Teutopolis State Bank Wins Excellence and Innovation BKD Award Presented by CBAI

Robert J. Wingert, president of the Community Bankers Association of Illinois (CBAI), and Gary Genenbacher, partner and industry leader for BKD National Financial Services Group’s Illinois office, announced that Teutopolis State Bank (TSB) is the recipient of the 2015 Excellence & Innovation BKD Award Presented by CBAI.

Co-sponsored by CBAI and BKD, the award — now in its 15th year — recognizes high-performing CBAI members that implement innovative ideas demonstrating a commitment to their employees, customers, shareholders, and communities through exceptional programming.

TSB’s leadership team created a civic-improvement initiative entitled “Bloom and Grow.” Over the past two years, Teutopolis State Bank has enhanced its bottom line through a combination of philanthropic activities, target marketing to reach younger customers, and lending instruments. Loan demand was identified as an area of weakness, particularly among younger customers. Beginning with a financial-literacy program in the schools, to establishing a Facebook presence, the bank strove to elevate its profile in the younger demographics.

Sigel, the town where the bank has a branch was celebrating its 150^th birthday and Teutopolis its 175^th. Extensive marketing efforts were conducted in tandem with these local celebrations. “Bloom and Grow” planted the seeds for growth, and achieved it.

Judges for the award included: Timothy Gover, retired Professor of Finance, Eastern Illinois University; Michael Boer, Warren-Boynton State Bank, Springfield branch (retired); David Nosbisch, Durand State Bank; Monica Dyson, Bank of Springfield; William Wubben, Apple River State Bank; David Loundy, Devon Bank, Chicago; Chuck Deters, Dieterich Bank; Marsha Johnston, Legence Bank, Eldorado; Frank Joy, Bradford National Bank, Greenville, and Pam Dunbar, Galena State Bank & Trust.