Independent Banker magazine highlights inspirational community bank stories

Washington, D.C. (Sept. 5, 2024)—The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today announced the winners of its 2024 National Community Bank Service Awards, recognizing the innovative and exceptional efforts of the nation’s community banks to support and uplift their local communities. Stories are featured in the September issue of ICBA's Independent Banker magazine.

“ICBA celebrates our 2024 National Community Bank Service Award winners and is proud to share these inspiring stories of community dedication and service,” ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said. “These banks exemplify the profound impact that community banks have on their local communities, demonstrating the compassion, creativity, and commitment that set community banks apart from other financial institutions.”

The 2024 ICBA National Community Bank Service Award winners are:

Exceptional Community Bank Service Award

Phelps County Bank in Rolla, Mo.

Since 1996, $486 million-asset Phelps County Bank (PCB) has engaged local children in running lemonade stands to raise funds for nonprofits dedicated to child abuse prevention and awareness. This annual event has raised nearly $1 million and fostered a strong sense of community involvement and awareness around this critical issue.

“The Take-a-Stand Against Child Abuse program embodies our commitment to our community’s children and their safety,” said Dominic DeLuca, CEO of PCB. “It’s heartening to see how our employees, customers, and local families come together year after year to support such a vital cause. We’re honored to receive this recognition from ICBA, and we look forward to continuing this tradition of service.”

Emerging Community Bank Service Award

Woodsboro Bank in Woodsboro, Md.

The Chesapeake Bay plays a vital role in filtering drinking water and reducing flooding for residents along the watershed, so it’s no surprise that the $425 million-asset bank was able to garner 100% employee participation for a tree planting event to improve the bay’s water quality, reflecting the bank’s commitment to environmental stewardship and fostering sustainable communities.

“Protecting our environment is a shared responsibility, and we’re proud to play a part in preserving the Chesapeake Bay,” said Steve Heine, president and CEO of Woodsboro Bank. “Our team’s enthusiasm and dedication to this cause are a testament to the community spirit that drives us every day. We are grateful to ICBA for this recognition and excited to continue our environmental efforts.”

Honorable Mentions:

  • Ulster Savings Bank in Kingston, N.Y., ($1.3 billion in assets) for its commitment to supporting local nonprofits through its Ulster Savings Charitable Foundation, which provides vital funding and resources to community organizations.

  • FreedomBank in Elkader, Iowa, ($425 million in assets) for its "Supplies for Success" drive, which provides essential classroom supplies to teachers and helps alleviate their financial burden.

“These compelling stories highlight the essential role of community banks and the deep connections they maintain with the areas they serve,” ICBA Chairman Lucas White said. “Community banks are not just financial institutions; they are vital partners in building stronger, more resilient communities.”

Since its inception in 2002, the ICBA National Community Bank Service Awards program has recognized over 100 community banks and their employees for their extraordinary volunteer efforts and community service initiatives. Bank technology services provider FIS, of Jacksonville, Fla., sponsored this year’s program.

About ICBA
The Independent Community Bankers of America® has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We power the potential of the nation’s community banks through effective advocacy, education, and innovation.

As local and trusted sources of credit, America’s community banks leverage their relationship-based business model and innovative offerings to channel deposits into the neighborhoods they serve, creating jobs, fostering economic prosperity, and fueling their customers’ financial goals and dreams. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at icba.org.