deltadentalwi.com, www.deltadentalwi.com

Insurance/Benefits

Eide Bailly LLP

Paul Sirek, psirek@eidebailly.com, www.eidebailly.com/fi

Accounting, Consulting Services

Executive Benefits Network (EBN) David Fritz, dfritz@ebn-design.com, www.ebn-design.com

Insurance/Benefits

forbinfi, a VGM Company Bailey Ronnebaum, baileyr@ forbinfi.com, www.forbinfi.com

PR/Marketing

JMFA

Jennifer Simmons, jennifer.simmons@ jmfa.com, www.jmfa.com

Consulting Services

Jefferson Wells

John Eimermann, john.eimermann@ jeffersonwells.com, www.jeffersonwells.com

Accounting, Consulting Services, Recruiting

Northland Securities, Inc. Barb Miller, bmiller@northlandsecurities. com, www.northlandsecurities.com

Investment Services

Plante Moran

Kyle Manny, kyle.manny@plantemoran. com, www.plantemoran.com

Accounting, Consulting Services

Quad City Bank & Trust

Kevin Volker, kvolker@qcbt.com, www.qcbt.bank/correspondent-banking Correspondent Banking

Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren, S.C. John Reichert, jreichert@reinhartlaw.com, www.reinhartlaw.com

Legal Services

SHAZAM

Andy Huth, ahuth@shazam.net, www.shazam.net

ATM Services, Information Technology/ Cybersecurity, Payment Processing

Spectrum Investment Advisors

Jonathan Marshall, jjmarshall@spectrum investor.com, www.spectruminvestor.com

Insurance/Benefits, Investment Services

West Bend Mutual Insurance

Scott Stueber, sstueber@wbmi.com, www.thesilverlining.com

Insurance/Benefits

WBA ASSOCIATE MEMBER | DIRECTORY

ABA Insurance Services Inc. | www.abais.com

Scott Harris, seharris@abais.com

Abrigo | www.abrigo.com

Persis Tuttle, persis.tuttle@abrigo.com

Alliance Partners | www.alliancepartners.com

Tom Thompson, tthompson@alliancepartners.com

Allied Solutions, LLC | www.alliedsolutions.net

Sam Shikowsky, sam.shikowsky@ alliedsolutions.net

The Ambrose Group | ambgrp.com

Willie Coffou, ambrose@ambgrp.com

American Deposit Management Co. www.americandeposits.com

Elle Goetzke, elle.goetzke@americandeposits.com

AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. www.amtrustfinancial.com

Robert Splawn, robert.splawn@amtrustgroup.com

Arch Mortgage Insurance Co. www.ArchMI.com

Joe Doyle, jdoyle@archmi.com

Artisan Advisors, LLC www.artisan-advisors.com

John Hecht, jhecht@artisan-advisors.com

Ascensus | www.ascensus.com

Joseph Doolittle, Joseph.Doolittle@Ascensus.com

BPAS | www.bpas.com

Todd Mathison, tmathison@bpas.com

BS Recruiters | www.bsrecruiters.com

Erick Gorecki, erick.gorecki@gmail.com

Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP www.bakertilly.com

Stephanie Koutsares, Stephanie.koutsares@bakertilly.com

Bank Holding Company Association www.thebhca.org

Tom Bengston, tom@nfrcom.com

Bank of America | www.bankofamerica.com

Simon Wlodarski, simon.wlodarski@bofa.com

Bedel Security | www.bedelsecurity.com

Laura Zeck, laura@bedelsecurity.com

Blanchard Consulting Group www.blanchardc.com

Matt Brei, matt@blanchardc.com

BrandPoint Design, LLC www.brandpointdesign.com

Mike Parnon, mparnon@brandpointdesign.com

BrownBoots Interactive, Inc. www.brownboots.com

Alan Hathaway, alan@brownboots.com

CCG Catalyst Consulting www.ccg-catalyst.com

Paul Schaus, paulschaus@ccg-catalyst.com

Contact WBA’s Nick Loppnow at nloppnow@wisbank.com or visit wisbank.com to learn

CRA Partners | shcpfoundation.org

David Lenoir, David.Lenoir@shcpfoundation.org

Case Financial | www.casefi.com

Mark Worwa, info@casefi.com

CliftonLarsonAllen | www.claconnect.com

Todd Sprang, todd.sprang@claconnect.com

Computer Services, Inc. | www.csiweb.com

Chad Kulberg, chad.kulberg@csiweb.com

CoNetrix | www.conetrix.com

Kellie Hill, khill@conetrix.com

Convergint Technologies, LLC www.convergint.com

Josh Manring, josh.manring@convergint.com

Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. www.crnrstone.com

Jennifer Wagner, jwagner@crnrstone.com

CrossCheck Compliance, LLC www.crosscheckcompliance.com

Sara McGinnis smcginnis@crosscheckcompliance.com

D.A. Davidson & Co. | www.dadavidson.com

Tom Dooley, tdooley@dadco.com

DCI | www.datacenterinc.com

Doug Rohs, drohs@datacenterinc.com

Data Financial, Inc. | www.datafinancial.com

Marc Masi, mmasi@datafinancial.com

DirectNetworks, Inc. www.directnetworksinc.com

Colin Mehlum, cmehlum@directnetworksinc.com

Donnelly Penman & Partners www.donnellypenman.com

Andrew Christians achristians@donnellypenman.com

Eckberg Lammers, P.C. www.eckberglammers.com

Nicholas Vivian, nvivian@eckberglammers.com

Edelman & Co., Ltd.

