Associated Bank recently acknowledged the efforts of its top 20 volunteers for 2013, including five from Green Bay, with a $1,000 grant to the non-profit organization of their choice.

Associated’s top volunteers in the Green Bay area include: Brandon Byng, Abrams Spotlight Productions; Anthony Giovannini, De Pere Police Volunteer In Police Services Program; Sandra Gore, Mit Liebe German Shepherd Rescue Group; Cathleen Halsey, Happily Ever After Animal Sanctuary (Green Bay and Marion, Wis.); and John Techmeier, Boy Scouts of America, West De Pere Troop 1039 and Pack 4039.

In 2013, Associated employees across the three state footprint volunteered more than 47,000 hours. The top 20 volunteers donated more than 10,000 hours (at least 290 each), and another 253 employees each logged more than 50 volunteer hours.

“Colleague volunteer hours in 2013 topped 47,524, exceeding 2012 by 10,000 hours,” said Cliff Bowers, director of public relations, Associated Bank. “Associated is committed to giving back to its communities, and hundreds of colleagues do just that — by serving as donors, organizers, leaders, inspirers and doers.”

Sandra Gore, operations technician with Associated in Green Bay, volunteers with Mit Liebe (With Love) German Shepherd Dog Rescue.

“When you see a dog close to death because of neglect and you can bring him back to health and adopt him out, it gets in your heart,” said Gore. “I can’t imagine my life now without this rescue to support. Without help like Associated provides, we would not be able to save the next dog.”

John Techmeier, IT system engineer with Associated in Green Bay, volunteers with Boy Scouts of America, West De Pere Troop 1039 and Pack 4039.

“Getting the opportunity to be a positive influence for my son and other boys is the most enjoyable thing in the world,” said Techmeier. “Seeing the look on a boy’s face when he accomplishes an achievement, especially one he thought he could never do, is absolutely priceless.”

Associated’s philanthropy reflects the people, the culture and the spirit of the company. Colleagues are actively engaged in the charitable process to help identify nonprofit organizations and causes that best address the unique needs of communities across Associated’s footprint. Associated encourages and supports colleague volunteerism efforts by providing the internal resources that help connect colleagues with the nonprofit organizations that meet their personal passion for community involvement.

Photo caption: Sandra Gore of Associated Bank volunteers with Mit Liebe German Shepherd Rescue Group and was awarded with a $1,000 grant for the group from Associated for her efforts.