ICBA Recognizes Three Community Banks for Outstanding Community Service
Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) August 03, 2015 -- What do a playground project, financial literacy and a veteran’s initiative have in common? They are just three of the ways in which community banks are giving back to their local communities in a big way. They are also three initiatives from community banks that are being recognized today as winners of the annual Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) National Community Bank Service Awards program. This ICBA award brings national recognition to the unparalleled contributions that community banks make to their local communities.
“Community banks do extraordinary and remarkable things in their local communities to help local residents,” said ICBA President and CEO Camden R. Fine. “We are pleased to showcase and honor three outstanding community banks and the charitable programs they provide in the ICBA National Community Bank Service Awards program. ICBA is privileged to represent such thoughtful, dedicated and compassionate community bankers.”
The 2015 ICBA National Community Bank Service Awards winners are:
Grand National Award:
• First Federal Savings Bank, Twin Falls, Idaho.
National Award:
• Provident Bank, Iselin, N.J.
• Citizens Bank of Las Cruces, Las Cruces, N.M.
As the Grand National Award recipient, First Federal Savings Bank is recognized for its innovative Community Playground Project. The project, which began as a way to thank the local community for its support over the bank’s 100 years of operation, resulted in a playground that can be used by all children and parents, including those with disabilities. First Federal Bank Park opened in April 2015 and spans approximately 13,000-square feet, including a 3,000-square-foot splash pad and special features for individuals with disabilities. Additional features will join the playground this summer.
Provident Bank was named a National Award recipient in recognition of its Provident4Women program, an initiative launched in July 2014 to financially educate local women and help them gain financial success and freedom. The financial empowerment program combines an online presence and offline workshop and networking events. In March 2015, Provident4Women held its first workshop, Grow Your Business. The inaugural event was a major success and featured four Provident Bank volunteers who spoke on business growth from the perspectives of branding, using social media wisely and consistent communication.
Citizens Bank of Las Cruces was named a National Award recipient in recognition of its Joining Forces for Veterans initiative. For the past five years, Citizens Bank of Las Cruces has coordinated the program, which invites bank employees and members of the community to collect much needed donations, personal-care items and other necessities for 126 veterans and spouses from the New Mexico State Veterans’ Home.
“We commend this year’s community bank award recipients for giving their time, expertise and resources to better their communities and the lives of their customers and neighbors,” ICBA Chairman Jack Hartings, president and CEO of The Peoples Bank Co., in Coldwater, Ohio said. “The actions and generosity of these award recipients exemplify what community banking is all about.”
ICBA founded the National Community Bank Service Awards program to help celebrate the outstanding volunteer efforts of the nation’s community banks, which for generations have taken a proactive approach to helping local residents and their communities thrive.
ICBA sought nominations for passionate, innovative and impactful community service projects and received more than 230 nominations. This is the 14th year the association has held this contest, which was sponsored by FIS, and raised national recognition for the unmatched volunteer efforts of the nation’s community banks.
To read more about these three outstanding community banks and the dedicated service they provide to their local communities, visit ICBA’s Independent Banker® magazine’s website at http://www.independentbanker.org.
About ICBA
The Independent Community Bankers of America®, the nation’s voice for more than 6,000 community banks of all sizes and charter types, is dedicated exclusively to representing the interests of the community banking industry and its membership through effective advocacy, best-in-class education and high-quality products and services. For more information, visit http://www.icba.org.
Aleis Stokes, Independent Community Bankers of America, +1 (202) 821-4457, [email protected]
Share this article