Dupaco Credit Union Employees Reap the Benefits of Giving Back

Dubuque, IA – This week is National Volunteer Week and Dupaco Credit Union is celebrating the impact the financial cooperative has had on the communities they serve. Logging 6,187 volunteer hours in 2024, Dupaco employees are choosing to make life better for others, by helping build homes, teach in classrooms, plant trees, clean up parks, donate blood, develop their communities, prepare healthy meals and much more.  

“It feels good to get out in our community and use my skills to help other people and organizations who may not have the resources. In my own small way, I’m serving a need for our community, I’m happy I get the opportunity to provide the help I can,” says Spencer Smith, Branch Manager at Dupaco. Smith chooses to help with the local economic development corporation in Peosta, Iowa. 

Dupaco employees don’t just walk the walk when it comes to volunteering. Their culture embodies it. Their policies promote it. And their actions add up to some impressive numbers.  

In 2024 alone: 

• Dupaco’s 602 employees volunteered a total of 6,187 hours. 
• Dupaco employees served on 170 nonprofit boards and committees 
• 256 Dupaco employees used a paid benefit in 2024 called Volunteer Time Off (or VTO), allowing them to take time off during the workday to lend a helping hand and volunteer in their community at an organization of their choice. 

That ‘feel good feeling’ mentioned by Smith is real, according to data from Mayoclinic.com. According to their studies, people who volunteer experience these benefits: 

• Improved physical and mental health — Volunteer activities keep people moving and thinking at the same time. Research also shows volunteering leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety. 
• Less stress and more positive/relaxed feelings – The release of the hormone dopamine contributes to feelings of lower stress. By spending time in service to others, volunteers report feeling a sense of meaning and appreciation, both given and received, which can have a stress-reducing effect. 
• Nurture new and existing relationships — Volunteering increases social interaction and helps build a support system based on common interests. 

Michelle Becwar, Community and Social Impact Manager, has spent the last 11 years of her career at Dupaco focusing on how the financial cooperative can create and foster community partnerships that benefit people inside and outside the organization. “Whether it’s through volunteer time off or by supporting nonprofits that help improve our communities, we’re working together to create a lasting impact and helping build strong communities,” she notes. 

Spencer adds that being part of an organization like Dupaco cultivates a powerful sense of satisfaction for his co-workers. “When we work together, whether it’s in the office or in the community, we’re helping fulfill our mission for a brighter community for all. It benefits us too. We know it makes us feel better, more connected with our peers and communities, and we have a greater sense of wellbeing. These are definitely reasons why I love working at Dupaco.” 

ABOUT DUPACO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION  

Dupaco Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa. It is dedicated to the financial well-being of its members, and specializes in personalized financial counseling, money advice and education. It offers savings, loans, investments, insurance and wealth management products for individuals and businesses. Dupaco serves residents in 118 counties throughout Iowa, northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin. Founded in 1948 by ten Dubuque Packing Company employees, membership has grown to more than 173,000 with assets exceeding $3.5 billion. It has over 600 employees and 23 branch office locations. It is a Forbes Best-in-State Credit Union, Forbes America’s Best Small Employer, and a Des Moines Register Top Workplace. Learn more at www.dupaco.com. 

Dupaco Foundation to award $250,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations

DUBUQUE, Iowa – Area nonprofit organizations have the opportunity to receive grant funding from the Dupaco Foundation. Applications are now being accepted for the Dupaco Foundation Nonprofit Grant program. This annual competitive grant program provides financial support to nonprofit organizations whose mission or programs align with one of the foundation’s three focus areas:

• Affordable housing and homeownership
• Upskilling and reskilling
• Small business development

“The Dupaco Foundation is dedicated to empowering our communities by supporting organizations that drive meaningful change in these areas,” said Joe Hearn, Dupaco Foundation Secretary and President/CEO of Dupaco Community Credit Union. “Through this grant program, we aim to amplify the efforts of these nonprofits, fostering innovation and creating opportunities for growth and development.”

The Foundation will award $250,000 in grant funding. Individual grant amounts are available up to $20,000, depending on scope and scale of the project. Proposals should demonstrate clear, impactful goals with measurable outcomes.

This is the second year of the annual program. In 2024, twenty-nine nonprofit organizations were awarded a total of $250,000 in grants.

Online applications are being accepted now through May 30, 2025. Grants will be awarded in July 2025. For more information and to apply, visit www.dupaco.com/ways-we-give.