Bob Edelman, rhe@edelmancoltd.com

Edge One, Inc. | www.edgeone.com

Steve Young, syoung@edgeone.com

Engage fi | www.engagefi.com

Jake Fowler, jake.fowler@engagefi.com

FHN Financial Group | www.fhnfinancial.com

Trae Winston, trae.winston@fhnfinancial.com

First American Capital Corporation, Inc. www.faccwi.org

Gary Mejchar, gary@aiccw-facc.org

Fiserv, Inc. | www.fiserv.com

Brent Conrad, brent.conrad@fiserv.com

Foley & Lardner, LLP | www.foley.com

Edward Hammond, ehammond@foley.com

FORVIS, LLP | www.forvis.com

Tim Eischeid, tim.eischeid@forvis.com

Generations Title Company, LLC www.generationstitle.com

Stephanie Brassington sbrassington@generationstitle.com

Glia | www.glia.com

Elysia Hernandez, conferences@glia.com

Haberfeld | www.haberfeld.com

Kristin Morgan, kmorgan@haberfeld.com

Hansen Auction Group, LLC www.hansenauctiongroup.com

Bryce Hansen, bryce@hansenauctiongroup.com

Hilltop Securities, Inc. www.hilltopsecurities.com

Aaron Schmanski aaron.schmanski@hilltopsecurities.com

Hovde Group, LLC | www.hovdegroup.com

Kirk Hovde, khovde@hovdegroup.com

Husch Blackwell | www.huschblackwell.com Cat Albrecht-Wiese

Catherine.AlbrechtWiese@huschblackwell.com

The Independent Bankers Bank (TIB) www.tib.bank

Chuck Hudspeth, chudspeth@tib.bank

Integrity Loan Review, LLC www.integrityloanreview.com

Kevin Groff, kevin@integrityloanreview.com

interface ai, Inc. | www.interface.ai

John Garey, john.garey@interface.ai

IntraFi Network | www.IntraFi.com

Sue Kling, skling@intrafi.com

Ironcore Inc. | www.ironcore-inc.com

Hugh Steffens, hugh.steffens@ironcore-inc.com

IT Resource | www.itrw.net

Molly Reid, mollyr@itrw.net

Jack Henry | www.jackhenry.com

Rob Thompson, RThompson@jackhenry.com

Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC www.janney.com

Greg Gersack, ggersack@janney.com

Keller, Inc. | www.kellerbuilds.com

Chad Ferguson, cferguson@kellerbuilds.com

KeyState Companies | www.key-state.com

Ivan Farris, ifarris@key-state.com

La Macchia Group | www.lamacchiagroup.com

Julianna Cibula, jcibula@lamacchiagroup.com

WBA ASSOCIATE MEMBER | DIRECTORY

Lasco Development Corporation www.lascoinc.com

Robert Baer, robert@lascoinc.com

Leap Strategic Marketing, LLC

www.leapstrategicmarketing.com

Laura Bonesteel, laurag@leapmktg.com

Lenderful Solutions

www.lenderfulsolutions.com

Paul Lehnert, plehnert@lenderful.com

LERDAHL: Inspired Workplace Interiors www.lerdahl.com

Laurie Richards, lrichards@lerdahl.com

LIFT Consulting, LLC | www.lift.sandler.com

Dave Schwallier, dave.schwallier@sandler.com

Luse Gorman | www.luselaw.com

Kip Weissman, kweissman@luselaw.com

MACHA/PAR Network | www.macha.org

Mary Gilmeister, mgilmeister@macha.org

Mackinac Credit + Compliance www.maccreditcomp.com

Kelly George, kgeorge@maccreditcomp.com

Marco Technologies, LLC | www.marconet.com

Fred Kunkel, fred.kunkel@marconet.com

Mastercard | www.mastercard.com

Patrick Dwyer, patrick.dwyer@mastercard.com

Merchants Bank, National Association www.merchantsbank.com

Mary Paulson, mppaulson@merchantsbank.com

Michael, Best, & Friedrich, LLP www.michaelbest.com

John Finerty, jdfinerty@michaelbest.com

Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation | www.medconline.com

David Latona, david.latona@medconline.com

MoneyGram | corporate.moneygram.com

Kim Gonsowski, kgonsowski@moneygram.com

Ncontracts | www.ncontracts.com

Kyle Welliver, kyle.welliver@ncontracts.com

New Era Technology | www.neweratech.com

Mike Pape, mike.pape@rmmsolutions.com

NuSource Financial www.nusourcefinancial.com

Hilary Lincoln, hilaryl@nusourcefinancial.com

ODP | community.officedepot.com/ GPOHome?id=48962399

Darrin Quillen, dquillen@synergybai.com

Oak Ridge Financial Services Group, Inc. www.oakridgefinancial.com

Craig Mueller, cmueller@oakridgefinancial.com

Old Republic Surety Company www.orsurety.com

Pam Selke, psselke@orsurety.com

Olsen Palmer, LLC | www.olsenpalmer.com

Brian Palmer, bpalmer@olsenpalmer.com

Open Lending | www.openlending.com

Julie Knoble, jknoble@openlending.com

Optimal Blue | www.optimalblue.com

Jim Beran, jim.beran@bkfs.com

PACE Wisconsin | www.pacewi.org

Kimberly Johnston, kjohnston@slipstreaminc.org

PCBB | www.pcbb.com

Peter Glick, pglick@pcbb.com

Piper Sandler | www.pipersandler.com

Jason Mork, jason.mork@psc.com

Plansmith Corporation | www.plansmith.com

Mike Bilyeu, mike@plansmith.com

PULSE, a Discover Company www.pulsenetwork.com

Marie Braeutigam, mariebraeutigam@discover.com

QwickRate | www.qwickrate.com

Dan Clancy, dan.clancy@quickrate.com

R&T Deposit Solutions www.reichandtang.com

Kevin May, kmay@rnt.com

RSM US, LLP | www.rsmus.com

Mary Lou Darow, marylou.darow@rsmus.com

The Redmond Company www.theredmondco.com

Mike Nath, mnath@theredmondco.com

Remedy Consulting | remedyconsult.net

Karen Lowerr, klowerr@remedyconsult.net

Ruder Ware | www.ruderware.com

David Anderson, danderson@ruderware.com

SBS CyberSecurity | www.sbscyber.com

Chris Damato, chris.damato@sbscyber.com

SCS Engineers, Inc. | www.scsengineers.com

Ray Tierney, rtierney@scsengineers.com

The Saturn Partners, Inc. www.saturnpartners.com

Carole Crawford, Carole@saturnpartners.com

Spry Brands | www.sprybrands.com

Scott Brong, scottb@sprybrands.com

Steffes Group, Inc. | www.steffesgroup.com

Nate Larson, nate.larson@steffesgroup.com

StrataDefense | www.stratadefense.com

Matt Hildebrandt, matth@stratadefense.com

Strategic Resource Management www.srmcorp.com

Scott Eaton, seaton@srmcorp.com

Stroud, Willink, & Howard, LLC www.stroudlaw.com

Norman Farnam, nfarnam@stroudlaw.com

Travelers | www.travelers.com

Erik Buoen, ebuoen@travelers.com

TurnKey Associates, L.C. www.tkadesignbuild.com

Scott Voigt, scottv@tkadesignbuild.com

United States Department of Agriculture

Rural Development | www.rd.usda.gov

Kristin Peterson, Kristin.peterson@usda.gov

UnitedHealthcare – Wisconsin | www.uhc.com

