Celebrating Power of CommUNITY

June 24, 2024

We proudly took part in the Power of CommUNITY campaign sponsored by the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) throughout April, joining hundreds of banks across the state in demonstrating the banking industry's collective impact and commitment to the communities they serve.

To celebrate the connections between local businesses, non-profit organizations, schools, and families, we recognized the Power of Community Week from April 15–20, during National Community Banking Month and National Financial Literacy and Capability Month. "Community support and participation are fundamental to the success and well-being of the communities we serve, and we are committed to doing our part to help enhance the areas in which we live and work," said Greg Salmen, President & CEO. "The purpose of Power of Community Week is to highlight the longstanding tradition of local hometown community banking."

Rose Oswald Poels, President & CEO of the Wisconsin Bankers Association, emphasized, “The Power of Community Week highlights the collective impact of Wisconsin’s banking industry. 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 - it shows how passionate they are."

In line with this spirit, we organized a series of shopping spree events to support local food pantries, igniting enthusiasm and community spirit across the region. Events kicked off with a grocery shopping showdown in Marinette, featuring the St. Vincent de Paul Marinette Thrift Store & Food Pantry at Jack's Fresh Market. These pantry pros, fueled by determination and armed with a shopping list, conquered the aisles in record time, decorating their carts and stretching like champions to stock the pantry shelves. 

The excitement continued at Thompson's County Market in Oconto, where the Feed My Sheep Food Pantry team from Lena showcased their grocery-grabbing skills with style and speed, leaving no shelf unturned in their quest to fill the food pantry shelves. Simultaneously, the Northwoods Sports Recreation and Community Center (NSRCC) squad took on the challenge at Northwoods IGA in Niagara, sprinting through the aisles with determination and precision.

In another thrilling event, the aisles of Sal's Foods Wausaukee witnessed the team from Pastor Fred's Food Pantry in Amberg, WI, dive into the shopping challenge, racing against the clock to make a difference. Lofaro’s Fresh Market in Peshtigo hosted the fearless Peshtigo Food Pantry team, who embodied the true spirit of community support with their infectious enthusiasm.

The grand finale took place in Crivitz, at Witt's Piggly Wiggly, where the Crivitz Area Food Pantry team brought their A-game, dashing through the aisles with unstoppable energy. This event marked the last shopping spree of this year's Power of CommUNITY events, wrapping up with resounding success. Together, we demonstrated the true power of community, rallying to support those in need, and reinforcing the vital role of community banking.