Report shows significant progress in giving back and building for the future
GREEN BAY (Wis., March 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ –Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASBAssociated Bank has released their 2021 Environmental, Social and Governance report. This report highlights the company’s progress on ESG priorities. It features programs designed to improve economic health of its markets, promote diversity and equity, preserve the environment, and deliver a safe and productive workplace and culture. The report also includes information about the Company’s ESG strategy and governance practices.
“Associated Bank’s ESG efforts have been foundational to everything that we do,” he said. Andy HarmeningAssociated Bank’s president and chief executive officer. “We are clear about our priorities and seek to deliver increasing, longer-term value to all stakeholders: customers we serve, colleagues, communities where we live and works, and shareholders who put their trust in us.”
Associated Bank’s ESG reporting has been updated to comply with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board, (SASB), and Task Force on Climate Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) in the last year. The report includes disclosures that are aligned with the TCFD and SASB indices as well the EEO-1 Demographics Index. The Company also created new corporate position statements regarding human rights, environmental and socio lending, and management of environmental risk. This is in line with Associated Bank’s commitment to setting strategic and achievable ESG goals that will guide the Company’s work, and improve performance.
“While environmental, governance, and social programming are not new to Associated Bank, now we are focusing on providing a wider view of our efforts,” he said. Randy EricksonAssociated General Counsel and ESG Committee Chair. “We are proud to have achieved these accomplishments and we appreciate the opportunity share this comprehensive view of how we have progressed.”
The report covers a period from January 1, 2021Through December 31, 2021Except where noted, Among the many focus areas that this report covers, the following highlights are from the past 12 months:
Economic Impact
- Approximately $1.2 billionIn residential loans to support low-to-moderate-income (LMI), as well as minority homeownership. This includes 6,278 residential loans that helped families purchase homes.
- $465 MillionIn community development loans and investments to promote community development, provide services and create affordable housing options.
- $324 millionSmall business loans
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- More than 99 percent of colleagues are involved in DE&I Training.
- 43% of colleagues are members of Colleague Resource Groups.
- 63% diversity in middle and executive management and 36% diversity on the Board of Directors, as determined by gender, race, or ethnicity.
Human Rights
- Adopted Human Rights Declaration focusing on creating a safe, diverse and equitable environment for all stakeholders.
Governance:
- Further formalized Board-level oversight was given to ESG.
- ESG Committee at the top of the hierarchy.
Sustainability/Environment
- To identify, implement, and enforce priorities for environmental sustainability activities, the Environmental Sustainability Council was established.
- Established Environmental Risk Management Policy and Program statement focused on Environmental Risk Management; Climate Change, Carbon Emissions and Natural Resources; and Environmental and Social Lending.
- Signed up to become a Supporter for the Task Force on Climate Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). September 2021.
- Assembled the Value Reporting Foundation (formerly the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB)).
Associated Bank’s ESG report is available at Investor.AssociatedBank.com under the Environmental, Social and Governance tab. You can also access it directly. Click Here.
ABOUT ASSOCIATED BAANC-CORP
Associated Banc-Corp ASB) has total assets of $35 billionIs it? Wisconsin’sLargest bank holding firm. Headquartered at Green Bay, WisconsinAssociated is a top Midwest banking franchise that offers a full range financial products and services from over 200 locations serving more than 100 communities. Wisconsin, IllinoisAnd Minnesota. The company also has loan production offices. Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, New York, OhioAnd Texas. Associated Bank, N.A. Associated Bank, N.A. More information about Associated Banc-Corp may be found at www.associatedbank.com.
Contact: Jennifer Kaminski
Vice President, Public Relations Senior Manager| Public Relations Senior Manager
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SOURCE Associated Banc-Corp