Angela Loberg, Angela_l_loberg@uhc.com

Vantage Point Solutions | www.vantagepnt.com

Kelly Pfeifer, kelly.pfeifer@vantagepnt.com

Verafin | www.verafin.com

Amanda Evans, amanda.evans@verafin.com

Visa | www.visa.com

Paul Russino, prussino@visa.com

von Briesen & Roper, S.C. | www.vonbriesen.com

Karen Brunow, kbrunow@vonbriesen.com

WBD, Inc. | www.wbd.org

Lance Walter, lwalter@wbd.org

WIN Technology | www.wintechnology.com

Mike Mattiuz, mike.mattiuz@wintechnology.com

WWBIC | www.wwbic.com

Michael Hetzel, michael.hetzel@wwbic.com

Wind River Financial, Inc. www.windriverfinancial.com

Tom Kelly, tkelly@windriverfinancial.com

Winthrop & Weinstine, P.A. | www.winthrop.com

Anton Moch, amoch@winthrop.com

Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) www.wheda.com

Rebecca Giroux, rebecca.giroux@wheda.com

Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation | www.wpshealth.com

Anne Lainberger, anne.lainberger@wpsic.com

Wisconsin School of Business Center for Professional & Executive Development www.uwcped.org

Trinity Korth, trinity.korth@uwcped.org

Wolf & Company, P.C. | www.wolfandco.com

Doug Gerth, dgerth@wolfandco.com

Xamin | www.xamin.com

Anthony Garofalo, agarofalo@xamin.com

Young & Associates, Inc. | www.younginc.com

Anne Coyne, acoyne@younginc.com

WBA Associate membership should not be construed as an endorsement of the company’s products or services by WBA.

Ag Bankers Gather at Their Annual Conference

Agricultural bankers play a vital role in supporting one of Wisconsin’s top economic enterprises. As such, more than 120 ag bankers gathered on April 13–14 in Wisconsin Dells to hear from national speakers and local experts who presented on many key industry topics, such as the 2023 weather forecast and its impact on the growing season, the outlook for dairy and commodity markets, the status of the upcoming U.S. Farm Bill, and a perspective on the global ag economy from Dr. David Kohl

As one of the highest rated sessions from the conference, bankers enjoyed a new panel discussion, titled “Q&A with

Dr. Kohl and Friends,” that brought four seasoned ag professionals together to share their insight, stories from challenging times, and their best advice for ag bankers who have not yet experienced agriculture’s toughest times. Dr. Kohl and the three panelists combined for an impressive 175 years of experience

WBA T RUST C ONFERENCE

MAY

www.wisbank.com/Trust

working in the ag banking field, adding immeasurable value to the conference agenda.

In addition to valuable content from speakers, attendees also enjoyed plenty of time scheduled for networking with the 17 conference exhibitors and sponsors, speakers, and other ag bankers from across the state.

Thank You Sponsors:

» Bankers’ Bank*

» FHN Financial**

» Farmer Mac

» Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP**

» Peoples Company

» Purple Wave Auction, Inc.

» Steffes Group, Inc.**

Thank You Exhibitors:

» Ag Resources Management

» Ever.ag

» FIPCO ®*

» Greenwood’s Equipment Finance LLC

» Hansen Auction Group LLC**

» Moody’s Analytics

» USDA Farm Service Agency

» USDA Rural Development**

» UW-Madison Division of Extension

» Wisconsin Farm Center

*WBA Gold Associate Member

**WBA Associate Member

Mike Burke, SHAZAM® senior robbery and crisis management consultant.

Victor Schultz, Prairie Trust president and chief fiduciary officer.

Agricultural bankers from throughout the state of Wisconsin came together for the annual WBA Agricultural Bankers Conference in Wisconsin Dells.

See p. 8 to learn more about the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation raffle held during the Conference.

Get to Know Meredith Strieff: WBA’s 2023–2024

Meredith Strieff describes herself as an accidental banker. In the over 15 years Strieff has worked at Horicon Bank, beginning as a part-time teller in 2007, she has worked her way through the ranks to her current role as vice president –retail branch & sales training, where she manages several teams of retail trainers and virtual bankers. Recently, she also completed her first year at the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Graduate School of Banking.

What started as a parttime role soon amassed into a passion for the industry and serving the community. As the incoming 2023–2024 BOLT (Building Our Leaders of Tomorrow) Chair, Strieff is excited to inspire the over 500 members of BOLT to further develop their leadership skills, connect with other emerging leaders, and expand their engagement as advocates for professional development and the industry.

What put you on the path to a career in banking?

I was first going to school at UW-Green Bay, and I had nearly completed my degree to become a nurse. But life happens. I meet my husband, and we moved to Colorado. After a year, we moved back to Wisconsin and I began working part-time as a teller at Horicon Bank. During that time, I also shifted my focus to business management with an emphasis in finance. A year later I graduated with my degree from UW-Green Bay.

What inspires the work you do each day?

Our customers. My job is not necessarily customer facing — I don’t see as many

BOLT Section Chair

2023–2024 BOLT Section Chair Meredith Strieff

customers as I use to — but everything I do, the decisions I make, and the strategic plans I help put in place, all impact our customers.

My role is mainly behind the scenes. I make sure that our team members have the tools and resources internally that help provide a great experience and enrich the lives of our customers with each and every interaction. As a community banker, I care about the communities we serve and am passionate about ensuring that they have access to resources that will make their lives easier and better. I am inspired to not only provide these tools for others, but to help my team members have the same ability and mentality to create these opportunities.

