WSI Digital, Forward Bank Partner on AI Success
News related to:WSI Digital and Forward Bank · 2 min read
Two-year collaboration positions the Wisconsin community bank as a model for practical AI adoption in banking. The recognition caps a collaboration that began when Forward Bank leadership heard Eric Cook speak at a Wisconsin bankers' event. Roughly a year later, Forward Bank engaged Cook to help identify where and how to begin adopting AI. The partnership has since grown to include on-site staff training, recurring internal training sessions, and joint appearances at industry programs including the Graduate School of Banking, Madison and the Financial Brand Forum in Las Vegas.
Much of the early work centered on governance and policy, giving Forward Bank a framework to test and roll out new AI tools without stalling on compliance requirements in a heavily regulated industry. That foundation has since translated into measurable results: in one reporting period, Forward Bank recorded 4,677 Copilot actions across the organization, saving an estimated 276 hours of staff time.
Forward Bank leadership describes the partnership in similar terms.
Cook, who spent 15 years working inside community banking before moving to the agency side, built WSI Digital's AI practice, CommunityBanking.ai, around the idea that AI adoption works best when framed as a coworker or thought partner rather than a technology purchase.
The partnership has allowed Forward Bank to leverage AI tools like Copilot, a platform designed to automate routine tasks and free up staff for more strategic work. In one recent quarter, Forward Bank saw a significant reduction in manual data entry, with staff members using Copilot to complete tasks that previously took hours. The AI system now handles more than 4,600 tasks per week, freeing up valuable time for Forward Bank's employees.
The collaboration has also enabled Forward Bank to establish a robust internal training program. WSI Digital has conducted multiple training sessions for Forward Bank staff, covering everything from AI basics to advanced use cases. These sessions have not only educated employees on how to use AI tools effectively but also fostered a culture of innovation and experimentation within the organization.
Forward Bank's leadership is enthusiastic about the partnership's impact.
WSI Digital, founded by Eric Cook, a 15-year community banking veteran turned digital strategist, has been instrumental in helping banks across the country build custom websites, SEO, and digital advertising. The agency operates as part of the global WSI network, the world's largest network of digital marketing consultants.
Forward Bank, a customer-owned community bank, provides personal, business, agricultural, insurance, and investment services with a focus on local decision-making and long-term investment in the communities it serves. The bank's commitment to community ownership and personalized service has made it a leader in the banking industry.