Building Milwaukee: The view from here

By Christopher Hamilton - Team leader, Commercial Banking Group, Associated Bank
www.associatedbank.com/commercial

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The role of a financial institution in any community is to promote economic growth by safely holding deposits, facilitating the exchange of money and lending capital. Associated Bank has been doing this in Wisconsin for over 160 years. We’ve grown to be the largest bank headquartered in Wisconsin, with more branches throughout the state than any other bank.

Milwaukee continues to be a primary focus for us and a catalyst for our future growth. Our substantial investments in the region include the purchase of the Associated Bank River Center in downtown Milwaukee. Come spring, our CEO, several other executive leaders and a large team of our colleagues will be moving to the newly remodeled space in what will be our southeastern Wisconsin headquarters.

We have several reasons for concentrating on Milwaukee. Milwaukee has done an excellent job developing infrastructure on both the public side and through public-private partnerships. We have strong highways,
a port on Lake Michigan, an efficient airport and reliable rail connections that make Milwaukee a hub for commerce. Our focus on freshwater technology is unparalleled and rightfully envied throughout the world. In addition, the Milwaukee region is served by top-rated healthcare systems.

But without question, the strongest asset of the Milwaukee area is the people. The strong work ethic and Midwestern attitude combined with the genuine interest in and care for others is truly unmatched in other parts of the country.

Studies show that Wisconsin also has one of the most talented workforces in the nation, especially in science and engineering. This keeps Milwaukee at the forefront of industrial innovation, drawing both local and outside firms to continue investing in new factories and R&D centers throughout southeast Wisconsin. In addition, our workforce often starts new businesses, fueling a positive cycle of innovation and wealth generation.

We partner with individuals, families, hospitals, nonprofits and thousands of businesses—from
sole proprietorships to publicly traded companies and governmental organizations—in the Milwaukee
area, with loans, payment processing and other services that companies need to function. This, in turn, helps power infrastructure projects, including road building, energy, transportation, clean water initiatives and healthcare access.

Associated Bank recognizes Milwaukee as a growth market that will continue to elevate the entire region. Our motto is “Your Money Works Here®”; it’s the foundation of why we’ve committed to reinvesting in our communities while fostering, retaining and supporting local talent.

Deposit and loan products are offered by Associated Bank, N.A. Loan products are subject to credit approval and involve interest and other costs. Please ask about details on fees and terms and conditions of these products. Property insurance and flood insurance, if applicable, will be required on collateral. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.