32 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017 Community Outreach Survey Year 2016 results FEATURE Banks are pillars of the communities they serve, offering outreach far beyond basic banking services. Banks additionally support organizations through dedication of time, talent and capital to help build better communities. To measure community service donated by Indiana banks to their communities, the Indiana Bankers Association surveyed member banks about community involvement last year, specifically Nov. 1, 2015, through Oct. 31, 2016. A total of 34 banks responded, representing 25.56 percent of membership. The statistics shown in the infographic on page 37 are interpolated, using the respondents as a proxy for all member banks of the IBA. Examples of Outreach 1st Source Bank, South Bend, supported the United Way of St. Joseph County’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, which provides no-cost tax filing services for individuals with limited incomes. The bank provided a $31,000 contribution to help fund the program and bank associates volunteered their time to help prepare tax returns for program participants. Community First Bank of Indiana, Kokomo, worked with the Kokomo CEO Program (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities), a joint effort between local businesses and educators to help enable area junior and senior high school students to become enterprising individuals able to contribute to the economic development of their communities. Six bank associates were engaged in the program, including Bob Hickman, chief credit officer, who facilitated a class on writing a business plan. Commercial lenders and credit managers from the bank participated in a “Banker Day,” where students presented their business plans for evaluation. Robb Blume, bank president and CEO, hosted an onsite Banking 101 class. Additionally Blume and Jonathon Malin, commercial loan officer, participated as mentors to students. Kim LaFollete, director of marketing, serves on the board of directors and oversees the mentor program and annual trade show for students. Bath State Bank collected 13,850 pounds of paper shred for Earth Day, and nearly three dozen batteries were recycled for the Union County Band Booster fundraiser. Additionally the bank collected 92 hard drives, 85 computers, 42 printers, 21 televisions, six sweepers, five microwaves and other miscellaneous items. The bank also distributed nearly 150 trees to customers and noncustomers. Community State Bank of Southwestern Indiana, Poseyville, supports several initiatives; the bank is most active with United Way and Relay for Life. BloomBank, Bloomfield, donated $45,000 to the FOX 59 Habitat Sponsorship. The bank also contributed to the preservation of the Courthouse bell in Greene County by funding a gazebo on the Courthouse lawn to house the bell. Colleagues of 1st Source Bank, South Bend, join together to present a $31,000 contribution to the United Way of St. Joseph County for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. Bath State Bank celebrates Earth Day collecting and recycling items such as paper and electronics, in addition to distributing trees for planting.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTg3NDExNQ==