FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Whitewater Conducts Business Retention & Expansion Visit with Associated Bank’s Local Branch
Whitewater, WI — The City of Whitewater recently conducted a Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) visit with Associated Bank’s Whitewater branch, continuing its ongoing efforts to support and strengthen local businesses.
The visit was conducted by Community Development Director Mason Becker and Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Karin Silvius, who met with Bank Manager Sarah Wambura to discuss the bank’s operations, customer base, and community engagement.
Associated Bank plays a key role in Whitewater’s financial ecosystem, with the majority of its local business centered on personal banking services and support for small businesses—particularly sole proprietorships and side ventures. This focus reflects the entrepreneurial spirit that continues to grow within the community.
“Associated Bank is an important partner in helping individuals and small businesses access the financial tools they need to succeed,” said Becker. “Their work with sole proprietors and emerging entrepreneurs is especially valuable in a community like Whitewater.”
The branch also serves a diverse customer base, including a significant number of Spanish-speaking clients. Wambura noted that the bank maintains bilingual staff to better meet the needs of its customers and ensure accessibility to financial services.
“We’re proud to serve a diverse community and make banking approachable for everyone,” said Wambura. “Having bilingual team members allows us to build stronger relationships and provide better support to our clients. This is a segment of our business that has been growing over the past five years.”
Beyond traditional banking, Associated Bank is actively engaged in community partnerships. The branch collaborates with Jorge Islas Martinez and Whitewater High School to host English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. They also support other educational workshops at the Whitewater Public Library, helping residents build skills and access new opportunities.
“Associated Bank’s involvement with our local library and other groups demonstrates a strong commitment to community development,” said Silvius. “These programs create meaningful impact by supporting education and inclusion.”
During the visit, Wambura also shared that Associated Bank is expected to merge with another regional financial institution, the Omaha-based American National Bank, before the end of 2026. While details are still emerging, the transition is anticipated to bring new opportunities while maintaining a focus on customer service and community engagement. The Associated Bank brand and name will be retained.
The City of Whitewater’s Business Retention & Expansion program is designed to connect with local businesses, understand their needs, and identify ways the City can support their continued growth and success.
For more information about the City of Whitewater’s economic development initiatives and Business Retention and Expansion visits, contact Mason Becker, Community Development Director, at mbecker@whitewater-wi.gov.