How did you first hear about BOLT? Why did this opportunity seem like a good fit for you?

I first heard about BOLT from one of my senior managers at the time. He had attended a previous summit and thought it would be a great opportunity for me and a handful of my peers at the bank. Of course, like many new bankers, I was skeptical and shy. However, since my first event, I have been hooked because of its applicability to so many roles and experience levels as well as the breadth of resources provided.

As I continued my involvement with BOLT,

I never felt that I did not belong — BOLT has always been a welcoming and comforting environment. Even as a baby banker, the topics discussed helped me make sense of the industry and my role in shaping it. Even though I was not in the position to make organizational decisions 10 years ago, BOLT helped prepare me with the tools that would be make me ready for when that next step presented itself.

How has participating in BOLT impacted your career thus far?

BOLT provided me the opportunity to gain education that expanded beyond the training I received at the bank. At a high level, attending the BOLT summits helped me early on to understand how our industry works. Now, I continue to learn more about how the banking industry is evolving and how I can be proactive.

With so much information out there, it can be overwhelming for a banker — new to the industry or even those with decades of experience — to understand the intricacies. BOLT narrows that scope and helps future leaders understand where they can take initiative and ownership to educate themselves even further.

What is an experience that BOLT provided you with that you may have not otherwise had to chance to try?

I was asked to facilitate a round table at one of our summits, and I was extremely nervous! It was my first opportunity to be in the spotlight. But with the great support of my peers and the team at WBA — I just dove

BOLT helps future leaders understand where they can take initiative and ownership to educate themselves even further.

in. It ended up being the best conversation and experience that started with something as simple as leading a discussion, asking the questions, and helping people get that first conversation going.

Are you an emerging community bank leader, or know someone who might be?

BOLT’s Summer Leadership Summit is just around the corner on June 15–16 in Wisconsin Dells. Register now for the upcoming event to see what over 500 BOLT members are talking about.

Visit wisbank.com/BOLT

Having the opportunity to take part in this experience really gave me the confidence I needed to navigate conversations and in speak up about my thoughts. Oftentimes, we see speakers and presenters at events and think to ourselves “there is no way I could do that,” or “they are that good because they do it all the time.” BOLT helped me realize — just by giving me the opportunity to try in a real, low stakes setting — that I can do these things too.

Visit wisbank.com/committee to learn more about WBA’s Section Boards, Committees, and groups.

WBA Building Our Leaders of Tomorrow

WBA Connect: Now Free to All Member Bankers

Annual membership begins in June

As the industry continues to evolve, fostering connections among peers allows bankers to build a strong, supportive community. Aimed to provide all members with the space to ask questions, share ideas, and network with bankers that understand the unique opportunities and challenges of the industry, WBA Connect is a

Join a WBA Connect Peer Group

» Allies for DEI in Banking;

» Enterprise Risk Management;

» Human Resources & Organizational Development;

» Marketing;

banker-only, non-competitive environment where members can discuss all things related to the banking industry or their specific department.

» Retail Banking;

» Technology & Operations;

» And more, based on banker interest! wisbank.com/connect

This year, the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) is excited to offer this unique employee benefit complimentary to all WBA-member

bankers. Membership in WBA Connect includes access to that group’s exclusive online peerto-peer email — set up using Google Groups — and the opportunity to coordinate in-person networking meetings as desired.

To learn more about WBA Connect, or join a peer group, visit wisbank.com/ connect. Questions? Contact WBA’s Lori Kalscheuer at lkalscheuer@wisbank.com

Reminder: Submit Your Financial Education Summary Forms

All forms are due on Monday, July 31, 2023

Each year, bankers throughout Wisconsin go above and beyond in their mission to provide financial education for their communities. As many bankers head to the classrooms, community centers, or libraries this spring

to help expand the financial capability of individuals throughout their communities, all WBA members are invited to track their activities as they go by submitting their financial education-related events and presentations to the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation (WBF).

The summary forms — for tracking individual and bank-

Congratulations, Graduates!

wide efforts in improving financial literacy and capability — represent all activities that take place between June 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023.

Banker participation in submitting the annual summary forms assist the Foundation in better understanding the financial education activities of banks throughout the state and

curating materials for banker use. These shared activities are then compiled for recognition. Visit wisbankfoundation. org/financial-education-awards to access the 2022–23 forms. Contact Hannah Flanders at hflanders@wisbank.com if you have questions regarding the forms or your bank’s participation in this year’s events.

BankWork$ Milwaukee Training Program for Bankers

The March BankWork$ class has now graduated!

The Wisconsin Bankers Association is proud to partner with Employ Milwaukee to bring this nationwide program to Wisconsin. BankWork$ is a free, eight-week training program to prepare participants in primarily underserved neighborhoods for retail banking careers.

This graduating class of nine included Soaad

Abdallah, Coey Brown, Destiny Echols, Azarea Glosson, Kaprisha Greer, Deja Harris-Smith, Edgar Martinez Santiago, and Elizabeth Medina. WBA

President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels attended the

ceremony and congratulated the graduates on their achievement.

Over the eight weeks, these students learned the hard and

soft skills necessary for entrylevel retail and operations positions. The program began in 2019 and has so far provided

» BankWork$® is a public-private partnership that primarily trains participants from underserved neighborhoods for careers in retail banking. Learn more about the BankWork$® program at employ milwaukee.org/Employ-Milwaukee/ Programs--Services/Adult-YouthPrograms/BankWork.htm

» Are you interested in becoming a BankWork$® employer partner? For more information, contact Jovo Potkonjak at 414-270-7529 or jovo.potkonjak@employ milwaukee.org

more than 100 graduates in the Milwaukee area the opportunity to begin a career in banking.

The March BankWork$ graduates (left to right) are: Deja Harris-Smith, Kaprisha Greer, Edgar Martinez Santiago, Destiny Echols, Azarea Glosson, WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels, Elizabeth Medina, Diarelis Rodriguez, Soaad Abdallah, and Coey Brown

Be Featured in WBA’s 2024 Scenes of Wisconsin Calendar!

