WEDC presents Associated with Minority Business Development Award
MILWAUKEE - November 1, 2012 - The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has presented Associated Bank with its Minority Business Development Award, in recognition of Associated's continuing investment in Revolving Loan Funds of the Hispanic Chamber of Wisconsin (HCCW) and the African American Chamber of Commerce (AACW).
The Revolving Loan Funds were established to make capital accessible to start-up and expanding minority businesses, according to Seyoum Mengesha, Minority Business Development Manager for WEDC's Business and Industry Development group.
"We commend Associated's engagement with the minority community," said Mengesha, "and hope its efforts will encourage others to follow this visionary lead."
In August, Associated contributed $50,000 to the AACW and HCCW Revolving Loan Funds - a donation that will help each fund support eight start-up or expansion businesses, in the process creating or retaining up to 20 jobs, generating tax revenues and building up wealth in the community.
"In addition to the monetary contribution," said Gwen Dansby, Associated's Vice President-Community Affairs and CRA Officer, "Associated will provide its financial expertise to assist the Chambers in bringing more access to capital for small businesses."
WEDC presented the award to Associated at its recent Governor's Awards Luncheon at Potawatomi Expo Center, Milwaukee. The luncheon was held in conjunction with Marketplace 2012 - for more than 30 years, the premier business-building conference for minority entrepreneurs, including women and disabled veterans, and an outstanding opportunity for these entrepreneurs to meet prospective buyers, connect with small-business resources, agencies and programs, and learn how to leverage local, state and federal certification programs.
"We're honored to have been recognized by this critically important organization," said Andrew Ruehl, Associated Corporate Social Responsibility Manager. "One of our goals at Associated is to promote the health, strength and stability of the communities we serve, for the long-term benefit of everyone concerned. And contributing to these Revolving Loan Funds is one of the best ways we've found to help make that happen."
ABOUT ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP
Associated Banc-Corp (NASDAQ: ASBC) has total assets of $23 billion and is one of the top 50, publicly traded, U.S. bank holding companies. Headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., Associated is a leading Midwest banking franchise, offering a full range of financial products and services through more than 250 banking locations serving more than 150 communities throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota, and commercial financial services in Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, 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 Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), formed in 2011 as a public-private entity, leads economic development efforts for the state and nurtures business growth and job creation by advancing Wisconsin's business climate. In addition to the state's strong legacy industries of agriculture and manufacturing, recent economic growth has occurred in multiple specialty sectors: water technology, renewable energy, bio-medical research and technology, healthcare systems, and food processing. In 2012 Wisconsin was ranked No. 20 in CEO Magazine's "Best States for Business" list and No. 17 as a top state for business by CNBC. WEDC partners with more than 600 economic development organizations throughout the state to serve businesses looking to start, grow or relocate. WEDC has four core areas of focus: business and industry development, economic and community development, entrepreneurship and innovation, and international business development. Visit wedc.org or follow WEDC on Twitter @_InWisconsin to learn more.
Contact: Nicole Koremenos
Public Relations Specialist
414-278-1832 PHONE
414-254-2270 CELL
Nicole.Koremenos@AssociatedBank.com
