WBA: Wisconsin bankers united under one association

Contact: Eric Skrum, Wisconsin Bankers Association

608/441-1216 | (c) 608/445-6430 | eskrum@wisbank.com

Wisconsin Bankers Association and Community Bankers of Wisconsin close merger

(MADISON) – The board of directors for the Wisconsin Bankers Association is pleased to announce the closing of the merger between WBA and the Community Bankers of Wisconsin. The memberships of both organizations voted overwhelmingly last January for the two to merge.

“Banks have a tremendous impact on Wisconsin’s economy, businesses and consumers. That’s why it is critical we have a unified voice addressing the common challenges all banks face,” said Robert Cera, WBA Chairman. “With a combined organization, we can focus on supporting the banking industry which in turn supports the communities in the state.”

“This is truly an historic moment for Wisconsin’s banking industry,” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president/CEO. “The strength of the leadership of the new WBA positions us well to move forward as a single, unified association working on behalf of our banker members.”

The executive staff leadership of the new trade association includes Rose Oswald Poels, as president/CEO; Daryll Lund as executive vice president/chief of staff; and Mike Semmann as executive vice president/chief operations officer. These three individuals, along with the current vice presidents of WBA, comprise the senior leadership team for the merged association.

Wisconsin banks are a cornerstone of the state’s economy with over $70 billion in business and consumer lending and over $81 billion in deposits according to the latest FDIC quarterly report. The WBA now serves 98 percent of the banks headquartered in Wisconsin and is the state’s largest financial industry trade association, representing nearly 270 commercial banks and savings institutions, their nearly 2,300 branch offices and 23,000 employees.