Citizens Bank was nationally recognized Monday, Oct. 8, with a 2018 Community Commitment Award from the American Bankers Association (ABA) Foundation for its Impact Loan & Grant Program and its role in the IMPACT Independence strategic community plan.
The award cites Citizens Bank for its efforts to redevelop downtown Batesville, as well as for its support of the IMPACT Independence effort to increase economic development across Independence County. The award will be presented to Citizens CEO Phil Baldwin in New York City on Tuesday, Oct. 23, at a national gathering of America’s leading banks.
Citizens Bank was ranked as the top bank in the United States in the ABA Foundation’s Community & Economic Development category, above hundreds of other banks nationwide that were also nominated.
Citizens Bank’s innovative community services program includes collaboration with community leaders on IMPACT Independence, a multi-faceted and countywide strategic initiative to overcome challenges, improve the local economy and provide for a high quality of life for community residents.
Citizens Bank reinforced the plan in 2016 with its Impact Loan & Grant Program, a five-year commitment offering a $10 million redevelopment fund for low-interest rate loans and a grant pool of $100,000. Thus far, the program has helped 45 businesses open or improve their properties.
“These Impact programs demonstrate Citizens Bank’s strong and passionate commitment to bettering the lives of its customers and local community,” said Rob Nichols, ABA president and CEO. “Their work embodies the mission of the Community Commitment Awards and they are a truly well-deserved recipient.”
“Citizens Bank and our employees are always working to find new and meaningful ways to positively impact our community,” said Baldwin. “We are humbled and honored to accept this award for our efforts.”
Entries in the annual ABA Foundation Community Commitment Awards were divided into six categories, including affordable housing, community, and economic development, financial education, economic inclusion, protecting older Americans and volunteerism. Award winners were chosen by a field of nationally-recognized experts.
The selection committee chose six banks based on the creativity and thoughtfulness of programs – traditional or innovative in nature and structure – that embody the ideals of corporate social responsibility and demonstrate success in measurable terms.
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