Bank of Sun Prairie Celebrates the Power of Community by Giving Back

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 12, 2024

Contact: Jimmy Kauffman, President and CEO
608.837.4511 ● jimmy.kauffman@bankofsunprairie.com

Bank of Sun Prairie Celebrates the Power of Community by Giving Back
Wisconsin Bankers Association Power of Community Week April 15 – 20, 2024

Sun Prairie, Wis., bankofsunprairie.com ‒To celebrate the connections between local businesses, nonprofit organizations, schools, and families and their hometown community bank, Bank of Sun Prairie is recognizing the Power of Community Week April 15-20, 2024, during National Community Banking Month and National Financial Literacy and Capability Month.

“We have a 126-year history in this community,” said Jimmy Kauffman, president and CEO of Bank of Sun Prairie. “It is our duty and privilege to not only give back during Power of Community Week but every week, all year long, every year.”

The purpose of Power of Community Week is to highlight the longstanding tradition of local hometown community banking and the role banks play in building strong, thriving communities.

Bank of Sun Prairie’s Power of Community Week activities include:

• Operation: Feed the Grove benefiting Cottage Grove Food Pantry sponsored by Bank of Sun Prairie. Drop off a donation item at Bank of Sun Prairie’s Cottage Grove branch, and at Dunkin’ Donuts and Grace Coffee in Cottage Grove and get a sweet treat cookie or donut in return.
• Financial Education in the High Schools: Sun Prairie East High School kicking off on April 15 – 19 with brand-new curriculum for grades 9 through 12, in partnership with Bank of Sun Prairie.
• Spring Clean Up at McKenzie Family Boys & Girls Club in Sun Prairie. Colleagues grab their gloves and rakes to spruce up the outdoor area and playground Wed., April 17.
• Love Your Library Gala, Sat., April 20 at Sun Prairie Public Library supporting the foundation as presenting sponsor.

“The Power of Community Week highlights the collective impact of Wisconsin’s banking industry,” said Rose Oswald Poels, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Bankers Association. “Bank employees tailor their efforts to the individual needs of their areas ‒ from giving financial literacy presentations in local schools to running food drives to volunteering in nursing homes ‒ it shows how passionate they are.”

Information on Power of Community Week and a map of service initiatives in Wisconsin can be found at wisbank.com/BanksPowerWI.

About Bank of Sun Prairie

Bank of Sun Prairie is a locally owned, full-service community bank with $739 million in assets and five branches in Sun Prairie and Cottage Grove, Wis. Its mission is to be trusted advisor for families, businesses and communities offering a complete range of services, while delivering fair returns for stockholders. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.

About the Wisconsin Bankers Association
Founded in 1892, WBA is the state’s largest financial industry trade association, representing more than 200 commercial banks and savings institutions, their branches, and over 30,000 employees. The Association represents banks of all sizes in Wisconsin, and nearly 98 percent of banks in the state are WBA members. To learn more, please visit www.wisbank.com.

About the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation
The Wisconsin Bankers Foundation (WBF) is a Wisconsin non-profit organization dedicated to promoting financial literacy and capability to the public. WBF works to empower consumers’ financial decisions through education, scholarships, and research. (IRS Public Charity Employer Identification Number 46-3791061)    

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Oak Bank Celebrates the Power of Community

For Immediate Release

Contact: Karen Virnoche, 608.441.6000
kvirnoche@oak.bank

Oak Bank Celebrates the Power of Community
7th Annual Wisconsin Bankers Association Power of Community Week April 15 – 20, 2024

Fitchburg, WI – Oak Bank, Fitchburg’s community bank since 2000, is recognizing the Power of Community Week April 15-20, 2024, during National Community Banking Month.

“Dane County is special. We’re proud to have deep roots in this community and we’re using this opportunity to celebrate the strong connections that we have developed with local businesses, charitable and civic organizations, and Dane County residents,” said Terry Taylor, President of Oak Bank. “To celebrate the Power of Community Week, Oak Bank associates are volunteering their time to support several very worthy projects here in Dane County. “

The purpose of Power of Community Week is to highlight the longstanding tradition of local hometown community banking. We urge consumers, small business owners, and community leaders to learn more about the relationship community banks have with the communities that are not home only to our bank, but to our families and our livelihoods. Oak Bank is proud of the role we play in building a strong community, by providing quality products and personal and business services that give our clients the support they need to succeed.

