Associated Bank employees across the three state footprint of Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota volunteered more than 53,000 hours in 2014, and contributing to that total was Karla Losey, Lisa Hammer, Steve Hank, Boyd Schenck, Connie Trantina and Bernarda Zagas of Associated Bank.
The team volunteered their time with Junior Achievement in Peoria and surrounding areas teaching students in grades K-12 about entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy through experimental, hands-on programs to assist students’ understanding of the concept of economics.
“There is such a need for financial literacy training and I’m so proud of our Peoria colleagues who willingly volunteer their time to make a difference, and often receive far more than they give,” said Karla Losey, district manager, Associated Bank. “Volunteering and helping improve financial literacy in our community makes Peoria a better place to live and to do business.”
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, especially with those organizations that align with the company’s desire to help individuals, families and communities achieve financial sustainability.
“It’s our goal to further encourage Associated colleagues to participate in a shared experience of community service, providing diverse financial education volunteer activities in focused partnership with Junior Achievement and other select nonprofit organizations,” said Mary Wilkosz, corporate social responsibility manager, Associated Bank.
More than 1,600 employees contributed to the 53,000 volunteer hours in 2014, including board service to 574 nonprofit organizations throughout Associated’s footprint. In Peoria and Tazwell Counties, 1,375 hours were volunteered.
Additional top volunteers at Associated include:
- Kendra Koser, Friends of Peoria Public Library and Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp
- Sharon Law, PCCEO job training program
- Ashley Ash, PCCEO job training program
“Junior Achievement has enjoyed a partnership with Associated Bank in supporting youth financial education in a host of metropolitan areas and smaller communities throughout their three-state consumer footprint,” said Mary Pille, president, Junior Achievement of Central Illinois. “Students benefit from not only financial literacy curriculum, but the dynamic and positive role models provided by Associated Bank volunteers.”