The National Community Bank Service Awards, presented by the Independent Community Bankers of America and sponsored by FIS, recognize community banks providing outstanding, hands-on volunteer community service efforts to their local communities. The 2018 National Community Bank Service Awards recognize all types of community service efforts, from community development to financial literacy and everything in between
2018 National Community Banking Service Award Winners
Since the inception of ICBA's National Community Banking Service Awards in 2002, all types of community service activities have been honored. Many spur new economic development. Some work to expand financial literacy. Still others offer a compassionate helping hand or provide widely enjoyed occasions for people simply to come together to celebrate and make new friends.
Grand Award Winner
BayCoast Bank’s efforts to transform lives and communities through its “Get on the Bus” education initiative earned the $1.5 billion-asset bank top honors this year. Building on its principals for an educationally focused community, BayCoast Bank used a refurbished school bus to visit schools and community events to bolster support for continuing education for South Coast residents. As part of this initiative the bank has donated more than $800,000, launched a financial education program with 14 area schools, and brought 800 seventh-graders on college tours to the University of Massachusetts.
National Award Winners
ICBA also recognizes Midwest BankCentre for its “Banking the Unbanked and Underbanked,” initiative, which brought mainstream banking services to more than 1,200 previously “unbanked” or “under-banked” families in the St. Louis metro area. The $1.8 billion-asset bank’s employees contributed in excess of 4,700 volunteer hours in 2017 to help hundreds of immigrants, minorities and economically disadvantaged citizens access financial services, and spur community redevelopment and reinvestment.
Additionally, Kennebec Savings Bank received honors for its Main Street Pride redevelopment project, which focused on the renovation, repair and rebuilding of downtown waterfront properties. The $952 million-asset bank invested nearly $500,000 toward several downtown projects focusing on arts and culture, business development and community charity. In addition to its financial contribution, the bank also encourages volunteerism, with 45 percent of its employees participating.
Honorable Mentions
- Community State Bank in Union Grove, Wis., for its Shepherds Community Café, which provides training for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- ESB Financial in Emporia, Kans., for its MoneyIsland online financial literacy game, which is geared for grade-school children aged 8-14.
- Royal Bank in Elroy, Wis., for its social media #MilkBreakChallenge campaign, which promotes the local dairy industry.
- Tri Valley Bank in Talmage, Neb., for rehabilitating dilapidated lots in support of a new fire and rescue facility.
- American Bank of Beaver Dam, Wis., for its St. Vincent De Paul Emergency Relief Fund, which assisted displaced families following an apartment explosion.
- National Bank of Commerce in Superior, Wis., for its NBC Community Impact Week, which included several environmental improvement and beautification projects.