Oak Bank serves our community year-round, but this year we will celebrate the Power of Community Week by having a team of Oak Bank associates engaging in the following activities:

• Monday, April 15: Helping to clean up and mulch the “Playground for All” Adaptive Playground and Splash Pad Area at McKee Farms Park.
• Tuesday, April 16: Making tie blankets for foster children and children that have been helped by the police.
• Wednesday, April 17: Helping at the Dane County Humane Society.
• Thursday, April 18: Assisting the City of Fitchburg with waterway cleanup.
• Friday, April 19: Cooking food for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House Madison.

In addition to this week-long celebration, Oak Bank is hosting a Sock & Sneaker drive throughout the entire month of April for the 2-5 year old children receiving support from Reach Dane.

“The Power of Community Week highlights the collective impact of Wisconsin’s banking industry,” said Rose Oswald Poels, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Bankers Association. “Bank employees tailor their efforts to the individual needs of their areas – from giving financial literacy presentations in local schools to running food drives to volunteering in nursing homes – it shows how passionate they are.”

For more information on the Power of Community Week and to see an interactive map of service initiatives around the state, please visit www.wisbank.com/BanksPowerWI.

About Oak Bank
Oak Bank has been deeply rooted in the Fitchburg community and Madison area for over 23 years, meeting the financial needs of homeowners and businesses by offering top-notch service, quick answers, and creative solutions, all while supporting over 125 local nonprofits each year. Visit oak.bank to learn more.

About Wisconsin Bankers Association
Founded in 1892, WBA is the state’s largest financial industry trade association, representing more than 200 commercial banks and savings institutions, their branches, and over 30,000 employees. The Association represents banks of all sizes in Wisconsin, and nearly 98 percent of banks in the state are WBA members. To learn more, please visit wisbank.com.

About the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation
The Wisconsin Bankers Foundation (WBF) is a Wisconsin non-profit organization dedicated to promoting financial literacy and capability to the public. WBF works to empower consumers’ financial decisions through education, scholarships, and research. (IRS Public Charity Employer Identification Number 46-3791061)

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One Community Bank Announces 2024 Scholarship Program

February 6, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Jamie Balsiger
One Community Bank
608-838-3141
jbalsiger@onecommunity.bank

One Community Bank Announces 2024 Scholarship Program

(February 2024) – One Community Bank is excited to launch the 2024 One Community Bank Scholarship Program. This program offers $1,000 scholarships to three graduating high school seniors. This annual initiative aligns with One Community Bank’s commitment to invest in its communities. The eligibility requirements to apply for the scholarships are as follows: the applicant must be a graduating high school senior, must be in good academic standing, and have post-graduation plans at a 2-year or 4-year institution; a technical or trade school; or an apprenticeship program. As a part of the application, candidates are required to write and submit an essay.

Community involvement is important to OCB and is a key component of the application and eligibility process. Applicants are asked to write an essay that demonstrates their role in making a positive impact in the community; and how the applicant’s post-graduation plans will continue to support the community.

“One Community Bank is proud to launch the scholarship program again this year,” shared Steve Peotter, President and CEO. “It’s an honor to create an opportunity that provides assistance in the educational growth of young adults who are dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities.”

Click on the link below for the application and essay requirements.
2024 One Community Bank Scholarship Application

Please submit application and essay to OCBscholarship@onecommunity.bank. The application deadline is April 20, 2024. The selected recipients of the scholarships will be contacted during the week of May 28, 2024. Questions? Email OCBscholarship@onecommunity.bank.

Feel Good Scholarship

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One Community Bank is one of the largest community banks in south central Wisconsin. The locally owned bank has 15 bank locations and $2.1 billion in assets. It provides creative solutions to both businesses and consumers, with an intense focus on serving clients, supporting colleagues, and investing in its communities. Regularly named one of Madison’s best places to work, One Community Bank serves the communities of Oregon, McFarland, Waunakee, Stoughton, Sun Prairie, Middleton, Adams, Oxford, Grand Marsh, Hillsboro, La Farge, Readstown, Wonewoc, and Union Center. Member FDIC.