Photo submissions are being accepted through May 8, 2023

Calling all amateur and professional photographers — or anyone with camera phone! The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) is excited to accept your submissions for our 2024 Scenes of Wisconsin Calendar Photo Contest. We are looking for any image that captures beautiful Wisconsin landscapes, the changing seasons, wildlife and pets, historical locations, city views, and more. We want to see what you love about living in Wisconsin.

There is no age limit for the contest, and it is open to all bank employees. Encourage your family and friends to

submit images and share this opportunity with your bank customers! An individual can submit up to three photos for the contest. Keep in mind that to be considered for a feature

placement, the picture must be in a landscape orientation.

For more than 15 years, bankers and bank customers have seen their photos printed in the Scenes of Wisconsin

A Full-Service Partner

calendar and seen by thousands of Wisconsinites.Your picture could be next!

The deadline to submit your photos has been extended to Monday, May 8, 2023! For more information on how to enter the contest, visit wisbank.com/scenesofwi or scan the QR Code. If you have any questions, please contact WBA’s Marketing Coordinator Jackie Lindquist at jlindquist@wisbank.com or 608-441-1209.

The 2024 Scenes of Wisconsin calendar is also available to order! To place your order for this high-quality, cost-effective, branded marketing tool, complete the form at wisbank.com/ scenesofwi or scan the QR code (right)

Can Bank On.

» EARLY BIRD PRICING… Place your 2024 calendar order by May 8 and pay $1.55 per calendar.

» After May 8, the price will be $1.75 per calendar.

Columbia S&L Assn.

(continued from p. 1)

Civil Rights era, when the Fair Housing Act of 1968 was signed into law.

As time progressed, and the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) was created as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal and the National Housing Act of 1934, home affordability for people of color became even more difficult. With the FHA identifying low-risk neighborhoods as predominantly white communities, white families had the ability to access inexpensive, insured mortgages that allowed them to move to suburban areas and build the generational wealth to start businesses or enroll in college.

On the other hand, minority populations across the U.S. were segregated into urban neighborhoods where FHAinsured mortgages were not available. With lower home values and less homeowner wealth to be reinvested into repairing aging homes or starting new businesses, cities struggled to expand their schools and other infrastructure.

Unfortunately, the poverty cycle continued, making it difficult for individuals to qualify for mortgage loans. Legislation such as the Fair Housing Act of 1968 was enacted into law to protect people from discrimination when engaging in housingrelated activities such as renting or buying a home. The Brookings Institution suggests that “channeling the flow of [credit] to specific neighborhoods and demographics is key, as acrossthe-board increases in [credit] supply to all racial groups lead to the growth of urban segregation ”

Columbia Savings & Loan is keenly aware of its unique ability to help local individuals and families buy homes, fund businesses, and build places

Port Washington State Bank was the first financial institution to make a contribution toward Columbia’s Centennial Fund. Additional contributions from several others are currently pending.

It is critical for the continued success of these institutions and the communities they serve that we all consider ways in which we can assist banks like Columbia Savings & Loan in gaining the capital they need to reinvest and help empower disenfranchised individuals.

— Rose Oswald Poels president and CEO Wisconsin Bankers

of worship. Located in the heart of Milwaukee’s Amani neighborhood and serving communities living in Wisconsin’s poorest ZIP code, Columbia Savings & Loan Association has been dedicated, from the very beginning, to helping strengthen the surrounding neighborhoods by helping families gain and sustain the capital necessary to own their own homes.

“We see ourselves as a bank that makes a social impact,” states Will Martin, Columbia Savings & Loan Association’s executive vice president. “With the community fabric in many of our neighborhoods being torn away, many of the families that approach us are seeking a place where they will be respected and understood. These individuals are commonly intimidated by the financial sector or have not had success in the past with other lenders — it is our responsibility to, in a culturally respectful manner, find a solution that best serves their needs.”

» Shaping Milwaukee

As Forbes highlights in an article titled “Black-owned Banks Are Key to Lifting

Economic Fortunes of Black Communities,” Black-owned banks have historically held an in-depth understanding of the disenfranchised communities they serve. These banks have the unique ability to introduce many un- and underbanked communities — including 54.8% of Black households, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (FDIC) 2021 National Survey — to the financial sector. In addition, many minority-owned banks have made capital more accessible to low- to moderate-income populations as they commonly approve a higher percentage of loans to Black applicants.

The Independent Community Bankers Association (ICBA) echoes this sentiment in its article, “Why We Need Black-owned Banks.” The article states that, in order to begin closing America’s racial wealth gap, it is necessary that our society strengthens the institutions dedicated to making a positive impact on underserved and underbanked communities.

“A diverse banking sector is critical to meeting the unique needs of our diverse country,”

states WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels. “Banks such as Columbia Savings & Loan Association play a unique role in integrating individuals into the financial sector and providing them with the resources for financial security. By equipping all banks to economically empower disenfranchised individuals, we are ensuring that all banks, and their surrounding communities, succeed.”

As the bank has largely been credited for the development of the Halyard Park neighborhood — named for the founders of Columbia Savings — the institution is dedicated to helping residents of Milwaukee obtain mortgages.

As of March 2023, only around 29% of Black individuals throughout Wisconsin owned their own home, according to the National Association of Realtors. While homeownership remains low among all people of color, Black individuals have a higher likelihood of facing disadvantages such as appraisal bias and loan denial.

“As banking attorney for Wisconsin’s Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), I had the sorrowful task of helping close one of the two Black-owned banks Milwaukee lost in the wake of the Great Recession and vowed to do

Pictured (left to right) are: Ernest Jones, Columbia Savings & Loan Association Board Chair and CEO; Will Martin, Columbia Savings & Loan Association executive vice president; James Schowalter, Port Washington State Bank president and COO; and Ron Knaus, Port Washington State Bank vice president – business development officer.

Columbia S&L Assn.

(continued from p. 24)

all I can to preserve Columbia Savings & Loan Association,” explained Ernest Jones, Board Chair and CEO. “Homeownership is the first step toward building generational wealth, and Columbia has helped thousands of families achieve that first step. However, with seven out of every ten Black families in Wisconsin renting — often at greater expense than owning — our community needs Columbia Savings & Loan Association more than ever ”

» Looking Ahead to the Next Century

Looking ahead, Martin emphasizes the benefit of partnerships throughout the industry.

