Green Bay, Wis., July 11, 2024 - Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) (“Associated”) has been recognized by global commerce platform, WEX (NYSE: WEX), as a 2023 Circle of Excellence inductee for embracing innovation and excellence in health savings account (HSA) services. Additionally, Associated’s Melissa Hukriede, senior vice president, director of HSA and health benefits, received a leadership award in recognition of her outstanding work in the health benefits division. 

As an inductee of the 2023 Circle of Excellence, Associated is among a selective group of top performers within the WEX community. In 2023, Associated simplified its business operations for its health benefits and HSA services, including updating new employer onboarding, streamlining trustee to trustee HSA transfers for new HSA account holders, and simplifying electronic data files for employers. These efforts resulted in retaining 99.9% of Associated’s employer accounts.  

“I am incredibly honored and so proud of our team, who continually strive for innovation in the health benefits industry,” said Melissa Hukriede, SVP, director of HSA and health benefits, Associated Bank. “This recognition reinforces Associated Bank’s position as a top 20 HSA provider that consistently delivers great value to our customers, partners, and the industry.” 

Melissa Hukriede, senior vice president, director of HSA and health benefits at Associated Bank (middle), accepts WEX leadership award in recognition of her outstanding work in the health benefits division in the 2023 Community Awards at WEX Spark 2024.
Melissa Hukriede, senior vice president, director of HSA and health benefits at Associated Bank (middle), accepts WEX leadership award in recognition of her outstanding work in the health benefits division in the 2023 Community Awards at WEX Spark 2024.

This marks the fourth consecutive year that WEX has recognized Associated Bank as a Circle of Excellence inductee for its work in the financial benefits industry, specifically HSAs. In 2022, the bank also received a WEX Community Award and Benefits Service Innovation Award; and in 2021, Associated was named a CDH Platform Partner of the Year. 

Hukriede was recognized for her commitment to excellence in deploying WEX paytech, insurtech and other technology solutions for employee benefit programs, administration and service.  

In addition to the new activities and operational updates, Associated officially launched a high-yield HSA certificate of deposit (CD) in June, demonstrating the bank’s commitment to evolving and improving its offerings.  

"Associated Bank is a great example of how impactful it can be to offer innovative HSA benefits to employees while leveraging WEX technology, software, and payments solutions to simplify operations,” said Robert Deshaies, WEX’s Chief Operating Officer, Benefits. “WEX is both humbled and inspired to be entrusted to support their impressive efforts." 

The WEX Community Awards, established in 2008, are presented yearly and recognize WEX partner organizations and companies that have achieved extraordinary notable accomplishments across areas including growth, advocacy, leadership, innovation and customer service as well as overall outstanding company successes.  

The 2023 Community Awards were presented at WEX SPARK 2024, WEX’s annual learning and networking event, which took place on April 8-10 in Orlando, Florida. A full list of fellow honorees is available at www.wexinc.com.  

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ABOUT ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP 

Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) has total assets of $41 billion and is the largest bank holding company based in Wisconsin. Headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Associated is a leading Midwest banking franchise, offering a full range of financial products and services from nearly 200 banking locations serving more than 100 communities throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota. The company also operates loan production offices in Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio and Texas. Associated Bank, N.A. is an Equal Housing Lender, Equal Opportunity Lender and Member FDIC. More information about Associated Banc-Corp is available at www.associatedbank.com. 

ABOUT WEX 

WEX (NYSE: WEX) is the global commerce platform that simplifies the business of running a business. WEX has created a powerful ecosystem that offers seamlessly embedded, personalized solutions for its customers around the world. Through its rich data and specialized expertise in simplifying benefits, reimagining mobility, and paying and getting paid, WEX aims to make it easy for companies to overcome complexity and reach their full potential. For more information, please visit www.wexinc.com.