Stevens Point, Wis. – April 10, 2015 – Associated Bank employees across the three state footprint of Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota volunteered more than 53,000 hours in 2014, and contributing to that total was Lorraine Avery who volunteered with the Junior Achievement board of directors.

 

Avery, strategic director of bank operations, Associated Bank, has been on the board of directors since January 2014. In addition to board responsibilities, she also helps with fund development and building awareness of the need to support the empowerment of young people to own their economic success.

 

“I have always been a supporter and actively involved in volunteering since I first moved to Stevens Point,” said Avery. “I truly believe in the mission of Junior Achievement and am proud to serve on their board of directors to further their mission in providing children with the financial education they will need to make informed financial decisions as they get older.”

 

Avery was further recognized with the Dedicated Service Award from the Portage County United Way for her exemplary passion and compassion to the residents of Portage County through United Way.

 

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.

 

Sue Anderson, branch operations support and SOP manager, also exceeded in volunteer efforts with Advocates for the Developmentally Disabled - Community Partners; along with Brian Strigel, director of payments delivery, with Plover Whiting Youth Athletics. 

 

“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 Tim Greinert, president of Junior Achievement of Wisconsin. “This partnership has had a positive impact on our students, empowering young people to own their economic success.”