WBA says 'Take legislator to work'

Northwestern Financial Review, Jul 15-Jul 31, 2002

The Wisconsin Bankers Association is encouraging bankers to "take their legislator to work" during the 2002 campaign season. Harry Argue, WBA executive vice president and CEO, called the effort a grassroots initiative to get bankers more involved in the political process.

"Take your legislator to work day will first help legislators make the connection on how much banking affects the economic vitality of every community across the state," said Argue. "Second, it's critical that we encourage the nearly 25,000 employees of Wisconsin financial institutions to get more involved in the political process and learn more about the industry issues."

Argue said he wants all banks to participate in the effort. "Our goal is that each of our 350 member institutions invite their state representative and state senator to visit the bank this summer and fall," he said. "As part of the visit, lawmakers will sit down with bank employees to discuss key banking issues, such as legislation that would strip financial institutions of their priority liens for commercial loans."

In addition, Argue said he would encourage bankers to provide lawmakers with a tour of the bank to see the inner workings of a modern financial institution and allow the legislators to meet the entire bank staff. The day could conclude, he added, with lawmakers taking a turn at the teller window.

"The goal is to enhance much-- needed relationships between bankers and lawmakers and to educate lawmakers on the important role their banks play in maintaining a strong local economy,"Argue said.