“In our first 100 years, Columbia focused on building

personal relationships; walking with our customers through their challenges,” says Martin. “In this new century of service, we hope to amplify our impact and serve exponentially more families by leveraging technology.”

As such, Columbia Savings & Loan Association announced in February 2023 its Centennial Fund. With Columbia’s growing role in its community, the fund is a means for financial institutions and other corporations to help the bank through non-depository funding to modernize operations, digital infrastructure, and staff training, in addition to helping to increase the impact Columbia has on the local, underserved community. At the time of this writing, the bank has raised over $50,000 in corporate contributions and more than $2 million in new deposits

which, according to Martin, will help up to 25 low- to moderate-income families buy homes and take the first steps towards their financial security.

“Like all banks, Black and minority-owned institutions are subject to intense regulatory burden and challenges in attracting talent,” says Oswald Poels. “However, these institutions also lack access to capital and are subject to the changing urban demographics. It is critical for the continued success of these institutions and the communities they serve that we all consider the ways in which we can assist banks like Columbia Savings & Loan in gaining the capital they need to reinvest and help empower disenfranchised individuals.”

Flanders is WBA writer/editor.

Centennial Fund

In February 2023, Columbia Savings & Loan Association announced its Centennial Fund. The fund is a way for financial institutions and other corporations to help the bank through non-depository funding to modernize operations, digital infrastructure, staff training, and to also help increase the impact Columbia has on the local, under-served community The $50,000 in corporate contributions and more than $2 million in new deposits raised so far, will help up to 25 lowto moderate-income families buy homes and take their first steps towards financial security For more information on how you can partner with Columbia Savings & Loan Association, Wisconsin’s only Black-owned bank, contact Will Martin at 414-374-0486, or WMartin@ColumbiaSLA.com

By Jeff Schmid, CRCM, CERP

As far back as I can remember — which seems like centuries ago — the role of the compliance officer previously did not exist in our industry. And yet, today they have come to serve a very vital role in our banks. Recently, however, they are extremely hard to come by.

Keeping up with everchanging rules and regulations has forced some compliance professionals to vacate their roles or change professions altogether. They were once seen as the “gatekeepers” when it came to consumer compliance and were responsible for everything from new product development to employee/director training. Today, compliance fatigue has taken its toll, especially with regulations requiring (and regulators enforcing) customer reimbursement even

FIPCO’s ShareFI

Jeff Schmid

in instances where the bank has done its best to comply with all aspects of the rules.

It was the introduction of Regulation Z that changed the tides for me. It was the first rule I was introduced to that made it so customers could be reimbursed because a complex and confusing formula on a disclosure document suggested they would pay more than they were originally told. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all about proper disclosure, but a monetary reimbursement to customers in instances like this seems

excessive. Bankers try their best to input accurate data into their software systems to ensure proper disclosures are printed; however, at times mistakes occur. Perfection is impossible for anyone, yet certain regulations require perfection on the part of compliance officers which may compound their stress.

And then came Regulation E.Banks are often held accountable for reimbursement to customers of monies lost due to fraudulent transactions when, in some instances, the fraud may have occurred more easily due to a mistake made by a customer. Bank losses due to cyber-fraud are on the rise and in some cases, banks are making customers whole even when the customer may have fallen victim to a scam and provided their username and account number online.

TRID has been no picnic either. Bankers nationwide were told that certain fees need to appear in certain sections of disclosures, subject to zero tolerance – with expiration of rates and fees – right down to the hour and correct time-zone or consider it to be a violation of the regulation. The remedy: lender credit or reimbursement. And these disclosure changes by regulators were done under the guise of aiding consumers in shopping for the best loan. Getting written up for a seemingly negligible violation such as this where there is no material harm to a

consumer is very frustrating for compliance officers.

Finally, last year, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation strongly suggested that financial institutions reimburse customers for returned NSF checks that were repeatedly deposited into a consumers account in some cases simply because the bank did not highlight for the consumer the “per presentment” language change that had been previously made (even several years ago) in a bank’s disclosures.

Recently, NACHA updated the Written Statement of Unauthorized Debit to remind consumers of the risk of making false claims of unauthorized ACH debits to their financial institution. This is a step in the right direction to help banks and compliance officers leverage disclosures to hold a customer accountable if their actions contributed to the fraud. I, for one, applaud the effort.

As a compliance professional, I can attest that keeping up with the alphabet soup of regulations can be difficult and frustrating. At a time when good compliance officers are vacating their positions, but regulations are getting more difficult, our ShareFI team is ready to help protect you and your customers. There is value in ShareFI.

Schmid is director – compliance and management services at FIPCO, a WBA Gold Associate Member.

Contact FIPCO’s Jeff Schmid

to get

Committed to the Industry. Committed to your Bank.

•M&A

•Regulatory Compliance

•Strategic Planning

•Ownership Succession

•Securities Offerings

•Vendor Contracts

•Compensation Plans

•Commercial Lending

As a WBA Gold Associate Member, we prioritize our commitment to the Wisconsin banking industry and beyond.

Whether a day-to-day regulatory, compliance or operational matter, or an acquisition or other strategic transaction, Godfrey & Kahn has the resources, depth and expertise to handle a wide range of issues for our financial services clients.

Now’s the Time to Review Your Coverage EBC and MBIS offer flexible security for WBA-member banks

By Daryll J. Lund

As National Insurance Awareness Day approaches on June 28, all WBA-member banks should take a moment this month to review their insurance policies. While this is good practice in preventing certain aspects of the bank from going underinsured, it is also important to verify your bank and employees are getting the best offers for the best price.

The Wisconsin Bankers Association – Employee Benefits Corporation (WBA EBC) offers WBA-member banks competitively priced plans covering life and disability, dental, medical, prescription drug, and vision insurance. Our flexible plans allow Wisconsin community

Association

Update

Daryll J. Lund

bankers the purchasing power usually only offered to larger groups and access to an online insurance portal. Contact EBC’s Brian Siegenthaler at 608-441-1211 or bsiegenthaler @wisbank.com to learn more.

