The Farmers Bank, Frankfort, has been honored with the 2018 Commitment to Community Award by the Indiana Bankers Association (IBA). The inaugural “C2C” Award, showcasing exceptional community bank outreach during 2018, was presented on May 14 in downtown Indianapolis.

The bank was recognized for its partnership with a Frankfort-area school to help third-grade students improve their reading proficiency. The partnership was formed six years ago when bank personnel contacted the school to ask how the bank could be supportive.

The result was the creation of the “Reading Champions” program, matching bank volunteers with third graders in need of reading skills improvement. Every week, bankers visit the school to work one-on-one with Reading Champion students.

The program has been so successful that last year 100% of Reading Champion students passed critical reading assessments, allowing them to continue to the fourth grade. Approximately 25% of bank staff participate in this outreach effort. View a video at: vimeo.com/336823635

“The Indiana Bankers Association is pleased to recognize The Farmers Bank, Frankfort, with the 2018 Commitment to Community Award,” said Amber Van Til, IBA president and CEO. “The Reading Champions program upholds the proud tradition of Indiana banks’ commitment to the communities they serve.”

The IBA C2C Award is a component of the Association’s broader C2C campaign that tells the story of banks’ community service. For more information or to view additional C2C videos, visit: indianabankers.org/commitment-community

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The Indiana Bankers Association supports Indiana banking through issues advocacy, professional education, and products and services that enhance financial institutions’ ability to help build better communities.