Wisconsin bankers vote to merge associations

Wisconsin bankers voted overwhelmingly to merge their two state associations into one organization. The Community Bankers of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Bankers Association announced the result of the vote on Jan. 5.."Over the years, with growing frequency, members have expressed a desire for the two associations to combine into one," said CBW Chairman Jerry O'Connor and WBA Chairman Rob Cera. "The recent vote confirms what the leaders from both organizations have heard; Wisconsin's bankers want one organization speaking with one voice to address the common challenges and focused on supporting the continued longevity of Wisconsin banks. This is an historic moment in Wisconsin's banking industry.".A vote was conducted between Dec. 9 and Dec. 30. The law firms of Godfrey & Kahn and Boardman & Clark tabulated the following results:.• For CBW, 96 percent of votes cast supported the merger (177 voted "yes;" 8 voted "no")..• For WBA, 97 percent of votes cast supported the merger (232 voted "yes;" 6 voted "no"). WBA membership also overwhelmingly approved the proposed slate of officers and directors..The merger is expected to be completed by the end of February. The resulting organization will use the WBA name and its current offices in Madison. WBA President Rose Oswald Poels will remain president of the merged organization with CBW President/CEO Daryll Lund serving as executive vice president and chief of staff..The Wisconsin bankers are following the lead of their peers in Indiana who voted to merge the Community Bankers Association of Indiana into the Indiana Bankers Association in 2006.