Horicon Bank Marketing Director Wins 40 Under 40 Leadership Award | Natalie Schmitz

HORICON, Wis. – The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) recently named Grace Bruins of Horicon Bank to its “40 Under 40” list of emerging community banking leaders.

The annual 40 Under 40 Awards recognizes up-and-coming community banking influencers and
Innovators gathered from all over the country. Bruins serves as Horicon Bank’s head of marketing and leads communications across the bank.

“During my 12 years at Horicon Bank, I have had the opportunity to work with some great leaders both inside and outside the bank,” said Bruins. “While some had ‘chief’ in their title, many did not. All of these leaders taught me that true leadership requires empathy and integrity. Leaders need to genuinely care about people and the work they do.”

Horicon Bank President Fred C. Schwertfeger emphasized the bank’s commitment to caring for its employees.

“Our bankers have a responsibility to care for their communities, customers and society.
That’s another thing,” Schwertfeger explained. “Grace does just that. She is a selfless leader;
It took communication with colleagues to a whole new level. She empowers and supports her team to unleash the best versions of themselves and celebrates their accomplishments along the way. ”

In addition to leading the bank’s marketing team, Bruins spearheaded the launch of the bank’s own “Banking on Business” podcast, which aims to bring practical business strategies to local entrepreneurs. I did. She also serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for REACH Waupun, MPTC She also serves on the Marketing and Social Media Advisory Committee, and will serve as Chair of the Marketing Committee for the Wisconsin Bankers Association this year.

“Workplaces don’t often encourage community involvement like Horicon Bank does,” Bruins says. “We’re grateful for employers who invest in training their employees in leadership skills and say, ‘Come on, let’s use those skills to make the community around you a better place.'”

Horicon Bank has been promoting community leadership since 1896. As a full-service community bank, Horicon Bank has 20 locations in 15 of Wisconsin’s regions.

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