Bank of Sun Prairie’s Customer Just for Me Family Center Awarded $25,000 Grant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 19, 2024

Contact: Jimmy Kauffman, President and CEO
608.837.4511 ● jimmy.kauffman@bankofsunprairie.com

Bank of Sun Prairie’s Customer Just for Me Family Center Awarded $25,000 Grant
FHLBank of Chicago’s Community First Accelerate Grant Benefits Local Small Business

Sun Prairie, Wis. bankofsunprairie.com — Just for Me Family Center based in Sun Prairie was awarded a $25,000 Community First Accelerate Grant for Small Business by the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLBank) of Chicago offered to Bank of Sun Prairie small business customers.

Established in 2005, Just for Me Family Center is a family-oriented childcare center and pre-school with specialization in early childhood and infant care. Just for Me Family Center Owner Melissa Wayland intends to use the funds for building new fencing structures in the outdoor play area and making additional upgrades and repairs inside the building constructed in 1974. Wayland shared, “Bank of Sun Prairie is a real partner who stands by your side. This grant award would not have happened without them. We are eternally grateful to Bank of Sun Prairie and FHLBank for these critically needed dollars. Our kids will benefit in the end.”

“It is wonderful Just for Me Family Center received this grant award from FHLBank of Chicago,” shared Chris Cox, Bank of Sun Prairie’s senior vice president, chief business banking officer. “Bank of Sun Prairie values our membership in the FHLBank of Chicago. Their focus on strengthening small businesses and lifting up our local communities directly aligns with our tireless work to do the same right here in our backyard.”

About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago

FHLBank Chicago is a regional bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. FHLBanks are government-sponsored enterprises created by Congress to ensure access to low-cost funding for their member financial institutions, with a focus on providing solutions that support the housing and community development needs of members’ customers. FHLBank Chicago is a self-capitalizing cooperative, owned by its Illinois and Wisconsin members, including commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, savings institutions, and community development financial institutions. To learn more about FHLBank Chicago, please visit fhlbc.com.

About Bank of Sun Prairie

Bank of Sun Prairie is a locally owned, full-service community bank with $719.3 million in assets and five locations in Sun Prairie and Cottage Grove, Wis. Its mission is to be trusted advisor for families, businesses and communities offering a complete range of services, while delivering fair returns for stockholders. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.

Photograph: Bank of Sun Prairie’s Rob Stelzer and son; and Just for Me Family Center Owner Melissa Wayland.

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One Community Bank Donates $10,000 to the Salvation Army of Dane County

December 21, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Jamie Balsiger
One Community Bank
608-838-3141
jbalsiger@onecommunity.bank

One Community Bank Donates $10,000 to the Salvation Army of Dane County

(December 2023) – Celebrating the season of giving, OCB partnered with the Salvation Army of Dane County in the 2023 Red Kettle Christmas Campaign. On December 16th, One Community Bank matched up to $10,000 in donations made. Throughout the month of December, OCB colleagues are volunteering to ring bells in different locations throughout Dane County.

The Salvation Army aims to provide food and shelter, empower youth, and help disaster survivors in Dane County. They achieve their mission through the help of volunteers and donations.

“One Community Bank is thrilled to extend and enhance our collaboration with the Salvation Army of Dane County. We are proud to continue our $10,000 donation to the Salvation Army of Dane County, maintaining a tradition that spans many years.” said Steve Peotter, President and CEO of One Community Bank. “Both organizations are committed to making a positive impact in the communities they serve. We look forward to the community’s support in providing assistance and comfort to those in need this holiday season.”

One Community Bank remains committed to investing in our communities and is proud to support this feel-good organization.

One Community Bank is one of the largest community banks in south central Wisconsin. The locally owned bank has 15 bank locations and $2.1 billion in assets. It provides creative solutions to both businesses and consumers, with an intense focus on serving clients, supporting colleagues, and investing in its communities. Regularly named one of Madison’s best places to work, One Community Bank serves the communities of Oregon, McFarland, Waunakee, Stoughton, Sun Prairie, Middleton, Adams, Oxford, Grand Marsh, Hillsboro, La Farge, Readstown, Wonewoc, and Union Center. Member FDIC.