I’d like to begin my message by saying Happy New Year. We are now firmly into 2021, and although the challenges of the past year are holding on, I hope that each of you has found a way to shift—even if just mentally—to a fresh start. I also hope that you were able to find some peace and recharge a bit over the holiday season. 

Although many of us are still wearing the variety of hats 2020 has required of us, I also know we have real hope of an end in sight. That’s not to say it’s a magic fix to all the struggles of the past year, but with the creation of two vaccines and the beginning of distribution, I’m feeling optimistic that the end of this pandemic is near.

Over the last few months in particular, I’ve thought a lot about our communities and the ways we’ve all come together. As rocky as things have been, we still have had some very bright spots. For us at Wintrust, we’re as committed as always to making sure we’re supporting our friends and neighbors wherever we can. 

As we gear up for the next round of Paycheck Protection Program funding, our teams are busy behind the scenes making sure we are prepared to assist our local businesses. We also know that many of our community members are receiving the next round of government stimulus checks, and our bankers are standing by to help with any questions that arise.

2021 marks our 30^th anniversary, and I couldn’t be prouder of the company we’ve become in that time. We have our customers, our communities, and our employees to thank for that. And, although the last year has been bumpy, it has also made me even more grateful.

As we continue to recover and rebuild, there is nothing more inspiring than seeing the ways in which we all continue to persevere and remain hopeful. Hang in there. And, lean on us where you can.

Edward J. Wehmer

Wintrust Founder & CEO