Wisconsin Bankers Association: Bankers give back to communities in new and innovative ways

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) will celebrate its fourth annual Power of Community Week April 19–24, this year with creative modifications. Banks are involved in their communities year round, and the week is a joint effort of bank employees across the state to highlight the relationships banks have with local consumers, small business owners, farmers, and community leaders. The Power of Community Week coincides with Financial Literacy and Capability Month and Community Banking Month.
 
In response to the pandemic, the annual Teach Children to Save Day on April 22 will take the form of bank employees making virtual presentations on financial literacy to K–12 classes across Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Bankers Foundation (WBF) is organizing the lessons and has provided bankers with more than 500 free “Reading Raises Interest” kits this year, which feature the book It’s a Habit, Sammy Rabbit! by Sam Renick.
 
Over the past year, major disruptions have impacted communities large and small across the state. Wisconsin’s bankers offered a helping hand in special ways during the pandemic:  working long hours to help small businesses access money they need via Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, donating to local efforts, and making modifications to serve customers safely (for example, using the drive-up to complete loan paperwork). 
 
“When challenges arise and unforeseen circumstances occur in their hometowns, Wisconsin banks are among the first to step forward and ask what they can do to help,” said Rose Oswald Poels, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Bankers Association. “From helping to ensure our healthcare heroes on the frontlines have the resources they need to honoring our essential workers, from food drives to community clean-ups, our banks and their dedicated employees continually step up and serve.”
 
To learn more about the Power of Community Week (April 19–24) and to see a map of the volunteer activities of banks, visit www.wisbank.com/BanksPowerWI and follow the hashtag #BanksPowerWI on social media.