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Robert Gallagher Selected for 2009 Free Enterprise Award
Rotary Club of Green Bay Honors Gallagher for Business and Community Excellence
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 11, 2009
(Green Bay, WI) The Rotary Club of Green Bay today announced that Robert “Bob” Gallagher, Retried CEO and Chairman of the Board of Associated Banc-Corp. will receive its 2009 Free Enterprise Award on Monday, May 4, 2009, in Green Bay. He is the 27th recipient of the prestigious award.
The Free Enterprise Award recognizes people and organizations in Brown County that exemplify American free enterprise. Upon learning of his selection for the Free Enterprise Award, Gallagher said, “It’s a great honor to receive this award. I am very appreciative to be recognized with the past recipients and look forward to carrying the tradition forward.”
Gallagher began his service to Green Bay in 1980 when he moved to the community to accept a position in executive management at Kellogg Bank. After only a short time, Gallagher became the President of Kellogg Bank Green Bay in 1981, succeeding Jake Rose (Rotary Award Winner in 1985) and two generations of the Rose family.
In 1982, Gallagher was appointed President of Associated Bank (Associated Banc-Corporation is the successor organization to Kellogg Bank). When Gallagher started at Kellogg Bank, the assets of the company were $575 million with 200 associates in Green Bay and 500 corporately. Under Gallagher’s leadership, Associated has grown to more than $24 billion in assets, employs 1200 in Green Bay and has over 5400 employees in a three state footprint; making Associated the 25th largest bank in the country.
Gallagher and his “Associated commitment” to the community carry on the tradition of Associated Bank’s predecessor, a bank that was established in 1874. “We have a firm commitment to quality, integrity and community focus,” said Gallagher. “Those are the original principals and beliefs of Associated. Thanks to quality of our associates, our successful customers and outstanding community, we have honored those commitments.”
Leading by example, Bob has served on numerous professional, business and community boards and organizations, including:
- Director of Green Bay Packers Executive Committee – Emeritus
- Director of Integrys Energy Group (Lead Director)
- Director of Catholic Family Life Insurance (Chairman)
- Green Bay Diocese Financial and Investment Council
- Trustee of St. Norbert College (former Chairman / Chair of Finance Committee)
- Past President of Greater Green Bay Community Foundation (co-founder)
- Past Director of Wisconsin Bankers Association
- Past Board Member of the Chamber of Commerce (Served on the executive committee)
- Past President of Advance (Chamber’s economic development division)
- Past Chairman of the United Way of Brown County
- Past Board Member of Family Services Association
- Past campaign leadership: YMCA and The Salvation Army of Brown County
Bob and his wife Carmen have seven children. He received his BSBA degree from Loyola University of Chicago.
“Bob’s commitment to his family, his profession and the community is remarkable,” said Free Enterprise Award Committee Chair, and past Rotary Club President, Robert J. Hieronimczak. “He is passionate in every task he takes on and has always led by example in the community and at Associated.”
Rotary Club of Green Bay President David Yeghiaian said Gallagher represents everything that’s right about the free enterprise system. “He is focused, leads by example and has empowered and directed the community involvement of his staff. Bob is a man of exceptional character and the highest ethical standards.”
“This award is shared by everyone at our organization,” said Gallagher. “The success of Associated stems from each employee’s focus on doing the right thing and knowing that we are only as strong as the community we support and serve.”
As part of the Free Enterprise Award, a $1,000 donation will be granted to the charity of Gallagher’s choice, which is Greater Green Bay Community Foundation.
The 27th annual Green Bay Rotary Club Free Enterprise Award Dinner will be held on Monday, May 4, 2009, at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, Green Bay. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. Program and awards presentation will follow. Tickets are $95 per person or $950 for a corporate table of 10. For ticket information or reservations, contact Sue Ringbloom or Barbara Vanden Avond at (920) 445-0365.
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Media Contact:
Susan Finco
Leonard & Finco Public Relations, Inc.
(920) 965-7750 ext. 158
sfinco@LFpublicrelations.com
Click here for a list of previous Free Enterprise Award recipients.