Additionally, Midwest Bankers Insurance Services (MBIS), co-owned by WBA, offers banks throughout Wisconsin security with three distinct lines of coverage — professional lines (FI bond, D&O liability, and cyber liability), property casualty

MIDWEST BANKERS Insurance

> For more details, please contact EBC’s Brian Siegenthaler at 608-441-1211 or bsiegenthaler@wisbank.com, or contact MBIS’s Jeff Otteson at 608-217-5219 or jeffo@mbisllc.com.

lines (building, liability, business auto, workers compensation, and umbrella liability), and lending-related lines (mortgage protection/ E&O, lenders single interest, force placed hazard, and flood). These coverage lines protect banks across the Midwest and allow them to stay ahead of the unexpected. MBIS offers solutions and protection from the best carriers in the insurance industry. Contact MBIS’s Jeff Otteson at 608-217-5219

or jeffo@mbisllc.com to learn more about enrollment.

As uncertainty in our daily lives remain — be certain that WBA EBC and MBIS are here to offer the best, competitively priced policies for both your bank and employees. Take the first step in strengthening your employee benefits package or bank coverage lines this June by enrolling with WBA Insurance Services!

Lund is WBA executive vice president — chief of staff and president of EBC and MBIS.

Community Advocate Spotlight

Wisconsin’s bankers are the definition of “community advocates” in all that you do every day to improve your local economy through your bank’s products and services, as well as through your generous philanthropy of time and money. This column shares and celebrates the diverse backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and innovation of some of the extraordinary bankers in this state.

Q&A

The following is a brief interview between WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels and Bank of Ontario, Westby Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer Emily Dahl Read past interviews at wisbank.com

Rose: How did you first get into the banking industry?

Emily: After graduation from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse with a degree in political science and history, I was looking for a temporary job. I was hired at Bank of Ontario as part of the internal auditing department.

It was important to our president that I also learned how to teller. I’m so thankful for the roles I started in; these duties gave me an understanding of operations, the front line, and loan files. It was the ideal foundation for a career in banking. What I thought was a temporary job started to become more of a career as I took on additional duties and responsibilities as the bank secrecy act (BSA) officer and regulatory compliance officer. As the bank evolved, I became responsible for the call report, ALM, information technology and security, and leading the safety and soundness exam preparation and was promoted to senior vice president. 2023 marks 12 years at Bank of Ontario, where I now serve as the chief financial officer (CFO) and executive vice president (EVP).

What is your favorite aspect of your role at your bank?

Like all community bankers, I wear many hats. I love that I am involved in so many different aspects of the bank. My passion though is asset liability management and liquidity. Many of my duties at the bank are in the background, but I love my role and being a resource for our employees. Whether it’s a regulation, accounting question, or helping them troubleshoot an issue with their email, I enjoy being the go-to person that keeps our bank thriving.

What do you wish the general public understood about the banking industry?

Community banks — like Bank of Ontario — want our customers to prosper. We want the members of our community and the businesses in our community to be successful. Community banks want to create a place where people choose to live, work, and raise their families. Every day, we strive to contribute to an environment that makes this possible. Daily, we invest in individuals, local businesses, and farmers to make our communities strong. We want people to know our banks are a place they can trust and count on, always.

Where do you believe the industry’s greatest challenges are in the next three to five years?

First, we need to continually remain competitive with the products and services we offer. We need to be open and ready for change, specifically when it comes to how people want to bank and access their money. Banks must be able to move forward with the technology that our customers want.

From an organizational standpoint, banks, like many other companies, need to be open to new ideas to not only attract new talent, but also retain the talent we have. A community bank is nothing without dedicated employees. The market and regulatory environment will always present challenges and we need to have the right people to navigate those challenges at our banks.

Every day, bankers serve their local communities by helping their customers achieve their financial dreams as well as provide significant charitable support. Please describe your current role at your bank and share with us one of your more rewarding experiences.

I serve the bank in many different capacities as CFO, EVP. In addition to that role, I also serve as the BSA officer, as a member of the IS/IT committee, ALCO committee, asset quality and loan committee, compliance committee, and as the Board of Director’s secretary.

While the majority of my roles at the bank do not give me much face-to-face time with our customers, and most of my duties — like the call report and exam and audit preparation — are behind the scenes, I honestly have so many amazing memories.

However, a few years ago, I was given the task of implementing the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) at the bank. At the time, the bank was not an SBA lender, and this required additional set-up on the bank’s part.

I worked with our lenders and customers on PPP applications, gathering documentation and tracking data, and then eventually applying for forgiveness. Acting in this role allowed me to work one-on-one with our business customers to help provide much-needed relief and payroll funds for their employees in the incredibly difficult time of COVID-19 shutdowns.

Oswald Poels is WBA president and CEO | ropoels@wisbank.com 608-441-1200 | Twitter: @RoseOswaldPoels

Do you know a banker who should be recognized as a Community Advocate for the work that they do? Nominate them today by emailing Rose at ropoels@wisbank.com!

Rose Oswald Poels

Emily Dahl

WBA, I NC. C ELEBRATES S TAFF R ETIREMENTS

Linda Buckley, WBA’s accounting assistant, retired from the Association on April 28 following over 10 years of dedicated service.

In her role, Linda supported the accounting team, WBA staff, and all WBA members by ensuring accuracy as she maintained the Association’s accounts payable and receivable, performed all cash receipt functions, and annually worked with independent auditors.

This spring, the Wisconsin Bankers Association, Inc. (WBA) is announcing the retirements of three long-time employees. Linda Buckley, Debbie Nabholz, and Annette Witkowski together represent over 70 years of dedication to the organization and to the banking industry. Enjoy your well-deserved retirements!

Debbie Nabholz, a longtime WBA employee, retired on February 28 after serving the Association for nearly 35 years.

As WBA executive assistant, Debbie played an important role in coordinating matters relating to the WBA Board of Directors, the direct management of all political contributions and disbursements, and often served as the first face members saw as they were welcomed into the WBA headquarters office in Madison.

Annette Witkowski will retire on May 30 after over 25 years at FIPCO, a subsidiary of WBA. She also worked several years at WBA member banks before joining FIPCO.

