12th Annual Communities First
National Community Bank Service Awards

2013 Grand National Award Winner
New Washington State Bank
Charlestown, Indiana

On March 9, 2012 the New Washington State Bank (NWSB) united with New Hope Services, Inc. and the Indiana Bankers Association to establish the New Hope Services/Indiana Bankers Association Disaster Relief Fund in response to the devastating EF4-rated tornado that struck several rural Indiana communities on March 2, 2012.

Following the storm, NWSB hosted cookouts to help feed victims and volunteers, collected clothing and goods and encouraged its employees to participate in volunteer efforts during bank hours. The Fund collected over $380,000, which was donated to 146 families, businesses and nonprofits. Monies were used to help with medical bills, insurance shortages and premiums, food, clothing and many other items.

2013 National Award Winner
Category A: Assets less than $500 Million
OakStar Bank
Springfield, Missouri

In January 2012, OakStar Bank established the Star Service program to help those in need throughout the communities it serves. Through the Shoe Buddy program, Healthy Place-to-Play initiative and the YMCA Balloon Festival, OakStar Bank has been able to provide shoes for children in need, construct safe and reliable recreational spaces for area students and enrich the lives of children across the region.

The culture of service at OakStar Bank is based in fun and non-required giving – which makes the actual service results a testament to the passion and commitment of its employees. Throughout 2012, OakStar donated over $30,000 in bank funds, complemented by thousands of dollars in individual employee donations and volunteer hours.

2013 National Award Winner
Category B: Assets more than $500 Million
Two Rivers Bank and Trust
Burlington, Iowa

For the last 20 years Two Rivers Bank and Trust has worked to help the disadvantaged within their community while promoting community pride. Their unique service project, the Paint-A-Thon program was designed to help local residents whose homes were in need of a touch up.

In 2012, the program consisted of over 600 volunteers divided into 28 teams. Fourteen homes in Burlington-West Burlington and two in Mediapolis were painted. Since the program’s inception the Paint-A-Thon program has helped beautify a total of 426 homes in Two Rivers Bank and Trust’s community. The Paint-A-Thon has become an annual community event demonstrating how volunteers can put faith into action to improve not only the homesteads, but also the spirits of low income or disabled homeowners.

For more information about these outstanding volunteer efforts check out the April 2013 issue of the nationally recognized community banking magazine ICBA Independent Banker®. View digital edition online here.