The Illinois Bankers Association Announces Plans for Its 125th Anniversary Year

SPRINGFLIELD, Ill., Nov. 5, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Illinois Bankers Association (IBA) begins its 125^th Anniversary celebration today with an exciting series of events and special promotions planned throughout the next 12 months.

The IBA has been connecting bankers and advancing banking in the state of Illinois since Nov. 5, 1891, when a group of 62 bankers gathered to organize the association. Three of those original member banks are still in existence under their original charters and names and still very active and proud members of the IBA: First National Bank in Beardstown, First National Bank in Litchfield and Havana National Bank. At that time, there were 104 banks already in existence in Illinois, and the list of these banks, as well as other news and anniversary events, is on our special webpage at ilbanker.com/IBA125.aspx. Currently there are 510 banks headquartered in the state – a number larger than any other state in the nation – as well as dozens more doing business in the state.

IBA President and CEO Linda Koch said, "We intend to make our 125^th year a tribute to our Illinois banks as well as our rich heritage. Each decade has proven to be unique and eventful, and we plan to commemorate that history in our events and promotions."

One such promotion will be showcasing the association's numerous historic artifacts, including our 120-year-old Chairman's Pin, decorative gavel engraved with our early Chairmen's names and a number of annual conference and program books from the 1800s, in a new history exhibit to be housed in the IBA's Springfield office.

Other significant measures include:

• Creating and using a new anniversary logo throughout the year
• Sharing old articles and photos on "Throwback Thursdays"
• Celebrating at major IBA events throughout the state
• Hosting a celebration bash at our Annual Conference, including an evening event with fireworks, and
• IBA staff donating items, money and service hours for community organizations and encouraging Illinois banks to do the same.

"We wouldn't be here today were it not for our members," Koch said. "A celebration of our history is really a celebration of their history, too, and the wonderful things banks do every day in their local communities."

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