Partner Spotlight: WaterStone Bank

Each month we celebrate a local business or organization that supports 88Nine Radio Milwaukee. This month, we chat with WaterStone Bank.

Hi, what is your name and title at WaterStone Bank?

Doug Gordon, President/CEO of WaterStone Bank

Doug Gordon

What is one song you can't stop listening to and why?

“Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake. My grandchildren and I watch the Trolls movie together and sing and dance to this song. Neither of which are very good!

What are you passionate about in regards to our community and what is WaterStone Bank doing for the community?

I love the revival of Milwaukee’s Near West Side that we are experiencing. West of the river is finally being developed and occupied by businesses that service the neighborhood. Marquette’s expansion has aided in this revival as well as the redevelopment of Grand Avenue. I am also passionate about the success of our local professional sports teams. The excitement around the success of the Bucks and Brewers has helped rejuvenate the community.

WaterStone Bank is a community bank and we strive to be a good corporate citizen and neighbor by giving back to local nonprofits. We focus on four key giving areas: Community Development, Education, Women & Children, and Veterans Initiatives. In 2019, we donated more than $800,000 to over 240 local nonprofits and our staff volunteered over 800 hours. A couple of other key initiatives we focus on are financial literacy and honoring our local emergency first responders and veterans. We recognize that in order for us to be a strong and stable bank, we need to have strong and stable communities.

Doug Gordon with Keith Stanley of Near West Side Partners and Alan Goodman, winner of the 2019 Rev-up MKE competition. WaterStone Bank has been a sponsor of the competition since 2016 and provides $10,000 to the winner each year.

How did WaterStone Bank get started? What are some highlights from 2019 and what's in store for 2020?

WaterStone Bank started in 1921 in Wauwatosa, and until 2008 you may have known us as Wauwatosa Savings Bank. We changed our name to WaterStone Bank in 2008 to better reflect our future goals, and we now have 13 branches in local communities around southeastern Wisconsin. For 2020, we are excited to be back as the presenting sponsor for the Milwaukee Air & Water Show on July 25 and 26. We’re also looking forward to rolling out our new digital banking platform for our customers.

Why do you chose to support 88Nine Radio Milwaukee?

Our bank chooses to support 88Nine Radio Milwaukee because the organization is a true champion of community engagement and inclusivity. Radio Milwaukee works to uplift other local nonprofits who are doing outstanding and impactful work for our neighbors. Over the years, we have enjoyed supporting 88Nine through community stories and curated PSAs.