10 JULY / AUGUST 2022 COVER ARTICLE The Indiana Bankers Association Commitment to Community Awards, presented annually at the IBA Mega Conference, tell the story of banking by showcasing bank community service provided the prior calendar year. Two awards are given, representing asset sizes under $500 million, and $500 million or more. For the 2021 awards, Home Bank, Martinsville, won in the category of banks under $500 million in assets, and First Savings Bank, Jeffersonville, won in the category of $500 million and above. Finalists were Alliance Bank and Hoosier Heartland State Bank in the under $500 million category; and Bank of America and Northwest Bank in the $500 million+ category. Nominating banks answer questions that align with an evaluation rubric, and all receive recognition through IBA social media. Following are the 22 nominations for the 2021 IBA C2C Awards, each telling the winning story of banking. Asset size: Under $500 million Alliance Bank, Francesville, aims to remain actively engaged in the community to address needs and opportunities. Bank staff serve in leadership roles on nonprofits, volunteer at community events, provide financial literacy education and give back monetarily to local organizations. In 2021, employees logged 1,012 volunteer hours, and donations exceeded $80,000. In 2021, the bank made its first multiyear pledges to a historic bridge renovation, public trail system, and regional economic and community development organization. Local events are also high priority The IBA Presents the 2021 C2C Award Nominations for the bank’s time and donations, since these events bolster the local economy by drawing in visitors and dollars. The bank encourages employees to be involved in outreach by providing time “on the clock” for volunteering endeavors and incentives, and participation is an expectation of employees. When employees have difficulty finding organizations to get involved with, managers are eager to help them find organizations that match their interests. The mission statement of Bath State Bank is: “Building genuine relationships with our customers and community by caring for them like family.” During 2021, the bank gave approximately $85,000 to 185 entities. During the pandemic, the bank delivered lunch to first responders, spread cheer to nursing home residents and adapted its financial literacy programs when in-person options were not feasible. In 2021, the bank was able to hold its annual financial literacy field trip virtually for area elementary students. The virtual field trip covered three separate elementary schools for a total of six classrooms, impacting some 250 students. Bank staff created a customized 20-minute virtual field trip presentation, plus supplied snacks and goodie bags for the students. Every employee of Bath State Bank volunteers in some capacity to make local communities a better place. Staff takes ownership of their communities where they live, work and play. First Federal Savings Bank, Evansville, understands the importance of supporting the community, with the bank’s brand centered around this philosophy. Organizations the bank has worked with in- Alliance Bank Bath State Bank
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