Report highlights significant progress in giving back to
communities and building for the future
GREEN BAY, Wis., March 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Associated
Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) (Associated Bank) has released its 2021
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report. This annual
report highlights the company's progress on ESG priorities and
features programs designed to improve the economic health of its
markets; promote diversity, equity and inclusion; deliver a safe,
productive and engaging workplace and culture; and preserve the
environment. The report also features the Company's ESG approach
and governance practices.
"Associated Bank's ESG efforts are foundational to everything we
do," said Andy Harmening, president
and chief executive officer at Associated Bank. "We are intentional
with our priorities and strive to deliver increasing, long-term
value to all stakeholders – the customers we serve, our colleagues
and the communities where we live and work, and shareholders who
place their trust in our performance."
In the past year, Associated Bank evolved its ESG reporting to
align with both the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board
(SASB) and Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures
(TCFD). The report includes disclosures aligned with the SASB and
TCFD indices and the EEO-1 Demographics Index. The Company also
established new corporate position statements on human rights,
environmental and social lending, and environmental risk
management. This corresponds with Associated Bank's commitment of
setting strategic and achievable ESG objectives that help guide the
Company's work and improve performance.
"While environmental, social and governance programming isn't
anything new for Associated Bank, we are now focused on providing a
more expansive view of our efforts," said Randy Erickson, general counsel and ESG
committee chair at Associated. "We are proud of our accomplishments
and appreciate the opportunity to share this comprehensive view of
our progress."
The report covers the period from January
1, 2021, through December 31,
2021, except where noted. Among the many focus areas this
report covers, key highlights from the past year include:
Economic Impact:
- Approximately $1.2 billion in
residential loans to support low- to moderate-income (LMI) and
minority homeownership. This represents 6,278 residential mortgages
helping families obtain homes.
- $465 million in community
development loans and investments to create affordable housing
options, provide community services and promote community
development.
- $324 million in loans to small
businesses.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:
- More than 99% of colleagues participate in DE&I
training.
- 43% of colleagues participate in Colleague Resource
Groups.
- 63% middle and executive management diversity and 36% Board of
Directors diversity as defined by gender, race or ethnicity.
Human Rights:
- Adopted Human Rights Statement focusing on providing a safe,
diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all
stakeholders.
Governance:
- Further formalized Board-level oversight of ESG.
- Formally established senior management level ESG
Committee.
Sustainability/Environment
- Established Environmental Sustainability Council to identify,
implement and effectuate priorities for environmental
sustainability activities.
- 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 on to be a Supporter of the Task Force on
Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) in September 2021.
- Joined the Value Reporting Foundation, formerly known as the
Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB).
Associated Bank's ESG report is available at
Investor.AssociatedBank.com under the Environmental, Social and
Governance tab. It may also be accessed directly HERE.
ABOUT ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP
Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE:
ASB) has total assets of $35 billion
and is Wisconsin's largest bank
holding company. Headquartered in Green
Bay, Wisconsin, Associated is a leading Midwest banking
franchise, offering a full range of financial products and services
from more than 200 banking locations serving more than 100
communities throughout Wisconsin,
Illinois and Minnesota. The company also operates loan
production offices in Indiana,
Michigan, Missouri, New
York, 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.
Contact: Jennifer
Kaminski
Vice President | Public Relations Senior
Manager
920-491-7576 | Jennifer.Kaminski@associatedbank.com
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SOURCE Associated Banc-Corp