WEA Member Benefits Celebrating 50 years of supporting public school employees

WEA Member Benefits is proud to be celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2022.

It is exciting to be celebrating this milestone anniversary as we continue to see the need for, and importance of, financial literacy and security in this ever-changing economic environment.

As we reflect on the 50 year history of WEA Member Benefits, we continue to operate and do what is best for our members–it’s the premise on which Member Benefits was founded and it continues to drive every decision we make. 50 years is a long time, and yet we’re just getting started. Meeting your and your family’s financial needs continues to be our top priority.

To our members, employees, and the public school employees across Wisconsin — Thank you for continuing to place your trust in our organization. That trust is what fuels our passion to deliver on our promises and drives our vision to work toward every member being financially secure.

Here’s to another 50 amazing years.

Dave Kijek, President/CEO, WEA Member Benefits

 

Our Story Begins with You
1970s

1972

WEA Liability & Casualty Insurance Trust created to market and provide auto insurance to our members.   

1978

WEA TSA Trust established (now known as our 403(b) program). 

1990s

1993

WEA Liability & Casualty Insurance Trust added WEA Property & Casualty Insurance Company, offering both homeowners and auto policies.  

1997

WEA Liability & Casualty Insurance Trust morphed into WEAC Member Benefit Trust.   

1999

IRA program launched, offering both Traditional and Roth IRA options. 

2000s

2003

Big organizational changes: a new mission statement, vision, and group name. The newly combined organization offered personal insurance and retirement and investment savings accounts under the name WEA Trust Member Benefits.  

2005

Forbes Magazine recognized our 403(b) program as a low-cost program available to WI public school employees. 

2008

Inaugural your$ quarterly magazine mailed to school districts and members.

2010s

2012

Don’t Be Jack™ financial literacy game awarded the Excellence in Financial Literacy Education (EIFLE) Award.

2014

WEA Trust Member Benefits became WEA Member Benefits, further establishing our separate company in brand and identity.   

2019

WEA Member Benefits Foundation, Inc launched with the mission to support educators, public education, and the communities they serve.   

Movements made to expand product and services offerings to public school employees outside of Wisconsin. 

2020s

2020

Don’t Be Jack™ High School Edition financial literacy game awarded 2020 Excellence in Financial Literacy Education (EIFLE) Children’s Education Program Game of the Year. 

Where are they now?

For nearly 13 years, your$ magazine has featured Wisconsin public school employees on their journeys toward becoming financially secure. We’ve followed their stories and shared with you the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Leatrice's Legacy family photos

As Member Benefits enters our 50th year, what better way to celebrate than checking in with some of the individuals and families we’ve featured over the years? Let’s find out where they are now!  

A lot has changed since we’ve first spoke with them, but their priority to keep on track for their financial future is the same.  

Throughout 2022 we’ll bring you up-to-speed with some of our past features through our quarterly your$ magazines, social media channels, and website Q&As.

Check out our Q&As here

Follow us on our social channels below!

“What has helped most is formally dedicating time to talk exclusively about finances and saving. You can’t continually give to your school and students if you haven’t dedicated time to yourself too. It sounds simple, but educators, as intrinsically giving individuals, have to be reminded to keep that balance.”

Emily (Piehl) Portillo

Educator

“The future of this organization is bright and together we can and will have a significant impact on the financial security of Wisconsin public school employees for years to come.”

Clayton Smits

Retired Educator, WEA Member Benefits Board Chairperson

photo strip of black and white pictures