Annette has worked closely with various WBA member banks as FIPCO director – software training and support services. She has been actively involved in coordinating the FIPCO Focus e-publication, overseeing conference planning and conducting sessions, and running software demonstrations.

Thank You

WBA is Accepting Nominations for the Wall of Excellence

To nominate a banker as a Leader in Banking Excellence, visit wisbankcom/excellence and complete the nomination form by May 12.

WISCONSIN BANKER

We actively advocate for, educate, and support our members to help them positively impact the Wisconsin communities they serve.

Association Officers:

Daniel J. Peterson (Chair), President/CEO, The Stephenson National Bank & Trust, Marinette

Donna J. Hoppenjan (Chair-Elect), President/CEO, Mound City Bank, Platteville

Alvaro Araque (Vice Chair), Senior Vice President, Director of Consumer and Private Banking, Johnson Financial Group, Racine

Kenneth D. Thompson (Past Chair), President/CEO, Capitol Bank, Madison Rose Oswald Poels, President/CEO, Wisconsin Bankers Association, Madison Association Board of Directors:

James R. Chatterton, President National Exchange Bank & Trust, Fond du Lac

Paul A. Hoffmann, President Lake Ridge Bank, Monona Ryan T. Kamphuis, President/CEO

With the Wall of Excellence officially installed in the Engagement Center at the Wisconsin Bankers Association’s (WBA) headquarters building, WBA has proudly honored three classes of Leaders in Banking Excellence with two celebrations in 2021 and one in 2022.

The WBA Leaders in Banking Excellence celebrates exceptional bankers from throughout Wisconsin’s history. Through this program, current and former banking leaders who have helped shape our state’s banking industry are honored with recognition

as a fixture on the Wall of Excellence. Your honoree’s plaque will give today’s bankers a glimpse of those who have made our industry what it is today.

The WBA is accepting nominations now through May 12, 2023 for the fourth-year class of the WBA Leaders in Banking Excellence.

To nominate a banker for this honor, please visit wisbank.com/excellence to complete the application form, or contact WBA’s Rose Oswald Poels at 608-441-1205 or ropoels@wisbank.com for more information.

Bristol Morgan Bank, Oakfield

Greg Lundberg, President/CEO Fortifi Bank, Berlin

Jay C. Mack, President/CEO

Town Bank, N.A., Hartland

Thomas Mews, President

First National Community Bank, New Richmond

Paul J. Northway, President/CEO

American National Bank Fox Cities, Appleton

Greg A. Ogren, President/CEO

Security Bank Shares, Inc., Iron River

Joe Peikert, President/CEO

Wolf River Community Bank, Hortonville

Jennifer L. Provancher, President/CEO

The Equitable Bank, S.S.B., Wauwatosa

Daniel J. Ravenscroft, President/CEO

Royal Bank, Elroy

Teresa (Terry) Rosengarten, President/Chief Operating Officer

Unity Bank, Augusta

Wisconsin Banker is published by Wisconsin Bankers Association, 4721 South Biltmore Lane, Madison, WI 53718; Telephone: 608-441-1200; Fax: 608-661-9381; wisbank.com

Cassandra Krause, Editor Advertising: sales@wisbank.com 608-441-1216 ckrause@wisbank.com

To report a change of address, 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 to 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.

WBA Mission Statement

The WBA Engagement Center displays the Leaders in Banking Excellence plaques honoring exceptional bankers throughout Wisconsin’s history.

EDUCATION Calendar

MAY 2023

•American Mortgage Conference

1–3 South Carolina

•Personal Banker School

2–3 Wausau; $495/attendee

•Human Resources Conference

4 Stevens Point; $245/attendee

•School of Bank Management

8–12 Madison; $1,395/attendee

•BSA/AML Conference

10–11 Wisconsin Dells; $450/attendee

• WBA/ICBA Capital Summit

14–17 Washington, D.C.

• Principles of Banking Course

17–18 Wausau; $550/attendee

• CFO Conference

17 Madison; $245/attendee

• Directors Summit

18 Madison; $225/attendee

•Member Webinar: The Great Talent Transformation

24 Complimentary for WBA members

•Branch Manager Boot Camp: Session 1

24 4-part series; virtual half-days; $800/attendee

•Trust Conference

25 Madison; $245/attendee

JUNE 2023

•BOLT Summer Leadership Summit

15–16 Wisconsin Dells; $250/attendee

•Compliance Forum: Session 1

20 Stevens Point; annual membership (pricing varies)

•Branch Manager Boot Camp: Session 2

21 4-part series; virtual half-days; $800/attendee

JULY 2023

•Branch Manager Boot Camp: Session 3

19 4-part series; virtual half-days; $800/attendee

•Community Bankers for Compliance (CBC) — Session III

25–26 Virtual half-days; membership (pricing varies)

AUGUST 2023

•Agricultural Lending School

22–24 Madison; $895/attendee (An optional pre-school workshop is available on August 21.)

•Branch Manager Boot Camp: Session 4

23 4-part series; virtual half-days; $800/attendee

•Deposit Compliance School

29–31 Madison or virtual; $795/attendee

SEPTEMBER 2023

•Auditing Real Estate Loans Boot Camp

5–7 Madison; $795/attendee

• Secur-I.T. Conference

12–13 Wisconsin Dells

• Management Conference

20–21 Madison

• Principles of Banking Course

26–27 Union Grove; $550/attendee

• BSA/AML Workshop

TBD Madison or virtual; $245/attendee

OCTOBER 2023

•Consumer Lending Boot Camp

3–4 Madison; $550/attendee

•FIPCO Software & Compliance Forum: Loan & Mortgage

10–11 Location TBD

•Family-owned and Closely Held Bank Strategic Retreat

12–13 Madison

• Supervisor Boot Camp

16–17 Madison; $535/attendee

•Commercial Lending School

18–20 Madison; $895/attendee

•Community Bankers for Compliance (CBC) — Session IV

25

Wisconsin Dells or virtual; membership (pricing varies)

» Visit www.wisbank.com/education for more information and online registration.

» Or email WBA Education at wbaeducation@ wisbank.com or call 608-441-1252.

Conferences I Summits Schools I Boot Camps Seminars I Workshops WBA Webinars Other Events