Associated Bank Recognized as a Disability Equality Index® Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion

GREEN BAY, Wis. - July 16, 2024 - Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) (Associated) today announced that it was recognized as a Disability Equality Index® Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion. The recognition is based on a score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index,the world's most comprehensive benchmarking tool for Fortune 1000 scope companies to measure disability workplace inclusion inside their organization and to assess performance across industry sectors.

"Associated Bank is proud to be a leader in creating greater inclusion for people with disabilities and being recognized as a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion," said Callie Davis, director of diversity, equity and inclusion, Associated Bank. "As we continue on our DE&I journey, we will maintain our commitment to disability inclusion efforts for not only our colleagues but also our customers and community."

The Disability Equality Index was originally developed as a joint initiative of Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and included the creation of an advisory committee of business leaders, policy experts and disability advocates. Now in its tenth year, the index exists to help businesses make a positive impact on the unemployment and underemployment of people with disabilities, while also helping companies create long term value for employees and shareholders and mitigate risk from new legislative requirements.

Associated Bank is committed to a diverse workforce, workplace and marketplace that includes:

• A workforce where diversity, equity and inclusion are represented at all levels, across all locations
• A workplace culture where everyone feels valued, respected and welcomed and every colleague is empowered to reach their full potential
• A diverse, equitable and inclusive approach in the marketplace for all customers, suppliers and markets

Ongoing diversity, equity and inclusion work at Associated Bank includes:

• Ensuring benefits, along with recruitment, employment and accommodation practices fully consider and include individuals with disabilities
• Internal training for colleagues on the benefits of disability hiring, accommodations and best practices for inclusion
• Executive sponsorship and support for Forward Abilities, Associated's Colleague Resource Group, for disability awareness, education and programs that support the needs of colleagues and communities
• In addition to traditional medical, dental and vision coverage, Associated offers competitive and comprehensive benefits including well-being programs and incentives, and an Employee Assistance Program
• Providing the opportunity for colleagues to voluntarily identify if they have a disability for better visibility and a more accurate portrayal of our workforce demographics
• Ensuring all emergency preparedness policies and procedures are inclusive to people with disabilities
• Remodeling bank branch facilities to improve accessibility to entryways and restrooms, as well as adding adjustable counters
• Updating the Associated website and digital banking platforms for increased accessibility
• Founding charter members of Disability:IN WI chapter with current active involvement and advocacy

In 2024, 542 corporations, including 71 Fortune 100 and 220 Fortune 500, utilized the index to benchmark their disability inclusion efforts. By completing the Disability Equality Index, companies can demonstrate stakeholder commitment to disability inclusion and equality, as well as broader social issues, and enhance their reputation.

"On the tenth anniversary of the Disability Equality Index, we're extremely proud of the 542 national and international companies that are taking a proactive role in leading progress towards disability inclusion, setting a benchmark for others to follow," said Jill Houghton, president and CEO, Disability:IN. "Their dedication to fostering inclusive workplaces not only attracts top talent but also drives innovation and creates sustainable performance in today's global market. Together, we are creating a future where everyone can contribute and thrive."

Globally, people with disabilities represent 1.3 billion individuals. Disability is a natural part of the human experience, and it crosses lines of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status and other demographics.

The Disability Equality Index scores companies across five categories: culture and leadership, enterprise-wide access, employment practices, community engagement, and supplier diversity. Participating companies receive a score on a scale of zero to 100, with those scoring 80 or higher earning the distinction of "Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion" for the benchmark year.

To learn more about Associated's disability inclusion efforts, visit www.associatedbank.com/careers/diversity-and-inclusion.

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ABOUT ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP

Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) has total assets of $41 billion and is the largest bank holding company based in Wisconsin. Headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Associated is a leading Midwest banking franchise, offering a full range of financial products and services from nearly 200 banking locations serving more than 100 communities throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota. The company also operates loan production offices in Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio and Texas. Associated Bank, N.A. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Equal Housing Lender, Equal Opportunity Lender and Member FDIC. More information about Associated Banc-Corp is available at www.associatedbank.com.

ABOUT THE DISABILITY EQUALITY INDEX®

The Disability Equality Index has become the leading independent, third-party resource for the annual benchmarking of corporate disability inclusion policies and programs, and is now trusted by more than 70% of the United States Fortune 100 and nearly half of the Fortune 500. Such companies must increasingly consider how emerging global reporting directives and stakeholder expectations surrounding social and corporate governance factors impact their operational, cultural, reputational and financial performance.

The Disability Equality Index is an objective, reflective, forward-thinking, and confidential disability rating tool designed to assist business in advancing inclusion practices. It is a comprehensive benchmark that helps companies build a roadmap of measurable, tangible actions across five scored categories: Culture & Leadership, Enterprise-Wide Access, Employment Practices, Community Engagement, and Supplier Diversity. Participating companies receive a score, on a scale of zero (0) to 100, with those scoring 80 or higher earning the distinction of "Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion" for the benchmark year.

Findings from a two-year Global Disability Equality Index pilot informed the launch of a scored benchmark that opened in 2024 to seven new countries in addition to the United States. These include: Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Japan, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom. Now in its 10th year, the Disability Equality Index has grown nearly 7x since 2015, expanding from 80 companies in its first year to 542 in 2024. Collectively, the 2024 edition received 753 submissions spanning the eight benchmarked countries.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (AAPD)

AAPD is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power for people with disabilities. As a national cross-disability rights organization AAPD advocates for full civil rights for the 60+ million Americans with disabilities. Learn more at: www.aapd.com

ABOUT Disability:IN®

Disability:IN is a global organization driving disability inclusion and equality in business. More than 500 corporations partner with Disability:IN to create long-term business and social impact through the world's most comprehensive disability inclusion benchmarking and reporting tool, the Disability Equality Index; best-in-class conferences and programs; expert counsel and engagement; and public policy leadership. Join us at disabilityin.org/AreYouIN #AreYouIN

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