American Community Bank & Trust, The First Bank and Trust Company of Murphysboro and State Bank of Speer Recognized for Exceptional Community Service

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., June 29, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- American Community Bank & Trust, The First Bank and Trust Company of Murphysboro and State Bank of Speer were honored for their exceptional community service with 2017 Illinois Bank Community Service Awards presented by the Illinois Bankers Association (IBA). The award ceremony was held on June 22 during the IBA's Annual Conference in Nashville, Tenn. This is the 15th year for the Community Service awards, which honor Illinois financial institutions that demonstrate a high level of service in their communities.

Here is a look at some of the projects and programs conducted by the winning banks. This is by no means a comprehensive list of the many ways these banks have engaged with their local communities.

American Community Bank & Trust, Woodstock
American Community Bank & Trust employees care about the people and communities they serve. They have the ambition and passion to make a difference as they actively engage, working hand in hand with more than 60 not-for-profit organizations where they serve as officers and volunteers on boards and committees. The thousands of hours and valuable talents they share are given in a spirit that enriches their communities and quality of life. The bank is involved in numerous community programs, including the Veterans Salute, Crystal Lake Food Pantry, Gavers Community Cancer Foundation, and the Oscar Mike Foundation that helps keep severely injured veterans on the move in all aspects of life. The bank also has been a sponsor of the EverFi Financial Literacy program for the past nine years, serving seven high schools in McHenry County and reaching more than 1,000 students per year.

The First Bank and Trust Company of Murphysboro
The First Bank and Trust Company of Murphysboro believes that the future of their town depends on its success. Likewise, the bank's future depends on Murphysboro's success. To that end, First Bank and Trust has partnered with the city in many endeavors. The bank not only supports the community financially, but also by providing bank officers or employees as chairmen, board members or participants. Among numerous projects, the bank sponsors a Kids Free Fair, providing games and prizes during the annual Apple Festival. The bank also sponsors the EverFi Financial Literacy program at Murphysboro High School and Middle School, and they also sponsor the local Student of the Month and Student of the Year. Additionally, they are involved with the Veterans Day Appreciation Event, Angel Tree, John A. Logan Museum, Murphysboro Cruise Night, and the bank is a major sponsor of the nationally-acclaimed Crimson Express Marching Band.

State Bank of Speer
The State Bank of Speer considers it a privilege to have served its neighbors and community since 1902. The trust and strong relationships built over the years has led to the success of their customers and their bank. The bank's flagship philanthropy project is the Teacher Grant Awards Program. Each fall, teachers apply for grants to fund projects that enrich student learning but do not fit in the limited school budget. Since 1994, the bank has donated nearly $180,000 which has funded hundreds of projects. On average, multiple teachers from six different area school districts receive grants each year. Moreover, the bank has committed to donating $25,000 over a five-year period toward improvements to athletic facilities for the Stark County School District. Bank employees also volunteer in Senior Interviews, where Princeville High School seniors participate in mock job interviews. Bank staff guides them through the interview process and provides important feedback and increased confidence for the students as they enter the job market.

The Illinois Bankers Association is a full-service trade association dedicated to creating a positive business climate that benefits the entire banking industry and the communities they serve. Founded in 1891, the IBA brings together state and national banks and savings banks of all sizes in Illinois. Collectively, the IBA represents nearly 90 percent of the assets of the Illinois banking industry, which employs more than 100,000 men and women in nearly 5,000 offices across the state.

SOURCE Illinois Bankers Association