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 National Community Bank Service Awards recognize all types of community service efforts, from community development to financial literacy and everything in between.
Golden Valley Bank’s efforts to help rebuild ravished communities in the wake of the most destructive wildfire in California history earned the $350 million-asset bank top honors this year. Building on the civic service roots of the Golden Valley Bank Community Foundation, the bank leveraged its employees' fundraising experience to raise $13 million. It has already distributed more than $4 million to survivors, nonprofits and agencies. Participating employees logged on average 100 volunteer hours to assist with fundraising, accounting and awarding grants via the foundation.
ICBA recognizes Community Financial Services Bank (CFSB) for its Financial Wellness and Coaching initiative, which is helping to support systemic financial literacy in Kentucky. When the bank realized that Kentucky received disappointing grades in financial literacy, it sprung to action. Through CFSB’s collaboration with Ramsey Solutions and the Kentucky Financial Literacy Initiative, the $1.2 billion-asset bank has provided one-on-one coaching to 100 individuals and additional training to 5,000 individuals through sponsored school curriculum and workshops. CFSB also helped garner support for Kentucky House Bill 132, which was signed into law last April and incorporates financial literacy principles into state-mandated graduation requirements.
Somerset Trust received honors for its Champion of First Responders program, which provides funding in support of local volunteer fire departments and EMS organizations. The bank also honors the service and sacrifice of these brave individuals through various events, along with social media outreach. The $1.3 billion-asset bank makes annual donations to 60 local fire departments in excess of $35,000 and boasts an 80 percent employee volunteer rate.
United Bank, Atmore, Ala. Service Program: United Bank’s Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
1st Bank Yuma, Yuma, Ariz. Service Program: Kinder to College Financial Initiative
Profinium, Mankato, Minn. Service Program: Achieving Dreams Together
First State Bank of Purdy, Monett, Mo. Service Program: First on Front
Sandy Spring Bank, Olney, Md. Service Program: #SSB150 / Sandy Spring Foundation
Royal Bank, Elroy, Wis. Service Program: 2018 Flood Relief