Associated Bank Continues Presenting Sponsorship of On the Waterfront

Rockford, Ill. – Associated Bank will extend its presenting sponsor status of the On the Waterfront Festival for three additional years, the festival’s President and CEO Becky Genoways and Associated Bank President, Mike Greer announced today.

“We’re thrilled to continue with On the Waterfront,” said Greer.  “This is Rockford’s signature event and we’re proud we can help sustain the festival’s growth into one of the Midwest’s largest music festivals.”

The presenting sponsor since 1999, Associated Bank contributes to more than 200 Rockford, Beloit, Janesville and Chicago-area non-for-profits each year through grants, sponsorships and volunteering time.

“To Associated, this event is more than just a corporate sponsorship.  It’s about being a part of the community.  It’s about promoting the River District.  And, it’s about encouraging the development of creativity,” said Greer.

The On the Waterfront Festival presented by Associated Bank is Illinois’ largest music festival – held annually over Labor Day Weekend in Rockford, Illinois.  This high-profile, award-winning event attracts over 300,000 people and covers over 30 city blocks in the heart of the River District in downtown Rockford.  Eight music stages feature a variety of music and entertainment including jazz, blues, country, rock, swing, ethnic, zydeco, reggae, acoustic and oldies. 

Over 50 food booths provide delicious fare to tempt everyone’s palate.  Great food along with children’s activities and entertainment, sporting competitions, two carnivals, spectacular fireworks and over 30 special events throughout the grounds makes the On the Waterfront Festival a much-anticipated celebration.

“The three-year renewal of Associated Bank as the presenting sponsor of the On the Waterfront Festival is a testament to our organizations’ shared commitment to the quality of life in the region and the 100 plus charitable organization who have received over $8.3 million as a result of the festival,” said Becky Genoways. “On the Waterfront, Inc. is fortunate to have a partner with such a significant dedication to the community and we look forward to working together for the next three years.”

Located just 80 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, the On the Waterfront Festival draws from a wide region including the Chicago suburbs, the Quad Cities, Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois. A winner of several International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) Pinnacle Awards including the prestigious Gold Grand Pinnacle in 2002, On the Waterfront is a world-class event right in the heart of the Midwest.

Associated Banc-Corp, headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., is a diversified multibank holding company with total assets of approximately $22 billion and more than 320 banking offices serving more than 180 communities in Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota.  The company offers a full range of traditional banking services and a variety of other financial products and services.  More information about Associated Banc-Corp is available at www.AssociatedBank.com.

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On the Waterfront, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) event production corporation that produces Illinois’ largest music festival, On the Waterfront presented by Associated Bank. Awarded the prestigious 2002 Gold Grand Pinnacle Award by the International Festivals and Events Association for excellence in event promotion, the Festival is held annually over Labor Day weekend and attracts over 300,000 people to the streets of the downtown River District in Rockford, Illinois. Each year, On the Waterfront helps over100 local not-for-profit organizations raise funds through the festival.  Since 1986, On the Waterfront, Inc. has helped area organizations raise over $8.3 million.

In addition to the festival, On the Waterfront, Inc. also produces Groove Walk, an annual spring music walk throughout downtown Rockford, OTW Director’s Challenge golf outing , and the Stars & Guitars Rib Fest summer concert series.