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Bank of Steeleville earns service award

By Laura Chapman, The Southern

Sunday, July 13, 2008 5:30 PM CDT

STEELEVILLE - Good deeds and service paid off for First National Bank of Steeleville. when the Illinois Bankers Association gave it a community service award.

The Steeleville-based bank was one of four in the state given the award at the association's 117th annual conference and trade show June 27 in Chicago.

The bank was nominated for the award by an unknown association representative, said Angela Truluck, the bank's marketing officer. It is the first time the bank has received an award of this kind.

"It was an honor for the bank itself and the individuals," she said.

The community service award honors Illinois financial institutions that are actively involved in their communities, according to a news release.

The First National Bank of Steeleville received its award because the bank and its employees are involved in various civic-based organizations, Truluck said.

For example, the bank issues two $1,000 scholarships each to three area schools. The bank also works with the schools to teach students how to bank responsibly, Truluck said. Since starting to work with the "How to Do Your Banking" program, the bank has helped 2,325 students learn to better manage their finances.

"We support our schools throughout the year," she said. "We take pride in the fact we do."

The bank's service extends beyond the schools, with employees serving on various boards and getting involved in community organizations throughout the area, such as Little League and church groups, she said.

Although no specific plans for celebration are in the works yet, Truluck said, the bank and its employees are happy for the recognition.

"We're going to enjoy it for the entire year and beyond," Trulick said.

laura.chapman@thesouthern.com  

351-5816