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ABOUT DUPACO FOUNDATION:
Dupaco R.W. Hoefer Foundation, also known as Dupaco Foundation (the “Foundation”), is a tax-exempt private foundation described in Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). The Foundation is a separate legal entity from Dupaco Community Credit Union (the “Credit Union”) and is governed by its own Board of Directors and officers. The Foundation was established in 2011 to honor the retirement of 47-year employee and long-time Dupaco Community Credit Union President and CEO, Robert W. “Bob” Hoefer. The Foundation is designed to carry on the Bob Hoefer tradition of providing personal financial assistance and coaching to help hardworking and financially prudent people recover from unforeseen life events and to increase their opportunities for financial stability. Learn more at www.dupaco.com/foundation.

Oak Bank Joins Wisconsin Bankers Association’s Power of Community Week with Week-Long Volunteer Efforts

Madison, WI – Oak Bank is proud to announce participation in the Wisconsin Banker’s Association’s Power of Community Week. This event runs from April 21 to 26 as part of National Community Banking Month. In celebration, Oak Bank associates will come together to give back to the local community. Our efforts will help underscore the bank’s ongoing commitment to building lasting relationships with our local businesses, schools, families, and friends.

Oak Bank associates will volunteer nearly 100 hours during the week. They will help several local organizations and initiatives that support the well-being of individuals and families-in-need.

“At Oak Bank, we don’t just do business in the community – we live here and are proud to call it home. Participating in Power of Community Week is a way for us to strengthen our deep ties to the people and organizations that make our community special,” explains Terry Taylor, Oak Bank President.

Oak Bank’s Volunteer Schedule for Power of Community Week:

• Monday, April 21: Clean-up at Three Gaits Therapy Stables, supporting equine-assisted therapy for individuals with disabilities.
• Tuesday, April 22: Decorate lunch bags for the Ronald McDonald House, bringing cheer to families in need.
• Wednesday, April 23: Assemble birthday kits for families supported by the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church food pantry.
• Thursday, April 24: Prepare a home-cooked meal for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House.
• Friday, April 25: Volunteer at a Habitat for Humanity build site, helping to construct homes for local families.

Beyond this week, Oak Bank dedicates time, resources, and energy to support a variety of local organizations and causes every year, reinforcing the importance of giving back to the communities we serve. For more information about Oak Bank’s community involvement, please visit https://www.oak.bank.

About Oak Bank

Oak Bank has been deeply rooted in the Fitchburg community and Madison area for 25 years, meeting the financial needs of homeowners and businesses by offering top-notch service, quick answers, and creative solutions, all while supporting over 135 local nonprofits each year. Visit oak.bank to learn more.

UW Health: Opportunity for Businesses to Show Appreciation for Nurses

UW Health partners with Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce to encourage discounts for all community RNs in May 2025

UW Health is proud to partner with the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce to encourage member businesses to consider offering discounts to nurses in our community during National Nurses Week, May 6-12, or throughout the month of May.

Nurses Week poses a unique opportunity for local businesses to show their appreciation for all the highly valued nurses in our community who make a difference in the lives of patients, families and the community every day. This opportunity would allow Chamber member businesses to thank all nurses during this special time.

 “We truly appreciate the generosity of local businesses in supporting nurses during Nurses Week. A special discount not only makes us feel valued but also gives us the chance to explore and support the incredible shops, restaurants, and services that make our community unique. Thank you for considering a small gesture that makes a big impact on both nurses and local businesses alike!” states Karen Schumacher, RN, Chair-Elect of the UW Health Nursing Recognition Council.

If your business is able to offer a discount to nurses from May 6-12 or throughout the month of May, please send your information or questions to: Kristin Scott, MSN, RN, AMB-BC, UW Health Nurses Week Committee Member and Family Medicine RN Supervisor, at kscott4@uwhealth.org by Friday, April 18.  UW Health and partners will share the final list of participating businesses on their respective websites to make all community nurses aware of these local discounts.

We hope you consider this opportunity to show your business’s support of community nurses while enjoying some added exposure for your business among thousands of nurses.

AMC Fitchburg 18 Looking for Concessions Sponsors for Private Abundant Life Movie Screening

AMC Fitchburg 18 is looking for Greater Madison businesses to sponsor concessions for an upcoming private movie screening for the students, staff and families of Abundant Life Christian School (ALCS). AMC is partnering with SONY Pictures to cover the cost of film rent and tickets.

The screening, of “Paddington in Peru,” takes place Saturday, February 22. If your business is interested in sponsoring concessions for this private ALCS event, please contact General Manager Katie Carlson at kcarlson@amctheatres.com.